Divine Slice of Life

Divine Slice of Life

For a short, but interesting visual novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously and features branching paths it is worth checking out Divine Slice of Life. The all ages version isn’t too bad, but the game is best played in its uncensored form. The story isn’t particularly deep or original, but overall the game is enjoyable enough for us to recommend to fans of the genre.

Gameplay: Rather short, but features an interesting story and multiple endings.

Graphics: Better than what we are used to seeing in Western visual novels.

Sound: Decent soundtrack and full English voice acting

Go! Go! Nippon! 2015

Go! Go! Nippon! 2015

Fans of the original game will love the new locations, enhanced visuals and expanded story of Go! Go! Nippon! 2015, but newcomers are also in for a treat. The game is packed with information and offers a unique way to experience Japanese culture and tourist attractions without hopping on a plane. The lack of voice acting is a letdown, but overall this expansion lives up to expectations.

Gameplay: Lots of information about Japan and a lighthearted love story as well.

Graphics: The new animations are great and the widescreen visuals are a step up from the original game.

Sound: Still no voice acting, but the audio is very upbeat and fitting

The MangaGamer Fall Sale 2015 Is In Full Swing

The MangaGamer Fall Sale 2015 Is In Full Swing

Starting today and continuing until the end of the month MangaGamer is running a special Fall Sale. Check out their site for discounts of 25-55% off on selected titles. It is worth keeping an eye on the sale as MangaGamer also hinted at a few more titles receiving a limited time discount at the end of the sale!

We recommend checking out the special Innocent Grey Bundle, which contains both Kara no Shojo and Cartagra. Since the release of Kara no Shojo- The Second Episode is just around the corner, this bundle is a great opportunity to catch up on the mystery at a discount

Witch Boy Magical Piece by Sekai Project

Witch Boy Magical Piece by Sekai Project

Out now on Kickstarter and in need of some love is Witch Boy Magical Piece from Rosemary House and Sekai Project. In contrast to most of the previous titles from Sekai Project, this localization falls in the Boy’s Love genre. Although already Greenlit by the Steam community, Witch boy Magical Piece is still in need of some serious support on Kickstarter to have a chance of reaching its funding goal

A Kiss for the Petals – Remembering How We Met

A Kiss for the Petals – Remembering How We Met

Remembering How We Met is the latest entry in the A Kiss For The Petals franchise and gives English players a chance to see what all the fuss is about. It is an all-ages title, so rather tame compared to other entries in the series, but this also broadens its appeal. Players looking for a sweet and romantic yuri title should definitely not miss out on this one.

Gameplay: There are no choices as this is a kinetic novel.

Graphics: Restricted to a 4:3 ratio, but still looks very good.

Audio. Japanese voice acting along with some lovely background music

Kara no Shojo 2 Now Available For Pre-Order From MangaGamer

Kara no Shojo 2 Now Available For Pre-Order From MangaGamer

We’ve got some good news for fans of Kara no Shojo and Cartagra – Affliction of the Soul. The sequel, Kara no Shojo 2 is now available for pre-order from MangaGamer. Fans who pre-order the game ahead of its October 30th release also scores a 10% discount. For anyone on the fence about this title there is a demo available that features an original story that serves as a bit of a prologue to the game

Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons By Star Maiden Games

Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons By Star Maiden Games

We’ve noticed a lot of otome visual novels popping up lately and, judging by the speed at which Mystic Destinies is getting funded on Kickstarter, there is definitely a demand for more. This urban fantasy otome visual novel focusses on the tale of a college girl who finds out that she isn’t quite as ordinary as she thought. The game is being developed by Star Maiden Games, a new start-up visual novel company who aim to make their mark on the genre with high quality, compelling titles. The team also have their sights on busting the usual genre tropes, which should be interesting

How to Take Off Your Mask

How to Take Off Your Mask

How To Take Off Your Mask is an otome game with a cast of likeable characters, an interesting scenario and plenty of humorous moments. It also features a couple of choices that branches the storyline, which along with the Steam Achievements, adds to the replay value. The writing is also good enough to draw in players who are not normally into otome titles, but check out the free demo first to see what the game has to offer.

Gameplay: Fairly linear, but well written and with a branching storyline.

Graphics: The game features charming visuals with plenty of detail for each character.

Sound: The soundtrack is great and the game also features full Japanese voice acting

NEKOPARA Vol. 0

NEKOPARA Vol. 0

Since Nekopara Vol. 0 is a fandisc, it is much shorter than Vol. 1. Instead of a big story or any startling revelations it also just focusses on a single day in the lives of the catgirls of the Minaduki household. The writing is entertaining, and the visuals top notch, but anyone not already swayed by the charms of Nekopara Vol. 1 will probably wonder what the fuss is all about.

Gameplay: Still a kinetic visual novel, but now with the option to pet the girls.

Graphics: Another great demonstration of the E-mote system in action.

Sound: Once again the quality of the voice acting is very good

Icebound

Icebound

With its Steampunk fantasy setting and fleshed out characters Icebound is a Western visual novel that definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. The writing is for the most part very good and the story features plenty of intrigue. The visuals are a bit rough in places, but the excellent soundtrack deserves a special mention. It is a must for visual novel fans, but the puzzle elements and great story will appeal to other players as well.

Gameplay: Icebound features a great story, interesting setting and even some nice puzzle mini-games.

Graphics: Good, but rather uneven.

Sound: No voice acting, but the soundtrack is superb