General Eroge Impressions & Discussion

[Cloudnine]

I forgot to post this last time ^^;;

http://www.erocha.jp/images/bn/fser.gif
http://www.erocha.jp/ <<< not safe for work

In a nutshell, a live chat using CG characters and professional VA. A 'live' eroge so to speak... ^^;;

Not my kind of thing, but seems pretty popular in some of the bbs boards lately.



There's even a session running later today at 12~ XD

[Flame-X]

is there a site that has a collection of hentai game OPs videos for dl?

[-Nyu-]

Hmm, not only eroges, but you can give it a try:
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=4&id=13&Itemid=26

There is a question I can't find an answer for.
I've read that Little Busters! won't have h-scenes. But why is it rated 18+ then??

[relentlessflame]

I've read that Little Busters! won't have h-scenes. But why is it rated 18+ then??It isn't; anyone can buy it without validating their age.

[-Nyu-]

So what's that??
http://www.paletweb.com/login_adult.asp?ItemNo=01182

[Orrin]

Might want to take a look at Little Busters webpage then, I think I trust Key more on that subject.

http://key.visualarts.gr.jp/newsoft/products.htm

Or why not take a look at Getchu.

http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=230125

In other words, Paletweb seems to have made a mistake.

[Varion]

Indeed they have. They've done it for a couple of games before that've been for all ages.

[Newprimus]

I'm looking forward to this one, coming out later this month:


http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=392005

Game homepage: http://www.axl-soft.jp/products/03/index.html

Company homepage: http://www.axl-soft.jp/main.htm
(Because the comic on the front is funny)


I have little clue what all the descriptions say, but it seems like Otoboku, only more extreme, and the main character's also a leet secret agent or something. Sounds like a winning formula to me! ;)


EDIT: I also fell instantly in love with the OP.

EDIT2: Those Japanglish impressions are sooooooo funny. Or is it Wapanese?



EDIT3: Trial version. Hmmmmm. It's like Full Metal Panic and Otoboku merged into one. It wins.

[luckyovermind]

After some silence, looks like we have a nice month ahead of us.

==============================

Little Busters! by Key - 27/07/2007
http://key.visualarts.gr.jp/newsoft/image/top02.jpg

The game everyone has been waiting for! which is going to be delayed



================================================== =================
Bullet Butlers by propeller - 27/07/2007
http://www.propeller-game.com/img/main_06.jpg

For anyone who loved their previous work: ayakasi




================================================== =================
続・殺戮のジャンゴ ─地獄の賞金首─ by nitroplus - 27/07/2007
http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/lineup/into_13/htmlver/img/top.jpg
Written by Urobuchi Gen, need I say more?

[CelestialShadow]

After 6 hrs, I'm finally done with Narcissu 2. =D
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with this piece. It's filled with food for thought indeed and a lot of "aaah so that's why she..." moments which tie back to narci1.
It is heavy on its seemingly common themes dealing with life/death, "kindness" in lying, how one views death from different perspectives etc. I loved the parallelisms and symbols which recurred a couple of times to relate to the themes and plot/subplots - eg. the potatoes and dog of flanders. I guess it also helps that the overall tone is not overly negative (i think), making it easier to digest than expected.


I am still confused with certain points in the story.

I do not really understand why himeko chose to approach setsumi other than her resemblance to the little girl under her care during the flashback. From what i understood (or at least from setsumi's pov), the reason why she avoided her sister and her best friend was because they don't want them to suffer like Aloise. So isn't she "creating" another "Aloise" by getting closer to setsumi? Perhaps it was akin to her lingering affection with the map book? To me, it felt as if her actions contradicted herself. :rolleyes:

Also, did she already know at least a little about setsumi's health condition? She did say something about setsumi being one who unlike her, hasn't fallen completely into the "hole", and has the possibility of "climbing up" again. (about entering 7F and recovery i suppose)

The third thing that I didn't really understand were the final bits　particularly the last few lines about "魔法"　and "誰を選んでも、心まで殺しちゃダメ".「魔法って祈りのこと？ 誰って誰？証人のことか？」とか。:confused:

*goes off playing Narcissu2 OP song 10 times...i just can't get enough of it. :heh:

[-Nyu-]

Actualy there was a first bounch of Narcissu Side 2nd @ Paletweb (http://www.paletweb.com/selectpage.asp?code=01219) but it's already sold out (don't ask me when the next copies will arrive). I wonder what's up with the English version, any information?
@luckyovermind
Will just order Little Busters from those 3. And I'll of course get Melty Blood V.B limited edition.

[rg4619]

Actualy there was a first bounch of Narcissu Side 2nd @ Paletweb (http://www.paletweb.com/selectpage.asp?code=01219) but it's already sold out (don't ask me when the next copies will arrive). I wonder what's up with the English version, any information?
@luckyovermind
Will just order Little Busters from those 3. And I'll of course get Melty Blood V.B limited edition.

The English translation is in progress, but at a slow rate. There's still no release date (it's early and Agilis has been busy finishing his degree), but Agilis expects it to be finished within four months.

[Cloudnine]

Lots of new games out this week~

sigh... preorders = shrinking wallet (ノ´∀`*)

http://shchara.co.jp/04develop/king/chara_b.gif (http://shchara.co.jp/index2.htm)
王賊 Ouzoku
SHChara's latest fantasy SLG. From the demo I've played, there isn't much difference in gameplay design from your average strategy SLG (territory capture and management), still the game is very polished as expected from Softhouse Chara, and the storyline is pretty solid (Like Rance, but with CV). Fans of SLG shouldn't miss this one.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5979/bannergq5.jpg (http://www.axl-soft.jp/)
恋する乙女と守護の楯 Koisuru Otome to Shugo no Tate
Sort of a cross between FMP! and Otoboku, but with much more parody material sprinkled around to keep things fresh. Basically, the story centers around Shuuji (callsign Shield 9), an bodyguard sent to infiltrate St. Theresa Girl's Institute and protect the "subject". At first look, Shuuji's background is very similar to Sousuke from FMP! such as his training as a tactical specialist, weakness to the opposite sex, and being raised as an orphan. However, other than those aspects, Shuuji's character design is original and very likable, especially when he kicks into 'serious' mode (often with hilarious outcomes ^^).

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8092/c392005chara1bj3.jpg
Shuuji and his alter ego, Taeko.

The VA cast list is very impressive (ojousama games just cannot do without Aoyama Yukari) and the parody material is to die for. I haven't laughed this much since Yuugeki Keikan Patvessel (http://maybe.sakura.ne.jp/soft/patves/index.html). ヽ(゜∀゜)ノ

http://cotton-soft.com/img/recon_bbanner01.gif (http://cotton-soft.com/gameproducts/02_recon/index.htm)
レコンキスタ Reconquista
I'm still undecided on whether to grab this game or not. The story falls under mystery/suspense which I love, but the fact there are multiple protagonists turns me off considerably. Still, the style and athmosphere of the game is a step above most games in this genre, plus the character designs are very attractive. うむむむ... a very hard choice indeed...

http://www.hook-net.jp/htm/img/hook_index.jpg (http://www.hook-net.jp/honeycoming/index.htm)
-ハニーカミング- HoneyComing
My most anticipated game this summer simply because of one thing. Asahi-ism <3

While the normal school setting isn't as exciting as the previous games, the main draw here is the amazingly moe character designs that will melt through rock. Seriously speaking, this is the first game I've ever bought just for a single character~ ^^;;

cLvcsbeBgmE

[Newprimus]

I'm playing "Koisuru Otome to Shugo no Tate" and am about 4/5th of the way through Yukino's arc. As of now, my impression of this game is that it's a rousing success. Excellent characters, great art, good music, and the humor is also great, incorporating both sudden outrageous moments and slower, subtle bits of humor.

The main character is awesome, to put it simply. He looks awesome as a trap, is hilarious, and yet also very badass. Extremely likeable and one of the better male protagonists I've seen.

I hope this game makes AXL famous, and hope that one day it could be made into an anime.

[-Nyu-]

I hope this game makes AXL famous, and hope that one day it could be made into an anime.
Yeah, something new after Otoboku, definetely won't miss that :D
Just tried the demo so far, but have to agree that it looks nice.

[Newprimus]

The game just threw me the biggest plot surprise I've had. Good god, I was NOT expecting this!!

I'm not going to spoilerize it unless someone really, really doesn't mind missing out on one of the biggest plot surprises ever, at least in my view.

[-Nyu-]

We have spoiler tags and I have 13 other titles before that game, so I don't mind a little spoiler. And you made me curious xD

[Newprimus]

A little spoiler? It's not a little spoiler. :D


Besides, the spoiler has no impact unless you're played the game a bit and gotten to know it and its characters well.

[shadowplay]

Phew, finally done with Tsukutori, must say my enthusiasm for the game splashed down a bit in the middle of the game (during Ayako's first good ending to be exact), but things picked up later on, and final ending was rather satisfactory I think. There are no real choices in the game, you first go through three bad endings, then three good ones and then final ending. Anyway if you like mystery games, have enough patience and don't mind not overly attractive character designs here is recommendation from me, Tsukutori is not the masterpiece I thought it would be but still it was the best eroge I played this year.

Started Reconquista shortly afterwards, so far doesn't seem anything special, but most of the writers behind the game were working on Scarlett so I'm having lot of hope. Proper impressions later on.

[Newprimus]

Koitate has some nice features that I think are worth mentioning. One of them is the "Turning Point" option, which takes you back to the last choice selection you had, which is really useful and keeps that quicksave free. The second one is pretty handy: it lets you skip whole scenes that you've already seen and if you come to a choice that you've already done, you get a short prompt on the choice that let's you choose one option and just move on without showing the whole scene over again. Quite handy indeed.

[relentlessflame]

Koitate has some nice features that I think are worth mentioning. One of them is the "Turning Point" option, which takes you back to the last choice selection you had, which is really useful and keeps that quicksave free. The second one is pretty handy: it lets you skip whole scenes that you've already seen and if you come to a choice that you've already done, you get a short prompt on the choice that let's you choose one option and just move on without showing the whole scene over again. Quite handy indeed.Sounds pretty useful. Circus games also have the latter feature, and it's quite helpful; even have a little summary of the scene so you remember what happened in it. No more holding down Ctrl! :heh: Turning Point sounds neat, but... while there is always saving anyway, that and Turning Point do sort of take all the risk out of making choices (assuming you weren't using a walkthrough to begin with). Oh well... :heh:

[Newprimus]

Oh yeah, Koitate has a summary too. I wish you could name your save games here though but you can't. Meh.

[darlliu]

Yeah, turning point and scene skip are so useful i just wonder why other games wouldnt use them.As for the game itself,i think its story and character design are both impressive.I think it would actually be even better as a full-age game. so hoping for a manga series or even an anime!

[Newprimus]

Here's Koitate's OP on youtube:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxJBOVl1Hec&mode=related&search=


An OP should make you want to play the game and this one succeeded wonderfully for me. It was the final straw that made me go get the game and play it, and I don't regret it.

[-Nyu-]

And here you have HQ version:
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=442&Itemid=26

[MeganeShounen]

@Cloudnine
I've been seeing some spots for HoneyComing lately, and according to the Himeyashop summary... the setting's about a former girls-only school that goes coed?

Seems like Koitate's plot sounds a lot like Otoboku's crossdressing + Full Metal Panic seriousness.. that's nice.
And can someone tell me the title of the OP song in the video? It's nice, I say.

EDIT: Whoops. Got it. ^^;

[Newprimus]

@Cloudnine
I've been seeing some spots for HoneyComing lately, and according to the Himeyashop summary... the setting's about a former girls-only school that goes coed?

Interesting. There's this one manga called Open Sesame that has a premise like that one.

[Cloudnine]

@Cloudnine
I've been seeing some spots for HoneyComing lately, and according to the Himeyashop summary... the setting's about a former girls-only school that goes coed?
Yes, but there's actually quite a bit more to the setting in Honeycoming. When it was originally an private girls school, there was a peculiar class that all students had to take to help them with the social aspects of life. That class is called "Renai Jugyou" (Love Education). The topic, of course is to learn how to fall in love. Even though the school is now coed, it still doesn't change the fact that it is a mandatory class that all student have to take. Cue in Koichirou, your average male student who is about to commute to such a school, not knowing how this 'class' will change his entire life.

It's a really short synopsis, but that should be the gist of it. There are other details like how the protagonists is weak against girls (Similar to Shuuji from Koitate), how his dad is the complete opposite (preaches love every ten seconds), and other character backgrounds that all adds to the overall atmosphere of Honeycoming.

And speaking of atmosphere, Honeycoming is a considerably on the sweet side. The drama is well done and original, but the majority of the script follows the events afterward (very different from normal scenario structure) and focuses on how the relationship deepens as they continue with the class. At this point the story shifts into low gear and begin to follow the day by day routine of the two as they become worthy of being called バカップル. (ノ´∀`*)

[MeganeShounen]

Yes, but there's actually quite a bit more to the setting in Honeycoming. When it was originally an private girls school, there was a peculiar class that all students had to take to help them with the social aspects of life. That class is called "Renai Jugyou" (Love Education). The topic, of course is to learn how to fall in love. Even though the school is now coed, it still doesn't change the fact that it is a mandatory class that all student have to take. Cue in Koichirou, your average male student who is about to commute to such a school, not knowing how this 'class' will change his entire life.

It's a really short synopsis, but that should be the gist of it. There are other details like how the protagonists is weak against girls (Similar to Shuuji from Koitate), how his dad is the complete opposite (preaches love every ten seconds), and other character backgrounds that all adds to the overall atmosphere of Honeycoming.

And speaking of atmosphere, Honeycoming is a considerably on the sweet side. The drama is well done and original, but the majority of the script follows the events afterward (very different from normal scenario structure) and focuses on how the relationship deepens as they continue with the class. At this point the story shifts into low gear and begin to follow the day by day routine of the two as they become worthy of being called バカップル. (ノ´∀`*)

Mmm... Love Education, you say.
Now that you mention it, lots of eroge protagonists need to be educated on how to properly handle girls (and to fit in with society). I can already think of some guys that would be suitable candidates... :heh:


I've tried DLing the online booklets for Koitate. Awesome art, and an interesting group of girls. My eyes are on Yuuri at the moment, since she emanates this odd "Asa-sempai" feel to me. I don't know. nihaha~ :heh:
(Must be the chibi renditions. Yeah, that's it.)

BTW, is Shuuji supposed to protect just one person (amongst the female cast, like Sousuke) or the "subject" differs from story to story?


Sidenote: Blocking a bullet with a schoolbag = bulletproofed interior?

[-Nyu-]

Hey, one question:
Is there a site with a ranking of visual novels/ eroges? I mean something like an archive where I can look up games and how well they sold as well as user reviews etc.

[CelestialShadow]

Hey, one question:
Is there a site with a ranking of visual novels/ eroges? I mean something like an archive where I can look up games and how well they sold as well as user reviews etc.

Well dunno about sales, but erogamescape has lists based on statistical measures like mean/median scores.

http://erogamescape.dyndns.org/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/index_toukei.php

[Newprimus]

I've tried DLing the online booklets for Koitate. Awesome art, and an interesting group of girls. My eyes are on Yuuri at the moment, since she emanates this odd "Asa-sempai" feel to me. I don't know. nihaha~ :heh:
(Must be the chibi renditions. Yeah, that's it.)

I dunno about Asa-sempai, but try LOLfang-tan instead. :D

BTW, is Shuuji supposed to protect just one person (amongst the female cast, like Sousuke) or the "subject" differs from story to story?


Sidenote: Blocking a bullet with a schoolbag = bulletproofed interior?

He protects two people, Yukino and Ren, and it's the same for every story. All the other characters all have their parts to play.

As for the schoolbag, it's got a metal plate inside.

[-Nyu-]

I think I speak for all guys here when I say:
Yuri is the best!!! :D

As for the schoolbag, it's got a metal plate inside.
Ah, smells like good old FMP xD

@CelestialShadow
Thx! Any other sites like that?

[Newprimus]

In Ren's path there's a reference to one of AXL's older games, Hidamari. Cool.

[angel_wing0]

school days for sure...was watching the vids on youtube..the bad ends are scary :eek:

btw why not a thread that focus solely on school/summer days?

[Newprimus]

I played School Days without a walkthrough and no idea what the choices said and somehow I was lucky enough to hit one of those famous bad endings. :)

Kotonoha + saw to be exact

[mist2123]

I played School Days without a walkthrough and no idea what the choices said and somehow I was lucky enough to hit one of those famous bad endings. :)

Kotonoha + saw to be exact

Why you played the game
Cuz u want to watch the h-scenes:heh::heh:

[Newprimus]

Why you played the game
Cuz u want to watch the h-scenes:heh::heh:

Bzzzztt!! ;)

It was back then famous for being almost totally animated (the game I mean) and I wanted to see what it was all about, but the H-scenes were pretty meh. Happiness (the one with that trap Jun and all) is a static game and had much more spectacular H-scenes.

[MeganeShounen]

Slightly offtopic, but I couldn't resist posting, since it's pretty much related..
Oh, and news for this has already been spread throughout the Web, but I just gotten hold of the Famitsu screenshots and... I'm a bit giddy about it. :D

Lucky Star Visual Novel. For the PS2. (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2007/07/03/104,1183399019,74384,0,0.html)
Yes, it'll be for all ages.

Just heard of a few things about it like... the protagonist's a male, and of course, most of the female L*S cast will be winnable. Oh, and that brunette's one of Kagami's classmates...

[angel_wing0]

I played School Days without a walkthrough and no idea what the choices said and somehow I was lucky enough to hit one of those famous bad endings. :)

Kotonoha + saw to be exact
GJ, i have to hand it to you :heh:

Why you played the game
Cuz u want to watch the h-scenes:heh::heh:

Obviously...or else what? to see makoto get stabbed by sekai? lol :D

[MeganeShounen]

Just dropping by to post an irresistably cool Koitate wallpaper.

http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/9084/koitatecrewawesome1su4vn6.th.jpg (http://img468.imageshack.us/my.php?image=koitatecrewawesome1su4vn6.jpg)
They'll take care of you, reaaaal nicely.

[kct]

Mmm... Love Education, you say.
Now that you mention it, lots of eroge protagonists need to be educated on how to properly handle girls (and to fit in with society). I can already think of some guys that would be suitable candidates... :heh:

Lol Makoto, but a lot of people already repeated tht oever and over again.

Managed to start ef...but things get a bit on the long-winded side at times. And the first thing my elder brother said when he saw Miyako is that 'she looked like Matsuri with shorter hair' (megs, remind me to play ef after today).

Wtf >.> .

[luckyovermind]

(originally by Omgwtflolzz)
Tears to Tiara remake for the PS3.

Complete redesigns for the characters, recasting for the VAs, fancy 3D graphics, new battle system (now S-RPG instead of RTS), revisions to the script.

Fixed link, thanks shinova
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6536/iup416196es3.jpg
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/3874/iup416230gp3.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6758/iup416231ok0.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3553/iup416234jm7.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7444/iup416235aa8.jpg

I played School Days without a walkthrough and no idea what the choices said and somehow I was lucky enough to hit one of those famous bad endings. :)

Kotonoha + saw to be exact

Actually that ending is the most common one.

