There is a promising premise presented here, but sadly, Waifu Impact fails to make an impact at all, let alone a splash. Even if the concept isn’t fully realized, there could always be hope for some notable systems. Unfortunately, this couldn’t pull off any of that, leaving me confused. Games can be cheeky but still present some value with how comically bad they are, Waifu Impact doesn’t even come close. With poor gameplay and visuals, this game is dead in the water.

Summer Pockets ended up being the visual novel that I didn’t know I needed right now. The game can take anywhere from 30 – 40 hours to complete, but along the way, you’re in for some excellent moments of narrative storytelling. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy if you’re sappy on love stories. You’ll need them.

This game pretty much does the bare minimum of what a 2D action game should do, and even then, they couldn’t get the text to fit inside the boxes. I adore these characters and their adventure, but there is just too much lacking in this zany adventure for me to recommend it.

There’s a lot to love about Arknights. Within the game’s story, base-building mechanics, and resource collecting side missions, there’s a ton to experience, but I was hoping for a little more. A PvP mode or event story modes would have worked well here as well as have it more in line with other mobile games available.

This is a must-play visual novel for fans of the Chuusotsu! 1st Graduation, as it not only creates a new scenario that builds on the events established but also gives you more time with this charming cast of characters. Sadly, there isn’t too much outside of that, which has me waiting for a proper sequel to take the series to new heights.

Taisho X Alice is a beautiful game, filled with fantastic characters. Each fairy tale is presented in a way that makes them unique, even if you think you’ve had enough of the source material. I’m glad to see the game finally receive a proper localization as well as a focus on character growth. While traversing the game’s routes can get tricky, it doesn’t hold the game back too much from presenting it Otome offerings wonderfully. I’m eager to continue the adventure as new chapters are released.

VenusBlood Frontier International does have some faults when it comes to accessibility and menu organization, but after a few hours, it’s a bit easier to understand. There’s a lot here, and thankfully Loki’s determination and cunning schemes make the story all the more gripping as his army grows, and he is closer to his goal.

Black Desert Mobile operates as a typical MMORPG, which unfortunately isn’t saying much. Yes, the battles are fun, leveling up my character and equipment is mindless entertainment as with many MMORPGs, and the visuals look great when not zoomed out, but I was hoping for a more engaging experience. If anything, I’m now more inclined to get the PS4 version of Black Desert Online to see all this game has to offer.

The theme of debt isn’t powerful enough to make for a deep narrative adventure, but seeing Misty follow her dream is a sufficient reason to see the quest through until the end. The crafting system ends up becoming the most significant appeal of this adventure in the later hours, which worked out fine for me. If you’re a fan of the Atelier series and you’re looking for a unique take on the alchemy genre, then this could very well appeal to you.

There’s a nice balance of gameplay and visual novel storytelling in Baldr Sky and each work hand in hand to the game’s plot. Each character plays a roll in this story and each holds a clue to the truth. Be warned, that after beginning this visual novel, it’s almost impossible to put down. This is a game that could easily take over 100 hours to get through, but trust me when I say that it’s well worth it.

Hero Must Die. Again is a unique non-linear JRPG that takes chances on players being capable of learning and navigating through its systems, without much handholding. Each playthrough enables the player to become more capable of handling whatever the game throws at them, even if that comes at the cost of dying multiple times...The problem is how the game keeps the player organized, which is the hardest thing to do, considering events are somewhat random. Still, this is a game that I’m glad came west as it is pretty much comfort for food for fans of the genre that some huge chances on game design that pay off in the long run.

Senren Banka is an extremely high-quality visual novel that does a great job of getting the most out of its small cast of characters. The game builds up these relationships over time alongside the threat that spirits will soon take over the town. Sadly, the conclusion didn’t really stick the landing, but the journey there was well worth it.

Despite Ciel Fledge’s interesting setting and ideas, the battle system feels too messy for me to stick with it, at least not without some visibility tweaks, or even some accessibility options. With such unique ideas present, I know there’s a very interesting game here, I’m probably just not a very good parent.

