Patapon 1+2 Replay is a faithful remaster of the rhythm/action games from the PSP era. While simple in its conceived gameplay loop, it rewards skillful play by providing significant bonuses through systems like Fever and good decision making through telegraphed enemy actions. By paying close attention to stage gimmicks and behavior patterns, you can guide your cute anthropomorphic eyeball tribe to success as they journey to the promised land of Earthend. Because it is a faithful remaster of the original games, Patapon 1+2 Replay retains the same problems and inconveniences that their predecessors had in both its repetitive gameplay, random loot system, and sometimes weirdly timed introduction of progression items. As a series that encourages the player to grind, the lack of variation in its minigames and non-repeatable story stages make for a less than stellar post-game experience. The novelty of the game within the rhythm slash strategy genre, however, makes it a memorable pickup back then and even until now. For a respectable $30 US price point, Patapon 1+2 Replay delivers with incredible quality for remastered games’ standards that seamlessly runs on modern machines. With quirky, fun backgrounds and creature designs that’ll have your heart hurting with their cuteness, Bandai Namco’s rerelease of this beloved classic is one both new and veteran players can appreciate. Just take note of the possible input delay in some features of the game; it can make or break your overall experience if you get fixated on it.
Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE is a nakige that dabbles with the idea of having a perfect summer vacation. On an island far away from your home, with friends you’ve made during your stay, under the heat of the sun and the salty breeze of the seas, it paints an experience filled with wholesome friendship, self-discovery, and possibly even the promise of a romantic encounter. Through companionship and the willingness to make yourself vulnerable, it’s an emotional journey that’ll have you feeling nostalgic about happier times with people you love. If you’re looking for some space to reflect on experiences and memories from warmer times, why not take a trip to Torishirojima? Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE might just have that thing you’ve been seeking that’ll help you reconnect with your inner child. Simple yet full of emotion, it offers you a chance to live a summer vacation that’s sure to be a memorable one.
Affordable and gorgeous, there’s no real reason why fans of NEKOPARA shouldn’t pick up NEKOPARA After. Featuring the same cast of cute catgirls with their familiar shenanigans, it reinforces its already successful formula of high-quality visual assets by making good use of the e-mote system to provide a reading experience that is both heartwarming and pleasing to the eyes. Just be careful of suddenly diving into the experience. The water level on the beach is pretty shallow and is only really going to appeal to people who want a little extra time with their favorite catgirls and to see Shigure finally have her moment, even if it isn't as well done as it could have been.
With copious amounts of special effects and a plot that relays the protagonists' struggles to the readers really well, The Pillagers of Raillore is a fantasy adventure that's sure to both excite and make you feel sentimental with what its story has to offer. Although it falls a bit short in terms of maximizing the potential of its setting, the dialogue and events are still plenty of fun for a fan of the genre. It has an electrifying atmosphere, unexpected twists and turns, and heartfelt emotions. There are a lot of sights to take in, so go ahead and schedule your own visit to this fantastical city!
Yoru ga Kuru! -Square of the Moon- Remastered is a visual novel with RPG elements featuring a group of students as they fight against those who want to create an unending night. Simple and straight to the point, it employs consistent themes of hopes and dreams to create a story that is fantastically but relatable. With remastered assets and accessible features, it makes an attempt to appeal to audiences both young and old by reconciling its slow-paced retro gameplay with a faster progression system but falls short of effectively balancing the early game experience around its new tempo. Although clear in what it wants to establish as a story, Yoru ga Kuru! feels like it lacks slightly in character impact due to the minimal buildup of tension in the story. While its various character arcs have clear conflicts that head towards their own resolutions, it hardly feels like a proper payoff because of how short their spotlights are. The way they structured the spread and concentration of important, relevant story events taking place within only a few in-game months undermined the game's potential by withholding opportunities for the reader to become invested in the cast early on in a playthrough. As a visual novel with gameplay elements, Yoru ga Kuru! -Square of the Moon- Remastered is able to put its own spin on the classic RPG formula without being too overwhelming for players not used to the genre. Despite its flaws, it’s a pretty solid game as long as you take the time to tailor it to your own preferences. If you're a visual novel fan looking for something to shake up the monotony of clicking through dialogue, Yoru ga Kuru! isn't a bad pickup. Just make sure you're not looking for a title that'll change your life.
