How to Use the Curse of Binding in Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse

As a sequel to the 2023 cult classic The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is a visual novel that delivers a brand-new mystery that demands every ounce of the player's attention to solve.

Following a handful of different characters, the player must investigate an 800-year-old curse that involves Japanese tales about mermaids, a string of murders, and paranormal events – meaning it's no ride in the park.

Since the experience is strictly non-linear, it is incredibly easy to miss a vital detail or piece of information if you aren't paying close attention to every dialogue exchange, especially when you need to solve some unusual puzzle that requires specific actions in a precise order, often utilizing the game’s unique meta-mechanics to bypass seemingly impossible situations.

One of these puzzles appears during the Ise-Shima Investigation chapter, where the player is forced to use a Curse (a recurring and vital mechanic throughout the journey) for the first time.

How to Use the Curse of Binding in Ise-Shima Investigation Chapter

During the Ise-Shima Investigation chapter, Yumeko and Sodo are suddenly confronted by a mysterious girl at the Toba City Coast – who we soon learn is named Circe Lunarlight, a young exorcist from England.

Her behavior is suspicious and erratic, leaving the duo with no choice but to find a way to restrain her before things escalate.

To do this, you must use the Curse of Binding, one of the three unique abilities held by Sodo, the psychic detective. Since this is the first time the game requires you to manually trigger a Curse power, it is perfectly normal to feel a bit lost. But it is quite simple!

Basically, every Curse in Paranormasight requires specific circumstances to activate, alongside the player activating them at the right time. In this case, the requirement is to force Circe to lower her guard so Sodo can move in.

So, while controlling Yumeko, you must choose your words carefully to distract and calm Circe. Select the following dialogue options in this exact order for that:

• Select Threaten (3 times in a row)
• Select Compliment (1 time)
• Select Appease (1 time)
• Select Question (1 time)
• Select Give Up (1 time)

If done correctly, Circe will respond with, "Really? Thanks" – and this is your window of opportunity. The option for The Curse of Binding will immediately appear in the top-left corner of the screen, and you must press the action button to use it.

Once successful, sit back and enjoy the rest of the chapter, since there is a major twist waiting for our protagonists. Developed and published by Square Enix, Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse is available on Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PC (via Steam), and mobile (Android and iOS).