All Stars was made for fans of this series specifically, but outside of that, you might be hardpressed to continue your idol adventure. The admittedly complicated team preparation can be quite a turn off for some if you think this is just another rhythm game. However, RPG fans could find something substantial here, assuming you can embrace the idol culture. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll definitely love what All Stars has to offer. The game is regularly being updated with new content, including songs, costumes, and events, so try to hold onto your money while you can.

SeaBed really isn’t much of a game, but as a piece of interactive media, that is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable things I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The story tells an evocative narrative about self-reflection and actualization that seemed to enjoy breaking me down emotionally just as much I took pleasure in breaking down its themes and characters. All I need now is something to help with this overwhelming feeling of emptiness now that it’s over.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is a unique experience in the mobile space. Its presentation and excellent UI give it a console feel, but they’ve also double-downed on a responsive and intuitive card-based battle system. While the PvP mode just didn’t really hold my attention, there’s enough in the story campaign to immerse yourself in the world of The Seven Deadly Sins throughout your daily commute.

OshiRabu: Waifus Over Husbandos presents a strange premise that ends up working thanks to the charming cast of characters. The writing for the characters was endearing and romantic as you find yourself immersed in this otaku group of friends. There are a few low points in the story where you feel like the plot takes a couple of steps back, but the conclusion makes it all worth it.

Bleach: Immortal Soul can become a real mess once you really get into the various modes and currency upgrades. The learning curve is steep here, but at the same time, it’s a streamlined affair to those only interested in reliving a classic anime series through the story mode. The main point being, this experience is incredibly average, but fans of the series will most likely find an appreciation fo the narrative, world, and characters. Here’s to the return of Bleach.

Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition isn’t a terrible game; it just feels like one that I’ve played a million times before. The trope-filled story left much to be desired and, even though the combat can be fun, it is still the same turn-based combat gamers have seen time and time before. The game is clearly trying to have the impact of some of the excellent RPG classic of our time, but these clear inspirations are what make the game fall short.

There’s very little that is grand about Grand Guilds, as I think the project was just a bit too ambitious for the developer. There’s too much to not like about the deck-building systems for the combat to be fun, and there’s not enough variety in the combat to make up for the inadequate systems. The game fails to capture what it is to be a tactical RPG, and while it’s always nice to try new things, it’s essential to stay true to the fundamentals of the genre.

War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is an excellent extension of the Final Fantasy Tactics series. The game features a charming cast of characters who embark on a memorable quest that I wasn’t expecting. Still, there are definitely some balancing issues found in the PVP offerings, which make matches much easier for those who pay. As a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics, I felt right at home in terms of the battle system and turn-based mechanics found in this adventure, which pave the way for a great mobile RPG experience.

Without A Voice is a well-written story that explores the relationship of two opposite individuals, which sometimes hurt the believability of them spending time together. Still, the themes of ulterior motives and mystery kept me engaged across its multiple endings. I should also mention that the game is free on Steam, so there’s no harm in trying it for yourself.

Everything in Kawaii Deathu Desu is hidden behind a repetitive mechanic that forces you to level up characters to progress. The lack of accessibility options for this console port is a considerable oversite and makes navigate any menu within the game a chore. Sure, the character sprites are cute, but that’s no reason to endure a cramping wrist for hours of clicking. You’ll more than likely break the shoulder buttons of your Joy-Con long before you unlock everything this game has to offer.

Yumeutsutsu Re:After is an exceptional Fandisc as it really improves on the shortcomings of its predecessor. There was a definite amount of attention put into the writing to develop these characters out further and expand on their relationships. Sure, these short yuri stories may only be composed by wholesome shenanigans and adorable illustrations, but Yumeutsutsu Re:After ended up being an enjoyable experience that’ll give you a pleasant 20 hours of reading time to sit back and relax to.

The Fox Awaits Me doesn’t seem like it would be a gripping thriller, and yet, it is. There were moments during the story where I was entirely at the edge of my seat, but then the writers decided to put some perverted joke in that hurt the pacing tremendously. Thankfully, the thrill survives thanks to the desire to figure out the truth. I would really like to see a mystery from this team without so much reliance on jokes and puns. For now, The Fox Awaits Me is an excellent way to spend a weekend.

