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

LOVE BAKUDAN

LOVE BAKUDAN

Love Bakudan is an 18+ yuri visual novel with a unique premise and plenty of hot women to romance. When Haruka Mishimi inherits her grandmother’s erotic bookstore, she moves back to her childhood home of Akiyama where she finds a bevy of beautiful customers waiting to frequent her shop. With six unique romance routes, a fun bookselling mini-game, and plenty of optional erotic stories to unlock, Love Bakudan belongs in the library of every yuri fan.

Gameplay: Six romance routes that are completely unique from each other.

Graphics: Plenty of backgrounds and some nice character designs.

Sound: The music is good and there’s plenty of great sound effects

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

Sakura Swim Club

Sakura Swim Club

Sakura Swim Club is another fan service packed visual novel by Winged Cloud. The protagonist is an unmotivated high school student named Kaede who joins the swim club where he is drawn into the lives of Hiromi and Mieko. The two girls are the only remaining members of the club and while trying to whip Kaede into shape they begin to develop feelings for him too. There’s nothing new or surprising here, but Winged Cloud fans will enjoy the game, especially with the adult patch which adds a few sex scenes.

Gameplay: The game gives the illusion of choice, but the experience is actually very linear.

Graphics: The art is the highlight of the game.

Sound: Decent sound effects, but the music is very forgettable

Far Away Promises To Redefine Visual Novels

Far Away Promises To Redefine Visual Novels

There has never been a better time to be a fan of visual novels as there is a wealth of titles to choose from. Fans have also been spoiled for choice when it came to the number of classic titles finally receiving English translations along with brand new titles hitting the market. As great as this is, it also makes it hard to keep track of what is worth playing. One upcoming title that certainly looks like it is worth keeping an eye on is Far Away by HongCha Games

Sakura Beach

Sakura Beach

Sakura Beach is a typical fan service focused visual novel with a generic storyline, implausible situations, and rather generic characters. Watching childhood friends Ayumi and Momoko practically throw themselves at the completely oblivious Seiji can be amusing, but overall there isn’t a lot here that players will remember after completing the game.

Gameplay: Six choices that lead to one of three different endings.

Graphics: Vibrant backgrounds and character sprites are decent.

Sound: Rather generic

Sakura Fantasy

Sakura Fantasy

Sakura Fantasy features an intriguing storyline, interesting characters, and beautiful artwork, but ends with too many unresolved questions. This wouldn’t have been so bad if the planned sequels were ever released, but unfortunately, this was not to be. Unfortunately, this means anyone playing the game for the story will be disappointed. However, players who are purely interested in the lewd content will find plenty here, especially after installing the optional uncensor patch.

Gameplay: Interesting until the story just ends without any real conclusion.

Graphics: The visuals look great is filled with the usual amount of fan service.

Sound: Decent Japanese voice acting and the soundtrack is good too

Aozora Meikyuu

Aozora Meikyuu

Aozora Meikyuu is a short and simple visual novel featuring a protagonist named Aoi who has given up on women. His plans to resign himself to a life of eroge games instead of actual relationships are shattered when a naked girl named Sora falls out of the sky and lands on top of him. After Sora forces herself into his house and life, Aoi has to choose whether to embrace this change or fight it every step of the way. It’s an interesting if a little cliched, premise for a visual novel but the game is just too short and mundane to make it very memorable.

Gameplay: Timed choices make things a little more interesting, but the story itself is rather humdrum.

Graphics: Decent, but somewhat lacking in good CGs.

Sound: No voice acting, but the soundtrack isn’t too bad