Publisher: Visual Arts

Planetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet (2004)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Planetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet is a Japanese post-apocalyptic visual novel developed by Key and released for Windows in 2004. The story centers on a middle-aged man who comes across a malfunctioning robot in a dead city. The man, known simply as “the junker”, stays with this robot for a time and attempts to fix the projector of the planetarium where the story takes place.

Gameplay

Planetarian is a kinetic novel, meaning that the player has no choices to make and simply reads through the story. The game is divided into three chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the relationship between the junker and the robot.

The first chapter, “The Stargazer”, introduces the junker and the robot, and explores their initial interactions. The junker is a cynical and world-weary man, but he is slowly drawn to the robot’s innocence and optimism. The robot, for her part, is curious about the junker and his world, and she begins to learn about human emotions and relationships.

The second chapter, “The Starlit Sky”, focuses on the junker’s attempts to repair the planetarium’s projector. The junker is determined to give the robot a chance to see the stars, and he works tirelessly to fix the machine. The robot, in turn, is grateful for the junker’s efforts, and she begins to develop feelings for him.

The third chapter, “The Starry Heavens”, is the climax of the story. The junker finally manages to repair the projector, and he and the robot watch the stars together. The robot is overjoyed, and she confesses her love for the junker. The junker is touched by the robot’s feelings, but he knows that their time together is coming to an end.

Themes

Planetarian is a story about love, loss, and the meaning of life. The junker and the robot are both survivors of a world that has been destroyed by war. They have both lost everything, and they are both searching for something to give their lives meaning.

The junker finds meaning in his life through his relationship with the robot. He learns to care for her, and he begins to see the world through her eyes. The robot, in turn, finds meaning in her life through her love for the junker. She learns about human emotions and relationships, and she begins to understand the value of life.

Planetarian is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about the power of love to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Characters

  • The junker: A middle-aged man who scavenges for supplies in the ruins of a dead city. He is cynical and world-weary, but he is also kind and compassionate.
  • The robot: A malfunctioning robot who is trapped in a planetarium. She is curious about the world and eager to learn about human emotions and relationships.

Setting

Planetarian is set in a dead city in the aftermath of a war. The city is in ruins, and the only remaining inhabitants are robots. The planetarium where the story takes place is a symbol of hope and beauty in a world that has been destroyed by war.

Reception

Planetarian was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its beautiful visuals, its heartwarming story, and its well-developed characters. Planetarian has won numerous awards, including the Visual Novel of the Year award at the 2005 Dengeki PlayStation Awards.

Legacy

Planetarian has had a significant impact on the visual novel genre. The game’s success helped to popularize the kinetic novel format, and it inspired other developers to create similar games with heartwarming stories and well-developed characters. Planetarian has also been adapted into an anime television series and a manga series.

Conclusion

Planetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about the power of love to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Review Score

9/10

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Angel Beats! -1st beat- (2015)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Angel Beats! -1st beat-: A Heartfelt Exploration of Life, Death, and the Afterlife

Introduction

Angel Beats! -1st beat- is a visual novel developed by Key and released in 2015 for Windows. It is based on the popular 2010 anime television series of the same name and adapts many of its iconic scenes and characters. The game follows the story of Otonashi, a boy who has lost his memories after dying and awakens in the afterlife. He is enrolled into a school where he meets a girl named Yuri who invites him to join the Afterlife Battlefront—an organization she leads which fights against God.

Gameplay

As a visual novel, Angel Beats! -1st beat- follows an interactive branching plot line with multiple scenarios. Players progress through the story by reading text and making choices that affect the narrative. The gameplay is primarily focused on character interactions and dialogue, and players’ choices can lead to different endings.

Story

The story of Angel Beats! -1st beat- takes place in the afterlife, where Otonashi awakens with no memories of his past life. He is enrolled into a school by a girl named Yuri, who explains that they are all students who have died and have unfinished business that prevents them from moving on to the next life. Yuri leads the Afterlife Battlefront, an organization that fights against God for giving them unfair or tragic lives.

Otonashi initially refuses to join the Battlefront, but he eventually agrees after witnessing the suffering of his fellow students. He learns that each student has a unique backstory and reason for fighting against God, and he begins to develop close relationships with many of them.

As the story progresses, Otonashi and the Afterlife Battlefront face many challenges. They must fight against the student council president Angel, a girl with supernatural powers who opposes their cause. They also must deal with their own personal demons and come to terms with their past lives.

