News
The good news for fans of visual novels just keeps on coming with Sekai Project today unveiling the release date of CLANNAD. This much anticipated title had a very successful Kickstarter campaign just over 10 months ago that brought in $541,161 from 5,819 backers. Fans can mark Monday, November 23 on their calendars as this is the day that CLANNAD will be released on Steam for Windows-based PCs
News
MangaGamer announced today that they will be accepting pre-orders on their site for the upcoming Gahkthun of the Golden Lightning. This visual novel was developed by Liarsoft and the official release date has been set for December 23rd. One of the protagonists of its story is none other than Nikola Tesla, but the 20th century in which this game is set is one that is very different from our own
Ten Questions With
With titles such as eden*, Princess Evangile, Higurashi When They Cry and A Kiss For The Petals released on Steam along with many others on their own website, 2015 has been a bumper year for MangaGamer. They are showing no signs of slowing down either, so to get some more information about their upcoming releases as well as the visual novel market we had a chat with John Pickett
PC Game Reviews
Sound of Drop offers a captivating, horror-themed experience that is worlds away from the typical romance visual novels on Steam. Although it contains some blood and gore, most of the really gruesome scenes are left to the imagination instead of depicted visually. The multitude of endings adds to the replay value, and there are even some great new additions compared to the original Japanese version of the game.
Gameplay: The story is absorbing and features plenty of choices.
Graphics: The game features excellent character designs and beautiful backgrounds.
Sound: While the game lacks speech, the music and sound effects are great
PC Game Reviews
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
PC Game Reviews
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
PC Game Reviews
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
News
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
PC Game Reviews
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
PC Game Reviews
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
