Harmony: The Fall of Reverie was sent to me as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a visual novel available now for the Switch, Xbox, PS5, and PC via Steam.
Polly discovers that she can travel between her world and a spirit realm ruled by five aspirations: Glory, Bliss, Power, Chaos, Bond, and Truth. The two worlds are on the brink of collapse, and Polly is the only one who can save it. Although Polly can rely on her loved ones and the Asperations for support and guidance, she is the only one with the power to decide. Polly must make the difficult choices that could save the world. What kind of story will your decisions unlock?
The choices players make are what drive the narrative. Players are presented with multiple possibilities, but their path narrows as they make choices. Players will find themselves locked out of certain outcomes because of a previous decision. It is a cool way of making players live with the consequences of their actions, but it also makes the game highly replayable.
The game is beautifully illustrated with terrific voice acting, a fantastic soundtrack, and a compelling narrative. I finished this game in one sitting because of how much I enjoyed the story. I even debated starting a second run to experience a different outcome. I now understand why this game is award-winning. Even though you are essentially just sitting and listening to a story happens, it is a good story to sit through.
My only recommendation is that you go into this game as blind as possible. Your first playthrough should be unaffected by outside influences so that you can get a story of your own choosing. You can look up guides after if you need them, but it’s not difficult to work towards your desired outcome.
I don’t want to say more because I don’t want to spoil the story or influence any decisions. This game is worth your time and money. There are so many choices, paths, and outcomes in this game that it is going to be hard to only beat it once. If you are looking for a new visual novel, or simply trying to get into the genre, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie should be in your collection. It is available now on Switch, Xbox, PS5, and PC via Steam for $24.99.
Death Trick: Double Blind Announced!
I enjoy a good visual novel every now and again. I love to see the unique ways they approach narrative and enjoy the change of pace they allow. The first game I was ever sent to review was a Visual Novel, and I always look back on it fondly. Since then, I keep an eye on what is happening in the genre for my collection. When I saw the announcement for Death Trick: Double Blind, I knew I needed to play it. The art is beautiful, and I am always in the market for a good mystery.
A great magician has been murdered, and it is up to players to piece together clues to solve his murder before the circus leaves town. The game allows players to switch between two playable characters: the detective investigating the case and the magician’s replacement. Players can explore the circus grounds, interview suspects, and collect clues. Can you piece it all together before time runs out?
I love the aesthetic of this game. The colors, character design, and the world make something I want to explore. The developers promise a mystery that won’t soft lock if you solve the mystery early and a different interaction every time you talk to an NPC. If you enjoy the genre and need a new game to add to your collection, check out Death Trick: Double Blind today!
Death Trick: Double Blind releases on Steam later this year, but you can Wishlist the game and sign up for the playtest today. Don’t forget to follow the Noen Doctorine on their socials for all the news: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Discord!
The Libary of Babel
The Library of Babel just released on PC and all consoles, and it might be worth looking into if you like stealth platformers. The Library of Babel is inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ short story of the same name. I remember reading and enjoying this story when I was younger, and I am curious to see how much this game draws from the source material.
It’s been 20,000 years since the fall of man, and a civilization of robots has risen to take their place. The origins of this new civilization are unknown, but there seems to be peace in this ignorance. But this peace isn’t permanent. The discovery of the library shakes the foundation of this new society. Within its walls is everything that was ever written. What dark truths lie within those ancient pages? Use your proficiency in stealth to sneak into the library and find out.
I like the cartoonish stylized art for this game. The cinematics looks beautiful, and the world carries a distinct post-apocalyptic flavor. Despite how cartoonish the game looks, the stealth mechanics look intense. At least from the trailer, the danger is palpable. I am terrible at stealth games because I don’t have the patience for them, but I am willing to give it a shot because I like the story. The platforming might also be a barrier for me, but it might be worth it if you enjoy the genre.
You can play The Library of Babel now on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games. You can pick up your copy for $18.99. You can at least add it to your wishlist for later.
To stay up to date on all the news, make sure you join the official Discord, and follow all the socials: Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.