Characters

Angel Beats! -1st beat- features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Some of the most notable characters include:

  • Otonashi: The protagonist of the story, who awakens in the afterlife with no memories of his past life. He is a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to help others.
  • Yuri: The leader of the Afterlife Battlefront, who is determined to fight against God for giving her an unfair life. She is a strong and independent girl who cares deeply for her friends.
  • Kanade Tachibana (Angel): The student council president who opposes the Afterlife Battlefront. She is a kind and caring girl who believes that fighting against God is futile.
  • Yui: A member of the Afterlife Battlefront who is a skilled fighter. She is a cheerful and optimistic girl who is always ready to help her friends.
  • Hinata: A member of the Afterlife Battlefront who is a skilled hacker. He is a shy and reserved boy who is often misunderstood.

Themes

Angel Beats! -1st beat- explores a number of complex themes, including:

  • The meaning of life and death: The game explores the question of what happens after we die and what gives life meaning.
  • The importance of human connection: The game emphasizes the importance of forming strong relationships with others and how these relationships can help us overcome adversity.
  • The power of forgiveness: The game shows how forgiveness can help us to let go of the past and move on with our lives.

Conclusion

Angel Beats! -1st beat- is a beautiful and heartwarming visual novel that explores the complex themes of life, death, and the afterlife. It features a cast of memorable characters and a story that will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you are a fan of visual novels or anime, then I highly recommend checking out Angel Beats! -1st beat-.

Score: 8.5/10

Review Score

8.5/10

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Kud Wafter (2013)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Kud Wafter: A Heartwarming and Emotional Visual Novel

Kud Wafter is a romance visual novel developed by Key and released in 2013. It is a spin-off of the popular visual novel Clannad, and follows the story of Riki Naoe, a high school student who befriends a mysterious girl named Kudryavka Noumi.

The game is played from Riki’s perspective, and much of its gameplay is spent on reading the story’s narrative and dialogue. Kud Wafter follows a branching plot line with multiple endings; depending on the decisions that the player makes during the game, the plot will progress in a specific direction. Throughout gameplay, the player is given multiple options to choose from, and text progression pauses at these points until a choice is made. To view all plot lines in their entirety, the player will have to replay the game multiple times and make different choices to bring the plot in an alternate direction.

Kud Wafter is a kinetic novel, meaning that the player has no direct control over the story’s progression. However, the player’s choices do affect the ending that they receive. There are a total of five different endings in the game, each of which offers a different perspective on the story’s events.

The game’s story is set in the town of Hikarizaka, which is also the setting of Clannad. Riki Naoe is a high school student who lives with his parents and younger sister. He is a member of the school’s baseball team, and he is also friends with Tomoya Okazaki, the protagonist of Clannad.

One day, Riki meets a mysterious girl named Kudryavka Noumi, who has just moved to Hikarizaka. Kudryavka is a shy and reserved girl, but she quickly becomes friends with Riki. As they spend more time together, Riki learns more about Kudryavka’s past and her reasons for moving to Hikarizaka.

Kud Wafter is a heartwarming and emotional story about love, loss, and the power of friendship. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking. If you are a fan of visual novels, or if you are looking for a heartwarming and emotional story, then I highly recommend Kud Wafter.

Characters

  • Riki Naoe: The protagonist of the game. Riki is a high school student who is a member of the school’s baseball team. He is a kind and compassionate person, and he is always willing to help others.
  • Kudryavka Noumi: A mysterious girl who has just moved to Hikarizaka. Kudryavka is a shy and reserved girl, but she quickly becomes friends with Riki. She has a kind heart, and she is always willing to help others.
  • Nagisa Furukawa: Riki’s childhood friend and love interest. Nagisa is a kind and caring person, and she is always there for Riki when he needs her.
  • Tomoya Okazaki: Riki’s friend and the protagonist of Clannad. Tomoya is a kind and supportive friend, and he is always willing to help Riki out.

Gameplay

Kud Wafter is a kinetic novel, meaning that the player has no direct control over the story’s progression. However, the player’s choices do affect the ending that they receive. There are a total of five different endings in the game, each of which offers a different perspective on the story’s events.

Throughout gameplay, the player is given multiple options to choose from. These choices typically affect the story’s progression in some way, and they can also lead to different endings. The player must carefully consider their choices in order to achieve the ending that they desire.

Themes

Kud Wafter explores a number of different themes, including love, loss, and the power of friendship. The game’s story is a heartwarming and emotional tale about the importance of these themes in our lives.

