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video game reviews

B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA: A Wholesome Visual Novel Review

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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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

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.

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video game reviews

Death end re;Quest Review: A Unique JRPG Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Death end re;Quest to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Death end re;Quest

Death end re;Quest is a horror JRPG with very unique combat mechanics out now on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. The game does deal with a few mature themes, so viewer discretion is advised.

Hook

Arata Mizunashi is a talented video game programmer working on World’s Odyssey. Production abruptly ends when a strange bug causes the disappearance of his colleague, Shina Ninomiya. A year goes by when Arata suddenly receives a mysterious email from Shina. Arata discovers that Shina has been trapped inside World’s Odyssey this whole time, and now it is up to him to get her out. But this will not be easy. World Odyssey is riddled with bugs and while the only way to get the true ending and free Shina from this world might not be possible. Band together with helpful NPCs, fight against the bugs and enemies, and try to fix the game enough to get to the end. Will Shina ever be free, or will she be doomed to die in the game she helped create?

Gameplay

Death end re;Quest has four different loops: the visual novel, dungeon crawl, combat, and real world investigation. It is the combination of these four elements that create a unique gaming experience.

Visual Novel

This game has a lot of reading. Some of it is voice acted in English and Japanese, but there are bits where you will have to read. The story is pretty linear, but players have the occasional choice that affects the ending. Save often because you will get a few of the band endings during your run (unless you cheat and use a guide). Luckily, the game allows players to save during some dialogue, so you can come back to the game when you need to. Or play it on the Steam Deck for those longer bits a dialogue where you can’t save.

Dungeon Crawl

Players will eventually take control of Shino who will delve unique and intricate dungeons. Like other games from Idea Factory, there are no random encounters. You can see the monsters roam the dungeon, and plan your attacks accordingly. Dungeons do not let you save freely. You will need to make your way to campsite where you can heal up, buy items, or talk to the NPCs. You can cheat and play this game on handheld and suspend the game to pick up where you left off later. One mechanic that makes this dungeon crawl unique is that players will need to switch from the dungeon to the overworld to progress through the game. More on this below.

Combat

Combat for Death end re;Quest is almost your typical turn-based RPG. There is an initiative that is affected by successfully ambushing enemies in the overworld, and players will take turns with the NPCs to perform actions. A player can perform three actions per turn. Actions include: attack, block, using an item, or casting a spell. If you cast three attack spells or attacks in a row, your character performs a knockback attack that sends enemies flying backwards. The game is kind of like pool, where you can aim enemies to bounce off the edges of the battlefield, other enemies, or allies for added damage. There are a few other mechanics that affect combat like corruption, but those make more sense when playing the game.

Overworld

There are two worlds to Death end re;Quest: the video game and the real world. Shino may be trapped in the game world, but Arata is outside in the real world and can affect the game with his coding. Occasionally, you will get stuck during a dungeon delve and will need to switch over to Arata who can do real world investigation, pick up clues, and fix the bugs. Most of the overworld exists through a visual novel, and there are choices that can lead to a bad ending. Make sure you save often.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes! The Steam Deck is the perfect way to play this game. While the performance is fine on PC, I just prefer to play JRPGs on handheld. I am old in this way. This game looks great, runs well, and I can read all the font. I personally like that I can suspend the game at a moments notice (like when I have to tend to my child), especially when I’m at a point where I can’t save. I would have lost so much progress if this wasn’t possible. But that is the life of a busy dad.

Review

As my collection of Idea Factory games dwindles to the last few I received for this collaboration, I can’t help but to feel sad that the journey is almost over. I am a little relieved that I can get back to reviewing new games and become somewhat relevant in the magical algorithm, but I can confidently say that I have enjoyed the journey. I wish I had played Death end re;Quest last because I absolutely adore this game. The game has cool art, a solid story, and an interesting combat system. It may not be perfect, but it is exactly what I need from my JRPGs. I fear it might be a little niche due to some of its choices, but I would argue that it is one of those games you should try once.

Aesthetic

There are two parts to the game art: the visual novel and dungeon crawling. The visual novel has some interesting art. If you compare it to other games like the mainline Neptunia games or even Dragon Star Varnir, its not as good but fine enough to get the point across. There are few interesting character designs, and some tastefully placed fan service, but nothing I’d run to make fan art for. But my issue with the art (and I assume a lot of people’s as well) is with the dungeon crawl. Everything in the dungeon looks the same. As a result, I spent too much time lost in this game. Granted, I have the worst sense of direction, but it doesn’t help that the dungeon looks so plain and homogeneous.The monsters also look ugly.

