Sunday, August 31, 2025
With
summer winding down and autumn beginning to show its hand, now is the
perfect moment to see what the world of visual novels has produced
while you were relaxing in the heat. It has been a strong month from
both official and fan sources as they output some stunning titles and
translations from much loved classics to memorable new ones in a good
variety of genres. Let’s dive in and see exactly what visual novels
you should be playing.
Official Releases
Fate/hollow ataraxia Remastered
After
the success of Fate/Stay Night’s official release last year, it
seems that Type-Moon are continuing the process of localising all
their big hits and next on the list is Fate/hollow ataraxia. Just
like Stay Night, hollow ataraxia has received the remaster treatment
to update it to modern screen resolutions rather than the 4:3 of the
original with the art assets being adapted for the new dimensions.
While this game is technically a sequel to Stay Night it is not a
direct continuation of any specific ending and combined with its
assortment of side content place it firmly into the camp of fandisc.
There has been a definite increase in the character focused slice of
life scenes and the player is given a chance to get to know the cast
members who were previously just antagonist’s in a personable
manner rather than in combat. In terms of world building and new
conflicts hollow ataraxia adds enough of its own flare to meet the
expectations set by Stay Night, but it is clear this is a secondary
concern to just creating a lighter tone. Another strong title from
Type-Moon which will appeal to those drawn into their stories.
Okayunyumu
Basing
a visual novel around a popular vtuber has been a recurring trend in
recent times, especially with Hololive talents. The vtubers who are
the focus of this title are Nekomata Okayu and to a lesser extent
Inugami Korone and they are presented as characters within this
setting rather than avatars for streams. Here Okayu is mysterious cat
girl who suddenly appears in the protagonist’s life turning it
upside down and the pair’s interactions form the backbone of the
game’s appeal. The bright colours and simple premise should be a
dead giveaway to this being in the slice of life genre and throughout
its playtime it more or less sticks to this definition.
Capturing the essence of the vtuber’s personalities and replicating
them was the developer’s main aim and in that they were broadly
successful. They behave more or less as you would expect if you are
familiar with their output and it does genuinely feel like getting to
spend time with them on a more personal level. However, your interest
in Okayunyumu is wholly dependant on how much you like the vtubers in
question and offers nothing to anyone who does not know them.
Sunrider Legends Tactics
Trading
space ships for those of a more traditional kind, Sunrider moves into
the fantasy genre with the spin off Legends Tactics. This tale of
sail and sorcery is a reimagining of the main series story line with
many opportunities for the player to deviate from that original
narrative and a few fun twists unique to Legends Tactics. In terms of
gameplay mechanics it is an evolution of Sunrider 4’s battles
where the ryders are replaced with various sizes of ships. However,
it does inherit some of that game’s jank and regular loading
screens so expect some mild inconvenience at times. The lack of
reliance on the original games inherent in a complete retelling does
make this one of the more accessible titles for player new to the
franchise and its fantasy setting might appeal to people who were
turned off by its sci-fi version. Another solid title from Love In
Space and one which is worth picking up if it strikes your fancy.
The Aquarium does not dance
While
this is more of an RPG Maker horror game than a visual novel, it is a
high quality example of its genre and if you squint during the
dialogue scenes it does sort of look like a visual novel. Trapped
inside a strange Bianca Aquarium after visiting it with her friend,
Suze must navigate its dangerous halls in order to escape and
discover the identity of the mysterious traitor. It is a very
character centric title and talking with the various girls Suze meets
along the way provides much of the intrigue and tension for the
moment to moment gameplay. There is a good understanding throughout
of build up and pay off in terms of level design and story beats as
they merge seemlessly into the natural curves of gameplay. It is a
strong reminder of what an RPG Maker horror game can achieve and what
this genre is still capable of producing.
Iwakura Aria
As
a work of historical fiction, Iwakura Aria sells its 60s setting
during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth and the changes its
characters are experiencing. It forms the backdrop to a suspense
filled tale of lies and contradictory emotions which stir up dire
consequences. The story follows Ichiko a young maid who joins the
Iwakura mansion and soon finds herself intertwined with the Iwakura’s
daughter. She must uncover the secrets hidden within the mansion as
she gets ensnared in a web of lies and conflicting aims. There is
something striking about the way it blends watercolour art with
gentle music which gives the mansion a sense of place and identity
just as strong as the people who inhabit it. Overall, this is perfect
for someone looking for a period thriller coated in powerful imagery.
Fan Translations
Senmomo: A Billowing Bladestorm, A Persica Princess
Fan Translation VNDB Genre
– Politics, Action Play Time – 30 hours
The
first of the translated August titles this month, Senmomo is a game
focused around the struggles of its cast after their nation is invaded
and they are swept in the chaos it causes. It is a story about a
young warrior, Tokita Soujin, and the final heir to the imperial
throne, Miyaguni Akari, and how they navigate the political situation
in an attempt to reclaim the empire they lost. Over the course of
their journey they will meet people from both side of the conflict as
they fight and cooperate with them in equal measure. It is very much
a tale of rebellion in the hope of a better tomorrow but frames that
quest through how its cast deal with the realities of a complex and
interconnected battle in which there is no clear or easy resolution.
A fun ride where the tension of the political machinations and the
characters own flaws make for an entertaining spectacle.
Aiyoku no Eustia
Fan Translation VNDB Genre
– Medieval Fantasy, Mystery Play Time – 40 hours
Our
second August title this month leans into a far more fantastical
setting with city of Novus Aether floating in the sky above an
inhospitable surface held up by the daily prays of its saint. Despite
this grand sense of place, the majority of the game focuses around the
lowest districts of the city and the lives of the people residing
there. The story itself is driven by the outbreak of a strange
disease which makes those who are afflicted with it grow wings and
the changes it has brought in its wake. Its cast cover the whole
spectrum of this world from the saint herself to the those who have
to scrape in the dirt to survive and it helps make the city a more
nuanced place. A well regarded visual for a reason and one you should
pick up if you are looking for something particularly memorable.