Conclusion

Kud Wafter is a well-written and engaging visual novel that offers a heartwarming and emotional story. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking. If you are a fan of visual novels, or if you are looking for a heartwarming and emotional story, then I highly recommend Kud Wafter.

Review Score

9/10

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Rewrite (2011)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Rewrite: A Heartfelt Exploration of Love, Loss, and the Meaning of Life

Introduction:

Released in 2011 by the acclaimed visual novel developer Key, Rewrite is a captivating and emotionally resonant story that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the nature of existence, and the search for meaning in life. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and stunning visuals, Rewrite has garnered a dedicated following among fans of visual novels and anime alike.

Story:

The story of Rewrite revolves around Kotarou Tennouji, a high school student living in the fictional town of Kazamatsuri. Unbeknownst to his classmates, Kotarou possesses superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength, speed, and the power to heal wounds. He spends his days investigating supernatural mysteries with five girls from his school: Kotori Kanbe, Chihaya Ohtori, Lucia Konohana, Akane Senri, and Sizuru Nakatsugawa.

As Kotarou and his companions delve deeper into the supernatural world, they encounter a group of familiar summoners and superhumans searching for a familiar girl named Kagari. Kagari is the key to intelligent life on Earth, and her existence threatens the balance of the world. Kotarou and his friends must race against time to find Kagari and protect her from those who seek to destroy her.

Characters:

  • Kotarou Tennouji: The protagonist of the story, Kotarou is a high school student with superhuman abilities. He is kind-hearted and compassionate, but he also struggles with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Kotori Kanbe: Kotarou’s childhood friend and a member of the school’s archery club. She is a cheerful and outgoing girl, but she also has a strong sense of justice.
  • Chihaya Ohtori: The president of the school’s student council. She is a mature and intelligent girl, but she is also aloof and distant.
  • Lucia Konohana: A transfer student from England. She is a skilled pianist and a talented singer.
  • Akane Senri: A member of the school’s track and field club. She is a tomboyish and athletic girl, but she also has a gentle side.
  • Sizuru Nakatsugawa: A member of the school’s drama club. She is a shy and introverted girl, but she is also a talented actress.

Themes:

Rewrite explores a wide range of themes, including:

  • The nature of love and relationships: The story delves into the different types of love, from romantic love to familial love to the love of friends. It examines the complexities of human relationships and the challenges that come with loving and being loved.
  • The meaning of life and existence: Rewrite poses questions about the purpose of life and the nature of existence. It explores the idea that life is a journey, and that we must find our own meaning and purpose along the way.
  • The power of hope: Despite the darkness and tragedy that the characters face, Rewrite is ultimately a story about hope. It shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

Gameplay:

As a visual novel, Rewrite is a text-heavy game with minimal gameplay elements. Players read through the story and make choices at key points in the plot. These choices can affect the course of the story and lead to different endings. Rewrite features multiple endings, each of which provides a different perspective on the story and its themes.

Visuals and Music:

Rewrite features stunning visuals and a beautiful soundtrack. The character designs are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are lush and evocative. The soundtrack is composed by Jun Maeda, known for his work on other Key visual novels such as Clannad and Kanon. The music perfectly complements the story and helps to create an immersive and emotional experience for the player.

Reception:

Rewrite has been critically acclaimed for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. It has won numerous awards, including the Visual Novel of the Year award at the 2012 Dengeki PlayStation Awards. Rewrite has also been adapted into an anime series, a manga series, and a light novel series.

Conclusion:

Rewrite is a masterpiece of the visual novel genre. It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of human relationships, the nature of existence, and the search for meaning in life. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, stunning visuals, and beautiful soundtrack, Rewrite is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Review Score

9/10

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Little Busters! (2007)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Little Busters!: A Heartwarming Tale of Friendship and Baseball

Introduction

Little Busters! is a Japanese visual novel developed by Key, a company known for its heartwarming and emotional storytelling. The game was released in 2007 and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its engaging story, lovable characters, and beautiful visuals.

Story

The story of Little Busters! follows the life of Riki Naoe, a high school student who has been a member of a group of friends named the Little Busters since childhood. The Little Busters are a ragtag group of misfits, each with their own unique personality and quirks. Despite their differences, they are all bound together by their love of baseball and their unwavering loyalty to each other.

One day, Riki is approached by a mysterious girl named Kyousuke Natsume, who challenges him to a baseball game. Riki accepts, and the Little Busters soon find themselves facing off against Kyousuke’s team, the Kudryavka Nostrengel.