I understand that the design choices for the dungeon crawl were probably made to create a stable game. I had no issue with it because the combat is fun and I enjoyed the story, but there are people who will not like that this looks like a much older cheaper game.

Combat

Combat in this game is the most fun I’ve had with a JRPG. It does get a little repetative, these games typically are, but it isn’t so bad. You automate a lot of the actions for the easier fights, and the pool mechanics made for some fun interactions. I like that you can position yourself to perform a multi-kill by knocking enemies on an optimal tragectory. As someone who spent a lot of my highschool years playing the pool minigame on Yahoo messenger, I understood the assignment. I even went out of my way to do extra grinding because, combat is just that fun.

Death end re;Quest offers enough challenge when it needs to, creative boss fights when it has to, and running through the world as an overleveled god doesn’t make the encounters any less fun. I loved being overleveld and trying to finish the encounter in the least ammount of turns possible.

Story

I enjoyed the story a lot. I approaced it a little hesatantly at first because it felt like a isakai, and I have a bit of isakai fatigue. This all changed when it turned into a proper bland of cheesy adventure anime and horror mystery. I wouldn’t the horror is terrifying, i was able to play this with the lights off after all, but it does deal with some dark themes. Overall, the writing is solid. There are bits that are a little slow and scenes that drag on for a little too long, but overall, it is enjoyable anime and I could always use more of that in my life. If you are looking for a decent read, and don’t mind a little roughness, give Death end re;Quest a try.

Conclusion

I enjoyed Death end re;Quest a little too much. Sure I started skipping through some of the dialogue, especially the camp stuff, but I did read through enough of it to be invested. I had a hard time putting it down, but I had to for this article. My only complaint is that I didn’t get the true ending. Sure I can google a guide or look up the video, but I kind of want to try to do it on my own. This was a very fun ride, one that I recomend for those of you who like niche anime games and don’t mind the turn-based system with a few extra steps. If you are looking for a game to add to your Steam Deck, or just something to do this summer, the game is on sale for $6 unti July 7th, and that is the perfect entry point.

You can pick up Death end re;Quest on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch

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video game reviews

Amnesia: Memories Review – A Visual Novel Worth Playing?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Amnesia: Memories to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Amnesia: Memories?

Amnesia: Memories is an anime Otome visual novel out now on Steam, Android devices, and the Nintendo Switch. It originally released on the PS Vita in 2015. For those who missed out on the special era of Vita visual novels, or those looking for a new visual novel, Amnesia: Memories might be your next game.

Hook

You wake up without your memories and a unique magical creature to take their place. They are here to help you recover your memories, the problem is that they don’t know what world you belong to. Choose a world (heart, diamond, clover, spade) and try to find your place in its world. Rediscover a forgotten relationship with the boyfriend you left behind, and make the choices that will give you the best endings. Will you regain your memories and find your true love, or will you die in the process. There are over 20 endings and hundreds of choices. Can you collect them all?

Gameplay

Amnesia: Memories is your typical visual novel. Players will read through the story, and you get to make choices along the way. The choices you make affect the ending, and choosing wrong gets you the wrong ending. This is your typical Otome game where you are getting romanced by different hot guys, although the heroine in this story feels a bit more passive. The stories are divided as follows:

  • Heart – Shin
  • Spade – Ikki
  • Clover – Kent
  • Diamond – Toma
  • Joker – Ukyo

The top four characters are playable from the start, the joker ending only unlocks after playing through all the stories. One nice feature the game has is that it lets you create multiple saves and save at any point in the story.

Review

As far as visual novels, Amnesia: Memories is fine. The game has great art, a solid score, and decent writing (mostly). My problem with the game is that not all of the paths feel worth it (looking at you Toma). That said, there is enough good to this visual novel to be worth at least one play through, but I wasn’t interested enough to collect all of the endings. There are guides available for the completionists out there, but I recommend going in as blind as possible.

Aesthetic

The art in this game is great if you enjoy anime. The character design is unique and memorable, and I like how they contrast against the often simple backgrounds. I like that cut scenes and transitions are minimilistic because it shifts the focus to the story and its characters.

