Wednesday, June 29, 2022
As
the June heat reaches its apex we once again cover the best visual
novel releases of the month and what a month of games it has been. We
have so many genres represented on this months list, from historical
otome to sci-fi detective work, there is a little something for
everyone. Now let’s get into what visual novels you should be checking
out from the past month.
Official Releases -
-Find Love or Die Trying -
This short free visual novel
clearly draws influence from the death game sub-genre and visual
novels such as Danganronpa or TV series like Squid Game which it
makes quite apparent with its game show elements. The set up is that
you are part of a dating show in which the participants must find a
romantic partner within seven or they will be killed. You have to
juggle finding someone to partner up with and getting to the bottom
of the shady broadcast. This visual novel relies on a lot of
shocking twists to keep the reader engaged and prevent them from
thinking too deeply about the shaky logic of the narrative.
However, the short play time prevent this narrative choice from becoming too much of
an issue and the result is a brief but sweet thriller which keeps the
momentum up for the entire ride.
-Meteor World Actor: Badge & Dagger -
The second installment of the
Meteor World Actor series, Badge &
Dagger continues Hiryuu Ruka’s relentless
pursuit of the Cult as he loses himself even more in the hunt. It is
a more focused package than the previous game with the overarching
plot coming out as the aspect the studio is interested in and the
resulting game is stronger for this clarity. However, this means
the romance is even weaker than before with only two heroines and
neither of them manage to justify their inclusion as they get
sidelined by the main narrative. In the end, if you did not enjoy the
previous entry then this second one will not change your mind, but if
you are already on board this ride then it doubles down on what made
the first game good.
-even if TEMPEST: Yoiyami ni Kaku Katariki Majo -
Nintendo Estore VNDB Genre
– Otome, Dark
Fantasy, Mystery. Play Time – 25 hours.
This
month is a good one for Switch owners with the release of three
excellent titles, the first of which is the dark fantasy otome even
if TEMPEST. Our protagonist Anastasia Lynzel has been given the power
of Fatal Rewind, a type of time travel, as she died by a mysterious
witch and Lynzel decided to redo her life and be her ideal self. However,
nothing is without consequence as Lynzel will soon find out as
misfortune catches up with her. even if TEMPEST continues the
trend of the Switch as the premiere platform for otome and it is
definitely on the high tier of what is a competitive field with its
engaging suitors alongside the riveting plot. A must pick up for the
mystery loving otome fan.
-LOOPERS -
Nintendo Estore VNDB Genre
– Nakige, Time Loop. Play Time – 7 hours.
The
second quality title for the Switch is LOOPERS a Key visual novel
with a scenario written by Ryuukishi07. The pedigree on this one
should speak for itself and the narrative delivers the emotional
moments you would expect while not outstaying its welcome with a
short playtime. Taira Akira (Tyler) is obsessed with geohunting and
on one summers day he and his friends are indulging his passion when
they are drawn into a time vortex and become stuck in a time loop. In
this state they meet other people stuck in a similar loop but can
they work together and escape their predicament? A solid visual
novel for someone looking for something short and sweet which hits
all the right notes for the genre.
-Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei -
The
latest release in the Higurashi series, Rei is the fandisc for the
main series and contains a selection of stories. While it is not
essential reading for enjoying Higurahsi, this game acts as a nice
bookend for the narrative and showcases why the series is one of the
strongest in the visual novel space. Both the horror / thriller and
the slice of life elements of Higurashi are showcased separately in
their purest forms as they are turned up to eleven for this victory
march. A definite addition to any Higurahsi fan's game library.
-Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei -
Nintendo Estore VNDB Genre
– Historic Fantasy, Otome. Play Time – 40 hours.
Birushana
is the final Switch game on this list and we have saved the best for
last with this historic fantasy otome set in Heian period. Shanao
is the youngest heir of the Genji name and despite how the world sees
her, she is no male heir. The tension between the rival Genji and
Heike clans bubbles under the surface as Shanao finds herself torn between
her duty to the family name and her desire for a peaceful life. She
must set out to defeat the Heike and bring about peace but there is
more to this feud than she realises. It is nice to have another
historical visual novel as the established time period adds a lot of
flavour to the work while still leaving enough room for a subversion
of the expected events. Birushana is an excellent example of its
genre with engaging characters and an excellent sense of dramatic
tension and pacing. Another title for the discerning otome fan.
-AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative -
The
direct sequel to the original AI: The Somnium Files, nirvanA
Initiative follows two new protagonists Mizuki and Ryuki as they
solve the case of a corpse which appeared in two halves six years
apart with no signs of decay. This visual novel is from the creator
of 999 and Virtues Last Reward, Uchikoshi Koutarou, which speaks to
the type of gripping mystery filled with plots twists that
awaits you. If you played the first AI game then you know the sort of
innovative detective story this sequel will offer. However, if you
have not played that first game I would not start here as many
returning characters are presented without context with the
assumption you played the first game. So play that entry first before
considering picking this one up.
-FLOWERS -Le volume sur hiver-
Le
volume sur hiver marks the end of the FLOWERS series with its fourth
and final entry. The protagonist of the first game, Shirahane Suou,
returns to her role and acts as a nice full circle for the stories
of these girls. Bring everything to a close with the close of the
year is the driving thrust of the narrative with not only character
arcs coming to an end but also the overarching mystery of the series.
If you want one of the strongest yuri experiences currently available
then you cannot go wrong with this excellent visual novel.
Fan Translations -
-Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE -
Patch Download VNDB Genre
– Nakige, Slice of Life. Play Time – 50 hours.
While
there is already an official release of Summer Pockets, this fan
patch is for the expanded version of the game named REFLECTION BLUE
which adds several new routes, more slice of life scenes, more music
and an altered table tennis mini-game. It is more Summer Pockets for
those who could not get enough of the original and want an excuse to
experience this Key crying simulator again. There is definitely an
argument to be made that this already long visual novel did not need
additional content as the pacing of the original release was a
carefully planned affair. However, if you want more of what makes Key
popular you probably do not have any choice but to read this
expansion until their next full new release comes around.
-Deus Machina Demonbane: Roar of the Machine God -
Patch Download VNDB Genre
– Science Fantasy,
Mecha. Play Time – 40 hours.
Demonbane
is one of Nitroplus’ greatest early titles which alongside Saya no
Uta and Phantom of the Inferno established their identity as a
developer and their style moving forward. This latest patch is for
the PC port of the PS2 version which boasts a higher resolution, full
voice acting and additional CGs and backgrounds. If you have ever
been curious about Demonbane then this release is an excellent
version with which to experience this classic title in all its glory.
The intriguing story which captured the hearts of many is on full
display at its strongest and if you have the time I highly
recommend you give this one a go.
-Snow -
Patch Download VNDB Genre
– Nakige, Fantasy,
Drama. Play Time – 50 hours.
If
the release of a patch for one classic game was not enough for you
then this month has you covered with the release of a patch for Snow.
This classic nakige
which was originally
released in Japan in 2003 now
has its time to shine in the West thanks to the tireless work of fan
translators. The story
of Snow follows Izumo Kanata who has traveled to the
village Ryujinmura
to help his cousin manage a hotel. In this village there is legend
about a dragon goddess who fell in love with a human and as a result
the village has always been covered with snow. As our protagonist
gets to know the people of the village he begins to uncover how the
legend ties into the present day village and its inhabitants.