As the game progresses, Riki and his friends begin to learn more about Kyousuke and his team. They discover that Kyousuke is a skilled baseball player who has a troubled past. They also learn that the Kudryavka Nostrengel is a team of orphans who are fighting to keep their orphanage open.

Riki and his friends are determined to help Kyousuke and his team, and they vow to win the baseball game. However, as the game reaches its climax, Riki is faced with a difficult decision. He must choose between winning the game and saving his friends.

Characters

Little Busters! features a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Some of the most notable characters include:

  • Riki Naoe: The protagonist of the story, Riki is a kind and compassionate young man who is always willing to help others. He is also a skilled baseball player, and he is the captain of the Little Busters.
  • Kyousuke Natsume: A mysterious and enigmatic figure, Kyousuke is a skilled baseball player who has a troubled past. He is the leader of the Kudryavka Nostrengel, a team of orphans who are fighting to keep their orphanage open.
  • Rin Natsume: Kyousuke’s younger sister, Rin is a cheerful and optimistic girl who is always looking for the best in people. She is also a talented singer, and she is the manager of the Kudryavka Nostrengel.
  • Komari Kamikita: A shy and reserved girl, Komari is a member of the Little Busters who is often overshadowed by her more outgoing friends. However, she is a kind and caring person, and she is always there for her friends when they need her.
  • Masato Inohara: A loud and boisterous boy, Masato is a member of the Little Busters who is always up for a good time. He is also a skilled baseball player, and he is the team’s ace pitcher.

Gameplay

Little Busters! is a visual novel, which means that the gameplay primarily consists of reading text and making choices that affect the story. The game features multiple endings, depending on the choices that the player makes.

In addition to the main story, Little Busters! also features a number of minigames, including baseball, soccer, and volleyball. These minigames can be played to earn points that can be used to unlock new items and costumes.

Themes

Little Busters! explores a number of themes, including friendship, loyalty, and the importance of following your dreams. The game also deals with some heavy topics, such as death and grief. However, the game’s overall message is one of hope and optimism.

Reception

Little Busters! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its engaging story, lovable characters, and beautiful visuals. It was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Little Busters! is considered to be one of the greatest visual novels of all time. It has been praised for its heartwarming story, lovable characters, and beautiful visuals. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the visual novel genre in the West.

Conclusion

Little Busters! is a heartwarming and emotional visual novel that follows the life of Riki Naoe and his friends. With its engaging story, lovable characters, and beautiful visuals, it’s a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Clannad (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 9 minutes read

Summary

Clannad: A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Loss, and Family

Released in 2004, Clannad is a visual novel developed by Key and published by VisualArt’s. It is the second installment in the “Key” series, following Kanon (2002). The game follows the life of Tomoya Okazaki, a high school delinquent who meets many people in his last year at school, including five girls, and helps resolve their individual problems.

Clannad is a kinetic novel, meaning that the player has no choices to make and the story progresses linearly. The gameplay focuses on the appeal of the five female main characters by the player character. The game was ranked as the best-selling PC game sold in Japan for the time of its release, and charted in the national top 50 several more times afterwards.

Story

The story of Clannad is set in the fictional town of Hikarizaka, Japan. Tomoya Okazaki is a third-year high school student who has become withdrawn and cynical after the death of his mother four years prior. One day, he meets Nagisa Furukawa, a shy and sickly girl who is repeating her third year of high school due to illness. Tomoya begins to help Nagisa with her studies, and the two of them gradually become friends.

As Tomoya gets to know Nagisa, he learns about her dream of joining the school’s drama club. However, Nagisa’s illness makes it difficult for her to participate in club activities. Tomoya decides to help Nagisa achieve her dream, and he recruits four other girls to join the drama club: Kyou Fujibayashi, a popular and outgoing girl; Ryou Fujibayashi, Kyou’s shy and timid younger sister; Tomoyo Sakagami, a tomboyish and athletic girl; and Kotomi Ichinose, a quiet and intelligent girl.

Together, the five girls and Tomoya work hard to put on a successful drama performance. Along the way, they learn about themselves and each other, and they form strong bonds of friendship.

