As someone who started playing this after attempting to 100% a beat-em-up where you can smash people's face in with a soda can, this was an amazing change of pace. So much so that I did all achievements for this game. Amazing story, action sequences, and twists. And I recommend it even more if it's on sale if you're into visual novels or this is your first one and are interested in trying the genre out (like me). Later on when I'm not broke I'll maybe play the Zero Escape games and definitely AI's "sequel", nirvanA Initiative.

TL;DR If you're into visual novels or are interested in playing one, this is definitely the way to go to me. Even more if it's on sale if you're broke like me.

If you're a fan of AI: The Somnium Files, you'll enjoy this game as well most likely. Basically imagine escape rooms but there are actual lives on the line, as well as amazing plot twists.

However, if you do plan to play, consider emulating the DS version of 999 instead of playing the port unless you don't want to go through the effort. The port does some changes to the story, gameplay (such as the ADV/NOVEL mode that I'm not a fan of), and visuals (character portraits are upscaled which look weird compared to the DS version.) Yes, the port does have voice-acting and QoL stuff but I like the original 999 more. You may need a little guidance for the DS version as there isn't a flowchart and there is one puzzle in particular that's complete bs but other than that you might like the DS version more than the port, but that's my opinion.

Other than that, I've had no problems with the VLR port, mainly since the game came out on 3DS and used 3D visuals so it looks better than the 999 port. I don't speak from experience compared to 999 as I no longer own a 3DS and heard this game is hard to emulate, but I've enjoyed this port and don't see any concerns with it that I need to point out.

A word of caution, don't be curious like me and look up the characters on the wiki as they may appear in the other games in the Zero Escape series and be spoilers. Avoid all spoilers if possible until you completed all the games as this series relies on you being blind.