[johnishida]

Recently started DCIII but decided to leave it on hold to play some game trials.

First was Alcot Honey Comb next title: 1/2 summer. My first impression of the game was positive. All the characters are very likable with Ushio as my favorite and already wishing for Kazuha route. Really like the art for the game with the artist being the same one that worked on Lump of Sugar's PrismRhythm.

The plot has the classic "protagonist returning home after years of absence" with a few twists including a supernatural element. Not as much as is Harupoco but there is quite the amount of comedy in this game along with much appreciated romance and ichaicha.

Looking forward to the full game.

Spoiler for 1/2 summer Trial:

... I was curious what kind of role would Kuroha (a supernatural being that only the protagonist can see) play in what seems to be a mostly romantic centered game but, from what the trial shows it looks like she is just a plot device to help the protagonist develop a relationship with either of the heroines. It is implied there are reasons why she needs to protagonist to develop a relationship, though.

Kuroha also has the ability to create an imaginary (?) world(s) (restricted to the town she lives in) where our protagonist has already developed a relationship with any girl he wishes. No problems there but it kind of afraid the writers may use this world as an excuse to skip all the relationship development...

Second game trials I played was AXL’s Dolphin Divers. My impression for this one wasn’t as positive as 1/2 summer’s mainly because the trial focused too much on the “training” part instead of developing the characters so we could get to know them better. Surprisingly the only character we get to know a little more of is a secondary heroine.

Still, the trial was enjoyable for the most part and both the main and sub heroines are charming which is why I’m thinking of giving the full game a chance.

Finally, also read the trial for UnisonShift:Blossom’s Tokeijikake no Leyline. This one was really good. The trial is divided in various scenes developing both plot and characters. This trial did a great job at getting my attention and interest in the full game. There seems to be only three heroines but, I’m hoping for a secret Rito route.

Spoiler for ”Tokeijikake no Leyline Trial”:

Plot is a mix of magic and mystery. The protagonist transfers to a new school and during his very first day manage to get himself involved (and his new friend) with the mysteries that plague the school as part of an especial committee dedicated to solve them. These mysteries mostly involve stopping and recovering the magic items known as “Mistes”. They also help the students of the “Night World”, a special space that covers the school at night.

The trial had a lot of choices so you can voice your reasoning when facing a mystery. These choices don’t affect the final outcome and probably just work to increase the affection of Ushio. If you got your reasoning right, she will compliment the protagonist.