A terrific tale of finding love in trying times.
Akash: Path of the Five is a visually breathtaking, fun and well-written visual novel presented in the otome style. The sprites are all individually drawn by a dedicated artist, and the attention to detail provided by the entire team-from music, to storyboard, to dialogue and player character choices-is pinnacle work. It follows the storyA terrific tale of finding love in trying times.
Akash: Path of the Five is a visually breathtaking, fun and well-written visual novel presented in the otome style. The sprites are all individually drawn by a dedicated artist, and the attention to detail provided by the entire team-from music, to storyboard, to dialogue and player character choices-is pinnacle work. It follows the story of Aurora, the first female elemental to exist in the village of Akash in over 200 years, as she approaches her coming of age in a time of war with humans. She must choose an element of focus—no simple feat when it will change her for life—though perhaps one of her five elemental classmates will help guide her towards the right path... will she chose earth, water, fire, wind or light?
Having personally never played an otome-style game before, I went in with an open mind and was rewarded greatly. Each of the five (and potentially six!) love interests have fully fleshed-out paths that culminate to a unique, satisfying conclusion (that is, if you haven’t unlocked one of the alternative endings) and it’s easy to find yourself replaying immediately after finishing a route to see the different dialogue options you will receive with another love interest. The personalities of the elemental bachelors are diverse, meaning there will be someone to suit a rainbow of interests and palettes, and the trophy and mini-game artwork are a fun addition that round out the game as a whole.
The option to fast forward through previously witnessed scenes adds ease of replay, and the ability to review certain dialogue prompts allow you to revisit past choices—perhaps you said something you regret, or perhaps you just want to hear the goosebump inducing, suave seduction in Andrew Love’s voice talent once more. Either way, both features come in handy throughout your playthrough. Fat Bard polished this work with music that immerses you—I often leave it on in the background while writing as it is enjoyable, easy listening and contributes to the different environments and swells of emotion organically, beautifully.
It is easy to make a goal of obtaining every unique CG... and some will make you downright blush. Once again, another nod is needed for the stunning visuals and character design, as well as the animated backgrounds that react to the storytelling in real time; grass growing magically, a gate slamming open with haste, a beam of light cast from magical properties... it all contributes to telling a story with immersion, finesse and grace.
There is something for everyone in Akash: Path of the Five. All in all, a masterpiece of romance—you’ll want to take every path.… Expand