A Summer’s End: Hong Kong 1986 is a must-read visual novel that connects with readers in several ways. This visual novel is pure art and shows a level of creativity that’s missing in other higher budget games available. There’s a clear focus on the emotions that the writers wanted to convey and they did it beautifully. The character illustrations are brilliant and the pacing is amazing, even though the conclusion does feel a bit rushed. Still, I’d keep an eye on anything coming from this developer in the future.

Little Busters! does right by its adventure and romance themes as it offers a bit of everything in the department. While some routes can lose focus, others are there to get things back on track until a genuinely memorable conclusion. The characters just have a way of growing on you through their charming interactions and desire to spend only a little more time together. In retrospect, there were a couple of bad innings, but that doesn’t take away from the home run of a finale the story offers.

Dragon Marked for Death on PC is the best way to play this game since the online infrastructure is far more dependable than its Switch counterpart. However, I don’t think the developers took full advantage of the port and failed to really sell this version of the game. Sure, it has controller support, but I was hoping to find improved framerates and resolution options. So if you’re looking for an addictive 2D action game to play with friends, Dragon Marked for Death has got you covered for many hours.

If you’re a die-hard fan of ontological mysteries (think “you wake up in a room”), you’ll probably come away from the game somewhat positive. After all, the developer also seems to be a die-hard fan of ontological mysteries. But please, for goodness sake, try to read slowly when you get to the finale.

Dead by Daylight on mobile is plagued with random bugs and lengthy load times, which can all be overlooked with the excuse that this is just the “Dead by Daylight” experience. Still, I found enjoyment during each match as I fought for my life against some of the most terrifying creatures known to exist. It’s like something you know is terrible, but you can’t put it down, and that’s precisely what keeps me playing.

Sadly, most of the time players will be spending with A New Power Awakens: Part 1 will likely be spent grinding senseless battles to get to the main event against Beerus. However, the fight and how the game presents it isn’t interesting enough to warrant going back to the game for. Unless you are really clamoring for more Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot content, it might be best to wait until the second part of the DLC is out for a complete experience.

Code: Realize Future Blessings is a fantastic addition and continuation of the base story as it gives players a chance to spend just a little more time with these characters across some excellent new scenarios. The game fleshes out plot points that its predecessor left on the table all without altering the best moments of the overall story. If you enjoyed Code: Realize Guardian of Rebirth, then I’d give Future Blessings a very strong recommendation. However, if you’re interested in these titles and haven’t played either of them, the dual pack is available called Bouquet of Flowers, which has both this fandisc and the original game on PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita.

Yukikoi Melt is a beautiful visual novel that falls apart within the first hour. There is so much potential crammed in the beginning moments that are never brought up again and make you question why you just spent 20 hours hoping for something that never happens. However, if you’re looking for an exceptionally humorous and lighthearted visual novel about a boy overcoming his hatred for winter, look no further than Yukikoi Melt.

Kingdom Two Crowns makes for one of the more intriguing strategy games that I’ve played in some time. The mobile port looks and runs great, but suffers from a UI that doesn’t give the player enough unit information. Gameplay has a low barrier of entry and doesn’t require much to pick up and start playing. However, it’s trial and error experiences could have been retained even with a little bit of explanation to save the player an early death. Oddly enough, this is one of the more relaxing gaming experiences that I’ve had, which is why I find myself returning to my kingdom time and time again.

Victory Project has a problem with pacing, and it all stems from its flimsy foundation. Everything that happens comes off like a string of coincidences that will cause any player to roll their eyes. It makes the entire narrative more like a day time soap opera than a visual novel full of shocking discoveries, romantic outings, and near-death experiences. Still, it has its moments until the story reminds you of the character’s age difference for what seems like the 50th time.

Machina of the Planet Tree: Unity Unions is much too ambitious for its budget. The developer had an idea for what they wanted this game to be but could not pull it off. There’s not much here outside of mindlessly going through missions with the objective being “Defeat All Enemies” for an hour until the credits roll. I can’t recommend this game; I don’t care how cute the main protagonist is!