[Newprimus]

Your links are messed up.

[-Nyu-]

But for PS3..
Really, I'm not a money tree (costs 600€ here). I think they should bring such games still on PS2.
Moreover PS3 is far to overpowered for such games.

[Sushi-Y]

But for PS3..
Really, I'm not a money tree (costs 600€ here). I think they should bring such games still on PS2.
Moreover PS3 is far to overpowered for such games.
It's an interesting concept though. And to be honest, it takes a large company the size of Leaf/Aquaplus to be able to venture into the PS3 game business, so I wouldn't expect this to become the norm anytime soon.

Although its true that PS3 may be overkill for your everyday ADV games, games that feature a significant amount of gameplay involving complex graphics (such as Tears of Tiara here) could benefit from the upgrade in system power. On top of that, the increased data space and graphic power means everything can be run at a higher resolution, meaning all visuals will look finer and more polished. For those people with HDTVs, the increase in visual quality is probably even more noticable.

And if the game is completely remade to feature more contents, then I say why not. It certainly beats seeings the same ol' re-releases or ports.

... Not that I own a PS3 or anything. ^^;

[rg4619]

Aquaplus is definitely out to crack the consumer games market. Recently, we've seen a greater reliance on RPG-style gameplay, as well as an emphasis on one or two lavish projects at a time. I guess it was bound to happen once Shimokawa hired Yusuke Hirata (previously the guy in charge of Square's Osaka office) to manage the company's business strategy.

That said, the PS3 is a huge risk given the small userbase. It'll be interesting to see how things pan out.

[Oppius]

Hitomi My Stepsister and Crescendo.Both from G-Collections.

[kct]

Wasn't it was said in an interview with the people from Aquaplus that they want to open up to a larger market compared to what they have previously? They might want to change from a company dealing with only visual novels and the like to a full-fledged game publisher of sorts.

[nsaid]

Could anyone help me, please? I got Gakuen Heaven game but I don't know japanese. Does such thing as english patch for this game exist and where could I download it? Thanks.

[-Nyu-]

A good site to check on translations is this (http://shii.org/translate/).

Don't know of a translation for Gakuen Heaven though. You could try this (http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36807).

[Oppius]

Gakuen Heaven? YUCK!

I am sorry for that.It just my sexual preference.I can play any h-games but yaoi ones are no-no.

[FoxHound9]

I know that it isn't listed on the shii.org list, but I was wondering if a School Days translation exists somewhere in the dark bowels of the net. I really want to play the game before I watch the anime.

[-Nyu-]

There you go..
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=343&Itemid=2

[Oppius]

It just me or Japanese like to put their TVs on the corner?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/Kokoro888/RyosHome.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/Kokoro888/TakahirosHome.jpg

It's up for you to make judgements.

[MeganeShounen]

It just me or Japanese like to put their TVs on the corner?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/Kokoro888/RyosHome.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/Kokoro888/TakahirosHome.jpg

It's up for you to make judgements.

Well, I guess they use their walls for stuff that's more important... like paintings or portraits. And.. perhaps, corners have more space and are less likely to be toppled over.

That.. or Feng Shui? :heh:

/me returns to listening to shield nine

[-Nyu-]

Japanese apartments are often a mess. In visual novels they often look clean and well arranged, but the truth is far different from that lol.

[Sushi-Y]

Japanese apartments are often a mess. In visual novels they often look clean and well arranged, but the truth is far different from that lol.
Not really. Some of my friends in Japan keep their pads quite neat, while others are a little less concerned about the "interior looks". Then again, I think that's the same pretty much everywhere.

For the record, most otakus are not like the typical hikikomori slob stereotypes that you see posted in various places online.

[black monster]

Long ago, I got hooked on a H game called "Season of the Sakura" - but it's for DOS. It worked with some tweaking in Win98, but I don't think it'll work on 2K or XP... so it looks like it's lost forever. Unless someone finally makes a good XP dos emulator that'll run it.

In any case, it was a great game :)


if you are searching for a a good XP dos emulator that'll run it there is one i

always use it it called DOSBox-0.70

[-Nyu-]

A Kagetsu Tohya translation patch has been released:
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=470&Itemid=2#jc_allComments
Melty Blood ReAct too.

[shadowplay]

Only got two endings out of Reconquista; Kureha's bad and good (which is more like happy-sad than good) ones, but must say I ended up liking this game a lot so far, maybe I'll like it even more than Scarlett if it continues like this; story's really good, as is music, atmosphere and of course art&designs.
Overall the game feels like true successor of NekoNeko's heritage whole lot more than the CottonSoft's first one. I'll write some more about it once I get all the endings, hopefully it'll happen before Little Busters gets out.

[kct]

Speaking of time, my HaniKami sessions are already affected (in a bad way), thanks to IDAS4 being released at arcades here. It seems that my Evo IX needs more attention than Asahi at the moment >.> .

[daedalus6]

can you tell me about crescendo? Whan kind of game is it? What is the starting premise etc?

[Oppius]

can you tell me about crescendo? Whan kind of game is it? What is the starting premise etc?

Crescendo is an eroge developed and published by Digital Objet,the same company behind Kana Little Sister.It was later translated into English and distributed outside Japan by G-Collections.

The game about Ryo Sasaki,the young man who at crossroad at his life.He about to leave the world once he knew,high school life.He only have 5 days upon graduation day.Taking place in the span of five days, Crescendo is a heart-warming story of a teenage boy’s first love.

Ryo is a quite troublesome student.He once involved in a fight which caused one of other students broke his arm in earlier school life.Ryo has since then become rather unapproachable, though he’s really kind at heart. During that same year, Kaho Nagira, a cute, friendly, but stubborn girl who is in the classroom next to Ryo’s, worked up the nerve to ask Ryo, who was always seen reading in the library, to join the literature club. The club was in dire need of a fifth member, or else it would’ve had to be shut down. Nowadays, Kaho often sits with Ryo and reads in the library after school. She has a boyfriend, who is also Ryo’s only friend in class, but with only five days remaining in school, it seems the time spent with Ryo has become even more precious to her. Kyoko Ashihara, a cute and tall girl with a complex about her height is a year younger than Kaho and attended the same middle-school as her. Kyoko joined the literature club in her freshman year and has had a crush on Ryo for quite sometime. With so little time left, she has finally made up her mind to confess her feelings to Ryo. Ryo’s classmate, Yuka, is the school’s harlot and will sleep with anyone for $50. Ryo says he hates her but she seems to have feelings for him because he acknowledges her as a human being. Ryo learns of this with only a few days left before graduation.Ayame Sasaki, Ryo’s kind-hearted and caring older-adopted-sister, has taken care of Ryo ever since their parents died three years ago. She stopped attending college in order to support Ryo and herself. Though they act like cheerful siblings, their happiness has never been the same since three-years-ago when Ryo found out he was adopted and took it out on Ayame. Ryo’s biological mother has recently welcomed Ryo to live with her, and Ayame thinks that may be best for him, but Ryo is unsure of what he should do. Before her parent’s death, Ayame attended the same college as Kaori Shito, the seemingly cold-hearted school nurse at Taramigaoka School. Ryo often visits her office to use the bed as a place to sleep when he feels tired. He always feels like a child when he’s with her but he thinks she enjoys his company. In just a few days, Ryo might never see any these people again, and his life, along with his relationship with these girls are sure to change.

Damn,I spent too much time typing this.I hope you will found it useful.

[daedalus6]

it doe it does....! is some what like true love? a dating sim?

[rg4619]

It's a multi-choice visual novel (basically all graphics and text, with the occasional choice of action) - kind of like a Choose Your Own Adventure book.

[pomps]

It's a good game, good story but I only really played through Crescendo twice to get Ayame and Kaori endings, rushed through Yuka's path and just skip all the dialogue of all other characters' paths. :D

[Chewy]

it doe it does....! is some what like true love? a dating sim?

Most complaints about Crescendo is that it's short, but what's there is absolute gold. I personally think Crescendo is amazing. From the soft piano background music, to the graphics, and even the execution of H-scenes.. it all comes together to create an unbelievable experience.

For me, it was the game that made me understand there was much more to these "ero-games" when I caught myself thinking about the characters at work and wanting read some of the scenes again when I got home. Even though I have since encountered even better VNs, Crescendo will always be the one that opened my eyes.

[MeganeShounen]

@Chewy

I clicked the Teninai links at your sig. Amazing piece of work you did there. Kudos.

Tenshi no Inai 10gatsu is certainly one amazing game. It's pretty depressing, compared to other Leaf games... but that's its charm point, I think.The cast's pretty unique too... you don't get to see many cigarette-smoking delinquents as protagonists. :D

[Oppius]

you don't get to see many cigarette-smoking delinquents as protagonists. :D

Even Ryo(Crescendo) do smoke,he has better personality than most other eroge protagonists who doesn't smoke.Click this spoiler button to see my impressions of Ryo and other eroge protagonists.



Ryo Sasaki from Crescendo : He may a fool,as Ayame addressed him, but so far he is my favorite eroge protagonist.The best thing about him is he isn't potrayed as womanizer.All girls he met has good reason to get close to them.Not just for sex.In fact he only have sex once for each girls(except Ayame). He is a rare specimen of eroge who is potrayed more like an average young man rather than a sex machine.

Takahiro Maejima from Hitomi My Stepsister : I have mixed feelings about him.First he want to be son and a good stepbrother until Hitomi's beauty has invoked his dark desire inside him.He raped Hitomi and later used as sex toy(even worse than sex slave).The good thing about him is he did become good stepbrother at the end of the game,if you followed the real storyline.In the alternate storylines,he met a girl who more lecherous than himself and later become a sex machine like other protagonists.

Kazuma from Do You Like Horny Bunnies 2 : This guy is a usual sex machine you met in other eroges.Nothing much to say about him.He is the only male sommelier in his workplace all female sommeliers are sleazy and perhaps immoral.It was his "duty" to satisfy them.nuff said.

Yosuke from Tsuki - Posession : The "Satan" of eroges.He saw women as sex tools and nothing else.Keep your ladies away from him.See you in Hell.

These are only based solely on my opinions alone and not from universal views.I may wrong but that was my honest views to each of them.



PS: I'm not a smoker.

[kct]

Tenshi no Inai 10gatsu is certainly one amazing game. It's pretty depressing, compared to other Leaf games... but that's its charm point, I think.The cast's pretty unique too... you don't get to see many cigarette-smoking delinquents as protagonists. :D

You did miss the times when I was giving commentaries while playing the game (I mean, when I played it, have since uninstalled it because of space), I guess >.> .

( -_-)

EDIT: So that is why you bugged me about Teninai >.< .

[Chewy]

@Chewy

I clicked the Teninai links at your sig. Amazing piece of work you did there. Kudos.

Tenshi no Inai 10gatsu is certainly one amazing game. It's pretty depressing, compared to other Leaf games... but that's its charm point, I think.The cast's pretty unique too... you don't get to see many cigarette-smoking delinquents as protagonists. :D

Hey thanks, that's always nice to hear :) I appreciate it !

[Sushi-Y]

*splurge*
#01182-5 (Little Busters First Limited Edition) $82.99
#01192 (Seinarukana The Spirit of Eternity Sword 2 Standard Edition) $89.99
#01203-16 (MELTY BLOOD Act Cadenza Ver.B for Windows Limited Edition) $74.99

Goods total amount of money $247.97
Ow :(

[luckyovermind]

That's just great...

If it's me I would give priority to the first two though.

[-Nyu-]

Yeah, but Melty Blood is.. cult. You don't want to miss that (not to talk that the limited edition will sure have a good collectors value later).
For Eien no Aselia 2, I was thinking a long time if I should get it or not, but I just have too many titles to finish yet. 8 to be exact plus I'm playing Guild Wars.
My shopping list for this year is Little Busters and Melty Blood Act Cadenza Ver.B

[Sun Shine]

Hey sorry to intrude on your guys thread but how much control do you get over these games stories and how long do they usually last for? Also where can you get these games in english? Please may you pm the answers if this is taking away from the thread. Thank you!

[Sushi-Y]

2 days until Little Busters... I already see some people getting their hands on early leaked copies... *anxious*

Some "game tips" were revealed by Tonokawa-san in the Key diary:
- You'll notice something different if you start a new game after completing all characters' routes.
- Haru-chin (Haruka)'s "Oshamanbe!" doesn't really mean anything.
- In regards to Rin's route, once you have cleared all 6 characters' routes, including Rin's, and then start a new game once more, you'll notice...
- Haru-chin's homerun hitting style has only produced a tiny number of actual homeruns during our entire enormous debug period.
- Once you have cleared Kudo's route, you will not be able to see Masato's bad end until you have cleared the entire game.
- There are quite a few cases like the one above
- Although Anego (Yuiko) will solve your problems if you go to her for help, you must not rely on her too much.
- During the second playthrough for Anego, the teleportation range in the latter half will suddenly increase greatly.
- Haru-chin is filled with errors.
- Anego → Steal Base → works great!
Stupid tease...

[MeganeShounen]

Some "game tips" were revealed by Tonokawa-san in the Key diary:
- You'll notice something different if you start a new game after completing all characters' routes.
- Haru-chin (Haruka)'s "Oshamanbe!" doesn't really mean anything.
- In regards to Rin's route, once you have cleared all 6 characters' routes, including Rin's, and then start a new game once more, you'll notice...
- Haru-chin's homerun hitting style has only produced a tiny number of actual homeruns during our entire enormous debug period.
- Once you have cleared Kudo's route, you will not be able to see Masato's bad end until you have cleared the entire game.
- There are quite a few cases like the one above
- Although Anego (Yuiko) will solve your problems if you go to her for help, you must not rely on her too much.
- During the second playthrough for Anego, the teleportation range in the latter half will suddenly increase greatly.
- Haru-chin is filled with errors.
- Anego → Steal Base → works great!

Funny, from reading those, I thought that Little Busters! had a baseball minigame besides the aforementioned RPG-ish minigame... :heh:

[Sushi-Y]

Funny, from reading those, I thought that Little Busters! had a baseball minigame besides the aforementioned RPG-ish minigame... :heh:
There is a baseball minigame. In fact, part of the initial story is actually built around the formation of a baseball team and training with our main characters.

[luckyovermind]

Some "game tips" were revealed by Tonokawa-san in the Key diary:
- You'll notice something different if you start a new game after completing all characters' routes.
- In regards to Rin's route, once you have cleared all 6 characters' routes, including Rin's, and then start a new game once more, you'll notice...



Yeah~~~~~~~~So there is an after story~~~~~~~~~or not?:(

[Echoes]

Never really played any ero-games at all, the thought never occurred to me. Haven't really had any available either. So.. any good ones out there? =p

[Newprimus]

What kind of ero-games do you like? Sort of like asking what kind of anime you like. There's epic adventure ero-games, high school romance ero-games, fantasy ero-games, even sadistic rape ero-games, the list goes on. Name a genre you'd like to try and we can start naming suggestions.

[Sun Shine]

I'm interested in adventure, high school romance genres.... although are there any ENglish releases of these kinds of games.... thank yous.

[kirisame_m]

da capo II > sugoi....
mizuiro, ramune :D and more....

[Chewy]

I'm interested in adventure, high school romance genres.... although are there any ENglish releases of these kinds of games.... thank yous.

Highschool romance - Try Crescendo, which has been officially translated to English. Read back a couple of pages in this thread as someone has already typed up a pretty good description of the game. Go to the Peach Princess website for more details.

Adventure - Castle Fantasia 2 is one that comes to mind, and has been fan translated to English. Phantom of Inferno (Action adventure w/ Mafias and Assassins) has been officially translated by Hirameki, but on the most annoying format ever. Utawarerumono is also a good choice, but I don't believe a full English patch exists yet.

If you understand Japanese, the floodgates open and you have many many more choices. Other people in this forum would probably know more about that than I do...

[MeganeShounen]

If you just said "adventure" and "school", I'd be saying something like "Eien no Aselia" or "ToHeart"... but since you included "English", that narrows it down to Crescendo and Brave Soul.

Brave Soul was pretty nice for an English port, I say.
(Mogudan being the artist was also a plus.)

[Hemisphere]

Lyrical Lyric (http://www.web-marmalade.com/data/product/lyrical_lyric/index.html) seems to be interesting, plus it's made by the same company behind Miraroma (http://www.web-marmalade.com/data/miraroma/mr_index.html), which is a plus for me. I'm also in the mood for something related to romance right now, and this might just be it.

Plus, the art is really nice, and the girls are really pretty. :D Too bad there's no character voice samples.

[Ayanokoji]

Hi, I'm new at this forum... nice to meet ya all... now, about my favorite eroge are:

1- Da Capo 2
2- Kanon
3- Koisuru Otome to Shugo no Tate (This new game rocks awsomely... I just finish the game with all endings, except for the normal bad ending, in just 2 days)
4- Otome wa Onee-sama (Boku) ni Koishiteru
5- Pure Moe Angel Aiko (I really like crossdressing theme, specially if the crossdresser are cute and hot like Komi from this game or Taeko from Koitate)
6- Like Life
7- Kono Aosora ni Yakusoku wo
8- Fate/Stay Night
9- Fate/Hollow Ataraxia
10- To Heart 2

[Sun Shine]

Ahh thank yoos!!!! Will be sure to check them out!!!

[Flame-X]

Utawarerumono, Prism Ark, and School Days are my top hgames.

[Spectacular_Insanity]

Is there a Da Capo 2 english version? I can't seem to find one. My japanese sucks, so playing Da Capo 2 in japanese is a very slim probability for me...

[Newprimus]

There is no English patch for a majority of new games.


If you have no command of Japanese, you can still use AGTH and Atlas to get machine translations of the text.



The only games with English translations are all the fairly old company-translated games, Brave Soul and Crescendo, Tsukihime, Wind - A breath of heart -, Planetarian, Shuffle (I think), Fate/Stay Night's Saber route, and I think a couple other.

[-Nyu-]

Shuffle translation isn't finished yet, but the release can be expected soon.
For further information please check the official site >click (http://gamepatch.se/news.php)<

[Hemisphere]

Utawarerumono, Prism Ark, and School Days are my top hgames.

Utawarerumono and Prism Ark for me, too. Though I haven't played School Days yet so I wouldn't be able to say if I like it or not.

Anyways, SEINARUKANA!

[-Nyu-]

Yeah, today's the release :)
I haven't played School Days yet.
Have you tried the demo (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=435&Itemid=26)?

[41nano]

I was wondering if you guys could tell me what are the "big" eroge hits that we should see soon adapted in anime.
I only know CLANNAD for the moment.
Were other Navel games, or little busters a hit ? (like Tick Tack and so on)

[Vibeke]

I didn't hear about any Navel game getting an anime, but ef - the first tale (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=48649) and Prism Ark (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=40816) are going to be animated.

[-Nyu-]

Little Busters is just out since a few days. My copy was shipped today so you can't expect a review before 3-4 weeks. But to say it in advance: I'm very sure that it's "good" since Key won't bring out any flop. Would see them like Blizzard, each game a hit lol (please no spamming about world of warcraft etc. everybody his/her taste ;))
And big eroge hits, hmmm.
Koisuru Otome to Shugo no Tate would be definitely something I'd to see turned into an anime.

