Disclaimer
I was sent a free copy of B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions.
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Table of Contents
What is B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA
B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is a visual novel based on an ambitious, multi-media experience. B-Project is a male jpop group with anime, music, and now a visual novel to round out the lore. Note that this is not an otome game, but rather a wholesome slice of life narrative with a solid jpop soundtrack (if you’re into that sort of thing. The game is out now on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch, with a demo available for both platforms.
Hook
You have been hired to be the A&R for the up and coming jpop boy band, B-Project. Get to know each of the boys, influence the music, and help them become the next global sensation. What will you learn from your time as their A&R? How close will you get their dream? You may not romance the hot, anime boys, but you are guaranteed a bunch of cute scenarios that is almost just as good.
Gameplay
B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is a visual novel with fantastic voice acting and terrific animation. You aren’t getting an anime, but I respect the high quality production put into making the story come to life. Players will make a few choices that affect the ending, but you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Review
I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little disappointed that B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is not an Otome game. I have really been enjoying the magic that is the Otome genre, and was quite ready to get wooed in a cheesy romance novel. While the game does lack the romance I was looking for, it gave me a cute fuzzy story that I enjoyed sitting through. B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA has fantastic production value with great art, solid voice acting, and very good sound track. If you like jpop or the series, this book should be in your library. If you don’t really care for either genre, you can skip this for now. The game isn’t bad, but it a little niche to recommend to everyone.
Aesthetic
If you are getting this game, its for the hot anime guys who sing exceptionally. There is a lot of care put into crafting this narrative, and it pays off. You get a story with great character art, solid animation, and voice acting that will melt your heart. If you like jpop, you’ll appreciate the solid soundtrack. As far as visual novels go, the quality doesn’t get much better than B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA.
Story
The story is where I take some issue with the game. The story isn’t bad. It is very wholesome, but very cheesy. I love cheesy stories, and its probably the reason why I stuck around as long as I did, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. I don’t care enough jpop or the boy band to ever read this again. Not because it isn’t well written, it is good enough, but because it isn’t what I was looking for. I was looking for a sappy love story like something Genso Manège or Celestia Chain of Fate. B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA has better writing and music, but it wasn’t what I wanted. If you like jpop, or care about B-Project, you’ll have a better time.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good visual novel, then check out Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. That is one of my favorite visual novels, and I will die on that hill. If you are looking for a wholesome story with cute anime guys and a fantastic soundtrack, B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is a solid visual novel. I did not hate this game. The overall experience is solid and I really did enjoy reading the book. You have a cool cast of characters with interesting enough stories, but I wouldn’t have picked this up if it wasn’t given to me because it isn’t what I am in to. I feel like if you don’t have some kind of attachment to jpop boybands, it isn’t going to be as good of experience. At least not one that is good enough at full price. I’ would wait for a sale. I’m honestly going to forget I read this novel because I don’t have that attachment, but for those who do, its already in your library.
You can pick up B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.