Real life Plus: Kaname Komatsuzaki will cost you both your valuable time and money, with next to nothing in return. You’ll be able to clear it at least once in just half an hour, experience some terribly paced attempt at storytelling to set up some H-scenes, and then wonder why you spent $12 on this. Unless you’re looking for a title with some good H-art and nothing else, I can think of no conceivable reason to pick this one up.

Strawberry Vinegar ends up being incredibly straight forward if not a little messy with some of its story elements. I thought the writing was comical and engaging, but then the pacing would be hurt by Rie’s unbalanced characteristics and overly mature attitude. In the end, it’s a visual novel about food and friendship, and you’ll get plenty of that here.

Ultimately, Demon’s Tier+ is a charming twin-stick shooter that doesn’t take a whole lot of skill to get into. Its entry-level mechanics make it approachable to new fans of the genre, but skilled players will quickly discover how to take advantage of the game’s systems and get through it without much trouble.

Warborn has a great foundation of SRPG mechanics and beautiful animations. However, I never once felt connected or concerned about my units or challenged after the first few minutes of a match. Each campaign plays out relatively the same, and after hours of gameplay, you’ll feel like you are merely playing the same mission over and over. I enjoyed the overall aesthetic, but nothing about the gameplay held my attention.

Master Magistrate is an excellent detective adventure that is continually engaging during every moment of gameplay. The cast of characters is full of interesting voices and personalities who keep this mystery grounded. This is further enhanced with the game’s visual presentation, which makes it stand out effectively as it carves out its own identity within the genre. Where it falls apart is found in some of its delivery, but that won’t hinder the overall experience. If you’re in the mood to gather clues and solve cases, then you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

KukkoroDays is an incredibly average story that puts in a little bit of effort not just to be an ecchi visual novel. However, it’d be tough to catch that thanks to the game’s incredibly fast pacing. If you’re here for the qureate illustrations, then this is some of the best work they’ve put out, but the rest of the game will have you wishing that their storytelling was as good as their artwork.

Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe is a great entry point into the gacha genre and the SaGa universe. The connection to the series told through a new adventure flows well with the game’s RPG mechanics. While the game’s story isn’t going to immerse you, there’s no pressure on the player to use real currency by stonewalling them with a high difficulty scale or intimidating PvP mode...If anything, Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe did such a fantastic job introducing me to the universe that I actually ended up buying Romancing SaGa 2 on my phone, so I can finally experience what this classic series has to offer.

Adabana Odd Tales is a romantic tragedy that follows many Shakespearian story beats. It puts a clever spin on Japanese folklore told through the adventures of two complex characters. While the mystery ends up working against the themes of the narrative, the beautiful illustrations and gripping conclusion make this game a truly enjoyable experience.

ATRI -My Dear Moments- is a beautiful visual novel about people trying to figure out how to live in a world that has been literally sinking around them. It plays on the environment of a nigh apocalyptic setting with cautious optimism, defying the angst that would usually permeate tales such as these without just ignoring the traumatic past of the protagonist. It’s a solid recommendation for any visual novel fan who wants a hopeful story with a unique delivery.

Forgotten Trace: Thanatos in Nostalgia has a great first chapter that may be overly wordy, but sets up a gripping mystery. However, it almost immediately turns into a mess due to poor pacing and character building. The timeline feature works to a point but fails to really capitalize on the system, which ends up doing nothing for the narrative. Hopefully, the sequel delivers a more promising structure for these characters to grow in.

Nyan Cafe Macchiato is a visual novel that fails to execute a unique narrative within the genre but does a few interesting things to at least hold the reader’s attention. The illustrations are excellent, which makes it easier to bear with the lacking main protagonist and throwaway story scenes. If you’re looking for a light-hearted comedy with no real direction, then you’ve found it.

Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection is a great collection of some of the most iconic fighters released to date. However, it comes at the cost of probably playing single-player or local coop only given the limitation of the online features. Regardless, this was an awesome walk down memory lane and offers a way to share a series’ humble beginnings.

Jiangshi X Daoshi is well worth your time as it pushes what the idea of a visual novel can be. The animations, combined with a simplistic story, makes it a perfect entry point for pretty much anyone. It won’t leave you questioning your existence or provide a feel-good experience, but it does present a group of characters who you can’t help but want to hang out with, which is an excellent foundation for any visual novel.