[Oppius]

Cresendo anime will be great if they can remove the sex scenes.So does Kana Little Sister.I just can't imagine what the animators can do to remove the sex scenes.

[-Nyu-]

No Kana Little Sister. As much as I like the game, it's just to sad. I was depressed after finishing it for over a week >.<

[Newprimus]

Anyways, SEINARUKANA!

Getchu or website?

[kgptzac]

Just finished Cartagra by Innocent Grey, it's an awesome game consider it being an ero title.

Anyone here played/heard about Carnival by Starlink? I watched a MAD and it aroused my interest a great deal. Another game I really want to play is Katahane by Tarte. I have no immune against Fue's moe drawing style. Sadly I found no news regarding either being fan-translated to either English or Chinese...

[Chewy]

Just finished Cartagra by Innocent Grey, it's an awesome game consider it being an ero title.



I found Cartagra's overall resolution to be pretty weak. I was expecting a much better answer behind the mystery. The music, the graphics, the atmosphere are all done really well, and if they just came up with a better plot it would truly be a masterpiece.

... or maybe Remember11 has spoiled me when it comes to mysteries...

[Hemisphere]

Man, Seinarukana's completely blowing all the other games out of the water, aside from Little Busters. I don't see any other eroges being discussed but those two.

Too bad I still have to wait for days before I can play it, much less get it. -_-;

[Sushi-Y]

Too bad I still have to wait for days before I can play it, much less get it. -_-;
Hmm? Isn't it the other way aro...
...Oh I get it -__-

Seinarukana, Little Busters!, and Melty Blood shipped for me yesterday, should be arriving next week. Although it doesn't look like I'll have time to play any of them for a while (although I already "obtained" LB another way since I couldn't wait)... *sigh and curses life*

[Kaioshin Sama]

Not buying into the Key and Type Moon Hype (Though considering Little Busters for what appears to be RPG elements) my top games come from Alicesoft and Eushully. Sengoku Rance, Big Bang Age, Princess General II and Pastel Chime Continue being among the top ones.

[kgptzac]

I found Cartagra's overall resolution to be pretty weak. I was expecting a much better answer behind the mystery. The music, the graphics, the atmosphere are all done really well, and if they just came up with a better plot it would truly be a masterpiece.

... or maybe Remember11 has spoiled me when it comes to mysteries...

interesting, I have a complete opposite view though. I think Cartagra's plot is really what makes the game stand out... Although I guess it's not in the same level as Infinity series but the True Ending does provide answers for everything and the way conspiracy being unveiled is truly intriguing and worth to enjoy.

I hope here's someone played Katahane and Carnival and is willing to share some information and views ^^

[Newprimus]

Not buying into the Key and Type Moon Hype (Though considering Little Busters for what appears to be RPG elements)

How do you know they're all hype if you've never tried them?


If something was hype, people would get sick of it real quickly after trying it out. Key and Type-moon games on the other hand have endured for years and their communities are some of the largest. Say all you want about how wrong a large number of people might be compared to your own opinion, but when your opinion is against that of many others', you need to at least check and verify.

[Kaioshin Sama]

How do you know they're all hype if you've never tried them?


If something was hype, people would get sick of it real quickly after trying it out. Key and Type-moon games on the other hand have endured for years and their communities are some of the largest. Say all you want about how wrong a large number of people might be compared to your own opinion, but when your opinion is against that of many others', you need to at least check and verify.

Who says I haven't?

My opinion seems to be frequently against that of many others. It doesn't really bother me any more, it's just a fact of life at this point. It's true though, I've never had an inkling to play a Key game (By "play" I mean complete) until Little Busters, it looks very fresh and it could be fun. As for Type Moon, as much as others rave about them, I'm not really into the whole ADV thing. I thought I'd make a special point of this since people keep bringing up those two companies.

Whatever that company is that is making Seinarukana, I've enjoyed Eien No Aselia so far, though I haven't played in quite a while. Is Seinarukana complete and on sale yet by any chance?

Also, I wouldn't mind hearing others thoughts about Alicesoft and Eushully games. Swing away for all I care. They're all that jazz on another forum, and in the case of those two companies I bought into the fanfare/hype and I haven't been disappointed, but for one minor detail concerning one of Eushully's games.

[-Nyu-]

http://www.paletweb.com/login_adult.asp?ItemNo=01191
You'll get both games together (though the first Eien no Aselia is a version without h-scenes, shouldn't bother most people however).

I'm asking myself what's this discussion about? There are always people who have different tastes when it comes to several stuff. I myself didn't enjoy Tsukihime i.e. (stopped playing it after 1/4). So what? Am I a looser for not playing those "popular" games? Fate stay night also wasn't the holy grail for me.
When it comes to Key games; have all games as limited editions, and I love their stories.
I think the "problem" is that whenever there's stuff which is really popular there are fans who can't accept that there are still people who don't like the game.

[luckyovermind]

Carnival? Simply by knowing that this title is written by 瀬戸口廉也 makes me shiver all over. You definitely need a reasonable level of japanese to be able to understand the story and a strong mind to ... well

Katahane is nice, you can ask sushi san for more info :p

[detective392]

Right now i've been playing younger sister juice or Imouto Jiru for thoes who know it by that name.

[Hemisphere]

I remember that game. It had a hentai anime adaptation, which was quite hilarious, only the girls weren't as lolified as they were in the game.

God, I'm obsessing over Seinarukana so much, but I don't have much HDD space left. I guess I'm putting off Lyrical Lyric until I'm done with Seinarukana. >_<;

[Newprimus]

Speaking of HDD space, how does one devour 200 gigabytes within the span of a couple months? Lots and lots and lots of erogames.....lol.


EDIT: Oh god, another look and I really do have a lot of erogames....

[roan]

after finishing little busters, i find myself feeling empty.

are there any other erogames from this month/last month worth playing (besides eternity sword 2)?

[Sushi-Y]

Looks like C72 will feature the usual crazy stuff from TYPE-MOON that'll drive fans into riot mode at the event

http://www.typemoon.com/event/c72/index.htm

...me wants Shiki!

[Thany]

I remember that game. It had a hentai anime adaptation, which was quite hilarious, only the girls weren't as lolified as they were in the game.
I'm pretty sure the game and anime didn't had much differences as even in the game itself, the girls weren't that loli.
ロリキャラ同好会 (http://page.freett.com/maiharasuzue/rori.html) classifies them as 60% loli at most which isn't a lot IMO :p (btw the girl in my signature is tagged 95% <__<)

[Hemisphere]

I'm pretty sure the game and anime didn't had much differences as even in the game itself, the girls weren't that loli.
ロリキャラ同好会 (http://page.freett.com/maiharasuzue/rori.html) classifies them as 60% loli at most which isn't a lot IMO :p (btw the girl in my signature is tagged 95% <__<)

I didn't know that. Well, they looked more loli-ish (wtf?) in the eroge than in the h-anime, at least to me. Maybe I should get my eyes checked...

Also...NOZOMI PUNCH! LOL @ Nozomu groping Nozomi and blaming it all on "a bad dream".

[Thany]

I didn't know that. Well, they looked more loli-ish (wtf?) in the eroge than in the h-anime, at least to me. Maybe I should get my eyes checked...

Well the infos given on their char pages would make you think they might be loli, but the CGs themselves are obviously, you can easily see their breasts =P

[Newprimus]

after finishing little busters, i find myself feeling empty.

are there any other erogames from this month/last month worth playing (besides eternity sword 2)?

I heard good things about Shirogane no Soleil, even if it's a little relatively old. Have you tried Koisuru Otome to Shugo no Tate? It's like Otoboku crossed with Full Metal Panic.

Go into Getchu and just brows through their front page and PC section. A lot of the newest and upcoming games are shown there.

[-Nyu-]

This title looks also promissing:
http://circus.nandemo.gr.jp/sakuhin/nf/index.html
Rival for Seinarukana 2?

Got my copy of Little Busters! today, the artbook is awesome! Have made some photos (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=482&Itemid=2) if anyone is interested.

[Narumi]

Nah, I'd say more like rival for this (http://leaf.aquaplus.co.jp/product/megiddo/index.html) :p

They were showing it off at the Circus booth at AX though, and there's currently an episodic 'D.C. to EF' where Otome and the others from D.C.2 end up in the world of EF. It's an amusing way to introduce people to the world, I think.

[relentlessflame]

Got my copy of Little Busters! today, the artbook is awesome! Have made some photos (http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=482&Itemid=2) if anyone is interested.Ah, did you get the 500-piece puzzle as well? Maybe that was a pre-order item... I don't remember. Anyway, it's a pretty neat extra. I wonder if I have room somewhere to put that together... :heh:

Anyway, it's probably blasphemous, but I've actually been focused on the other game I got with my Little Busters order, which is Feng (http://www.feng.jp/)'s Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka (http://www.akane-iro.jp) (both links somewhat NSFW).

http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_box_cover-front_thumb.jpg (http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_box_cover-front_200dpi.jpg)- Opening Movie Download (http://dl-3.drabbit.net/dl/feng/akaneiro_demo.zip)
- Trial Version Download (http://dl-3.drabbit.net/dl/feng/romasaka_try.zip)

I had never played Feng's previous, similarly-named Aozora no Mieru Oka (http://www.feng.jp/aozora/), but I understand the playstyle here is somewhat similar. It's structured like an anime series, with 24-26 episodes, OP, eyecatch, "next episode" segment, and so on. I kind of like that because it gives you a pretty good "stop point", plus gives you a good indication of how far along in the story you are. Plus, of course, I like anime even more than visual novels to begin with, so mixing them isn't bad from my perspective. :p In terms of the story, it's a fun high school romantic drama/comedy; it won't necessarily win any awards for originality, but it's good if you're in the mood for that sort of story (which I pretty much always am :p ).

In order to protect a girl from danger, Junichi Nagase is forced to kiss her. Shocked and disgusted, and without understanding what just happened or why, she screams at him and tells him to "just die!" As it turns out, the girl, Yuuhi Katagiri, is a new transfer student and, much to the surprise of Junichi and his younger sister Minato, their father arranged for Yuuhi to be Junichi's future wife! Of course, getting married to "that perverted idiot" is the absolute last thing Yuuhi wants! Junichi's crazy school life with his tsundere bride-apparent has begun!

Characters:
- Yuuhi Katagiri: Heir apparent to the Katagiri Group, and (thanks to her parents) betrothed to Junichi. Appropriately nicknamed "Hime" by her classmates (it's a kanji pun on her name). Described by Feng as 7 parts "tsun" and 3 parts "dere".
- Minato Nagase: Junichi's younger, but quite mature, sister. Part of the Tennis Club, and very popular at school. 3 parts "tsun" and 7 parts "dere".
- Tsukasa Kiryu: Junichi's classmate and childhood friend. She's always on the lookout for the latest "scoop", and serves as DJ for school events. She's basically a fun, easy-going type of girl.
- Nagomi Shiraishi: A mysterious girl who describes herself as "9 parts "tsun" and never "dere" with humans". She seems to know more about events going on than it seems, but she will only provide hints and challenges Junichi to figure out the riddles.
- Mitsuki Shiina: The school's always-cheerful student council president. A bit clumsy and whimsical, she refers to herself in the third person and always speaks with a cute tone. Idolized by all the guys (including Junichi), and respected by all the girls.
- Mikoto Tachibana: Bonus character that's unlocked after you complete the game once. It seems Junichi met her once in the past and they made a promise... is she his first love...? (Note: She also appeared as a side-character in Aozora no Mieru Oka)
- Nishino Fuyuhiko: Junichi's (male) friend and Vice President of the Student Council. He gives off a very "princely" air, which drives the female students wild -- especially if they think that he and Junichi have something "going on"... :heh:I think the game's strongest point (and don't they know it) is definitely the lead heroine -- her tsundere oujo-sama character basically steals every scene with just a really solid performance. I'm not necessarily a huge tsundere fan, but they really did a good job here. The only problem with having such a strong female lead (both in presence and personality :heh: ), though, is that it could sort of overshadow the other characters stories -- I mean, from the very first scene, it's obvious that the story basically revolves around Yuuhi no matter what. But I think they handled it pretty well; even in the other characters' paths, resolving Yuuhi's story factors in, and it doesn't feel too forced. The other thing that's a bit of a side-effect of using the anime approach is that you end up with character episodes -- all of the characters have at least one or two episodes of character development, even if you're not on their path. I guess that's no different from most visual novels (where the first 2/3 of the game is the common path), but the episode format makes it more noticeable. All in all, it just means that you're holding Ctrl a fair bit during replays, because the game doesn't have that always-handy (but sadly under-used) "summary-skip" feature. But, like some 26-episode anime, don't despair if you find the middle drags a bit -- I would definitely say the endings are worth the wait. And incidentally, all of the sex scenes are "extras" at the end of each of the related episodes, so it's easily skippable for people who don't want the 18+ version (that's not to say there aren't any risqué scenes in the normal episode flow, though :heh:).

Anyway, this isn't a game for people who dislike AVGs, for the jaded, or for those looking for something new & different. But, if you're in the mood for a high school romantic comedy/drama, and have no problem dealing with tsundere-types, you might want to check it out.

http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_illust-book_cover-front_thumb.jpg (http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_illust-book_cover-front_200dpi.jpg) http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_illust-book_cover-back_thumb.jpg (http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_illust-book_cover-back_200dpi.jpg)http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_phone-card_thumb.jpg (http://www.relentlessness.com/games/akane-iro/akane-iro_phone-card_200dpi.jpg)
(In addition to the obvious fanservice, she's also wearing the uniform from Aozora no Mieru Oka.)

[Hemisphere]

I was also looking out for that game as well, though I got distracted by Lyrical Lyric and Seinarukana. Thanks for the detailed synopsis, I'll be sure to try this game out after I get tired of Seinarukana (WHAT BLASPHEMY).

Seems like their art improved, based on how the characters from Aozora no Mieru Oka look compared to the characters in Akane-iru ni Somaru Saka.

[-Nyu-]

The school uniform remembers me a bit of those in EF-The first tale ;)
After finishing Seinarukana? Good luck lol, it's LONG O_o

@rentlessflame
I got just the game, the puzzle was a preorder item from Himeya or? I got my copy from Paletweb. Moreover I won't pay extra for an preorder item so that's nothing for me ;)

Ah, and we have this DC in Eternal Fantasy video on our site here
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=477&Itemid=26
It's the second, the first is the opening.

[Hemisphere]

Yeah, 12 chapters. I don't mind the length, though, it just means that Seinarukana has more to deliver.

[-Nyu-]

There are rumors Kanon got licensed by ADV Films, however the trailers they had on their site were taken down. Would sound logical to me since they already have Air.

[luckyovermind]

http://stage-nana.sakura.ne.jp/

This picture is just so pretty that I have to post it. It reminds me of a particular scene in red -aka-...
http://i18.tinypic.com/52ochfl.jpg

A new 4-coma is up as well.

The content of the new diary entry is pretty much about C72,
A 48 page narcissu visual fan book will be sold at 1000-1200 yen. If you go to the comiket and ask kataoka-san gently, you will probably be able to get a lamune wind chime as well. :D

[MeganeShounen]

Was looking around the usual game companies when I saw this:

Prism Ark Love^2 Maximum (http://www2.pajamas.ne.jp/prismax/index.html)
(Beware, NSFW splash pic on the front page, courtesy of Precia. >_>;; )

Seems like there's a new character in the game... is it a fandisc for Prism Ark, perhaps?
Doesn't look like it has too much plot..

[Hemisphere]

Was looking around the usual game companies when I saw this:

Prism Ark Love^2 Maximum (http://www2.pajamas.ne.jp/prismax/index.html)
(Beware, NSFW splash pic on the front page, courtesy of Precia. >_>;; )

Seems like there's a new character in the game... is it a fandisc for Prism Ark, perhaps?
Doesn't look like it has too much plot..

Another fandisc? IIRC, Prism Ark already has a fandisc named Teresa To Heart. This one's selling point seems to be the H scenes that you can have with the characters (For Teresa to Heart, it was with Fillia and Teresa).

>_>

...Oh man, not like I'll be able to ignore it. Kagura alone has me hooked, but Precia too? SOLD. Now I'll also have to take this title into account along with Kamipani! and Eternal Fantasy for the list of upcoming eroges that I'll have to (possibly) get. Knowing me, though...I'm sure I'll end up getting them.

>_>;

[Hunter Nin.]

Well I only just started playing my first ero-game a few days ago. The game I am playing is Tsukihime. The game really is brilliant and so far I've completed all of Arcuied's, Ciel's and Akiha's routes. There are some really beautiful moments although a lot of the game I find quite depressing even the endings which are supposedly the 'good' endings. I don't feel that this condensed blast of depression is any good for me but I will continue playing to finish the game in it's entirety.

As Tsukihime is the only ero-game I have played so far then this is my favourite game. The next game I am planning to play is Shuffle! which I can only hope will be as good as Tsukihime.

[-Nyu-]

Type Moon games are well known for depression ;)
As for Shuffle! I can really recommend it. The question is which type of story do you favour? Drama, action, comedy, mystery..?

[Newprimus]

Another fandisc? IIRC, Prism Ark already has a fandisc named Teresa To Heart. This one's selling point seems to be the H scenes that you can have with the characters (For Teresa to Heart, it was with Fillia and Teresa).

>_>

...Oh man, not like I'll be able to ignore it. Kagura alone has me hooked, but Precia too? SOLD. Now I'll also have to take this title into account along with Kamipani! and Eternal Fantasy for the list of upcoming eroges that I'll have to (possibly) get. Knowing me, though...I'm sure I'll end up getting them.

>_>;

Also has a new character coming in. I have limited command of Japanese, but I think it's Hyaweh and Fillia's "onee-san," that the two talked about briefly during the first game. She looks like a big version of Litte (relation maybe?). Her character description has "The owner of the biggest chest!" in it.

[Hemisphere]

Bigger than Kagura?!

[Newprimus]

Bigger than Kagura?!

I guess so. It looks bigger than Kagura's for sure.

[PGilis]

I finally got my hands in R.U.R.U.R. (http://www.light.gr.jp/light/products/rurur/index.htm), an ADV Ero-Game (for adults!) from LIGHT (http://www.light.gr.jp/). Now i'm playing. So far, that's my thoughts:

The Story:
A Sci-Fi romance-comedy-drama Shota-Oneesan ADV. In the distant future, the humanity was colonizating the space. When the gigantic immigration spaceship "Saint Exupery" (more than 20 km/12 miles long!) was navigating the outer space, a serious accident killed all the humans inside the ship, leaving just a tripulation of bad-french speaking robots and advanced (read: sexy) all-purpose female-androids. Many dozen of years (maybe centuries) passed in this enormous coffin floating the space, until one day the androids found (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/03img01.jpg) a still functional life-support hibernation capsule with an alive human inside, a young boy.
The androids decided to release the boy and raise him themselves, simulating a family until he becomes an independent adult, able to command the ship...