Story

I will do my best to avoid spoilers, but there is going to be some minor spoilers. As far as Oteme games go, I do prefer something more cheesy like Celestia Chain of Fate. I enjoy reading sappy romantic novels, and some of these routes weren’t romantic at all (Toma). If you want a visual novel with a more serious tone, I recommend checking out Nobody Nowhere instead. Amnesia isn’t bad, but choosing the wrong lead is going to turn off some people. I started with Ikki (Spade) and almost gave up on the game because it was so boring. It wasn’t until I got to switch leads and play Kent (Clover) where I started to become invested. This could be a subjective critique, but I would start with Shin or Kent and then your choice of the other two.

Main Character

One problem I have with the game is that the main character sort of exists for all of these events to happen to her. She doesn’t feel tangible or real because there doesn’t seem to be any agency. She loses her memories and things sort of just happen to her. This should feel like a tense and scary concept (and at times it does) but it almost feels like it doesn’t matter.

Maybe I play too many Otome games, but I was making choices because it would get me the good ending not because it would necessarily lead me to something interesting. A good Otome game usually paralyzes me with choices as I try to figure out what I want and what bits of the narrative I want to explore, but I didn’t feel that much with this game. I just didn’t care enough about the characters or the world to want to explroe more.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a decent read and don’t care too much a story’s realism, Amnesia: Memories is fine. You get some solid stories, some creepy undertones, and solid art. The voice acting is fantastic and there are enough guides out there for those who want to collect some easy achievements. I still would prefer something more on the cheesy side like Celestia Chain of Fate. As far as Visual Novels go, you can do worse. If you do end up getting this game, start off with Kent and work your way to Toma. Both Toma and Ikki have boring stories that can ruin a playthrough (it nearly ruined mine). Overall, not the worst ways to spend $10.

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video game reviews

Revisiting Celestia Chain of Fate

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Celestia Chain of Fate to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

What is Celestia Chain of Fate?

Celestia Chain of Fate is a romance fantasy visual novel out now for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Hook

You have been enrolled into the prestigious school for Daemons, Angelus, and half breeds where you will learn to harness your magic. There are tensions between the races, and you do your best to navigate through the complex webs of relationships that exist in a school like this. In classic Otome fashion, you find yourself at the center of attention. Handsom boys will pine for your affection, rivals will try to make your life at school miserable, but luckily you have a support system to help you through it all. Make the choices that will affect the ending. Who will you choose in the end? The answer is, all of them.

Gameplay

This is interactive fiction without any voice acting. Players will read through the story, and make the occasional choice that will affect the ending. Playing through the game unlocks additional side stories that help flesh out the world, and add a little flavor to the characters you meet along the way.

Review

I’ve played through Celestia Chain of Fate when the game first came out. I loved it, but was very ready for a second play through. I was happy to find that the game still holds up. If you are looking for a solid Otome game and don’t mind the overall cheesy romance, this is a fantastic add to your collection. The story is very cheesy, and it isn’t going to be for everyone.

Aesthetics

The game’s art is fantastic, and it is what drew me to this game. The characters are all very good looking, and the world is drawn very well. There is some very cool art, with some fantastic music to get you in the right mood for romance. The only issue I have with the game is that the backgrounds are kind of ugly. Some scenes are a little distracting because the contrast between art styles is too much. The game does have  has some spectacular CGs that you are going to want to unlock to make up for it.

Gameplay

There isn’t too much to say about the gameplay. You are clicking through the text boxes with the occasional choice to mix things up. There is no voice acting, but it doesn’t need it. I usually read faster than the voice acting anyways. The game does work on the Steam Deck, but I couldn’t get the cloud save to work. I had to start over, which is fine, but the text is a little too small. I am old with tired eyes, so this might be a personal problem.

Story

The story is where I can feel the divide. I have been going through a romance anime kick lately, so I appreciate the story for what it is. Celestia Chain of Fate is a cheesy teen romance visual novel where handsome men pine for your attention. There are some very cringe moments, but there are also some sweet moments that make this the perfect cozy game in my collection. As a hetero male who is very comfortable with his sexuality, I can proudly admit that I like that handsome, supernatural men went out of their way to make me feel like the princess that I totally am. I don’t expect this game to be the piece of literary genius that will stand the test of time,  but its good enough for a couple hours of entertainment.