Phantom Rose was able to get me interested in roguelikes, but after a lengthy play session, you’ll see everything the game has to offer rather quickly. Still, its design holds up, and its card battle system makes for a unique gameplay experience that you may wish evolved more in the later portions.

Synergia is excellent for any fans of cyberpunk thrillers. Getting to understand the nuances of this world and the clash of humanity and AI as the lines blur between their differences was a great experience. The illustrations and supporting cast only complement the joy of following the relationship of the main protagonists. There’s a few moments of overwhelming exposition and confusing plot points, but it all leads up to a satisfying conclusion.

Spiral Memoria manages to be a competent otome game, doing everything that is expected from the genre, but in the process fails to make a distinctive experience, leaving the game entirely forgettable. The story is generic, the structure is inherently flawed, and the presentation is average. If you’re simply looking to have pretty boys romance you, then you may be okay with what this game offers, but the premise seems to be pulled right out of a standard list of what makes an otome game.

Flowers -Le volume sur automne- is a fantastically crafted story with a widespread of interesting, adorable, and fun cast members. I was drawn right into its extremely compelling narrative through its excellent scenarios and pacing. The illustrations will grab your attention, but you’ll stay for the gripping romance that unfolds.

Muv-Luv photonmelodies make up a collection of fandiscs that takes the Muv-Luv series in a few new directions. Each story gives us more insight into this world, with the notable inclusion of Altered Fable. Most of the storytelling comes from a lighthearted perspective, but the pacing is on point for each title, and some of the scenarios make up my favorite in the series. The comedic elements might not always stick, but photonmelodies nails its delivery with excellent character writing and a few good plot points.

Nexomon: Extinction ends up being a great monster-catching RPG thanks to its clever character writing and overall epic narrative. You’re on a quest to save the world, but how you get there is made entirely up to you. There’s some balance that needs to be addressed when it comes to the opening moments along with the game’s difficulty level, but the systems and adorable creatures make this a worthy entry in the genre.

First Snow plays it safe with its storytelling and pacing. Still, the free cost of entry allowed the studio to give the reader an insight into characters and relationships that can be expanded upon later. The game features some fantastic art direction, and it’s college cast allows the writers to create a story that a lot more people can instantly relate to, without having to try and reminisce on high school days. The entire story comes off as a familiar and comfortable tale that I enjoyed, which makes me excited for whatever the team puts out next. It’s merely free yuri real estate.

Loca-Love My Commuting Crush is a quick and satisfying game to play alone on Friday night. It’s not dripping with fluffy romance like its predecessor, but it does provide a bit of substance that expands upon the better moments of storytelling this series offers. Regardless of why you play it, there’s enough to look forward to in the next installment, Loca-Love: My Pure Priestess.

9-nine-: Episode 3 ends up slingshotting this series to a must-read mystery visual novel. It not only expands on the more interesting aspects of the series, but it successfully balances a new serious tone with a few memorable comedic moments. Even with the slow opening and lack of 1080p illustrations, the narrative expertly sets up the next title, and now all we can do is wait.

RPG Maker MV is a decent port of a 5-year-old game development toolset made available for console players. It takes time to understand and hours of patience to truly get the hang of, but those that make the most out of it are in for a world of possibilities. This series has evolved over the years to handle any type of adventure that a user would want to create. This console version only opens that door to more unique adventures.

Gleamlight may have been great in concept, but it does not work in execution. There’s nothing here that players can attach themselves to as a reason to continue playing outside of some great visual and sound design. The battle system is basic, the upgrades are the bare minimum, and the level design is a copy and pasted maze. The UI-less experience has worked in other games, but it comes off as lazy game development here when the team didn’t try to provide a reasonable explanation of its systems or narrative.

Touhou Luna Nights is one of those video game experiences that feels all so familiar but is executed so well that you can’t help but enjoy what it offers. Sure, every game should aspire to reinvent the wheel or try to emulate the best qualities of standard-bearers, but games like this simply recapture the magic and feel of genre classics. In this case, it’s the sublime composition of some of the genre greats, but this time you’re one classy maid who’s excellent at throwing knives.