The Characters:
*ICHIHIKO (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/02chr01.jpg) - The protagonist and only human survivor of the entire ship. A boy. Because he suffers amnesia, he accepts the strange condition he's into very naturally, until one day he's kidnaped by R-Benibana, and learns the truth about his fake "happy world".

*ISF-ISAAC-0010102F "R-HINAGIKU" (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/02chr02.jpg) - Hina, in short. Originally a combat-type, she's the female android simulating a "scatterbrain, violent tsundere" childhood friend of Ichihiko. At first she was acting out of duty, but she's becoming more and more involved with Ichihiko. Ah, and she "masturbates" eating a big pot of popcorn! :rolleyes:

*ISAAC-1011105L "R-MIZUBASHIYOU" (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/02chr03.jpg) - The leader of the The female androids and manager of the spaceship, now simulating the "bubbly-airheaded housekeeper" mother of Ichihiro. Actually, acts more like his oldest sister. She wants to take good care of him and teach him "everything"! ;)

*D-ISSG-0100118D "R-SHIROTSUMEGUSA" (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/02chr04.jpg) - Shiro, in short. The female android responsible for ambiental maintenance, now simulating the "taciturn and emotionless fanatic for manga" older sister of Ichihiko. Even thought she looks cold, she really likes Ichihiko. Funny enough, when she uses all her energy, she turns into a loli, with a appearance younger than Ichihiko. :p

*R-000111014L "R-KOBATOMUGI" (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/02chr05.jpg) - The female android simulating the "strict but friendly" teacher of Ichihiko. Few data are known for this model.

*ISAAC-10001009 "R-TANPOPO" (http://www.game-style.jp/special/200702/14/02chr06.jpg) - The female android simulating the traveler-poet and temporary teacher who Ichihiko encounters. A very inteligent taned loli.

*ISF-ISAAC-0010104F R-BENIBANA - A mysterious combat-type female android very similar to Hina. She looks to be malfunctioning and kidnaps Ichihiko, for unknown purposes.

*THE WORKER ROBOTs - Besides working at the ship speaking bad-french, these robots are simulating Ichihiko's classmates.


So far, this game is great. Graphic-wise, is very beautiful with good characters, detailed backgrounds, some short animations and 3D. The Music is beautifull too, with many voiced songs. I must find the OST for this game, later. :)

Besides the comedy and romantic parts, there's some mistery and drama too. So far, the story proceed smoothly, with almost no choices. Probably the different paths for each girl will come later.

So far, so good. I will keep playing and talk more about it later. Oui, Monsieur!! :D


EDIT: Forgot to add some links.

[Newprimus]

I have Shirogane no Soleil: Successor of Wyrd and Familiar Spirits, both from Skyfish.

Familiar Spirit takes place basically in a world a lot like Shuffle's, where the human world is joined with that of demons and gods. In FamiSpi it's the human world joined with that of the elves. After twenty years, the two races now co-exist in much the same fashion that the races in Shuffle did.

FamiSpi's site, usual NSFW warnings apply (http://www.sky-fish.jp/famispi/famispi-index.html)

Shinichi, the main character, wants to go to the same school as Suseri, his elven childhood friend and little sister type, except that she's aiming for a magic school that apparently specializes in familiars, mystical creatures summoned into existence from other worlds that are bound to their summoners. Humans rarely can use magic, and Shinichi can't get into the school unless he does something really fantastic, like actually succeed in summoning a familiar.

So he gets a basic summoning kit from a teacher at school, goes home and tries it out. Nothing happens at first but the summoning works! Enter Pam, a demon princess who suddenly got transported into the human world from out of the blue (naked to boot). In short, she becomes Shinichi's familiar. (Pam is a mazouku, which is different from an oni, but unfortunately the only usable English translation for both is either demon or devil. le sigh)

Pam is a pretty typical tsundere, and can do lots of combat magic. She's pretty peeved at her situation at first, and it's funny whenever the magic of the contract suddenly takes over and makes her become all subservient to Shinichi and then she realizes what she's doing and goes, "!!!" :lol:

Suseri is an elf and Shinichi's childhood friend and younger sister figure. She's pretty much your gentle, caring imouto type. Don't know much more about her yet.

Koyori is also an elf, and the class representative. It's pretty obvious I think that she has this big crush for Shinichi, who's apparently pretty popular with all the girls at school but doesn't know it.

There's also this student council type guy, who's name I forget, who's distinguishing feature being that he's HARD GAY for Shinichi (There's a CG between him and Shinichi that made me laugh and cringe at the same time when I saw it :D )



Shirogane no Soleil is a better game than FamiSpi, and can be described here (http://alkenshel.wordpress.com/2007/08/02/sol-valkyr-ikimasu-fate-chan-im-counting-on-you-for-a-support-attack/).

Ryuuhei, the main guy, ends up contracting with Sol, the main heroine and a valkyrie, in order to fight off a berserker, this nasty monster thing, and from there the story goes on; which I admittedly haven't gone that far into.

Sol is pretty much one example of the "ultimate tsundere loli" ideal. She's not as bratty and unbearable as Louise from Zero no Tsukaima (sheeesh, nooo way. Sol is downright lukewarm compared to Louise, who seems to EXPLODE at every little thing Saito does). Ryuuhei and Sol fight often in these hilarious verbal pissfights, instead of the one-sided brat-rant of Saito and Louise.

I also hear that once she goes into her dere mode, there's no going back. :uhoh:



Now, I'll say this out now. Neither of these two games, so far, are anywhere near as fantastic as the likes of Prism Ark, Little Busters, and Happiness. For one, my biggest complaint about these two Skyfish games is how empty it feels. When Ryuuhei's classmates start making comments from the side, it feels awkward and the convo goes on a little too long. The environment as a whole feels empty; there's no feeling that this is a bustling public high school. The entire action feels like it's concentrated purely on say Ryuuhei and Sol, or Ryuuhei and Miyori. The games' environment just feels so...... empty.

FamiSpi also doesn't quite do character transitions too well. Like one character is saying a bunch of stuff and there's another character on the screen and she isn't doing anything for the entire time. Prism Ark, for instance, would have the screen focused entirely on that one character unless she's sitting close by another, Like Priecia and Kagura, and the view would completely change to another character when they speak out, and so on, and it just feels more natural.

That said, FamiSpi and Shirogane no Soleil are not bad games. FamiSpi's premise is what caught my interest and it delves into a sort of master-slave kind of relationship without any of the sheer abuse and negative feelings that usually come with that kind of situation. Plus, the H-scenes are awesome. :D

And Shirogane no Soleil has pretty high production values, plus you can't lose with a spunky and badass tsundere loli battle maiden. ;)

[Hemisphere]

And Shirogane no Soleil has pretty high production values, plus you can't lose with a spunky and badass tsundere loli battle maiden. ;)

QFT. Sol is what makes Soleil worthwhile.

ARGH MUST GO BACK TO PLAYING IT AGAIN. >_<

[-Nyu-]

I finished Yume Miru Kusuri yesterday, damn, what a good story! Was a bit surprised that the h-scenes are uncensored. Since when you check other titles of Ruf the h-scenes are censored.

[shadowplay]

I finished Yume Miru Kusuri yesterday, damn, what a good story! Was a bit surprised that the h-scenes are uncensored. Since when you check other titles of Ruf the h-scenes are censored.You never played US-released eroge before? They're pretty much always uncensored when it comes to H-scenes.

[-Nyu-]

Hmm, I played Kana Little Sister too. Didn't know about that, funky xD.

[relentlessflame]

Some initial thoughts on Moonstone's latest work, Clear (http://www.moon-stone.jp/ms06clear/), after 1/5 paths...
It definitely draws on some of the themes of Gift (especially the magical premise, and returning to town after years away), but mixes them up a fair bit. There's a lot going on behind the scenes, and in a lot of ways that can be even more important than the romance aspect. The (IMO excellent) OP tells you in advance that the blue sky hides a story of tragic fate. That's reflected in the characters too, I think -- all five leads are almost too cute, but then you find there's more beneath the surface in the game world. The main character, Kouichi, has some weird quirks that are, obviously, important to the story -- most notably, he can see ghosts, and has a very unusual reaction to blood... There are also some oddities about the other heroines of course too, but it seems those will be mostly revealed deep into the various paths. It seems like the sort of story where you can only fully understand everything if you play all the different paths.

I should probably also mention that it's really more like 5 inter-connected kinetic novels, because there really aren't that many choices to make, and they're all bunched up right near the beginning. They don't waste much time setting you down the various story paths either, so they almost could have just asked you which heroine's story you wanted to see. I was sort of expecting more "common path" stuff (normal school life, etc.), but it sort of works out for the best given the amount of ground they have to cover. Even though you go down a character's route early on, that's not even 25% into the story in terms of length.

So, I guess I'd sum it up by saying that Clear surprised me a bit by the unusual backstory. I was expecting a more usual summer-romance sort of tale, but that seems to be taking a back seat. I think I'll have to play more paths before I fully understand what's going on. I think it would make an interesting anime, though, so hopefully Imagica, OLM and all are already on it. :p
P.S. By the way, have you ever noticed how, in seemingly every story, there's one English loan word that's sort of the buzzword of the game? Whatever that word is (in Clear's case it was "shy"), the first time another character hears the word, they have to respond with that word as a question ("Shy?"), as if they're not 100% sure what the word means and/or they're not used to hearing it. And then, invariably, they'll use that word later on in proper context. You could practically make some sort of Buzzword Bingo out of it. Anyway, just a little something I've noticed... :heh:

[Spuffy]

I finished Reconquista yesterday. The story was really impressive and the idea of having roughly the same story all over worked really good. But my favourite point would be how every little event which may seem unimportant at first in realty is a part of the story. Definately one of the better games I've spent my time with.

And with a really nice sense of timing the next ones arrived today.
First MLAF:
http://pici.se/pictures/TXZrcIRgx.jpg

För a larger version, click here. (http://nekomimi.se/loot/DSC01962.JPG)

There is also a rather interesting trailer (http://www.mediafire.com/?6utx43e2i1d) on the extra disc.

Second one was Gun-Katana. The packaging did play a role in that decision.
[http://pici.se/pictures/qLGRvOOiO.jpg

[DarkWarrior]

I just finished Tomoyo After, and I enjoyed it a lot. However, the ending left me frustrated and confused at the same time. I won't go into spoilers, but I heard the CS Edition (the one for the PS2) had a more conclusive ending. Anyone know if this is true?

[Narumi]

I finished Reconquista yesterday. The story was really impressive and the idea of having roughly the same story all over worked really good. But my favourite point would be how every little event which may seem unimportant at first in realty is a part of the story. Definately one of the better games I've spent my time with.
It was up and down for me. Each protagonist had a good and not so good path, and it was a bit of a pain to go through those to get to the final path. And the ending...

It was a decent title, but I was expecting more out of it.

[Hemisphere]

Muv Luv Altered Fable?!!

DO WANT!

[Cloudnine]

Muv Luv Altered Fable?!!

DO WANT!
にゃはは♪ I have one too~
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2345/moriteimg600x4501188773st1.jpg
I got mine in the mail a few days ago, but haven't played it yet as I am still playing through Seinarukana. (ノ´∀`*)
Sad though I didn't get the phone card I wanted.
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4029/afteleca06lmz1.jpg
lol, yea... it's a telephone card :heh:
I also made a preorder for Nanatsuiro★Drops Pure!! which is due out in 2 weeks. I was a bit hesitant on getting it, but after seeing the "new" OP, It became an instant purchase for me. A brand new heroine, mandatory beach event, and the biggest draw factor for me >>> Pay special attention the the last few seconds of the movie ~ New OP Movie (http://www.mediaworks.co.jp/contents/7drops/fun/pv/movie/7drops_opmv500k.html)

フローラちゃん、可愛いすぎる!!!

[Hemisphere]

Flora?!! Do Want More!!!

[komichi]

Castle Fantasia and Men at Work anyone? Revisiting some oldies.

[Dark Lord Zenigame]

I preordered Nanatsuiro Drops Pure about a month ago, thanks to the Sumomo figure. Didn't find out about the artbook or the extra paths until later, but it makes me feel slightly less stupid for dropping that much money on it. ^_^;;

Also have a preorder for Zettai Shiawase Sengen, which looks to be my only September PC game release. October, on the other hand... gaah.


And now, back to my backlog.



EDIT:
Erjegel, your signature is freaking awesome. :>

[Hemisphere]

I preordered Nanatsuiro Drops Pure about a month ago, thanks to the Sumomo figure. Didn't find out about the artbook or the extra paths until later, but it makes me feel slightly less stupid for dropping that much money on it. ^_^;;

Also have a preorder for Zettai Shiawase Sengen, which looks to be my only September PC game release. October, on the other hand... gaah.


And now, back to my backlog.



EDIT:
Erjegel, your signature is freaking awesome. :>

I know. October is so full of good eroges, that I...ugh. >_<; There's Skyfish's new eroge, and lots, lots more to look forward to.

Thanks for the sig compliment, btw. It's even more awesome when you realize what Sol's doing, when she does it, exactly what she does, and what the kanjis in the sig reference to. :D

[-Nyu-]

My fav is Hoshiful:
http://www.visual-novels.net/vn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=525&Itemid=2

[Hemisphere]

Oh my God, it's close! >_<;

I'm also waiting for Kamipani, Alice Parade, Harukazedorini Tomagiri wo, Aster, Root after and Another, Fortune Aterial, Soshite Ashita no Sekai Yori, and Beat Blades Haruka. Along with some others more that I might have forgotten. >_<

[-Nyu-]

Dude, how much free time do you have to play all those games, and how much money to buy em all? O_o

[MeganeShounen]

Oh my God, it's close! >_<;

I'm also waiting for Kamipani, Alice Parade, Harukazedorini Tomagiri wo, Aster, Root after and Another, Fortune Aterial, Soshite Ashita no Sekai Yori, and Beat Blades Haruka. Along with some others more that I might have forgotten. >_<

Nice. Isn't Beat Blades Haruka that new pseudosequel for Beat Angel Esclayer. Well, they even sound the same anyway... Aster sounds familiar, and Alice Parade... yeah. More Itou Noi- er... Zatsuon is always nice. :3

Fortune Aterial was one of the games I've (and KBTKaiser, along with the DC II PS and anime rendition) been checking out these past few months, and right after it was announced. From the looks on the latest Comiket-released trailer, it felt like Operation Sanctuary with its school environment.

Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that one of the characters was a vampire of some sort? :heh:

[Hemisphere]

I like the art of whoever did Beat Angel Escalayer, Daibanchou and Rance, among other titles. That's why I'm getting Beat Blades Haruka.

Kamipami has the same art in Boy Meets Girl, so same reason as above. Eternal Fantasy's another game that I forgot to list, but I'm definitely waiting for that one. I'm not really sure about the rest of the titles that I've posted, they're more like a tentative list than anything else.

[luckyovermind]

October? isn't there something called dies irae from light? From the writer of paradise lost and dear my friend?

Anyway, looks like AstCD2 and his happy companions (which include zalas-san apparently) have recently finished an english patch for ONE, the game that needs no introdution.

The patch can be obtained from here: http://akane.is.moelicious.be/index.htm

[Hemisphere]

Holy crap. I just have to say it again, but Shirogane no Soleil is awesome.

Brunhilde? Christ, I never saw that coming.

[velocity7]

CLANNAD is being ported to... Xbox 360?! In Spring?!

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6240/vlphp070332no5.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vlphp070332no5.jpg)

[shadowplay]

October? isn't there something called dies irae from light? From the writer of paradise lost and dear my friend?Yeah there is, for me that's the only interesting game next month along with Garden (http://www.cuffs.co.jp/04_Garden/index.html); new and very sweet looking eroge from the team behind Suigetsu and Sakura Musabi, too bad it's again oldstyle VN (text over screen).
While we're at listing forthcoming titles there's some more other interesting stuff in November;
Kira Kira (http://www.over-drive.jp/kirakira/index.htm) - writer of Swan Song meets artist behind Green Green, kinda unusual combination heh
Period (http://period.jp/)- writer of Cartagra and Quartett! is back with this new LittleWitch game (set in Japan for a change)
G線上の魔王 / Devil on G-string (http://www.akabeesoft2.com/g_sen/main.html)- new game from writer/artist behind Sharin no Kuni...which I still haven't played ;(
Soshite Ashita no Sekai Yori (http://www.etude-soft.jp/product/asuseka/) - new game of writer behind Haruka ni Aogi, Uruwashi no and KonaKana, not really his fan but this looks rather nice
...

[relentlessflame]

CLANNAD is being ported to... Xbox 360?! In Spring?!Now that's interesting. It'd be quite a change if the Xbox 360 became the "visual novel consumer port console"; I always figured it'd be the PS3. Even more bizarre would be if ports end up being divided over different consoles (some on one, some on another). I guess it just shows that the "race" hasn't been decided yet. It'll be nice to see all the CLANNAD CGs re-rendered in HD widescreen.

[Narumi]

Well, this is the first next-gen visual novel port, so it remains to be seen if the rest of the companies will follow (Aquaplus notwithstanding). I do think the fact that it's already available on the PS2 factored in the decision to move it to the 360 over the PS3. (But why Prototype decided against putting it on the PSP like Kanon and AIR is another question... sales perhaps?)

[u43368]

Now that's interesting. It'd be quite a change if the Xbox 360 became the "visual novel consumer port console"; I always figured it'd be the PS3. Even more bizarre would be if ports end up being divided over different consoles (some on one, some on another). I guess it just shows that the "race" hasn't been decided yet. It'll be nice to see all the CLANNAD CGs re-rendered in HD widescreen.

Lulz, it would be funny if the 360 becama like the PS2 and gets all the VN ports. It would be popular in Japan for the Visual Novels, and in America it'd be popular for almost the exact opposite genre (violent twitch shooters). I have noticed some companies in Japan have been trying to make it popular there by releasing games like Idolmaster, this is probably another one of those moves.

[rg4619]

It would be popular in Japan for the Visual Novels, and in America it'd be popular for almost the exact opposite genre (violent twitch shooters). I have noticed some companies in Japan have been trying to make it popular there by releasing games like Idolmaster, this is probably another one of those moves.

The visual novel market is too small to be significant. Porting Clannad isn't going to cost Prototype much, so an XBox360 release couldn't hurt, despite the small userbase.

(But why Prototype decided against putting it on the PSP like Kanon and AIR is another question... sales perhaps?)

Disc space could be an issue, I guess.

[rcaladlr]

I'm also new to the ero-game stuff so far I've played Tsukihime and Yume Miru Kusuri. and both games are good. I think I'm going to play Crescendo later, and I am still waiting for F/SN.

btw can someone PM me they're erogame recommendations? thanks in advance, I like the ones with Voice acting though and eng translated XD. I know it's asking too much though, hehe. would be great if there are tsundere(s) there too

thanks in advance

[Dark Lord Zenigame]

Thanks for the sig compliment, btw. It's even more awesome when you realize what Sol's doing, when she does it, exactly what she does, and what the kanjis in the sig reference to. :D

All four done, my good sir. Why do you think I complimented it? :p
The first time I saw it, I broke down laughing for like five minutes. :>


As for my October games, Garden, Aster and Happy Margaret have caught my eye, and I'll probably be deciding whether or not to get them whenever the hell I get around to playing their demos. Alice Parade has my notice from the art alone(obviously), and I'll probably be getting it if it doesn't turn out to just be a sex romp.