Characters

  • Tomoya Okazaki: A third-year high school student who is withdrawn and cynical after the death of his mother. He meets Nagisa Furukawa and begins to help her with her studies. As he gets to know Nagisa, he learns about her dream of joining the school’s drama club, and he decides to help her achieve her dream.
  • Nagisa Furukawa: A shy and sickly girl who is repeating her third year of high school due to illness. She dreams of joining the school’s drama club, but her illness makes it difficult for her to participate in club activities. Tomoya helps her achieve her dream by recruiting four other girls to join the drama club.
  • Kyou Fujibayashi: A popular and outgoing girl who is the president of the school’s drama club. She is initially hesitant to let Nagisa join the club, but she eventually comes to accept her.
  • Ryou Fujibayashi: Kyou’s shy and timid younger sister. She is a member of the school’s drama club, and she helps Nagisa with her studies.
  • Tomoyo Sakagami: A tomboyish and athletic girl who is a member of the school’s basketball team. She is initially hostile towards Tomoya, but she eventually comes to accept him.
  • Kotomi Ichinose: A quiet and intelligent girl who is a member of the school’s library club. She is initially aloof and distant, but she eventually comes to open up to Tomoya.

Themes

Clannad explores a number of themes, including love, loss, family, and friendship. The game shows how these themes are interconnected, and how they can shape our lives.

  • Love: Clannad is a story about love in all its forms. It shows the love between a mother and her son, the love between friends, and the love between romantic partners. The game explores the different ways that love can make us happy, sad, and everything in between.
  • Loss: Clannad also deals with the theme of loss. The game shows how loss can affect our lives, and how we can learn to cope with it. The game shows that loss is a natural part of life, and that it is possible to find happiness even after we have lost someone we love.
  • Family: Clannad is a story about family in the broadest sense of the word. The game shows how family can provide us with love, support, and guidance. The game shows that family is not just about blood relations, but also about the people who we choose to be our family.
  • Friendship: Clannad is a story about friendship. The game shows how friendship can make our lives richer and more meaningful. The game shows that friends are there for us through thick and thin, and that they can help us through even the most difficult times.

Gameplay

Clannad is a kinetic novel, meaning that the player has no choices to make and the story progresses linearly. The gameplay focuses on the appeal of the five female main characters by the player character. The player can interact with the characters in a number of ways, such as talking to them, giving them gifts, and going on dates with them. The player’s choices will affect the character’s好感度(好感度), which is a measure of how much the character likes the player.

The game is divided into two parts: the first part follows Tomoya’s life in his third year of high school, and the second part follows Tomoya’s life after he graduates from high school. The first part of the game is more lighthearted and comedic, while the second part of the game is more serious and dramatic.

Reception

Clannad was a critical and commercial success. The game was ranked as the best-selling PC game sold in Japan for the time of its release, and charted in the national top 50 several more times afterwards. The game has also been ported to a number of other platforms, including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and Windows.

Clannad has been praised for its well-written story, its relatable characters, and its beautiful art. The game has also been criticized for its slow pacing and its lack of gameplay.

Legacy

Clannad has had a significant impact on the visual novel genre. The game’s success helped to popularize the genre in Japan, and it has inspired a number of other visual novels. Clannad has also been adapted into a number of other media, including an anime television series, a manga series, and a light novel series.

Clannad is a classic visual novel that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s heartwarming story, relatable characters, and beautiful art make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

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Kanon (1999)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Kanon (1999): A Timeless Masterpiece of Love, Loss, and the Power of Memory

Introduction

Released in 1999, Kanon is a groundbreaking visual novel developed by Key, the renowned Japanese studio responsible for other beloved titles such as Clannad and Air. Kanon is a deeply emotional and atmospheric story that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of memory. Over the years, it has garnered a massive following and is considered one of the greatest visual novels of all time.

Story

Kanon tells the story of Yuichi Aizawa, a high school student who returns to the city of Okazaki after a seven-year absence. Upon his arrival, he finds himself with little recollection of his past in the city. As he spends time there, he begins to meet various girls and slowly regains his lost memories.

The story is told through a branching plot line, which offers pre-determined scenarios with courses of interaction. The player’s choices influence the narrative, leading to different endings and revealing more about the characters and their relationships.

Characters

Kanon features a cast of five main female characters, each with her own unique personality and backstory:

  • Ayu Tsukimiya: A shy and reserved girl who is often seen carrying a stuffed rabbit named Usagi.
  • Nayuki Minase: A cheerful and outgoing girl who is the president of the school’s photography club.
  • Mai Kawasumi: A tomboyish and athletic girl who is a member of the school’s basketball team.
  • Shiori Misaka: A quiet and mysterious girl who is often seen reading books.
  • Makoto Sawatari: A popular and outgoing girl who is the student council president.

As Yuichi interacts with these girls, he learns more about their pasts and the challenges they face. Through their stories, Kanon explores themes of love, friendship, family, and the importance of cherishing the memories we make.