It’s an unfortunate step down from the developer’s previous games. You see, the story never truly catches on as the game’s main focus seem to be on its battle system. Here’s to hoping that updates iron out the kinks of this adventure. Otherwise, this is just another standard strategy RPG to fill your phone storage with for a few minutes of fun.

Sense: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story will cause several headaches after the many forehead palms players will endure through this cryptic adventure. The story will rarely make sense, and the haphazard nature of the puzzle design force many moments of aimless backtracking. This is a game that the developer seemed to make for themselves, and it shows in the design and layout. Still, there’s something here for a follow-up release, but I really hope that quality assurance is in the budget this time around.

WanNyan à la mode plays it incredibly safe with its character designs and narrative. The developer has done everything in there power to make this an easily digestible comedic romance without any roadblocks and nothing at stake. Where the game stands out is found in its quality presentation and transitions, which you don’t usually see in this genre.

Tomoyo After ~ It’s a wonderful life~ ends up being anything other than wonderful. It may be aesthetically fantastic and audibly great, but it falters in delivering a message that it came so close to executing on, only to get lost in its numerous plot distractions. Hardcore Clannad fans will feel right at home with this story delivery, but there are some missed opportunities here for the casual player.

I’d want to make some sort of robot analogy about all these “parts” coming together to create a “well-oiled machine,” but I feel that would undersell just how great this Robotics;Notes Elite is. This was a visual novel that lived up to the very high expectations I imposed upon it, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Robotics;Notes DaSH is a game that had such an incredible base, and some terrific story beats set up to resolve but is constantly at odds with its progression system and Daru’s presence within the story. This ultimately runs counter to everything that made its predecessor so fantastic. If you liked the original story, you would get some enjoyment out of the endings, and there are some fun goofy moments to be had with Kaito and the gang. Still, they are severely undercut by a new insufferable lead and the echoes of what could have been something truly great. Maybe we can delude ourselves into making the next one better, yeah?

Salthe doesn’t achieve anything worthwhile at the end of this “comedic” tale. There are only two scenes that stood out to me, with everything else being an insufferable waste of time. In fact, maybe the story should have gotten back to its original premise of bringing Salthe back to life because it’s never brought up again after the opening. Perhaps that’s the big take away; maybe the joke is on me for reading this mess.

This is the Zodiac Speaking is a decent psychological thriller significantly hurt by the Switch’s underpowered hardware. The narrative is there, but everything else falls short in terms of visuals, graphical glitches, and sound. There are some nice features here, but I urge you to play the PC version if you can.

Idola: Phantasy Star Saga could have been great, but its more promising early content slowly turns into a standard waifu collector RPG within the first few hours. There’s a unique raid system woven in with the Idola themes that make for some fun moments of gameplay, but everything else feels almost too familiar. I wish the developer did more with the Phantasy Star brand instead of simply reusing mechanics that we’ve seen before. It may still be worth it in the end, though, because the gacha drop rates for 5-star characters seem to be really high, or I’ve been insanely lucky.

Living in the Ending World is a neat concept and idea as it creates a survival experience within the classic text-based adventure genre. However, it ultimately feels like a demo that could potentially be a much bigger game someday. While it adds some unique ideas to the narrative adventure genre with survival and crafting elements, the entire experience is short-lived with fast RNG systems that work better on mobile devices. Living in the Ending World is a neat idea that I would love to see expanded more on.

Dream was a surprise escape room title that I’m glad didn’t escape my interest. It provides a decent layer of challenge as you make your way through detailed set pieces. The narrative may be full of exposition as the story shoves breadcrumbs in your face, but that doesn’t take away from its more compelling puzzle designs. This is truly a hidden gem that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Iwaihime plays the long con with its narrative and convinces readers that it’s not the unique horror thriller they were promised. However, that all changes when it shows its hand, and you are taken through some gripping story scenarios that will send several chills up your spine. This worked well with the game’s presentation, aesthetic, and blend of romance and horror. I couldn’t recommend this more.