...oh yeah, forgot about G Senjou no Maou. That game's been in production for so long, I'd almost forgotten about it until they released a promo video... Lulu's playing another Maou, too. o/

Harukazedori ni, Tomarigi wo, Tsunagaru Bangle and Boku ga Sadame, Kimi ni wa Tsubasa wo. are all on my "AGHAGHAGH I WANT THIS SHIT NOWWWWW" list, and will all be gotten so long as I like their demos. Pretty good chance of that, too.

Probably have to decide on getting just two at the moment though, thanks to money issues. (lol im a neet) That decision will probably be based on which ones have the nicest preorder bonus things, since I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff.


As for the game I'm looking most forward to, that would have to be Alcot's FairChild. The second they give a release date for that thing, I'm preordering it.

[Hemisphere]

Wow, ふぃぎゅ＠メイト is fun. In a weird otaku--fantasy-fetish-pandering way. But then again, most eroges are like that. >_>;

[guiltygearxt]

ef - the first tale
utawarerumono
Men at Work! 1-4
Castle Fantasia 2-3
most Studio e go RPGs

[Kyomi]

I'll just go with the good old Fate/SN since I'm not much into Visual/Novels~Eroge But the sotry was just that good for me (I seriously couldn't care less about the Ero part when you get to it)

And I'm about to take on Utawarerumono since it looks pretty promising also.

[Kaioshin Sama]

It's Kichiku-Oh Rance for me right now, and old spin of territory conquering game by Alicesoft. If I could just get this one girl to stop committing suicide, maybe I need to do the peaceful solution and annex the city after all. After that I'm about to invade JAPAN. People should give this game a try if they can get their hands on it. You even get to kill God I hear.

[Newprimus]

Lulz, it would be funny if the 360 becama like the PS2 and gets all the VN ports. It would be popular in Japan for the Visual Novels, and in America it'd be popular for almost the exact opposite genre (violent twitch shooters). I have noticed some companies in Japan have been trying to make it popular there by releasing games like Idolmaster, this is probably another one of those moves.

The XBox 360 is also way easier to port PC games to, since it's also very PC-based, unlike the PS3, so for small-time companies like Visual Novel companies, the xbox 360 could be the cheapest option they have. And the xbox line is more popular now than it was back then when Microsoft only just entered the console market.

xbox 360's still very unpopular compared to the PS3 though in Japan, I believe, but the question is whether it's because of brand loyalty or because the xbox 360 mainly has games that never really appealed to the Japanese, such as violent FPS games and such. If it's the second, the visual novel ports should help raise the 360's presence in Japan.

[rg4619]

Supposedly, some people were put off my Microsoft's brash marketing, which had them looking like an invasive foreign force. That's one criticism leveled against MS anyway.

the xbox 360 mainly has games that never really appealed to the Japanese, such as violent FPS games and such.

There are several (heavily marketed) Japanese-oriented games that haven't taken off. Only the most hardcore gamers have given the X360 a chance. Since MS needs to attract a mainstream audience, visual novels won't help them (else the NEC PC-FX might've survived :lol:). These games occupy an even smaller niche and are generally unappealing to both mainstream and hardcore gamers.

In general, neither Japanese developers/publishers (whose games aren't selling well enough to accommodate such high production costs) nor consumers are ready for next-gen gaming. I think that's why XBox360 and PS3 have both struggled. Without publisher commitment, a market can't open up.

[Hemisphere]

Ah nuts. Was having fun with Figu@Carnival (Figu@Mate's fandisc)...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/Alkenshel/figucolle_0709271858.jpg

Had myself a fun little figure harem, and BAM! Sudden crash blows away my save and my hard work.

;_;

[Newprimus]

So many of them!!!

[Hemisphere]

I know! It's fun, but...christ.

Seems I didn't lose my save after all! But now I'm stuck with the same recipes over and over again, and to top it all off, I can't seem to unlock any more recipes (all the Rank A-D recipes have their 5th item locked). God I need a guide badly. ;_;

[Kaioshin Sama]

So what's this Figu@Mate all about then. I get an SD Gundam Gachapon Wars vibe from it, but do they actually fight each other or am I dead wrong?

[Hemisphere]

So what's this Figu@Mate all about then. I get an SD Gundam Gachapon Wars vibe from it, but do they actually fight each other or am I dead wrong?

Nothing like that. It's fun simply because I'm trying to collect as many figures as I can, while trying to save up enough money to buy out the unlockables that the game has to offer.

[luckyovermind]

The collection looks great, I am planning to use that pic as my sig on another forum :heh:

[Hemisphere]

Be my guest! :D

[Newprimus]

ティルアぱにっく

Thirua Panic




(SERIOUSLY NSFW)

http://fandc.co.jp/thirua/
http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=433285


By chance while browsing through Getchu I happened to come upon this game that's slated for November 22nd. It's now one of my most-anticipated. Here's why.

Otoboku and Koitate, two other ero-games, delve into a common theme, that of the male lead disguising as a girl, through clever and often over-the-top disguises, resulting in all the usual hijinks. While these situations are quite funny, I've always felt a little let down that they've never taken the male->female idea further.

Well I despair no more! Thirua Panic apparently takes that idea the entire way through. The male lead undergoes a full-body transformation and over the course of the game must find some way to change back. Apparently most or all of the cast know or find out about it, and some of the apparent reactions are hilarious---especially those of the lead's guy friends :D . The lead's even voiced, although after listening to samples I've come to the assessment that this game's lead is even more effeminate by default than Otoboku's Mizuho, if such a thing is even possible. :eyespin: The art looks like it's done by the same person who did the art for the Tenkuu no Symphonia games.

Glances through the official website's CG gallery reveal that there may be possibilities for yuri scenes. (One CG looks as if the lead and one of the girls are trying to figure out how to get it to work, so to speak :heh: :heh: :heh: )

Most importantly for me, this presents a somewhat female perspective of a typical h-game scenario, which is definetly missing in the market as a whole, even if this game's take isn't completely from a girl's point of view.

In any case, come on November 22nd!!!


(EDIT: The OP, if that's the final version of it, is......... well......... hmmm......)

[Garet Jax]

Since I love reading, and of course enjoy the anime/manga art style, and like many types of games, I figured I should try at least one visual novel type game, as they seem to combine all of these to varying degrees. From reading this topic, I can see that my best bet is to get back to learning the language. :heh:
Being that that will take a very long time, I'll look at some of the translated ones first. Does anyone know Princess Waltz (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-11u-49-en-15-princess%2Bwaltz-70-24q5.html)? The product blurb says "A game often compared to Type-Moon's Fate / stay night, and one of Japan's most popular titles of 2006." Is that true? Seems like a good choice, if so. I certainly liked F/S's anime adaptation.

[shadowplay]

Does anyone know Princess Waltz (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-11u-49-en-15-princess%2Bwaltz-70-24q5.html)? The product blurb says "A game often compared to Type-Moon's Fate / stay night, and one of Japan's most popular titles of 2006." Is that true? Seems like a good choice, if so. I certainly liked F/S's anime adaptation.That game won't be out this year as P-A is saying, and it's actually cross between card game and VN. Also definately not one of the most popular ero-games of last year...of the best ones. Your better option is Ever17, or Yume Miru Kusuri if you don't mind ero. Or if you liked F/SN that much, start with Tsukihime then, english patch is available.

Back to topic, played demo of Garden recently, and as feared there are no voices in the game and there's again oldstyle text over picture interface, bleh. Wish Cuffs could move on with the times...piano music is good though, and girls are cute, but I'm not sure if I'll be in the mood for the actual game when it arrives in 2 weeks.

[HashiriyaR32]

萌えろダウンヒルナイト (Moeru Downhill Night) (http://www.foglio.jp/top/md/)
萌えろダウンヒルナイト2 (http://www.foglio.jp/top/md2/)
萌えろダウンヒルナイトBLAZE (http://www.foglio.jp/top/mdblaze/)

Stumbled upon this racing VN series while looking for Forza 2 痛車 vids on NicoNico. The 3DCG used to render the cars in the first game remind me of ID First Stage, while the second game has more cars, and introduces 2 european cars to the series (Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and Lotus Elise 111R). BTW, the series uses LICENSED vehicles. Anyone have any more info on this series or has tried one of the games themselves?

EDIT: Don't bother with BLAZE since for some reason, the car models are APALLING.

[Cloudnine]

In any case, come on November 22nd!!!
I've lost all faith in F&C after playing Hoshiful (http://hoshiful.com/) (#^ω^) ピキピキ...　
I have yet to play a good FC game in the last two years.

That game won't be out this year as P-A is saying, and it's actually cross between card game and VN. Also definately not one of the most popular ero-games of last year...of the best ones. Your better option is Ever17, or Yume Miru Kusuri if you don't mind ero. Or if you liked F/SN that much, start with Tsukihime then, english patch is available.
Princess Waltz has been out since last year (forgot when exactly I completed it...) The card battle system is shallow, but decent enough for a bit of tactics. Scenario is linear with only one main route, but it is very good from beginning to end. The best part of this game is the intense combat scenes and stylized CGs, it's some of the best in the industry.

If you like action oriented games, this one is on the top of the list along with Ayakashi, Bullet Butlers, and Gekkou no Carnavale.

萌えろダウンヒルナイト (Moeru Downhill Night) (http://www.foglio.jp/top/md/)
萌えろダウンヒルナイト2 (http://www.foglio.jp/top/md2/)
萌えろダウンヒルナイトBLAZE (http://www.foglio.jp/top/mdblaze/)
Unless you happen to like playing a half-assed Initial D parody with no real storyline (or I probably missed it laughing at all the wrong things in this game), no real cars (licensing = $$$), and horribly synthesized techno music, I would recommend staying far away from this game.



lol, I forgot what I was originally planning to post... :heh:

[HashiriyaR32]

Unless you happen to like playing a half-assed Initial D parody with no real storyline (or I probably missed it laughing at all the wrong things in this game), no real cars (licensing = $$$), and horribly synthesized techno music, I would recommend staying far away from this game.

The OP for the BLAZE (including its CRAP graphics) did make me laugh to the point of falling, but I sure as hell didn't laugh when they showed the R34's interior. Even for a low-budget production, they could still do good interiors. And I agree that some of the music made me MUTE my video player. My wish for a good racing VN will have to wait, but I'll give MDN2 a try (downloading trial and *static* right now)

One more thing: Check out the car models for MDN2 HERE (http://www.foglio.jp/top/md2/machine.html). I'm sure the ONLY way they've been dodging licensing fees is by being low key. The models are very accurate. There's ALWAYS more than one way to skin a cat. Some Track test shots here (http://www.foglio.jp/top/md2/0908off.html)

[Cloudnine]

Don't be fooled by the pretty CGs. The actual driving simulation you do in Downhill Night 2 is absolutely horrible. Firstly, there is no in game physics. Every car has a go cart feel and turning is translated in either you go full left or full right. Secondly, collision detection is even worse. You'll no doubt find yourself bouncing off the tire walls and invisible barriers like ping pong ball. Thirdly, imagine doing this exact process with other racers on the same narrow road... ^^;

---

Ah, just remembered that I was about to post first impressions of Unisonshift-Blossom's Alice Parade.

http://www.softpal.co.jp/unisonshift/products/project16/b/s_bana01.jpg

*sigh* this has been such a bad month of releases.

[HashiriyaR32]

Ah, just remembered that I was about to post first impressions of Unisonshift-Blossom's Alice Parade.

Whoops.

*slaps a breaching charge on his own posts and leaves*

[shadowplay]

Princess Waltz has been out since last yearWe were talking about english version of the game, PP announced it but it probably won't be coming out this year.

[Hemisphere]

Alice Parade was disappointing and so was Hoshiful, form what I heard. Coupled with Oaruji no Tame being recalled...

;___;

[MeganeShounen]

Ah well.

Seems like the only game I'll be looking forward to would be ToHeart2 Another Days.
A PV has been released for it... it's nostalgic to see Tama-nee and Konomi again... :D

[luckyovermind]

AND devil on G string is rescheduled for next year....:rolleyes:

Back to topic, played demo of Garden recently, and as feared there are no voices in the game and there's again oldstyle text over picture interface, bleh.

Sounds like another suigetsu to me.:heh:

[Garet Jax]

That game won't be out this year as P-A is saying, and it's actually cross between card game and VN. Also definately not one of the most popular ero-games of last year...of the best ones. Your better option is Ever17, or Yume Miru Kusuri if you don't mind ero. Or if you liked F/SN that much, start with Tsukihime then, english patch is available.


Well, it says Q4, but yeah, I know it hasn't been released yet. Thanks for your other suggestions. :) I've seen the Ever17 topic here, too, and I'll probably get it.


Princess Waltz has been out since last year (forgot when exactly I completed it...) The card battle system is shallow, but decent enough for a bit of tactics. Scenario is linear with only one main route, but it is very good from beginning to end. The best part of this game is the intense combat scenes and stylized CGs, it's some of the best in the industry.

If you like action oriented games, this one is on the top of the list along with Ayakashi, Bullet Butlers, and Gekkou no Carnavale.



That sounds pretty good, then, thanks. It looks like those others are Japanese-only, but I'll keep them in mind for the future.

[Newprimus]

I've lost all faith in F&C after playing Hoshiful (http://hoshiful.com/) (#^ω^) ピキピキ...　
I have yet to play a good FC game in the last two years.

A slight amendment: Looks like it's (Thirua Panic) being done by Cocktail Soft, which from some research here is a subsidiary of F&C. I thought it was kinda weird a single company would be working on and releasing two games at one within one month of each other.

[Cloudnine]

Alice Parade was disappointing and so was Hoshiful, form what I heard. Coupled with Oaruji no Tame being recalled...;___;
I'm playing Arukane now and it's only when I heard about the recall did I actually notice the risky mosaics. Sad nonetheless since it's a great game with a wickedly funny story.

The fall releases so far have been a mixed bag. Games I thought would be lackluster turned out to be the the exact opposite (Sugar+Spice, Arukane, Zettai Shiawase Sengen!), and games that I was highly anticipating (Hoshiful, Alice Parade, Haruruko no Jijou) came with huge disappointments. Alice Parade especially, while a good game, didn't live up to the level of expectation one would have after playing Nanatsuiro Drops.

My biggest gripe is that Unisonshift could have done so much more in the story with the unique setting and character designs (<3 the art), but instead settled for a lighthearted comedy with ero sprinkled in between. It's the missing potential that really picks at me every time I continue the story.:frustrated:

Ah well.

Seems like the only game I'll be looking forward to would be ToHeart2 Another Days.
A PV has been released for it... it's nostalgic to see Tama-nee and Konomi again... :D
Lol @ Marian taking the panty shot ^^; Priceless!

A slight amendment: Looks like it's (Thirua Panic) being done by Cocktail Soft, which from some research here is a subsidiary of F&C. I thought it was kinda weird a single company would be working on and releasing two games at one within one month of each other.
Ah, that definitely changes a few things. The scenario writer for Thirua Panic is the same as Pia Carrot e Youkoso and Aikagi, both of which were decent games storywise.

[Archmagination2002]

In Yin-Yang! X-Change Alternative I have been trying to get the Yui Nanaumi path as a Male, but I can't seem to get it. The closest I can get is the Male Kyoka Saionji ending, but that is not satisfying to me. Is there anyway to get a Male ending with Yui Nanaumi?

[Narumi]

I've lost all faith in F&C after playing Hoshiful (http://hoshiful.com/) (#^ω^) ピキピキ...　
I have yet to play a good FC game in the last two years.
Canvas 2 DVD Edition says hi.

I'm enjoying Hoshiful so far, but perhaps I'm in the minority.

[foreverdissevered]

Kana Imouto is probably the only eroge i really liked. Hated the ending though... not cause of Kana's death, but because of Taka's determination to start over again and loving another woman.
P.S.: i love how they formated the way you read, from up to down, so it focuses more on the novel.

Most Hated: Hitomi stepsister- it scary to play it, I stopped playing it after 1 hour. The darkness and dillusions of a human heart and how it can be distorted. Not a very good topic for an eroge game.

Crescendo was decent and fun cause of its light-touch, but nothing worthwhile.

[Xervial]

Hello people, I'm new to this type of game and I'd like to try something in the same vein as Saya No Uta. You know, something that's morbidly, horrifically depressing with a touch of horror if possible. I've heard good things about Anima Mundi, but the censorship seems a bit aggravating, whatever.

And yes, I know I'm a strange one when it comes to my tastes...

Most Hated: Hitomi stepsister- it scary to play it, I stopped playing it after 1 hour. The darkness and dillusions of a human heart and how it can be distorted. Not a very good topic for an eroge game.

Ironically, that got me very interested.

[foreverdissevered]

And yes, I know I'm a strange one when it comes to my tastes...



Ironically, that got me very interested.

People differ from each other. Besides, i think most people that played hitomi enjoyed it. I probably didnt like it because 1. i am not playing eroge games to c the pictures, kept on trying others because my first eroge was kana imouto, 2. i believe in chastity a great deal, 3. i am not easily moved or fascinated by the beauty of another or something( cold-hearted?), i do not show my emotions.
So... all in all, i am probably the one thats strange.....

[Thingle]

Sorry to be antique, but Crescendo is still my favorite game.

[Dark Lord Zenigame]

Geh. Ignore the thread for a few days, and that's when everyone starts posting. ._.;;



Alice Parade was disappointing and so was Hoshiful, form what I heard. Coupled with Oaruji no Tame being recalled...

;___;


Really? A shame, that... I was interested in Hoshiful but I guess the impression I got from the demo was right after all. :<

I liked the art a lot too...

Also, sadness for Alice Parade. I was really hoping for another game as good as Nanatsuiro Drops. :<


Ah well.

Seems like the only game I'll be looking forward to would be ToHeart2 Another Days.
A PV has been released for it... it's nostalgic to see Tama-nee and Konomi again... :D

Earned a preorder from me for that alone, that it did. o/



AND devil on G string is rescheduled for next year....:rolleyes:



Sounds like another suigetsu to me.:heh:

Geh. I was looking into that one too. >_<

Suigetsu gets a rerelease but still no voice... all the other disappointments lately... damn it all.

Hopefully, Tsunagaru Bangle and Bokusada will both be good, seeing as how they're my picks for this month. :/



I'm playing Arukane now and it's only when I heard about the recall did I actually notice the risky mosaics. Sad nonetheless since it's a great game with a wickedly funny story.

The fall releases so far have been a mixed bag. Games I thought would be lackluster turned out to be the the exact opposite (Sugar+Spice, Arukane, Zettai Shiawase Sengen!), and games that I was highly anticipating (Hoshiful, Alice Parade, Haruruko no Jijou) came with huge disappointments.


Nice to hear that Zettai Shiawase Sengen! was good. I haven't gotten around to playing it on my queue but that makes me look forward to it even more. o/

...maybe that'll give me the initiative to actually go through all these games... gaah.

