Root Letter Reviews
I play video games to have a good time. I’m sure you do, too. Even when we turn on something truly masochistic like Dark Souls or Super Meat Boy, we do so knowing that the uphill battle we struggle with will culminate in a satisfying, euphoric sense of accomplishment and joy. My laborious, 10-hour uphill battle with Root Letter ended in the hill giving way to a massive drop into a bottomless ravine, and as I fell through the ravine, I felt regret. I felt pain. I felt aggravation.
Root Letter was on the radar of every visual novel fan out there when it was announced to be getting a release in the West, but it does not live up to the hype. The story starts strong and then peters out into a mess and the writing is simply awful, the fun characters being the only real saving grace. The gameplay mechanics feel like shallow approximations of better titles, and, ultimately, this quickly becomes a considerable let-down.
Even the most hardcore visual novel fan is going to be hard pressed to find enjoyment with this unsatisfying mystery adventure.
Root Letter’s intriguing premise was just enough to keep me playing, despite the lacking tension that was initially promised.
√Root Letter has many interesting ideas, but they never fully gel together at the end. I had high hopes after the first couple of hours of gameplay, but it was hard to continue after determining I did not like Max at all. It was even harder to like it after learning who Aya was. Perhaps the multiple endings do make it all easier to swallow and there is something mind-blowing within, but I doubt many will feel enticed to replay to find out.
While the opening sequences plays out quite forced, with Max awkwardly needing a reason to begin exploring, the game gets a lot better once it gets going. With no real gameplay required, this is, at the end of the day, a visual novel that works well at times, though some head scratching moments disrupts the flow of the game.
It's a shame that Root Letter has such abysmal writing, because there truly are some fascinating plot threads to unravel throughout this brief journey.
As the first entry in Kadokawa Game’s attempt at a visual novel mystery, Root Letter does succeed in bringing a engrossing story that manages to throw in a few captivating revelations throughout its short tale.
Root Letter is not the worst example of the modern visual novel, that suffering from a lingering story, routine, almost zero interaction and stereotyped characters. Of course, if you love Japanese culture, then you will be pleased to experience all facets of local life. But to be honest Root Letter is too similar with Telltale games only without pathos and with static cute graphics.
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Less-discerning players with a tolerance for bad localizations, or maybe Matsue residents, will find a pleasant diversion in Root Letter, but for everyone else, it's difficult to recommend, especially at its current price tag.
All in all I thought Root Letter was okay. Again it was a great idea of a story but I finished all the endings and I am still confused about a few things that I wish were cleared up. I would say this game is for you if you’re into visual novels along with mysteries, but if you’re looking for a great story due to the fact that this is a visual novel, I think you will be slightly disappointed.
Despite some of my negativity, anyone who loves visual novels should certainly consider adding Root Letter to their collection, just maybe wait for a lower price. It's a love / hate relationship right down to the roots!
Root Letter provides a fun and engaging experience for those that enjoy the mystery genre, pretty art, and interesting character development. There are misleading dialogue options and Max Mode is just strange. Overall this game is about experiencing the story that’s put in front of you and it does that in an engaging way.
Root Letter does offer something for Nipponophiles and fans of the genre. People used to this kind of pacing might find refreshing a story like this one, one that feels even mature compared to similar games, and that invites the player within the plot so they can be part of the mystery solving process.
Root Letter wasn’t the most mind-blowing experience that I’ve ever had with a visual novel, but it was definitely solid overall. If you’re looking for something super-exciting, this game might not be the one for you. If, however, you want an enjoyable story with a great setting, solid cast of characters, and an amount of intrigue that is neither too heavy nor too light than I would definitely check this one out.
Root Letter aims to be a game changer in the visual novel genre with its interactive segments. Unfortunately its gripping story line concludes rather blandly. Nevertheless it should prove entertaining, provided that you can bear with the protagonist.
Root Letter is a strange visual novel, but one that keeps players interested throughout.
Root Letter is an intriguing title with an interesting story that manages to stay engaging throughout.
A fantastic and mysterious thriller-lite. Though the protagonist has non-existent motives and the ‘choice’ isn’t really choice at all, the supporting cast and story arc make this difficult to put down.
An interesting visual novel that incorporates some interactive elements to keep you engaged. Great story and some really nice visual design. Unfortunately the game frustrates in some areas and doesn't leave as much of a lasting impressions as it could have, however this is a solid, enjoyable experience nonetheless.