Xuan-Yuan Sword VII is an absolute gem of an action RPG. Its dedication to world-building and narrative does not go unrewarded as you find yourself entangled in the oftentimes overdramatized politically charged plot. It’s high fantasy in every sense of the world. Still, I wish something more was done to make NPCs more engaging, and the battle system could use some balancing. Regardless, it’s going to be tough for me to ignore this long-running series anymore.

SaDistic Blood is a visual novel that appeals to a very particular audience. I am not that audience. It’s a relatively short, horny, gory, torture porny VN made for people who, well, enjoy that. It gets points for having a strong visual style and being honest about it, but the target audience is exceptionally niche. Only enter if you want this, and expect your stomach tested. Those who wish to play without the gore can expect a patch to release soon, which removes those sections but leaves in the H-content.

The Case Book of Arne is a delightful murder mystery that successfully mixes lighthearted comedy moments with intriguing plot twists and darker narrative elements. Through a variety of minigames and some use of supernatural powers, it makes for an engaging gameplay experience as well despite being a little too simple in that aspect. Linearity makes the game feel a little hollow, without much to do besides the main plot beats during its minimal time of only about 6 hours. Still, the characters grew on me, and I’m very excited to see what the next cases in the series will be and where they’ll take Lynn and Arne.

Mad Father is a legitimate survival horror experience that takes after the seminal Sweet Home. The storyline is genuinely intriguing and disturbing, with a captivating narrative complemented by authentic gameplay systems that create a true survival horror challenge. Despite simple pixel graphics, Mad Father manages to use its excellent sound design to create a horrifying atmosphere. It may lack 8K powered zombies, but there are plenty of scares here for even the most seasoned horror game fans.

There is clearly a direction and vision for Grand Alliance, but it’s pretty much downhill after the game’s opening. I know I’ve always touted that I’m into games with amazing stories despite the gameplay, but Grand Alliance made it difficult to stick with that idea. At least this was leagues better than Overlord: Mass for the Dead.

Considering the story’s weakness and the high gameplay to story ratio, I can’t recommend Quantum Protocol to visual novel fans looking for a decent story with a bit of gameplay. Still, I would recommend it to fans of strategic card games. The difficulty could use a few tweaks to make it friendlier to beginners, but experienced players looking for a challenge will certainly find one.

LoveKami: Divinity Stage gives us a fun story of idol Goddesses just trying to make it in this world. Its comedic elements and lewd imagery carry the narrative but don’t expect to feel too attached to the characters after the conclusion. Ultimately, the Switch version holds this release back with a lack of additional features and low-quality assets. At least the CGs are their to hold the reader’s attention.

Nekopara Vol. 4 gives the fans exactly what they want while also focusing on a few emotional story beats of Kashou trying to gain his father’s respect. It’s a unique angle that adds to these characters’ relationships and shows that the developer isn’t getting too comfortable. There’s a layer of quality here, which can easily be found through its design and comedic writing.

If you have casual experience with the mystery dungeon genre and desire more from it, I wholeheartedly recommend Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate. Once you let it in and embrace it, this adventure will pull you in with its endless replayability, stark gameplay depth, and charm. If you grow easily frustrated, however, and find yourself feeling disheartened by losing resources and progress quite significantly, a different mystery dungeon title will more than likely be your cup of tea.

Liar Trick is interesting despite its flaws. The gameplay is unique, and with the amount of research and detail that went into it, it’s clearly a labor of love by the developer. It’s difficult to recommend to a general English-speaking audience with the translation in its current state. Still, fans of detective games and unusual visual novels should enjoy it if they’re willing to have a little patience.

Fateful End: True Case Files is a nonsensical title with nothing to do with what the game is about. It’s rarely fun, with only a couple of neat puzzles. Still, they often clash so heavily with the terrible attempt at telling an interesting story through forceful character development, that nothing ever pays off.

The Ditzy Demons Are in Love With Me: Fan Disc is the ultimate fan disc for those who couldn’t get enough of these ditzy demons. It does more than the bare minimum for its narrative and goes all-in with new character routes and extra unlockables. If you weren’t into the humor before, you probably wouldn’t enjoy this release, making it explicitly for the fans.