[luckyovermind]

Kana Imouto is probably the only eroge i really liked. Hated the ending though... not cause of Kana's death, but because of Taka's determination to start over again and loving another woman.
P.S.: i love how they formated the way you read, from up to down, so it focuses more on the novel.

Then keep an eye out for the "the family project". It's written by the same author and the english version is due out early next year.:D

Hello people, I'm new to this type of game and I'd like to try something in the same vein as Saya No Uta.

You know the language? Then there's tons for you to play. Just start with every game from nitroplus :D

[Dagger]

Heh, I'm also looking for Nitro+ recs. Is everything they've done worth seriously worth it? That would be quite impressive. :heh:

I just started Jingai Makyou, and I totally love it so far. The hero's personality makes even the school scenes funny & fascinating. I'm thinking of going for Gekkou no Carnevale or Demonbane next (is there more than one Demonbane game?). Hanachirasu also looks interesting...

[Dark Lord Zenigame]

There are two actual Demonbane games.

The first is "Zanmataisei Demonbane," for the PC. It was ported to the PS2 as "Kishinhoukou Demonbane," with added voice and an improved battle system from what I've been told. Apparently, the budget version of Kishinhoukou is the one to get, since there's even more added voice and fixed things. A friend of mine keeps yelling at me to buy it...

There's also a sequel, "Kishinhoukou Demonbane," which is for the PC. Apparently, it's an all-ages game.

So to put it short, grab the PS2 budget Kishinhoukou and then Kishinhishou if you want to play the best ones. The only one with H is Zanmataisei though, so keep that in mind if you want to see some sweet Al Azif lovin'.

[Cloudnine]

Canvas 2 DVD Edition says hi.
Canvas 2 DVD was such a hack job ^^; Any true fan of Tomoko from the anime adaptation can attest that they literally butchered her character from beginning to end with the horrible VA they used. While it's inevitable that they can't get the anime VA in the game (with it being a eroge and her a anime-contracted VA), they could at least get someone with experience. Mami's route was somewhat better (and more accurate), still though there wasn't enough value in the new edition to warrant a full purchase price.

I'm enjoying Hoshiful so far, but perhaps I'm in the minority.The keyword is so far...

Wait until you play Futaba's and Kotone's route in Hoshiful. It won't be long till you stop and curse at 'his' very existence in the game and scream "what in the hell were you thinking!" to the scenario writer.

Heh, I'm also looking for Nitro+ recs. Is everything they've done worth seriously worth it? That would be quite impressive. :heh:
Not all their games are great since some of them are genre specific and definitely not for everyone. For example, their last game Zoku Satsuriku no Jango, while great in story and very entertaining, is much more hardcore than your normal eroge.

Nonetheless, Nitroplus are very consistent with putting out A+ material. Along with Demonbane, I recommend Angelos Armas, Gekkou no Carnavale, "Hello，world.", and Phantom: Integration.

[MeganeShounen]

Was anyone looking around for games similar to Saya no Uta? I recall that most of BlackCyc's games (like MinDeaD BlooD and Gore Screaming Show) are in the same vein. Though, I think that's what their specialty is... ^_^
Ero, with a lot of horror in between....

For me though, I favor eroge that incorporate other gaming styles, besides the usual click & read fare. Kinda like Prism Ark, Utawarerumono (and to a lesser extent, Brave Soul). Also merits a special mention, even if there's no ero in it, would be Persona 3. :D


Oh, and by the way... I'm rooting for Nanako-chan in Another Days. Don't ask me why though! ^^;;;;;;

[Narumi]

Canvas 2 DVD was such a hack job ^^; Any true fan of Tomoko from the anime adaptation can attest that they literally butchered her character from beginning to end with the horrible VA they used. While it's inevitable that they can't get the anime VA in the game (with it being a eroge and her a anime-contracted VA), they could at least get someone with experience. Mami's route was somewhat better (and more accurate), still though there wasn't enough value in the new edition to warrant a full purchase price.
The VA may have been miscast for the PC version, but the scenario was there since the PS2 version that coincided with the anime. I felt it was a decent scenario, same with Mami's route. And I definitely consider the games canon moreso than the anime version.

Besides, you're supposed to consider the entire package, even if most of it was already released before. ;)

The keyword is so far...

Wait until you play Futaba's and Kotone's route in Hoshiful. It won't be long till you stop and curse at 'his' very existence in the game and scream "what in the hell were you thinking!" to the scenario writer.
So I've heard. But to me, a plot that invokes strong emotions in the reader is reflective of a decent scenario, rather than a bad one. We can't always have everything go nicely, right?

[Hemisphere]

The keyword is so far...

Wait until you play Futaba's and Kotone's route in Hoshiful. It won't be long till you stop and curse at 'his' very existence in the game and scream "what in the hell were you thinking!" to the scenario writer.

Ah. Him. Yes. I despise him too.

GRRR

[cyth]

My biggest gripe is that Unisonshift could have done so much more in the story with the unique setting and character designs (<3 the art), but instead settled for a lighthearted comedy with ero sprinkled in between. It's the missing potential that really picks at me every time I continue the story.:frustrated:Arr, don't say that when my copy is still shipping. :p Still, I didn't expect anything more than a comedy with ero. It was pretty apparent they were going for that from the campaign.

[PGilis]

People differ from each other. Besides, i think most people that played hitomi enjoyed it. I probably didnt like it because 1. i am not playing eroge games to c the pictures, kept on trying others because my first eroge was kana imouto, 2. i believe in chastity a great deal, 3. i am not easily moved or fascinated by the beauty of another or something( cold-hearted?), i do not show my emotions.
So... all in all, i am probably the one thats strange.....


No. Most likely, you are a Renai (Pure Love) Gamer, like me. You play such games more for the great story and beautiful romance than the dirty sex. :heh: Don't worry, there's a lot of guys/girls like that in the bishojo game world.

Maybe you can considerate future english releases like KAZOKU KEIKAKU ~FAMILY PROJECT~ and SNOW SAKURA. I was told they're pretty sweet. :p

YUME MIRU KUSURI :: A Drug That Makes You Dream and FIGURES OF HAPPINESS looks good, too.

[Hemisphere]

Oh man...青空の見える丘 is AWESOME. Especially little tsuntsun deredere Hayami-chan.

<3!

This setup is just going to make me love feng and Yuzusoft all the more, since I have yet to continue with ExE, and I'm currently trying to find a copy of Braban. To the latter, I say, HA, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE, FINDING THAT WOULD BE QUITE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE!

;__; Why does Yuzusoft and feng have to have such good games?

[shadowplay]

AND devil on G string is rescheduled for next year....:rolleyes:

Sounds like another suigetsu to me.:heh:It's closer to Sakura Musubi with it's slice-of-life theme, and yeah Garden got delayed till January aswell.

[Newprimus]

and I'm currently trying to find a copy of Braban. To the latter, I say, HA, GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE, FINDING THAT WOULD BE QUITE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE!

I have Braban. :D


But I do not have 青空の見える丘. I think I'll make it the next one I go look for.

[Hemisphere]

It. Is. Awesome.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee11/En_Ciel/hayamiKOROSU.jpg

Pic related!

[HashiriyaR32]

Is that Iori?!?

EDIT: Never knew she was such a tsundere! I only have feng's latest work, あかね色に染まる坂.

[relentlessflame]

Yeah, I commented about Akane-iro ni somaru saka a few months ago (I quite liked it), but the sudden revival of interest in Aozora no mieru oka confirms my initial thought: I'd definitely like to give it a try too. If it's anything like Akane-iro, I'm sure I'll like it.

[Cloudnine]

The VA may have been miscast for the PC version, but the scenario was there since the PS2 version that coincided with the anime. I felt it was a decent scenario, same with Mami's route. And I definitely consider the games canon moreso than the anime version.

Besides, you're supposed to consider the entire package, even if most of it was already released before. ;)
I haven't played the PS2 version (though I really wish I had before I played the PC version...) so the anime version of Mami and Tomoko are canon in my perspective. Add in the fact that I am a huge Tomoko fan and you can generally see how disappointed I am with the PC version and F&C in general. ＿|￣|O (lol, don't get me started on Akai Canvas...)

So I've heard. But to me, a plot that invokes strong emotions in the reader is reflective of a decent scenario, rather than a bad one. We can't always have everything go nicely, right?I definitely agree, drama is a staple product for eroge. Still, Hoshiful didn't quite use it in the right way. Instead of creating angst for the protagonist/reader, the writer scripted the story in such a way that it pulls the reader into full on murderous state. I was literally at the point where I wish there was a gun icon which I can click on every time I see 'him'.

The protagonist is also a complete へたれ, which just adds to the high levels of irritation when playing this game. In the end, I just couldn't enjoy the scenario for what good it is. ^^;

Arr, don't say that when my copy is still shipping. :p Still, I didn't expect anything more than a comedy with ero. It was pretty apparent they were going for that from the campaign.
Haha, I see someone has played the demo already ^^;

[Rant]
I was one of many fans who wished it wasn't true, that instead they would go for something with more story and character development like Nanatsuiro Drops or a mix in between like Peace@Pieces (both I really loved). The setting of Alice in Wonderland has so much potential for a great adaptation, but they failed to utilize much of the actual story besides the character designs and initial setting in the story.

Alice Parade fails at that point, but it does excel in what it was meant to be, a lighthearted comedy. The SD CG-scenes are very funny, the dialog is fast and full of gags, throughs, and tsukommis. All the characters have a unique charm that easily sets them apart from your normal eroge fare (Luna! <3). The music is composed by the same person who done Nanatsuiro Drops and Peace@Pieces so it is very good.

Noizo Ito has again pushed every otaku button with her amazing character designs. While a bit more outrageous than her previous work, it does fit well with the fantasy setting used. My only complaint is the lack of event CGs in certain key scenes that could have benefited greatly with one. Sadly, it seems that much of the CG in this game is dedicated to ero content ;_;
[/end rant]

To summarize, Alice Parade is a good game as long as you don't have expectations of a pure love story. XD

Btw, have you played Nanatsuiro Drops:Pure yet? I'm still waiting on first impressions of Flora and Satsuki's route, but no I know one seems to have played it yet or are just too lazy to share their thoughts~

Oh man...青空の見える丘 is AWESOME. Especially little tsuntsun deredere Hayami-chan.The real star of the game is Nonoka <3

I have yet to finish Akaneiro, but it is just as good as Aozora, if not slightly better if you add the fact that Mikoto is a capturable heroine once you complete all scenarios ^^

[cyth]

Haha, I see someone has played the demo already ^^;

Btw, have you played Nanatsuiro Drops:Pure yet? I'm still waiting on first impressions of Flora and Satsuki's route, but no I know one seems to have played it yet or are just too lazy to share their thoughts~Nope. I just opened it to see if it was compatible with AGTH (which it is; /X command). Still need that to improve my vocab. ^^;

I wanted to go for Nanatsuiro Drops: Pure, but the price tag was kind of intimidating. I have the original so I don't worry too much about it. Besides, Flora is not my type. Cooldere are a bit overrated, to be honest. Then there's that other Prima Plam character whose designs were very cute, but the lack of ero is... arr. ^^;

[relentlessflame]

Nope. I just opened it to see if it was compatible with AGTH (which it is; /X command). Still need that to improve my vocab. ^^;

I wanted to go for Nanatsuiro Drops: Pure, but the price tag was kind of intimidating. I have the original so I don't worry too much about it. Besides, Flora is not my type. Cooldere are a bit overrated, to be honest. Then there's that other Prima Plam character whose designs were very cute, but the lack of ero is... arr. ^^;
I really should try this AGTH at some point. I imagine it'd save a lot of time in kanji lookups, at the very least. Seems like the hooking has improved a lot since "back in the day", though I imagine you still need something like Atlas for any amount of speed. Anyway, I'll have to look into it...

And I did order Nanatsuiro Drops: Pure, but who knows when I'll actually get around to it. Plus seeing as I never actually played the original, it'll be all new for me. So... if it turns out I'm the only one who bought it, impressions may take a while. :heh:

[Narumi]

I haven't played the PS2 version (though I really wish I had before I played the PC version...) so the anime version of Mami and Tomoko are canon in my perspective. Add in the fact that I am a huge Tomoko fan and you can generally see how disappointed I am with the PC version and F&C in general. ＿|￣|O (lol, don't get me started on Akai Canvas...)
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree for now then. (At least until I finish off Hoshiful and see if I go on a tyrant rage like others seem to be. :heh:)

I enjoyed Akairo no Rasen.

[Dark Lord Zenigame]

I got it too, even shelled out for the LE set with the Sumomo figure.

No idea when I'll actually get around to playing it, though. It all depends on if I'm playing anything else when our broken bigscreen TV gets replaced. :/

[Hemisphere]

Gave in and used AGTH + ATLAS for my translation needs. Wow, is it just me or am I enjoying my eroges more?!

I CAN FINALLY FINISH PEACE@PIECES AND EVERYTHING ELSE AND BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING (or most of) WHAT'S GOING ON! YAY!

[cyth]

Wow, is it just me or am I enjoying my eroges more?!I'd say anyone using AGTH + <whatever> should know a good deal of Japanese already. After that, the learning actually begins. ATLAS can only get you so far. Dealing with puns, jokes, all those things that make eroge draw out emotion need a solid foundation of language experience to comprehend, something software translation can do very little about.

Seems like the hooking has improved a lot since "back in the day", though I imagine you still need something like Atlas for any amount of speed.ATLAS offers some very awkward translation choices from time to time, so you'll need to look in other sources for other translation possibilities. If you're confident about your Japanese and only need to look up certain words, you can just single out the words you don't understand and use WWWJDIC or something.

EDIT: Also received ALICE Parade today. Box (http://up.moedosed.com/src/f0007.jpg) is thick (http://up.moedosed.com/src/f0006.jpg). <_<

[Hemisphere]

I'd say anyone using AGTH + <whatever> should know a good deal of Japanese already. After that, the learning actually begins. ATLAS can only get you so far. Dealing with puns, jokes, all those things that make eroge draw out emotion need a solid foundation of language experience to comprehend, something software translation can do very little about.

ATLAS offers some very awkward translation choices from time to time, so you'll need to look in other sources for other translation possibilities. If you're confident about your Japanese and only need to look up certain words, you can just single out the words you don't understand and use WWWJDIC or something.

Yep, pretty much. I'm not relying on it for 100% accuracy: I'm just using it to try and decipher what they're trying to say, then form the gist of it by checking the actual Japanese sentence/s.

[mr_winkie]

Text-catching programs like Anime Games Text Hooker and ATLAS have worked well for me (for the most part, anyways) and as long as I get the basic picture of what's going on plot-wise, I'm fine. It's no substitute for actually being able to read/understand Japanese, though and I'm still probably missing out some important bits of info relevant to a character's scenario/plot.

And going back to the original topic, 'Sorauta' by Frontwing and 'Tomoyo After' by Key have been my latest diversions, though I'll admit for the latter I'm still not a hundred percent on what's going on (even after finishing it my first time through).


*Oh, and hi, I'm new here - please to meet you all*

[MeganeShounen]

Posting a little something aside the current thread topic...

Caramel Box's Yarukibako 2 (http://www.caramel-box.com/products/yaruki2/index.html)

Yep. Seems like one fandisc wasn't enough. It has extra scenarios for 5 Caramel Box games, including Shuumatsu Gensou Alicematic and the more known one... Otoboku. Almost all of them include a new character or two, I think. Also, really nice wallpapers on their Download page...

Oh yeah, one of wallpapers contains Mizuho. Meh. o_O

[Dark Lord Zenigame]

Blargh.

I tried to put that out of my mind, but it continues to try and grab my attention...

...the prospect of an extra Alicematic scenario is too much to resist. ._.;;


my money~ ;0;

[Moonlith]

Perhaps not a bad idea to ask it here as well :p

Would anyone be able to suggest a decent yaoi-aimed ero game, preferably freeware?

That aside, would anyone know of an ero-themed online interactive text-based RPG?

[Hemisphere]

Blargh.

I tried to put that out of my mind, but it continues to try and grab my attention...

...the prospect of an extra Alicematic scenario is too much to resist. ._.;;


my money~ ;0;

Sayane! Man, I'm going to go crazy if they added more scenes with her.

[Dagger]

Perhaps not a bad idea to ask it here as well :p

Would anyone be able to suggest a decent yaoi-aimed ero game, preferably freeware?
The must-play BL games are Togainu no Chi and Lamento, both by Nitro+ Chiral. Neither is freeware, though. (On a side note, Togainu is getting an all-ages PS2 re-release this November.) If you hunt around, you might be able to find some free doujin BL games... I can't really think of anything off the top of my head, though.

[Newprimus]

http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/promo2.jpg


ドラクリウス

Romanji: Draculius

Company: めろめろキュート ("meromero cute")

Release Date: May 25th, 2007





Official site: http://meroq.net/drac/drac_hp_news.html

Getchu: http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=335065

D-Dream: http://pm.d-dream.com/detail.php?arg_tno=4327

(Not safe for work. I also highly recommend not visiting these sites as they contain some images that are spoilerific)




Relatively little-known--it seems--game from meromero cute that came out earlier this year. Today I finally finished the entire game after around 42 to 60 hours of gameplay, over the course of about a week.




It is made of WIN and AWESOME SAUCE.




That's the short version. The long version has been spoiler-boxed for space, images, and convenience:




Welcome to the world of Draculius. Vampires live secretly in the modern world, and the game takes place in Japan, of course, in a small city somewhere within. The story centers around our male protagonist, Ogishima Jun, who lives an ordinary life of a high school student, when suddenly his world is turned upside down by the appearance of Elshlant D. Annoyance, a vampire housemaid sent by the Brandle royal family to inform him of his secret heritage. And this is only the very beginning.

Interesting thing about vampires in this game are that their physiology and capabilities are far from traditional vampire lore, but their style, atmosphere, and feel adhere to classical vampire portrayals, which is a pretty interesting result the creators of the game have accomplished.



Cast of Characters



http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_jun1.jpg


荻島　潤 (Ogishima Jun)


Our protagonist. Armed with clever wits, long hair, and the face of a girl's, he has lived alone in a house his long-deceased mother has left him and has been living the life of an ordinary high school student. That is until one day the vampire housemaid, Elshlant D. Annoyance, shows up at his doorstep with a letter from his paternal grandfather, Brian Brandle. Jun learns that his father, Id Demon Brandle, is the missing successor to the Brandle clan, the royal family of vampires. His father got tired of the vampire aristocrat's life and ran away to live a human life, falling in love with Ogishima Yukari, Jun's mother. Some time after Yukari's pregnancy, Id Brandle went missing, and Ogishima Yukari, a miko, placed a magical seal upon Jun before his birth in order to prevent his vampiric half from manifesting. Ever since Yukari's death, this seal has been gradually weaknening and it is at this point when the seal is on the brink of collapse that the Brandle family decides to offer Jun the chance to join the world of vampires as the official heir to the Brandle family, now that his father, Id Brandle, is missing, presumed dead. The Brandle family makes this offer to Jun under three conditions: 1) That Jun become a vampire suitable to being called the heir to the Brandle family. 2) That Elshlant D. Annoyance be sent to live in Jun's house as a maid and to serve as an evaluator to determine when Jun has fulfilled condition 1. And lastly 3) that Jun choose a bride from among a selection of possible suitors hailing from various aristocratic vampire families.

