Some players may want to mainline Shenmue III in order to see all the story has it has to offer as quickly as possible.
What could you really expect from a fast food advertisement in the form of a visual novel? For what it is, you'll get about an hour of humorous — but not hilarious — story to experience.
Her Story is a tough act to follow, and unfortunately, Telling Lies does not hit the same emotional highs that Barlow's previous game did. Opting to use the same barebones video player both does not make sense for this storyline and introduces an annoyance that players are forced to deal with. The story is still intriguing, but not to a binge-worthy degree. Telling Lies is worth playing for Her Story fans, but can't quite hit those same high notes despite its best efforts.
ERICA stands as an intriguing example of connecting players with a game through touch controls. It succeeds primarily as a technical feat and less so as a deeply-engrossing video game. If the storyline were given more time to grow then maybe it would have blossomed into something special. As is, it's akin to a murder mystery popcorn flick. There's fun to be had solving the mystery, but not quite enough to create a memorable experience.
Higurashi When They Cry is a series that continues to impress with its incredible atmosphere and multitude of mysteries. Even as these mysteries are finally becoming untangled, there's still an immensely strong storyline keeping players engaged. Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Ch.7 Minagoroshi provides enough information to satiate fans but leaves them desperate for a conclusion. That's coming with Ch. 8 — but don't expect to see that release for at least six months up to a year.
It's weird how a developer who is both so skilled at crafting visual novels and dungeon crawlers ended up creating a game that is not perfectly suited toward either audience.
Anyone with a taste for rhythm games in the style of Beatmania or DJMax needs to take Tapsonic Bold for a spin.
Visual novel fans simply must play Steins;Gate at some point in their life.
There's a lot in Steam Prison's favor from the onset.
The key thing that Sweet Pool has going for it is the unusual themes it presents players with. This is one of those games that you’ll end up thinking about even after you’ve finished it. Just be sure to go with the complete version if at all possible. The Steam edition is cut in such a way that it’s impossible to recommend playing without obtaining the patch.
Sakura Sakura is the kind of game to play when you're not in the mood for anything serious.
428: Shibuya Scramble is clearly the child of Spike Chunsoft as it brings together some of the best features from Zero Escape and Danganronpa into a new title.
Donut County presents a simple concept to players: collect objects to make a hole larger until the entire stage is clear. Done poorly, no one would remember the experience whatsoever. Developer Ben Esposito turns something mechanically simplistic into a joy via smart design. The adorable world inhabited by colorful characters is something we desperately need more of in games. Donut County might not be a long experience, but it's one that players can't help but cherish.
Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi is an odd chapter. Although it fits fully within the confines of the Higurashi world, it feels thematically different from previous chapters. It's not a bad thing, though, as much as it's a much-needed change of pace after some terribly distressing chapters that came before it, such as Ch.3 Tatarigoroshi.
The core enjoyment of Lumines Remastered lies simply with playing it.
Momoiro Closet is a strange game to recommend because the all-ages version lacks so much content due to sexuality clearly being the focus.
MachiaVillain is a provides a terribly fun concept for a management simulation game.
Chuusotsu! 1st Graduation: Time After Time is a mostly cutesy visual novel following the lives of three chuusotsu.
The Bell Chimes for Gold starts out as charming and fun to play.
DJMax Respect is an excellent package for rhythm game fans to pick up, regardless of having played the series before or not.