All things considered, Slave Princess Sarah is a decent and highly playable homage to the Game Boy classic Final Fantasy Adventure. It executes solid albeit dated gameplay mechanics in a game world that is methodically designed with swift pacing and features some really cool boss battles. However, most squeamish players will probably need to look past a lot of uncomfortable content and material to get to the genuine gameplay substance. As it stands, this one is largely for the intended subculture, and even the Game Boy novelty wears off rather quickly.

As a VR experience, Spice & Wolf VR2 offers some of the best character animations that I’ve seen. However, it does not deliver significant content to justify its price, even by marketing itself as a VR anime. The limited environments and lack of interaction was a huge missed opportunity to making this a better experience overall. Oh well, here’s to hoping Spice & Wolf VR3 is better.

I Walk Among Zombies Vol. 3 caps off this trilogy with some of the best pacing the series offers. The main protagonists’ character growth shines, with only a few stumbles leading up to the conclusion. The art work and writing fuel the deadly themes for a genuinely captivating read. This entry alone is reason enough to play through the previous titles, which continually delivers a unique and thrilling narrative.

Fantasy Tavern Sextet: Vol.1 New World Days is a decent romantic comedy that doesn’t force you to play as a protagonist with a one-track mind. There’s some depth, but not much as the choices don’t matter, and you’ll probably forget about any emotional beats once the romance kicks in. Still, I’m looking forward to the next volumes to see where this fantasy goes.

It all just falls short of what could otherwise be a decent, engaging adventure. I just did not find myself having fun with the combative scenarios. That, coupled with the weak performance, brings the title down a good number of notches. The title is fairly short but is also priced rather modestly. If you are mildly curious, feel free to pick it up. If you can stomach some of this title’s frail aspects, you can find yourself enjoying a beautiful, hearty adventure.

In the end, Meteor World Actor offers a well-defined atmosphere with worldbuilding on a level that matches some of the best in the genre. Sadly, the character routes are underwhelming, but that doesn’t compromise everything it has to offer leading up to the conclusion. I’d love to see a proper continuation of the tale of these fascinating characters who live in a city eternally covered by the darkness of the night.

Pretty Princess Party is, at its core, an incredibly casual game. It’s a low-stakes and low-effort title that lets the player use their creative potential should they decide to get involved. If you’re a parent looking for a safe title for kids to play to explore their skills and reaction times, this is a solid pick. Otherwise, I don’t really know who’s going to play this game. On a more positive note, It’s got fewer bugs than Cyberpunk 2077.

Noel the Mortal Fate is all about impact. It’s a revenge melodrama that wants to keep the player on the edge of their seat, eating all the plot twists and caring about how the characters end up. This may not be the whole story, but it still manages to provide a wildly emotional ride even through limited visuals.

I Walk Among Zombies Vol. 0 is a short visual novel experience that explorers some of the smaller stories that didn’t make it into the full game. They are often fun and lighthearted, but I wish they carried more weight. As of now, Tokiko’s route might be the best reason to play through it. It’s a must if you want more stories from this series, but you won’t be missing out on much if you don’t play it.

Fxxx Me Royally!! is a fun read if you’re looking for a low-key romance with a protagonist who isn’t afraid to be horny on main. Considering the premise, some aspects feel a bit timid; but perhaps that makes the game approachable to a broader audience, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Amairo Chocolate doesn’t break the mold with daily life romance. It also doesn’t capitalize on its animal girl premise even after setting up a pretty good foundation for why they exist. It’s all just too surface level, and the slow pacing will turn anyone who is not completely in love with these characters. Still, they sure are cute, so that might be enough to ask them out for coffee.

Neoverse doesn’t have a reason why these women jump through portals to fight monsters, but who cares with a deckbuilding roguelike system this addictive. Its high difficulty will force you to stay on your toes, but there’s enough here to keep playing for hours. Still, if you can’t get past the lack of narrative, uninspired rewards, and design, then you might want to play something else.

I’d typically say this is a good title for a lonely night, but Riddle Joker’s sheer length, as well as the quality of (most of) the story routes, actually makes this a solid visual novel regardless of how lonely you are. The title excels through its visual style, cute sequences, and some precious heroines.