Personality-wise, Jun is somewhat reserved, and well-known for his gentleness among his schoolmates. He has a very quick mind and can swiftly come up with plans and deductions from various situation. He also enjoys teasing people from time to time, and is popular with the girls of the school although he doesn't really care. He dislikes the idea of hurting or killing someone, but treasures people he considers close to him and will act as necessary to protect them.

Quite different from most male protagonists. His quick mind and wittiness, plus the fact that he isn't initially that interested in women but aren't phobic of them either like many other leads are gives him further pluses. It's nice to watch him come up with all sorts of creative ways to get out of sticky situations.




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_belche1.jpg


エルシェラント・ディ・アノイアンス (Elshlant D. Annoyance)


Whatever you're thinking about her name, I'm sure I was thinking the exact same thing too when I first saw/heard it :D. A second blood vampire, basically a vampire that used to be human and was turned into one by a first blood or shinso, vampires that were born vampires. Is a familiar/child vampire (how do you translate "kenzoku"?) to Id Brandle, and has lived and served the Brandle family as a maid for over 180 years. She now serves Jun as his familiar and housemaid. Has a pretty hefty reputation and history amongst many humans as the "Witch of Cries" and many others, and is an expert magic user and hand-to-hand combatant. She is also an expert at healing and magical surgery. Her body is currently loli-sized due to some magical complications and to conserve energy. Jun calls her Belche, because she feels a little uncomfortable with people calling her by her first name like her original master, Id Brandle, did.

As one who has lived for longer than 180 years, she is very knowledgeable about not just things like vampire physiology and history, but of life in general, and gives off the impression of an all-knowing grandmother, gentle yet stern when necessary. Becomes a rock-solid pillar of knowldge and support for Jun during this time of great change in his life.

There's no real character stereotype to describe Belche. She's like a mother or grandmother, but with none of the negatives. A superb personality portrayal of someone who has lived for longer than human lifespans, in my view. Her interactions with the other characters are great to watch as she teaches them some life lessons one moment and then starts scolding them the next. ;)


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/els2.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=els2.jpg) http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/els1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=els1.jpg)

(clickable thumbnails)



http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_rika1.jpg


リカ・ペンブルトン (Rika Pembleton)


An American from the state of Minnesota who transfers into Jun's class. Secretly she is an agent from Dailas Lean, a secret global organization dedicated to the extermination of vampires, whose members are derived from orphans all around the world. Think nuns with guns, without the religious bit. Her orders are to observe and if necessary, terminate Jun. An expert with a wide variety of firearms and explosives.

She's be the tsundere of the game, if you had to pick one, although she's in many ways different from the usual tsundere. Loud, hotblooded, quick to act without thinking, not very feminine, and not very sociable. Believes strongly in the concept of justice and serving Dailas Lean is her justice and reason to live. Impulsive, a little immature, and sometimes a little slow on the uptake, but possesses nearly unstoppable determination when she's committed to something.

What can one say? Hot, fiery, cute, hilarious, and badass to boot. Plus her voice acting is totally win---though pretty much everyone's voice acting in this game is great.


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rika2.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rika2.jpg) http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/rika1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=rika1.jpg)




http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/char_rian1.jpg


リアン・ルーチェ・ディメルモール (Rian Luche Dimemorl)


The fourth daughter of a vampire aristocrat from Britain, and one of the marriage candidates for Jun. Out of sheer curiosity and for fun she travels to Japan and transfers into Jun's class one month ahead of schedule, and also moves into Jun's house as his fiance, a role which she takes to with much gusto, much to Jun's bewilderment. A first blood vampire like Jun. Every vampire develops a special ability at some point during their lives, and Rian's is the "Brain Tyrant," which allows her to read and manipulate other people's minds and is unique to her alone.

An ojou-sama character at the base, but all similarities blur or end there. She is playful and mischievous, and a little childish in mentality. She often has trouble associating with ordinary humans and seeing things from their point of view. Typically has a good amount of self-confidence and pride. Quick to emotional extremes and quick to argue with other cast members. Also sometimes pretty slow on the uptake, and dislikes people making fun of her for that and any other reasons.

A totally adorable ojou-sama with practically none of the flaws that usually come with that character type. Has a very playful kind of mood about herself as mentioned, and shifts frequently back and forth from childish to elegant. Possesses none of the usual unbearable arrogance that one might see in common ojou-sama characters, and quickly and genuinely apologizes when at fault. You can't even say she's tolerable because there's nothing at all to find intolerable about her to begin with. She starts out seeming like an ordinary and somewhat shallow ojou-sama type and grows over time into a truly likeable character with depth and personality.


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rian2.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rian2.jpg) http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rian3.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rian3.jpg) http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rian1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rian1.jpg)

(I loooooove that expression of hers and you will laugh too when you watch the scene where that expression comes from. :heh: )




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_zeno1.jpg


ゼノ・ジェイルバーン (Zeno Jailsbern)


A lycanthrope, basically a werewolf, and Rian's familiar, and maid and bodyguard. Expert in melee combat, stealth, and detecting/hunting down enemies, on top of her various housemaid-related skills. Has been Rian's companion since childhood.

Very reserved, quiet, speaks in a subdued voice that feels monotone. Extremely loyal to Rian and to those who gain her trust, and will lay down her life for her mistress if ordered to. Gentle to those she considers friends and family, and merciless to all she considers her enemy. Very "my pace" and eccentric as well, with strange points of view and interesting things to say at times. Is considered a dog, which she pretty much is in a sense.

Total. Badass. Seriously gives Chuck Norris a run for his money. Well, a lot of ero-game characters can give Chuck Norris a run for his money. But are they also a super-sexy werewolf meido with a fascination for tsundere jokes and scenarios and bi-lingual wordgags? ;) I can easily see her having many fans.


http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/zeno1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=zeno1.jpg) http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/rian4.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=rian4.jpg)




http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/char_ces1.jpg


ヴィスケス (Viskes, full name: Viskes Granchester)


A Dailas Lean commander and Rika's direct superior and sempai when Rika was much younger. A mysterious woman with mysterious motives and an equally mysterious personality.




http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/char_misao1.jpg

高柳　操 (Takayanagi Misao)


One of Jun's childhood friends, attends the same school and same class. A little slow (quite a few people in this game are kinda slow at times :p ) and very energetic. Comes over to Jun's house every morning and walks to and from school together. Very competitive and hates to lose, and easily gets into arguements with other people. Has a big crush on Jun. Draws manga (often involving Jun). Also shares an important characteristic with a certain Watarase Jun from Happiness. ;)


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/misao1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=misao1.jpg)




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/group1.jpg

Kanami Shuuji (on the right; I couldn't get a good picture of him off the web)


Another of Jun's close friends. Captain of the kendo club. Lives with four sisters (all of whom hold big crushes on Jun :heh: ), and therefore gives Jun advice on women from time to time. A cool, reliable type of person eager to help Jun out whenever help is needed.




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/group2.jpg

Mizuno Kanako


The former class president of Jun's class, but everyone still calls her 'iincho,' much to her protest. The smart, reliable, and orderly type of person. Would like Jun to pay more attention to his grades and take life more seriously.



End Cast of Characters

There's several other minor characters as well, but I decided not to go over them for now.







In any case, all the characters are made of many levels of awesome sauce, and become even more win as the story goes on and grow in depth and maturity as the game plays on. There's a palpable sense of growth and development from beginning to the end within our heroes and heroines.

It's also worth noting that this is one of a very small number of games that feature a main cast made up almost entirely of foreign characters. The spoken Engrish is pretty bad here like in most other games :heh: but the creators apparently knew enough English to make a lot of great language barrier jokes. Some of them are really creative. :D

And what makes this even better is that the creators even took into account the different cultures and dialects between the different English-speaking countries. Rika is American, Rian and Zeno are British, and Belche is apparently from Dublin, Ireland. A lot of jokes and insults are hurled from one end of the Western World to the other in this game, and it gets extremely funny when they start commenting on each other's command (or the lack of) of the Japanese language. :heh: :heh:

I did mention tsundere jokes in my Zeno section, correct? Yep, this game plays around with and makes frequent fun of the tsundere concept. ;)


It helps that the plot is quite excellent as well, with all events from beginning to end tied together in purpose and relationship. The story brings up some interesting questions and themes on vampires and their existences and lives, of the relationships between man and vampire and so on. It also brings up what kind of sense of morality a vampire might possess, and of what's important to a vampire compared to a human, and the consequences of such long lives that vampires lead.

Speaking of plot, the game is different from most ADV games in that it doesn't have a selection of heroines for you to choose from and play through in the traditional sense. There are two story routes: the Rian End, and the True End. The Rian End is short, about I guess around 13 hours, 14 max. It's more light-hearted, and more sexually-oriented. A little shallow too, to be honest, and underwhelming. You get only Rian or Rian+Zeno in the end. Not even a real ending really, since it stops abruptly with a h-scene and then the credits roll, no epilogue or anything. The Rian+Zeno end h-scene is really raunchy though. :p

I played through the Rian and Rian+Zeno routes first. I'm not sure what the purpose of those routes are, but they're there if you want to play through them. If you do decide to go through the Rian/Rian+Zeno route, then an IMPORTANT NOTE: When you pass the ending h-scene and the ending credits start to roll, quickly drag the game window towards the bottom of your monitor so that you can't see the various CGs they show during the credits. Those CGs they roll during the credits are EXTREME SPOILERS, so if you don't want to be spoiled to the true route, then for the love of all that is good, save yourselves and move that game window towards the bottom when the ED credits roll. You CANNOT skip the ED when you first see it.

This game has only a very small number of route choices, and there is one choice selection that decides which route you take---the Rian/Rian+Zeno one or the true route---and all the choices leading up to that one are the same for either route. When you get to this screen:


http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/choice1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=choice1.jpg)


Pick the first option if you want to proceed down the Rian/Rian+Zeno route. Otherwise, go with the second option to get the true ending.

What is the true ending, you ask? Remember that they call these games "visual novels." Draculius pretty much fits that description; you get only one more choice screen down the road and then nothing else until the end of the game. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

And what a ride it is. I'm not certain what the average length of a story route in most games is, but Draculius' true ending took me at least 42 hours to finish. And it's 42 hours of pure win and awesome sauce. The game wastes no time grabbing a tight hold of your interest within the first game day. And then the game gets good. And then it gets awesome. And then it finally transcends into a flying, hypersonic train powered by awesome sauce dropping awesome-nukes on cities and people below. The pacing is pretty much nearly perfect; long conversations are long for good reasons, and short ones are kept short, and the game never feels too long or too short.

You can forget about the Rian route and just start off into the true route on your first playthrough if you wish and you'd be perfectly fine, and the only consequence would be that you'd be irrecoverably spoiled now when you go to try the Rian route. :D

Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, and comparisons don't always work, but I daresay I enjoyed this game more than I enjoyed Prism Ark, and that's a hefty thing to say, although they're both really close in my book.

The game is pretty low-budget, so some of the awesomeness is lost unless you really imagine what it must be like, but with a high-budget anime adaptation...wow. And there wouldn't be any problems or confusion involved in picking which girl's route to follow or whatever. There's only the true route, and all the events and interactions are spelled out so it'd be easy for a studio to build a plot out of.

Right now that's a pipe dream since meromero cute isn't a Key or Leaf-like company, but for now I hope this post got you interested in the game. And I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I did. :)

[Dagger]

Are there any really good yuri eroge out there? I fear the answer is no, but I'd love to be told otherwise...

[Newprimus]

Are there any really good yuri eroge out there? I fear the answer is no, but I'd love to be told otherwise...

There is a series of yuri eroge games, but I don't know the name. I recognize the art style, that's all (the same as Aki no Urarano's).

[Oppius]

Are there any really good yuri eroge out there? I fear the answer is no, but I'd love to be told otherwise...

Strawberry Panic PS2 game is a shoujo-ai/yuri eroge that I know but it is more shoujo-ai than yuri because it doesn't have mature-rated scenes.

[luckyovermind]

ドラクリウス

Romanji: Draculius

Company: めろめろキュート ("meromero cute")

Release Date: May 25th, 2007



Why did I think of chrono crusade the instant I saw the game pic? :heh:

And what is awesome sauce exactly? :heh:

[MeganeShounen]

It is made of WIN and AWESOME SAUCE.

...
And then it finally transcends into a flying, hypersonic train powered by awesome sauce dropping awesome-nukes on cities and people below.

Honestly, that's the most amusing "praise" I've heard for a game this year from a person. :D

However, you did get your point across and making the rest of us interested in this.

On an unrelated note, while I was reading your post... I mistook Jun as a girl when I first looked at his pic. Or at least above his shoulders. Then I read the paragraph below. I got too used to posts that first feature the main girls. ^_^;

The story sounds interesting. Another twist to the vampire myth, even though the cast looks small, compared to other games today.

Lupine meido... that's certainly new to my ears... ^_^


Why did I think of chrono crusade the instant I saw the game pic? :heh:

And what is awesome sauce exactly? :heh:

You're not the only one. :)
And awesome sauce is simply normal awesome that has been liquified due to awesome's own intense and immense greatness, causing it to superheat and thus, melt down.

And yeah, I don't think I made any sense back there. ^_^


EDIT: Also, on another unrelated note... Ar Tonelico 2 is out, baby~! :D
/me goes off to watch gameplay videos on Nicovideo while waiting for the game copy

[-Nyu-]

Ar Tonelico owns them all :D
Edit: Some question: Does anyone know from which game these pics (http://www.visual-novels.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3530&postcount=1) are from??

[Newprimus]

However, you did get your point across and making the rest of us interested in this.

Maybe I was a little bit too enthusiastic about this game (especially with the train bit :p), but one other guy on a different forum remarked that this was the most awesome visual novel he's read since Fate/Stay Night, which I haven't personally played yet. (yes, booo, the horror, hiss :heh: )

The whole train bit was actually inspired by an assessment of the School Days anime by someone on another board I frequent:

First Arc: The show is a nice boat, sailing down the river. Generic harem show, or so I assume since this is the only porn game adaption I've watched. Only useful as setup and contrast, and pretty terrible.

Second Arc: The boat has been caught in a whirlpool, and is slowly spiralling towards the center. Officially starting with 'practice', things are gradually degenerating into a twisted place. Still actually rather boring due to being godawful porn game nonsense.

Third Arc: The boat lifts off from the river on a pillar of flame, transforming into a giant exploding space dragon composed entirely of colliding trains. Everything goes wrong, in ways that exceed, nay, transcend even the ways you had expected them to go wrong. Gatherings are held. Text messages are sent. Graphs go vertical. This is the only arc worth watching, but it's worth the wait because by gum you will enjoy seeing this happen to these characters.

The story sounds interesting. Another twist to the vampire myth, even though the cast looks small, compared to other games today.

Indeed, I suppose one could make an argument that having a smaller cast allows you to pack more story into them. I think it doesn't matter whether the cast is big or small as long as they're done right.

[SGT.Mitsuki]

http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/promo2.jpg


ドラクリウス

Romanji: Draculius

Company: めろめろキュート ("meromero cute")

Release Date: May 25th, 2007





Official site: http://meroq.net/drac/drac_hp_news.html

Getchu: http://www.getchu.com/soft.phtml?id=335065

D-Dream: http://pm.d-dream.com/detail.php?arg_tno=4327

(Not safe for work. I also highly recommend not visiting these sites as they contain some images that are spoilerific)




Relatively little-known--it seems--game from meromero cute that came out earlier this year. Today I finally finished the entire game after around 42 to 60 hours of gameplay, over the course of about a week.




It is made of WIN and AWESOME SAUCE.




That's the short version. The long version has been spoiler-boxed for space, images, and convenience:




Welcome to the world of Draculius. Vampires live secretly in the modern world, and the game takes place in Japan, of course, in a small city somewhere within. The story centers around our male protagonist, Ogishima Jun, who lives an ordinary life of a high school student, when suddenly his world is turned upside down by the appearance of Elshlant D. Annoyance, a vampire housemaid sent by the Brandle royal family to inform him of his secret heritage. And this is only the very beginning.

Interesting thing about vampires in this game are that their physiology and capabilities are far from traditional vampire lore, but their style, atmosphere, and feel adhere to classical vampire portrayals, which is a pretty interesting result the creators of the game have accomplished.



Cast of Characters



http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_jun1.jpg


荻島　潤 (Ogishima Jun)


Our protagonist. Armed with clever wits, long hair, and the face of a girl's, he has lived alone in a house his long-deceased mother has left him and has been living the life of an ordinary high school student. That is until one day the vampire housemaid, Elshlant D. Annoyance, shows up at his doorstep with a letter from his paternal grandfather, Brian Brandle. Jun learns that his father, Id Demon Brandle, is the missing successor to the Brandle clan, the royal family of vampires. His father got tired of the vampire aristocrat's life and ran away to live a human life, falling in love with Ogishima Yukari, Jun's mother. Some time after Yukari's pregnancy, Id Brandle went missing, and Ogishima Yukari, a miko, placed a magical seal upon Jun before his birth in order to prevent his vampiric half from manifesting. Ever since Yukari's death, this seal has been gradually weaknening and it is at this point when the seal is on the brink of collapse that the Brandle family decides to offer Jun the chance to join the world of vampires as the official heir to the Brandle family, now that his father, Id Brandle, is missing, presumed dead. The Brandle family makes this offer to Jun under three conditions: 1) That Jun become a vampire suitable to being called the heir to the Brandle family. 2) That Elshlant D. Annoyance be sent to live in Jun's house as a maid and to serve as an evaluator to determine when Jun has fulfilled condition 1. And lastly 3) that Jun choose a bride from among a selection of possible suitors hailing from various aristocratic vampire families.

Personality-wise, Jun is somewhat reserved, and well-known for his gentleness among his schoolmates. He has a very quick mind and can swiftly come up with plans and deductions from various situation. He also enjoys teasing people from time to time, and is popular with the girls of the school although he doesn't really care. He dislikes the idea of hurting or killing someone, but treasures people he considers close to him and will act as necessary to protect them.

Quite different from most male protagonists. His quick mind and wittiness, plus the fact that he isn't initially that interested in women but aren't phobic of them either like many other leads are gives him further pluses. It's nice to watch him come up with all sorts of creative ways to get out of sticky situations.




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_belche1.jpg


エルシェラント・ディ・アノイアンス (Elshlant D. Annoyance)


Whatever you're thinking about her name, I'm sure I was thinking the exact same thing too when I first saw/heard it :D. A second blood vampire, basically a vampire that used to be human and was turned into one by a first blood or shinso, vampires that were born vampires. Is a familiar/child vampire (how do you translate "kenzoku"?) to Id Brandle, and has lived and served the Brandle family as a maid for over 180 years. She now serves Jun as his familiar and housemaid. Has a pretty hefty reputation and history amongst many humans as the "Witch of Cries" and many others, and is an expert magic user and hand-to-hand combatant. She is also an expert at healing and magical surgery. Her body is currently loli-sized due to some magical complications and to conserve energy. Jun calls her Belche, because she feels a little uncomfortable with people calling her by her first name like her original master, Id Brandle, did.