Rance 03 - The Fall of Leazas is a visual novel RPG hybrid that features characters from the Rance series, both new and old, thrust into an epic war setting full of action and cruelty. While it retains its signature Rance style of humor, it explores a larger dynamic between characters and groups as it expands the scope of the game to an international conflict. It brings a fresh breath of air to the brutal Rance’s adventures and serves as a great starting point for a possible shift in tone for the overall series plot going forward. By using multiple character perspectives, Rance 03 is able to introduce a number of character motivations that feed into the overall world setting, giving incentive for readers to become invested in the series’ lore. Additionally, the gameplay loop is rewarding to engage with, providing a sense of success through either adult-oriented rewards or overcoming difficult situations due to limitations introduced in the current battle system’s iteration. In simple terms, it’s a lot of fun to play. The catch, however, is that you need to play the previous two games in the series to fully appreciate what the game has to offer. If you’re a fan of visual novels with gameplay and you don't have any issues with the more dubious aspects of the main character, definitely try out Rance 03 - The Fall of Leazas. With an impressive cast of characters, an expanded setting, and fun gameplay, you’ll be burning away your free time without even noticing it. Moreover, even with the added focus on other characters, they still largely retain the unique combination of charisma and cruelty that Rance has, which fans of the series will definitely appreciate. It’s an installment that both lighthearted readers and those who like reading deep into the text can enjoy themselves in. Just keep in mind that you’ll be seeing a lot of cute girls cry; that’s Rance’s style.
If you liked Rance 01, then you’ll like Rance 02 as well. It’s the same silly protagonist inflicting trauma on innocent people he comes across, yet retaining a sort of charisma to him that makes you want to keep watching his adventures. Although technically less enjoyable compared to its predecessor by virtue of release date and relative quality, the experience is rather rewarding in terms of how many CGs you get out of it in a short span of time. Fans of point and click adventure games will have a nostalgic experience playing it as it retains the same old features. As long as you enjoy it as what it is—a silly story, then you’re bound to have a good time.
Rance 01 -Quest for Hikari- is a visual novel/RPG hybrid that features cute characters and a gameplay loop that doesn’t overwhelm its readers. Your progress is largely customizable and the game leaves you free to explore as much of it as you want. Additionally, as an eroge, it rewards players with sex scenes that feature excellent art from its artists, creating a feeling of working towards a particular goal. Just be careful of its randomly cruel mechanics—you might find yourself losing major progress! While it lacks an intriguing storyline, it puts most of its efforts in creating humorous dialogue that fits the overall characterization of its protagonist. The motivations, while questionable, are consistent, making the story progression feel solid and sensible. Even the way the case gets solved is pretty comedic, as if we’re just here to have a good time. Just note that Rance is the strongest warrior in the world, so he might come off as weird sometimes. Weirdly cruel, even. Oh, and keep your brain off for the story unless you want to be annoyed. If you’re a fan of visual novel RPG hybrids, then Rance 01 -Quest for Hikari- is definitely worth a pick up. With quirky characters, an irresponsible and arrogant protagonist that’s strangely charismatic for some reason, and art that makes you work for it, it’s a fun little time sink for those who want to try out the Rance series or just have a change of pace from your standard click and read visual novel. Alas, it’s not that deep… yet. Maybe in Rance 02.
Mojika: Truth Rears Its Ugly Head is an utsuge that dabbles in the psychological tug-of-war between knowing an ugly truth and being fed beautiful lies. By presenting the characters at both their best and their worst, the visual novel manages to weave a quest for revenge centered around manipulation and violence into a story that tries to relay a message about facing the truth. It’s depressingly heavy in its content, but hopeful in what it tries to achieve. Because of the themes, however, it’s definitely not a game that will be appreciated by everyone. Tread carefully as you engage its subject matter; you might learn things that’ll make you less happy.
Hentai Prison is a comedy visual novel with noir elements that makes use of the prison setting to create an unfamiliar feeling of tension amidst motifs of sex that are familiar sights to fans of the genre. The way it presents the characters as people with varying levels of sexual degeneracy pays great service to establishing how commonplace the interest in sex is even amongst the general populace, a topic that’s well-discussed in both community websites and academic papers. While generally light in tone, the visual novel gleans inspiration from prison stories and turns the game into a well-communicated message about our relationship with sex. Although having incredibly convenient plot devices at times, Hentai Prison shines as a great read for people interested in a long read about self-discovery in the weirdest places. I recommend picking it up not only because of its novelty but also because of what messages its stories try to tell. It makes sense for something so heartfelt to come from an exhibitionist—we’re the most vulnerable when we’re naked, after all!