Gameplay

As a visual novel, Kanon’s gameplay primarily revolves around reading text and making choices that affect the story’s progression. The player reads through the narrative and encounters various decision points where they must choose from a set of options. These choices determine which path the story takes, leading to different scenes and endings.

The game also features a number of minigames, which provideちょっとした休憩 from the story and add an element of variety to the gameplay. These minigames are typically simple and easy to play, but they can be challenging to master.

Art and Music

Kanon’s visuals are stunning, with detailed character sprites and beautiful backgrounds that capture the essence of the story’s setting. The game’s art style is a perfect blend of realism and anime, creating a visually immersive experience for the player.

The music in Kanon is equally impressive, with a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the story and characters. The game’s main theme, “Last regrets,” is a particularly memorable and moving piece that has become synonymous with Kanon.

Themes

Kanon explores a number of powerful and thought-provoking themes, including:

  • Love: The game explores the different forms of love, from romantic love to familial love. It shows how love can be a source of both joy and pain, and how it can shape our lives in profound ways.
  • Loss: Kanon also deals with the theme of loss, both in the literal sense and in the metaphorical sense. It shows how loss can be a devastating experience, but also how it can lead to growth and healing.
  • Memory: Memory is a central theme in Kanon. The game explores how memories can shape our identity and how they can both haunt us and inspire us. It also shows how the past can have a profound impact on the present.

Legacy

Kanon has had a lasting impact on the visual novel genre and has inspired numerous other works of fiction. It is considered one of the greatest visual novels of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

In addition to its critical and commercial success, Kanon has also been praised for its positive portrayal of female characters. The game’s female characters are strong, complex, and relatable, and they challenge traditional gender stereotypes.

Conclusion

Kanon is a timeless masterpiece that explores the human condition with depth, emotion, and beauty. Its characters are unforgettable, its story is heartbreaking and heartwarming, and its themes are universal. Whether you are a long-time fan of visual novels or a newcomer to the genre, Kanon is a must-play experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Air (2001)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Air (2001): A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Loss, and Reincarnation

Introduction

Air is a visual novel developed by Key, a Japanese visual novel studio known for its heartwarming and emotionally resonant stories. Originally released in 2001, Air has since been ported to multiple platforms, including Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch.

Story

Air follows the story of Yukito Kunisaki, a traveling showman who arrives in a quiet, seaside town in search of the “girl in the sky.” He soon meets three girls: Misuzu Kamio, a mysterious girl who claims to be an angel; Kano Kirishima, a shy and withdrawn girl who is struggling to come to terms with her past; and Minagi Tohno, a cheerful and outgoing girl who is always looking for a good time.

As Yukito spends time with the three girls, he learns more about their individual stories and struggles. Misuzu is searching for her lost wings, Kano is trying to escape from her abusive father, and Minagi is trying to find her place in the world. Yukito’s journey becomes intertwined with the girls’ lives, and he eventually comes to realize that he is the key to helping them find what they are looking for.

Gameplay

Air is a kinetic novel, which means that the player has no direct control over the story. Instead, the player simply reads through the story and makes choices at key points that affect the direction of the plot. The game features multiple endings, depending on the choices that the player makes.

Characters

  • Yukito Kunisaki: A traveling showman who is searching for the “girl in the sky.” He is a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to help others.
  • Misuzu Kamio: A mysterious girl who claims to be an angel. She is searching for her lost wings and believes that Yukito can help her find them.
  • Kano Kirishima: A shy and withdrawn girl who is struggling to come to terms with her past. She is afraid of her abusive father and is trying to find a way to escape from him.
  • Minagi Tohno: A cheerful and outgoing girl who is always looking for a good time. She is trying to find her place in the world and is always looking for new experiences.

Themes

Air explores a number of themes, including love, loss, and reincarnation. The game shows how these themes can affect people’s lives in both positive and negative ways. Air also emphasizes the importance of finding your place in the world and living your life to the fullest.

Reception

Air was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its beautiful art, memorable characters, and engaging story. Air has won numerous awards, including the Visual Novel of the Year award at the 2001 Famitsu Awards.

Legacy

Air is considered to be one of the greatest visual novels of all time. The game has had a significant impact on the visual novel genre, and it has inspired numerous other games and anime series. Air is a must-play for fans of visual novels and anyone who is looking for a touching and heartwarming story.

Conclusion

Air is a beautiful and emotionally resonant visual novel that explores themes of love, loss, and reincarnation. With its memorable characters, engaging story, and stunning visuals, Air is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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