Conclusion

Celestia Chain of Fate is a fantastic visual novel for those of you who just want to enjoy fun cheesy romance. The writing isn’t deep or even that original, but it is a fun little journey that is worth playing through at least once. I very much enjoyed my revisit, and will definitely be back for a third as I try to collect all the endings. If you don’t mind the cheesy teen romance or the fact that you have to wait for a book too, it is worth getting into You can pick up Celestia Chain of Fate on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for something a little more serious, check out Nobody Nowhere or my personal favorite, Urban Myth Dissolution Center.

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video game reviews

Rose Academy Demo Review: A Murder Mystery Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover Rose Academy, and review the demo. I understand the game isn’t finished, and will be a bit more lenient with my criticism. That said, this will be my honest impressions.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Rose Academy?

Rose Academy is a murder mystery visual novel coming to Steam on March 26. There is a demo available on Steam and Itch. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist.

The hook

An old girlfriend calls out of the blue, ripping you from your sleep. You remember her fondly, and wonder how she’s been all these years. She needs your help, and as a seasoned detective, you ablidge. Curiousity has you chasing a memory you had thought you’d forgotten to the gates of an elite girl’s school. Before you can savor this sweet reunion, you learn about the dark truth that brought you there. A girl was found hanging in the pool changing room. While most suspect suicide, clues point to something much more sinister. Explore the school, ask your questions, and collect your clues. Can you piece it all together before it is too late?

The Demo

The game is visual novel explores dark and a few adult themes. While the game isn’t explicit, there are reference to alcohol, sex, and a few other triggering themes. This is your trigger warning.

The final version of the novel will feature about six to eight hours of game play, but the demo only includes about the first hour (depending on how fast you read). The demo introduces a few key characters and the setting they get to explore. Players also begin their investigation and collecting their initial bits of clues. There are a few important choices players need to make, but their impact to the narrative is left unknown. This is a game where choices matter. Make sure you choose carefully.

The Writing

The writing in Rose Academy is fine. There are few errors and some awkward translations, but nothing that made the story unreadable. There are a few holes and some plot points that feel a bit too convenient, but nothing that detract from the mystery. The setup for the mystery feels well paced, and introduces enough elements to spark a bit of intrigue. My issue is not with the story itself, but with some of the roughness that carries throughout. There are bits of weird dialogue and other sections that try too hard to be deep, but nothing that made me stop reading. If the writing were bad and the story boring, this review would be a lot angrier, if it happened at all.

The Story

The demo does a good job at setting up the mystery. I think I know who did it, but I can’t be confident. There is enough mystery behind the paywall to know for sure, and that’s frustratingly fantastic. The characters are a little sloppy, but they all manage to be unique and memorable. I’ll still be keeping notes, but I spent a lot of time getting invested in the interrogations. While the story does have its awkwardness, I still finished the demo mad that I don’t get to know what really happened. I really don’t want to wait till March to find out.

The art

The art is what I found most problematic. The style is a little awkward, and it leans a little too much into the fan service. While none of it is porn, there are a few panty shots that made me uncomfortable. Most of the story is pretty tame, but it is something to consider. Viewer discretion is advised.

The backgrounds are another problem. They feel a little generic and soulless. They work well enough as a visual aid, but they do little for the world building. Since the focus should be mystery and the characters involved, I am willing to let this go.

Final Thoughts

Rose Academy is a bit of an awkward, but it is at least worth reading through the demo. With its many faults, I still found myself lost in the mystery and wanting to know more. I have so many questions and am mad that I have to wait till March for the answers. Until then, I’ll be here with the game in my wishlist, waiting for the truth. I think you will too.

‘If you’re looking for a new visual novel and don’t mind a little cringe with your detective stories, go check out the demo on Steam or Itch. If you need a visual novel to tide you over while you wait for the official release, check out No Type-NOISE:Shonen Shojo.

video game reviews

Exploring Trauma in Visual No Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo

Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo is a visual novel that effectively explores dealing with trauma. This is your trigger warning.

A group of boys and girls find themselves in a strange world world similar to theirs, but off somehow. They have no memory of who they are or how they got there. The world around them seems to be empty except for the mindless drones that seem to be put in place to keep them trapped. The only way out of this world is to solve a series of puzzles that will have each character deal with their trauma. There are multiple endings, a few interesting mini games, and a lot of dark themes to sit through in Noise Scramble City.