Geminism is a visual novel that takes what's considered a normal, everyday life and shoves a healthy amount of absurdity into it. By putting a pair of twins in the center of the story, it introduces a fresh and exciting twist into the relationships surrounding your typical battle-filled story. While linear in nature, it maximizes its storyline by making use of two parallel perspectives that inevitably intersect in a ridiculous ritual for a chance at achieving normalcy. While engaging as a read, the potential for an incredibly impactful ending fails to be realized due to what feels like missed timings and rushed pacing near the ending. The characters do not feel convincing in their motivations until near the end, resulting in a lack of general investment early on that's important for establishing a rewarding payoff. Despite this, Geminism is still very good at what it does well, incorporating dynamic visuals and sounds in an entertainingly fun yet violent narrative. CRAFTWORK did a great job with it as their return title, and I am very much looking forward to their next releases. If you're looking for an action-packed visual novel that's exciting yet wholesome despite being vividly violent, go for Geminism. With its unique art direction, well-utilized soundtrack, and overall fun demeanor, it's an experience that's both cruel yet full of love.
SACRIFICE VILLAINS is a superhero nukige centering around the ironic chase for justice using degenerate means. Featuring large amounts of violence and sexual assault, it’s a visual novel that’s definitely not for those who are just looking for a quick and good time. The game caters more to readers who might have unique tastes related to the hobby, promising a large selection of scenes that’s sure to tickle at least one person’s fancy. For people looking for a serious story, this is definitely not the place to look for it. Although it excels quite well in the art department, perhaps due to ramping up the concentration of adult content in SACRIFICE VILLAINS, the more interesting premise of a villainous world order was put aside to focus on creating a satisfying experience rehabilitating rebellious heroines. Most of its story elements are taken for granted and are introduced as convenient plot devices to justify the use of particular instruments in adult scenes. In a way, to best enjoy the visual novel, it necessitates taking its content at face value and just enjoying what you can see and hear. If you’re feeling freaky and craving something new, then SACRIFICE VILLAINS might just have the thing for you.
Dreamlike Love with Seira is a sweet romance story about being served by a beautiful maid to comfort you from the hardships of daily life. Indulgent to readers’ fantasies, it is a nice and relaxing read that definitely helps the reader wind down from the high tension stories pervasive in a lot of mainstream media titles. Simple and cute, there’s not much to think about besides putting your feet up and enjoying your time with Seira. Featuring gorgeous art by Rubi-sama and at an incredibly affordable price tag, readers will find themselves satisfied with their overall experience with the visual novel. I recommend grabbing Dreamlike Love with Seira if you’re currently craving a low investment, instant feel-good read to help soothe your wounds from the rough and cruel reality of our day-to-day lives. You never know, you might be the next person to encounter a visit from the girl of your literal dreams!
With an interesting setting well-supported by its neon-themed colors, fleshed out characters, and meaningful dialogue, I am very happy with the time I’ve spent reading The Restless Sheep & The Lone Wolf. Although abrasive as a read because of the nature of its content, those who are brave enough to take the plunge into the heart of Kabukicho’s underworld will surely be rewarded with a satisfying rollercoaster of a story.
Terrifying in its implications on death, DEAD DAYS is an interesting look into our relationship with our mortality. With interesting characters, relatable themes, and heartfelt struggles, it's a great read for those who might want a change of pace from their usual romance or action-filled visual novel story. The only thing holding it back is its focus on its own freak arousal.
If you’re craving a little bit more of that girls’ love story spiced with a unique blend of Esperanto, consider getting Distant Memoraĵo! Simple yet relatable, it presents the difficulties of communication through the use of an unfamiliar language, common misunderstandings, and a cast of cute girls. Comfortably heartfelt, it’s definitely a read that you’ll remember for its unique charms!
The Expression Amrilato is a visual novel that attempts to illustrate the difficulty of overcoming barriers to mutual understanding. By incorporating Esperanto, a constructed language, as its main vehicle for story progression, it subjects its readers through the same hardships its protagonist Rin goes through as she struggles to express herself in a world that does not understand her words. With the plethora of study material available within the game, it doubles as an amazing way to jumpstart your own journey to learn Esperanto.
If you’re looking for a good indie title that’ll give you a unique adventure, I’d definitely recommend MAMIYA – A Shared Illusion of the World’s End. Even with all its flaws, I believe the experience itself is still worth a try with all the work Kokoroten put into both its scenario and art. It’s a title full of passionate storytelling, and it translates well into the ambition you can feel while reading it.
Sona-Nyl of the Violet Shadows ~What Beautiful Memories~ is a masterclass on character-driven stories. While the premise of the plot is rather simplistic, it turns a simple journey into an adventure laden with self-discovery and healing. Incredibly vague at times, the sheer amount of effort it puts into its imagery and literary devices form a reading experience that’s as dense as paperback novels yet retaining the colorfully vibrant world that visual novels are able to represent through additional creative assets.
With beautiful artwork, great sound direction, and a cast of voice actors that give life to the nightmare, I’m happy that I gave Nie no Hakoniwa a try despite my unfamiliarity with the genre. While definitely not for the faint of heart, if you’re brave enough to make that jump and try it out, I assure you that there’s an interesting story waiting for you when you open the box.