As one who has lived for longer than 180 years, she is very knowledgeable about not just things like vampire physiology and history, but of life in general, and gives off the impression of an all-knowing grandmother, gentle yet stern when necessary. Becomes a rock-solid pillar of knowldge and support for Jun during this time of great change in his life.

There's no real character stereotype to describe Belche. She's like a mother or grandmother, but with none of the negatives. A superb personality portrayal of someone who has lived for longer than human lifespans, in my view. Her interactions with the other characters are great to watch as she teaches them some life lessons one moment and then starts scolding them the next. ;)


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/els2.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=els2.jpg) http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/els1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=els1.jpg)

(clickable thumbnails)



http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_rika1.jpg


リカ・ペンブルトン (Rika Pembleton)


An American from the state of Minnesota who transfers into Jun's class. Secretly she is an agent from Dailas Lean, a secret global organization dedicated to the extermination of vampires, whose members are derived from orphans all around the world. Think nuns with guns, without the religious bit. Her orders are to observe and if necessary, terminate Jun. An expert with a wide variety of firearms and explosives.

She's be the tsundere of the game, if you had to pick one, although she's in many ways different from the usual tsundere. Loud, hotblooded, quick to act without thinking, not very feminine, and not very sociable. Believes strongly in the concept of justice and serving Dailas Lean is her justice and reason to live. Impulsive, a little immature, and sometimes a little slow on the uptake, but possesses nearly unstoppable determination when she's committed to something.

What can one say? Hot, fiery, cute, hilarious, and badass to boot. Plus her voice acting is totally win---though pretty much everyone's voice acting in this game is great.


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rika2.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rika2.jpg) http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/rika1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=rika1.jpg)




http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/char_rian1.jpg


リアン・ルーチェ・ディメルモール (Rian Luche Dimemorl)


The fourth daughter of a vampire aristocrat from Britain, and one of the marriage candidates for Jun. Out of sheer curiosity and for fun she travels to Japan and transfers into Jun's class one month ahead of schedule, and also moves into Jun's house as his fiance, a role which she takes to with much gusto, much to Jun's bewilderment. A first blood vampire like Jun. Every vampire develops a special ability at some point during their lives, and Rian's is the "Brain Tyrant," which allows her to read and manipulate other people's minds and is unique to her alone.

An ojou-sama character at the base, but all similarities blur or end there. She is playful and mischievous, and a little childish in mentality. She often has trouble associating with ordinary humans and seeing things from their point of view. Typically has a good amount of self-confidence and pride. Quick to emotional extremes and quick to argue with other cast members. Also sometimes pretty slow on the uptake, and dislikes people making fun of her for that and any other reasons.

A totally adorable ojou-sama with practically none of the flaws that usually come with that character type. Has a very playful kind of mood about herself as mentioned, and shifts frequently back and forth from childish to elegant. Possesses none of the usual unbearable arrogance that one might see in common ojou-sama characters, and quickly and genuinely apologizes when at fault. You can't even say she's tolerable because there's nothing at all to find intolerable about her to begin with. She starts out seeming like an ordinary and somewhat shallow ojou-sama type and grows over time into a truly likeable character with depth and personality.


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rian2.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rian2.jpg) http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rian3.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rian3.jpg) http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/rian1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=rian1.jpg)

(I loooooove that expression of hers and you will laugh too when you watch the scene where that expression comes from. :heh: )




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/char_zeno1.jpg


ゼノ・ジェイルバーン (Zeno Jailsbern)


A lycanthrope, basically a werewolf, and Rian's familiar, and maid and bodyguard. Expert in melee combat, stealth, and detecting/hunting down enemies, on top of her various housemaid-related skills. Has been Rian's companion since childhood.

Very reserved, quiet, speaks in a subdued voice that feels monotone. Extremely loyal to Rian and to those who gain her trust, and will lay down her life for her mistress if ordered to. Gentle to those she considers friends and family, and merciless to all she considers her enemy. Very "my pace" and eccentric as well, with strange points of view and interesting things to say at times. Is considered a dog, which she pretty much is in a sense.

Total. Badass. Seriously gives Chuck Norris a run for his money. Well, a lot of ero-game characters can give Chuck Norris a run for his money. But are they also a super-sexy werewolf meido with a fascination for tsundere jokes and scenarios and bi-lingual wordgags? ;) I can easily see her having many fans.


http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/zeno1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=zeno1.jpg) http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/rian4.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=rian4.jpg)




http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/char_ces1.jpg


ヴィスケス (Viskes, full name: Viskes Granchester)


A Dailas Lean commander and Rika's direct superior and sempai when Rika was much younger. A mysterious woman with mysterious motives and an equally mysterious personality.




http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/char_misao1.jpg

高柳　操 (Takayanagi Misao)


One of Jun's childhood friends, attends the same school and same class. A little slow (quite a few people in this game are kinda slow at times :p ) and very energetic. Comes over to Jun's house every morning and walks to and from school together. Very competitive and hates to lose, and easily gets into arguements with other people. Has a big crush on Jun. Draws manga (often involving Jun). Also shares an important characteristic with a certain Watarase Jun from Happiness. ;)


http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/misao1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs220&d=07433&f=misao1.jpg)




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/group1.jpg

Kanami Shuuji (on the right; I couldn't get a good picture of him off the web)


Another of Jun's close friends. Captain of the kendo club. Lives with four sisters (all of whom hold big crushes on Jun :heh: ), and therefore gives Jun advice on women from time to time. A cool, reliable type of person eager to help Jun out whenever help is needed.




http://xs220.xs.to/xs220/07433/group2.jpg

Mizuno Kanako


The former class president of Jun's class, but everyone still calls her 'iincho,' much to her protest. The smart, reliable, and orderly type of person. Would like Jun to pay more attention to his grades and take life more seriously.



End Cast of Characters

There's several other minor characters as well, but I decided not to go over them for now.







In any case, all the characters are made of many levels of awesome sauce, and become even more win as the story goes on and grow in depth and maturity as the game plays on. There's a palpable sense of growth and development from beginning to the end within our heroes and heroines.

It's also worth noting that this is one of a very small number of games that feature a main cast made up almost entirely of foreign characters. The spoken Engrish is pretty bad here like in most other games :heh: but the creators apparently knew enough English to make a lot of great language barrier jokes. Some of them are really creative. :D

And what makes this even better is that the creators even took into account the different cultures and dialects between the different English-speaking countries. Rika is American, Rian and Zeno are British, and Belche is apparently from Dublin, Ireland. A lot of jokes and insults are hurled from one end of the Western World to the other in this game, and it gets extremely funny when they start commenting on each other's command (or the lack of) of the Japanese language. :heh: :heh:

I did mention tsundere jokes in my Zeno section, correct? Yep, this game plays around with and makes frequent fun of the tsundere concept. ;)


It helps that the plot is quite excellent as well, with all events from beginning to end tied together in purpose and relationship. The story brings up some interesting questions and themes on vampires and their existences and lives, of the relationships between man and vampire and so on. It also brings up what kind of sense of morality a vampire might possess, and of what's important to a vampire compared to a human, and the consequences of such long lives that vampires lead.

Speaking of plot, the game is different from most ADV games in that it doesn't have a selection of heroines for you to choose from and play through in the traditional sense. There are two story routes: the Rian End, and the True End. The Rian End is short, about I guess around 13 hours, 14 max. It's more light-hearted, and more sexually-oriented. A little shallow too, to be honest, and underwhelming. You get only Rian or Rian+Zeno in the end. Not even a real ending really, since it stops abruptly with a h-scene and then the credits roll, no epilogue or anything. The Rian+Zeno end h-scene is really raunchy though. :p

I played through the Rian and Rian+Zeno routes first. I'm not sure what the purpose of those routes are, but they're there if you want to play through them. If you do decide to go through the Rian/Rian+Zeno route, then an IMPORTANT NOTE: When you pass the ending h-scene and the ending credits start to roll, quickly drag the game window towards the bottom of your monitor so that you can't see the various CGs they show during the credits. Those CGs they roll during the credits are EXTREME SPOILERS, so if you don't want to be spoiled to the true route, then for the love of all that is good, save yourselves and move that game window towards the bottom when the ED credits roll. You CANNOT skip the ED when you first see it.

This game has only a very small number of route choices, and there is one choice selection that decides which route you take---the Rian/Rian+Zeno one or the true route---and all the choices leading up to that one are the same for either route. When you get to this screen:


http://xs120.xs.to/xs120/07433/choice1.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs120&d=07433&f=choice1.jpg)


Pick the first option if you want to proceed down the Rian/Rian+Zeno route. Otherwise, go with the second option to get the true ending.

What is the true ending, you ask? Remember that they call these games "visual novels." Draculius pretty much fits that description; you get only one more choice screen down the road and then nothing else until the end of the game. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

And what a ride it is. I'm not certain what the average length of a story route in most games is, but Draculius' true ending took me at least 42 hours to finish. And it's 42 hours of pure win and awesome sauce. The game wastes no time grabbing a tight hold of your interest within the first game day. And then the game gets good. And then it gets awesome. And then it finally transcends into a flying, hypersonic train powered by awesome sauce dropping awesome-nukes on cities and people below. The pacing is pretty much nearly perfect; long conversations are long for good reasons, and short ones are kept short, and the game never feels too long or too short.

You can forget about the Rian route and just start off into the true route on your first playthrough if you wish and you'd be perfectly fine, and the only consequence would be that you'd be irrecoverably spoiled now when you go to try the Rian route. :D

Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, and comparisons don't always work, but I daresay I enjoyed this game more than I enjoyed Prism Ark, and that's a hefty thing to say, although they're both really close in my book.

The game is pretty low-budget, so some of the awesomeness is lost unless you really imagine what it must be like, but with a high-budget anime adaptation...wow. And there wouldn't be any problems or confusion involved in picking which girl's route to follow or whatever. There's only the true route, and all the events and interactions are spelled out so it'd be easy for a studio to build a plot out of.

Right now that's a pipe dream since meromero cute isn't a Key or Leaf-like company, but for now I hope this post got you interested in the game. And I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I did. :)

i dint read anything n only checked out the pics,
ive never played a H Game and i probably never will.
i just hope tha all those H games get made into animes couse god i love it when girls get to run around with guns :)

looks way cooler than at guys :p ne ?

besides FSN was a H game too n the anime was awesome so :)

[-Nyu-]

You just don't have an idea how much the anime is missing from the game. You should at least try FSN then. There's even a translation patch out for the fate route and a second isn't away to far too.

[Newprimus]

I hear FSN is pretty long (around or more than 70 hours total) so be prepared to either reserve a week to marathon it, or play it over the course of a month or so.

AGTH and Atlas may help with the untranslated parts, but because of Nasu's complicated use of Japanese language I wouldn't hope for much success, unfortunately.

[SGT.Mitsuki]

You just don't have an idea how much the anime is missing from the game. You should at least try FSN then. There's even a translation patch out for the fate route and a second isn't away to far too.

I hear FSN is pretty long (around or more than 70 hours total) so be prepared to either reserve a week to marathon it, or play it over the course of a month or so.

AGTH and Atlas may help with the untranslated parts, but because of Nasu's complicated use of Japanese language I wouldn't hope for much success, unfortunately.

sigh you guys :p i already post on the forums during my breaks in between while making mountains of homework,
let stand that i have time for a project like playing a H game xD

'n im embarrest enough im warching H already every now n then outa curiousity :X
its n0t right for me to do! yup ! :X tho i gotta watch something when theres no more normal animes to watch couse ive seen all the eps that are out :X!

anyways jya ne! its gettin late again n i wanna get up early tomorrow for a change! :p

[Hemisphere]

Ar Tonelico owns them all :D
Edit: Some question: Does anyone know from which game these pics (http://www.visual-novels.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3530&postcount=1) are from??

Moldavite, by Clover.

[Cloudnine]

Lots of games coming out this week, here are the high profile ones. i.e. stuff I preordered(ﾉ´∀｀*)ﾉ

http://www.sky-fish.jp/harutoma/banner/harutoma_a_00.jpg (http://www.sky-fish.jp/)
はるかぜどりに、とまりぎを。
Harukazedorini, Tomarigio.
Skyfish's second project. Very different from their last work, Shirogane no Soleil. First impressions from the demo is promising. As expected, there is a high level of production and polish, the art direction and designs are simply breathtaking. Download the OP from Getchu or the main site to see for yourself.

http://windmill.suki.jp/img/hapima.jpg (http://221.246.241.114/crossnet/happy/)
はっぴぃ☆マーガレット！
Happy☆ Magarette!
I simply love Crossnet. They always excel in the genre, action ADV with Ayakashi, SLG with Maple Colors. Happy☆Magarette! is their pure love entry and, like their previous works, has the making of a great renai game. The character designs are amazingly cute and the CV list is an all star cast with the likes of Sakakibara Yui and Kamimura Hina. The main character is a proper protagonist (thank god), cool and capable. Couple this with the Ojousama school setting and you can sort of see where the influence for this game came from ^^

http://windmill.suki.jp/product/7th/image/9th_banner02.jpg (http://windmill.suki.jp/product/7th/7th_index.html)
ツナガル★バングル
Tsunagaru★Bangle
The good news is that the main scenario writer from Happiness! is still here along with three other well known writers. From the demo, I couldn't tell any difference in styles (which is good) and it was very Windmill-ish (good too) with it's fantasy school life setting.

The bad news however, is that the original artist has changed. The new style is leaning a bit toward loli/chibi-ish designs. While I don't mind it, there are some people who are bent on getting こ～ちゃ back. With that said, the active character movement is back and very polished. Just watching how the characters move around the screen is as entertaining as ever.

I'll be picking up my preorder later tonight! わくわく

http://www.makura-soft.com/AAA/info/aaa_tokuten.jpg (http://www.makura-soft.com/index2.html)
√ after and another
H2O 2.0?

√ after and another is re-release of Makura's debut title H2O. Before you go screaming "cash cow", there are some really interesting stuff they added onto the game that explains the full purchase price.

There are updated routes for the original three main characters, Otoha, Hayami, an Hotaru. Basically, some of the plot holes and problems with the latter story are ironed out. The psuedo-ojousama Yui is now a capturable heroine as well as Hamaji (It will be very interesting to see how this turns out ^^). An entirely new character has been added as well as cameos of characters from their next game Sakura no Uta due out soon.

[relentlessflame]

ツナガル★バングル
Tsunagaru★Bangle
Windmill has been quiet for a while since Happiness! Re:Lucks working on their next project. The good news is that the main scenario writer from Happiness! is still here along with three other well known writers. From the demo, I couldn't tell any difference in styles (which is good) and it was very Windmill-ish (good too) with it's fantasy school life setting.

The bad news however, is that the original artist has changed. The new style is leaning a bit toward loli/chibi-ish designs. While I don't mind it, there are some people who are bent on gettingこ～ちゃ back. With that said, the active character movement is back and very polished. Just watching how the characters move around the screen is as entertaining as ever.

I'll be picking up my preorder later tonight! わくわくDespite my misgivings about the new artist/different character designs (first thing I noticed as well), I caved and pre-ordered this one as well. The writing in Happiness was just so fun, and you could just tell from the promo that that hasn't changed one bit. So, I'm sure I'll get used to the character designs and art, and am looking forward to another good story.

(P.S. What the heck happened to the formatting in your post? It's a bbcode disaster! :heh: )

[Cloudnine]

(P.S. What the heck happened to the formatting in your post? It's a bbcode disaster! :heh: )
Fixed! That was weird!

And agreed about Tsunagaru Bangle. The demo was absolutely hilarious! Yuka (voiced by Kimura Ayaka <3 ) has such a quirky and lovable personality (lol@kuma scene!) as with the rest of the awesome cast. Everything just clicks well with this game ^^

Ahh, one more hour till I get out! ε≡≡(ノ´∀｀）ノ

[Thany]

The bad news however, is that the original artist has changed. The new style is leaning a bit toward loli/chibi-ish designs. While I don't mind it, there are some people who are bent on getting こ～ちゃ back. With that said, the active character movement is back and very polished. Just watching how the characters move around the screen is as entertaining as ever.From the infos on getchu for this one game, there's apparently 3 artists involved for the game (the first 2 don't seem to have been drawing for any game presented by getchu), the style doesn't seem that loli-ish, except for the blonde loli of course :p (I find the artstyle to be a bit weird though if you ask me)
And 葉賀ユイ>こ～ちゃ.

[2H-Dragon]

ドラクリウス

Romanji: Draculius

Company: めろめろキュート ("meromero cute")

Release Date: May 25th, 2007



Ok so what are chances of this having a translation patch? It looks awesome, but so pointless if it's only in jap. ._.

edit: Woah after looking at the pics. Is this a dark eroge?

[MeganeShounen]

Indeed, I suppose one could make an argument that having a smaller cast allows you to pack more story into them. I think it doesn't matter whether the cast is big or small as long as they're done right.
Quite right on your idea there. Back then, I thought that less characters meant less chance to screw up on the character relationships, while more time to properly develop all characters.

That was before Ken Akamatsu decided to fully mobilize his 31+ characters in Negima. And that was also before the whole enormous Nasuverse was revealed to me.
I hear FSN is pretty long (around or more than 70 hours total) so be prepared to either reserve a week to marathon it, or play it over the course of a month or so.

AGTH and Atlas may help with the untranslated parts, but because of Nasu's complicated use of Japanese language I wouldn't hope for much success, unfortunately.

Nasu really has a penchant for writing really long, yet really intricately complex stories. And that the stories can also have tie-ins with the previous stories Nasu made... (See: The Aozaki sisters and Zelretch. Yeah, that dimension-hopping ubermage.)

Lots of games coming out this week, here are the high profile ones. i.e. stuff I preordered(ﾉ´∀｀*)ﾉ

http://www.sky-fish.jp/harutoma/banner/harutoma_a_00.jpg (http://www.sky-fish.jp/)
はるかぜどりに、とまりぎを。
Harukazedorini, Tomarigio.

...

http://windmill.suki.jp/product/7th/image/9th_banner02.jpg (http://windmill.suki.jp/product/7th/7th_index.html)
ツナガル★バングル
[I]Tsunagaru★Bangle


I was quite interested in Shirogane no Soleil, and that gives me enough drive to learn more about Skyfish's next game.

Wait, if this is Skyfish's 2nd game... what about Familiar Spirits then? :heh:

I found out about Tsunagaru★Bangle on another forum (was it Shinova on hongfire, I think? :heh:), so I quickly noticed that it was from the same company that made Happiness!. The art also seemed to have hints of it too.
It seems that the theme is also similar to Happiness!, where there's magic involved. I did notice the bracelets that most of the female cast were wearing...

On another note, this particular pic evoked much lulz and <3 from me and a friend.
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7723/cg13cef5.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cg13cef5.jpg)
Her expression is priceless. I'm guessing that she's gonna scream in the next few seconds after that scene. ^_^

[Thany]

Wait, if this is Skyfish's 2nd game... what about Familiar Spirits then? :heh:
Cloudnine probably just made a mistake, it happens :p
Doesn't get me any less uninterested in this game though :uhoh: (I've enough proof for myself to put Skyfish into my 'to avoid' game company...)