Gameplay

Players will read through each characters story, making the choices that affect the endings of the story. There are multiple endings to explore for a good amount of replayability. Each character has a unique set of puzzles and mini games that are thematic with their back story. The game is split into two segments: exploration and story. In exploration, players click around each uniquely themed room for clues and puzzle pieces. The goal is to piece together bits of a characters backstory to move to the next room. Outside of these rooms, players get to see the characters interact and their relationships with each other develop. It is a lot of reading with interesting puzzles and mini-games to break things up.

Review

The game starts off with a trigger warning and immediately gets dark You’ve been warned.

Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo is a fantastic novel about facing and dealing with trauma. While the themes are dark, the game addresses its topics appropriately. Each character is unique and memorable, and the story is interesting and engaging. Unfortunately, the English translation isn’t perfect. There are a lot of grammar mistakes and noticeable typos that might take some of the immersion away from the story. As an former English Major, I had no issues because the story was good enough. I did skip over a few parts that felt slow, but I also read through this game in one sitting.

Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo is an aesthetically pleasing novel. The game has a great artstyle for a unique and flavorful world and it fills with cool colorful characters. The game also has a fantastic soundtrack to set the mood and get players immersed. What makes Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo the perfect visual novel is its balance between puzzles and all the reading. The puzzles are all very interesting. There is a guide available (with spoilers) if needed, but most of the puzzles are pretty straight forward.

I love that I got to collect all these parts of a narative, but the choices I made also meant I couldn’t get the whole story in one playthrough. I will be playing this game again soon because I need to know everything.

If you’re looking for a a good visual novel, don’t mind a few spelling errors here and there or the dark themes it deals with, pick up Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo. This is one of those games you need to read through at least once.

You can pick up Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo on Steam for $19.99.

video game reviews

Is Our World is Ended Worth the $40 Price Tag?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Our World Is Ended. on Steam to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Our World is Ended?

Our World is Ended is a visual novel out now on Steam.

A team of young developers is on the verge of a breakthrough with AR technology that will revolutionize the space. As they get busy with the development of their new game, they find that the line between the fantasy they’ve created through their games and reality has been skewed. Characters from their past games have invaded the real world and threaten its stability. It is up to the young developers to find out what is going on and put an end to it. Will they be able to save the world before it is too late?

Review

Our World is Ended is a niche title that isn’t for everyone. The novel has some cool art and a solid cast of voice acting, but the writing will make or break the story. I was not a fan of the perverted humor or overall tone of the story because it took away from a lot the more serious moments of the story. Characters are also poorly written. They aren’t deep and are very forgettable, unless they are the main source of humor. The main character is a very generic edgy anime main character which you will either find comforting or entirely grating. I found it hard to care about much of what he had to say because he isn’t interesting.

If you don’t mind the perverted humor and the edgy main character, the story is fine. You’ll enjoy some cool art and and the story is okay. Personally, there isn’t enough to this game or story for it to be worth $40. I would wait for a sale even if you enjoy this type of anime, and even then, you have better options.

video game reviews

Afterlove EP Review: A Journey Through Grief and Healing

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Disclaimer

I was a free copy of Afterlove EP to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link.

What is Afterlove Ep?

Afterlove EP is a stylistic slice of life visual novel out now on Steam.

Rama was a promising musician when tragedy strikes. Rama loses his girlfriend suddenly, and weight of her absence upends his life and everyone else who knew her. Play as Rama as he struggles through his grief, mends the relationships he pushed away, and tries to find the inspiration for his next great song. With the help of friends, music, and a little bit of therapy, Rama just have what it takes to move forward and achieve the his dreams. All he has to do is get through it.

Review

If you enjoy visual novels, Afterlove EP should be in your library. I could not put this thing down. The quirky art style and animation make the game feel cozy, even though the subject isn’t. The soundtrack is fantastic. There is not a bad song in the batch, and I loved playing the rhythm games as Rama worked on discovering his new sound. Most importantly, the story is fantastic.

I haven’t been captivated by a story like this in a while, and I am very glad I picked it up. The story is sad, and it depicts grief in such a realistic way that I have to leave you with this trigger warning: don’t get this if you’ve lost someone and it is going to make you sad. I cried, but I am in the stage of my grief where it felt revealing. It was kind of nice to experience grief through someone else because it felt less lonely. A lot of Rama and the people around him feel after Cinta dies mirrors what I’ve felt. It is a very nice wholesome story about grief that I recommend to everyone, but there are parts that will make you sad. But there are also parts that will make you smile. I think the art style plays a huge roll in taking away some of the darkness that can come with grief so that people can focus on the process and not just the tragedy.

