Iwakura Aria
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Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Iwakura Aria
Iwakura Aria is an incredible and ominous journey I won't soon forget. The blend of dark subject matter and gorgeous character art leads to one of the most refreshing and engaging visual novel experiences I've ever had.
MAGES. Inc. delivered and then some with Iwakura Aria. What's within is an electric and rich visual novel story, a page-turner that is filled to the brim with memorable and beautiful prose as it expertly weaves its themes. Better yet, it sands off all the rough edges of the genre with quality-of-life improvements. Where there's sacrifice and power found within the halls of the Iwakura mansion, there's also love, adoration and devotion. Whether it's in protagonist Ichiko's investment in the illustrious Aria or the player following along at every beat, you're both in for an artful and magnificent ride.
Even as it is, Iwakura Aria is better than 99% of the other visual novels out there. It’s essential as-is, and right on the cusp of being a masterpiece, and that’s ultimately why I’m disappointed that it doesn’t quite get there.
Iwakura Aria is not a game that you have to play quickly. It takes time, feels like meditation at times, and rewards patience. You're hooked by the early twist, but what keeps you playing late at night is how relationships, intentions, and truths slowly fall apart.
Even with structural limitations, Iwakura Aria manages to deliver a compelling mystery narrative. It's an experience that, while not perfect, deserves to be checked out by visual novel fans.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A beautiful and intriguing story with a main pairing that I love to support, but the translations can distract, even if you don't understand what the characters are saying. Switch version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.
You don’t watch Titanic hoping the boat will survive; you need to see Jack and Rose sharing a moment, however brief, in this dark, cold life. That, more than anything, is what you can take away from Iwakura Aria. Perhaps you’ll find the ending that I couldn’t and discover a happy ever after for everyone. But, even if such a thing doesn’t exist, the fact remains that the love is there, and, however fleeting, it’s real, and it burns and it chases shadows away.
With its richly developed characters, Iwakura Aria is a slow-burning, character-driven visual novel that draws strength from its emotional subtlety and refined execution. Its painterly art style and measured pacing create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and deliberately crafted, in both narrative and presentation.
