MAMIYA

MAMIYA

Mamiya is a visual novel that tackles themes that are pretty dark and disturbing. It can be confusing at first due to how it mixes the ordinary with the surreal, but once players are hooked, it is hard to stop reading. The beautiful CGs and incredible soundtrack also make it easy to get drawn into the twisted depths of the story. Mamiya is not for everyone, but thanks to the lengthy free demo, it is easy to find out whether or not you can stomach its bleak and oppressive story.

Gameplay: Although it is primarily a kinetic novel, there’s plenty of routes and different stories.

Graphics: The backgrounds are simple, but the sprites and CGs are outstanding.

Sound: No voice acting, and the sound effects are nothing special, but the soundtrack is incredible

Venus: Improbable Dream

Venus: Improbable Dream

Venus: Improbable Dream is an emotional visual novel that features a protagonist named Kakeru who struggles daily with social anxiety due to hemangioma. Kaker is terrified when he is coaxed into trying out the after-school music club, but his life changes when he meets a disabled girl named Haruka. This lengthy visual novel features an emotional storyline, memorable characters, and a beautiful soundtrack.

Gameplay: The story is not just lengthy and engaging but also branching thanks to player-made choices that determine the ending.

Graphics: Gets the job done.

Sound: No voice acting, but the soundtrack is fantastic

Koihime Enbu RayoRaiRai Version 3 Now Available On Steam

Koihime Enbu RayoRaiRai Version 3 Now Available On Steam

The long-awaited PC version of Koihime Enbu RyoRaiRai – Version 3 is now available on Steam thanks to publisher Degica Games and developer UNKNOWN GAMES and M2 Co., LTD. It takes the form of DLC for the base version of the game and adds a new playable character and a new strategist to the game’s all-female cast

Pale Cachexia

Pale Cachexia

Pale Cachexia is a kinetic novel with Gothic undertones featuring two young women who meet under strange circumstances. One suffers from a life-leeching plague called the Pale Cachexia, while the other lives on her own in the middle of a forgotten forest. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and personalities, the two girls become friends, but there are outside forces that will put their bond to the test. The unique story, setting, and characters make Pale Cachexia an interesting read and the gorgeous visuals, as well as the haunting soundtrack, certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Gameplay: This is a kinetic novel, but the lack of choices doesn’t hamper the compelling story.

Graphics: Beautiful character sprites and CGs as well as detailed backgrounds.

Sound: No voice acting, but the soundtrack is excellent

9-nine-:Episode 4

9-nine-:Episode 4

9-Nine-: Episode 4 returns players once more to the college town of Shiromitsugawa where Kakeru Niimi and his gang of artifact users battle a threat from a different dimension. This episode upholds the same high standards as the rest of the series and the story really is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not the best place to get started with the series, but fans of the previous episodes won’t want to miss out on this one.

Gameplay: Very engrossing and packed with humor, action, and drama.

Graphics: The character sprites and CGs are still some of the best in the genre.

Sound: Great voice acting and a solid soundtrack

Your Smile Beyond Twilight:黄昏下的月台上

Your Smile Beyond Twilight:黄昏下的月台上

The protagonist of Your Smile Beyond Twilight, Yunshan, returns to his small hometown for the first time in six years. A lot has happened in the meantime, but Yunshan still has some unresolved issues from his past that he has to deal with. However, upon arrival with his girlfriend Jingxuan in tow, Yunshan encounters a mysterious maiden who only he can see. This short kinetic novel can be completed in very little time, but the story is good enough to leave a lasting impact.

Gameplay: The story is short but well-written and engaging.

Graphics: There are only a few sprites and backgrounds, but they are all beautiful.

Sounds: The audio consists of Chinese voice acting and a beautiful soundtrack

Forward to the Sky

Forward to the Sky

Help a sword-wielding princess take on the skeletal enemies and traps of the sky tower in this third-person title by Animu Game. The visuals and audio are decent, but the game is just way too short and simple. It can be completed in less than two hours and most of it will be spent solving some basic puzzles along with the occasional bit of combat. With a bit more polish and a few more levels Forward to the Sky could have been great, but as it is there are much better options available.

Gameplay: The controls could definitely have been tighter and the overall experience is very short.

Graphics: Bright and colorful, but not much in terms of variety.

Sound: Passable background music and voice acting

Gal*Gun Returns

Gal*Gun Returns

Help Tenzou Montesugi fend off lovestruck girls with his pheromone gun while pursuing true love in the game that started the Gal*Gun franchise. While it lacks some of the features and enhancements introduced in sequels, Gal*Gun Returns is still a fun title with plenty of humor and lots of fanservice. It’s rather tame by the standards of the series and can become repetitive after a while, but it is definitely not lacking in content. As a bishōjo rail shooter game, it is a very niche title, but players who can appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humor will enjoy Gal*Gun Returns.

Gameplay: A straightforward rail shooter with plenty of girls and modes.

Graphics: The character models look great, but the backgrounds are a little plain.

Sound: Full Japanese voice acting and some nice tunes too

Sakura Beach 2

Sakura Beach 2

Sakura Beach 2 is a continuation of the first game starring the same characters and pretty much recycling all the art and music. The addition of a new character could have made things a little more interesting, but unfortunately, the story still falls flat in every aspect. Even though the Sakura series isn’t exactly known for deep storylines or compelling characters Sakura Beach 2 is a low point.

Gameplay: A rather mundane story with meaningless choices.

Graphics: Not bad, but most of it is recycled from the first game.

Sound: The same repetitive songs as the first game

Jiangshi x Daoshi

Jiangshi x Daoshi

Jiangshi x Daoshi is a very unique kinetic novel featuring some of the most animated and over the top scenes we’ve seen in the genre. The quirky style of the game and Chinese folklore elements can be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s hard not to get sucked in by the characters and story. The first two episodes are completely free, so there’s no reason to miss out on the game and the third episode is worth the price of admission as well if you are hooked.

Gameplay: A kinetic novel, so there are no choices, but the story is very unique.

Graphics: The over the top animated style of the game is something to behold.

Sound: Decent voice acting as well as a very varied soundtrack