Afterlove EP is a must read for anyone who likes the genre and doesn’t mind feeling a little sad while reading it. I would even argue that you should read it if you do mind because it might help you go through it.

Do yourself a favor, pick up Afterlove EP for $19.99 on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It is Steam Deck certified, and it looks great on the Steam Deck.

video game reviews

Best Served Cold: A Unique Visual Mystery with a Twist

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Best Served Cold to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Best Served Cold?

Best Served Cold is a detective mystery novel out now on Steam.

You are a skilled barkeep in one of the city’s illegal speakeasy’s. There is a general danger around your line of work during prohibition. One that is amplified by the pretense of a serial killer. Someone is hunting down patrons of these establishments, and the race is on to find out who. You have been contracted to help in this investigation. Use your position, charm, and skill as a barkeep to interrogate the patrons and find leads. What mysteries will your investigation uncover? Can you find the killer before its too late?

Gameplay

The loop in Best Served Cold is an interesting twist on the genre. Players will talk to patrons during their shift, and try to find the right combination of answers and questions to unlock the appropriate clues. The twist are the mechanics tied to the bartender position. Players will have to figure out the perfect drink to serve each patron, and mix it perfectly. The mixing mini game is simple. Players trace a pattern thematic to the drink before time runs out. Choosing the perfect drink and making it perfect makes the clients more inclined to talk. There are questions in this game that will only get answers if the customer is drunk enough. This is such a flavorful mechanic, and one that adds a bit of strategy to break up all the reading. Not the reading is bad by any means.

Review

If you are looking for something new to play, check out Best Served Cold. Best Served Cold is a well written visual novel with fantastic characters and a solid mystery. People who read a lot of the genre can figure out the mystery, but it is still worth the read. I had a lot of fun meeting each unique character, figuring out their favorite drink, and the mixing minigame was relaxing. The game also has a fantastic sound track for an unmatched cozy vibe.

My only complaint is that the game is unplayable on the Steam Deck. I might have been doing something wrong, but I couldn’t get the pin-up board to work. Trying to connect everything with yarn felt like more work than it was worth, at least the few times I actually got it work. This isn’t a deal breaker because it works great on PC, but I want to be able to read my mystery visual novels from the comfort of my bed.

Better Served Cold is a great story with amazing flavor that you need to play through once. There is a lot of reading, but the reading is fine and it comes in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I think you will too.

You can pick up Better Served Cold on Steam for

video game reviews

Old Skies Review: A Unique Sci-Fi Visual Novel

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Disclaimer

I was sent a copy of Old Skies to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Old Skies?

Old Skies is a scifi visual novel out now on PC via Steam, GOG and Humble.

Time travel is real, and is controlled by the ChronoZen agency. Those who can afford it can travel back into any time, provided it doesn’t mess with the master timeline. Your job is to keep close watch on these travelers while still making them happy. The story follows seven travelers across 100s of years of history in a point and click adventure you will never forget. What people will you meet? What stories will they tell? Can you keep your clients from messing with the timeline?

Review

Old Skies is a wonderful piece of interactive fiction that you need to try at least once. The game looks very good with cool art and flavorful time periods. The story itself is good, with a cast of fantastic voice actors to bring each story to life. Most importantly, the puzzles are creative and manageable. They provide enough of a challenge to keep things engaging, without becoming frustrating. I didn’t feel the need to use a guide, but I am sure there are some great ones out there if you need them.

As far as time travel stories go, Old Skies does the narrative well. Everything made sense, even the more magical parts of science, and it was an interesting adventure to read. The characters are pretty well written. There are some cliches here and there, but nothing that ruins the story. Each story was interesting, and honestly the reason I kept playing. It is a solid length and I recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel.

As for the Steam Deck experience, this is a fantastic title to add to the collection. The resolution is perfect. The words are legible, and everything is easily visible. Most importantly, the controls works great, making this the perfect game to play in bed when you just want to wind down and enjoy a good story.

You can pick up Old Skies for $19.99, and it is definitely worth it for that price.