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VN of the Month March 2015 - Hana no No ni Saku Utakata no


kivandopulus

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Clephas chose Hana no No ni Saku Utakata no as VN of the Month and I comply with that as I have zero interest in playing or exploring any of this month's charage. With this kind of overdose lack of darker serious sophisticated titles is seen vividly as there used to be some kind of fragile balance before. Micchi applauds the simple joys of Hanasaki Work Spring , Panical Confusion and Yuki Koi Melt while Zen is curious about Anekouji Naoko to Gin'iro no Shinigami from Minato Carnival and Bishoujo Mangekyou nukige .

 

1. 11gatsu no Arcadia 11月のアルカディア [150327] LevoL 1 2 3 4 5
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Ruiseitou is a solitary island in the southern sea far away from the main island. The beautiful ocean which surrounds the island and the charm of its historic Western-style streets draw in many visitors. In October, the streets are decorated in Halloween decorations in preparation for Kidai Gakuen’s founding festival.
There is a jewel kept at the school which can grant any wish. Every year at the festival when the ‘orb’ is displayed to the general public, there are many plans to steal it. However, all attempts have been thwarted by voluntary security groups of townspeople and students. Takuto is the leader of one of these groups, who all have special powers bestowed upon them by the jewel’s magic. Together with his trusted friends, he protects the jewel and the festival.
However, this year is different. His role as the leader is only a façade; he is only awaiting his chance to steal the jewel for himself. He had planned for this moment for three years, in order to resurrect his late imouto.
There are English reviews

 

2. Anekouji Naoko to Gin'iro no Shinigami 姉小路直子と銀色の死神 [150327] Minato Carnival 1 2
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The baby-faced Shinkurou is loved by those who are older than him. His older sister Naoko says that she doesn’t want to spoil him, but that’s basically what she does. She was determined to make him a proper adult. However, the Finnish transfer student Kirsti, also known as the “Silver God of Death”, took an interest in him, which further worried Naoko. His surroundings quickly descended into a riot…
There is an English review

 

3. DS9 Debate School Nine DS9 ディベートスクールナイン [150327] Ja no Michi wa Hebi Soft 1
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As a part of class studies home teacher chose 9th Ammendment to the constitution as a debate topic. The classroom is going to become the battlefield between supporters of 9th Ammendment and revisionists. Naoki did not have particular interest for the agenda and kept neutral position.
"Please stand up with the Guardians !!"
"Please enter the constitutional reform faction !!"
Bribe? Intimidation? Venus trap? All means are good to bring Naoki to one's camp.
Shall Naoki give in to pressure or be able to find his own answer on the matter?
There is an English review

 

4. Hana no No ni Saku Utakata no 花の野に咲くうたかたの [150327] Applique 1 2 3
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Michitaka is able to see the marks left by others. The paths they’ve followed and the objects they’ve touched are all tinged with colours that are unique to each individual. Even though it is useful at times, it is mostly a troublesome ability.
Before his second year, his father asked him if he wished to live by himself at the old-fashioned Ouka-sou, which was managed by his cousins. Since he had always wanted to live alone, he jumped at the chance. However, when he arrived with great excitement, he was welcomed by the silver-haired Ouka. He did not notice any colours emanating from her.
“I am what you call… a ghost.”
Together with his cousins, childhood friends and various upperclassmen and underclassmen from his school, the most unforgettable days have begun this spring.
There are English reviews

 

5. Hanasaki Work Spring! 花咲ワークスプリング! [150327] Saga Planets 1 2 3
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In the midst of spring, the season of first encounters and love, Yuuma was content to waste his time away. However, these dog days began to change with his chance meeting with the mysterious Inori, the Yuki-onna of Suzugaoka Gakuen. Soon after, he was invited by Ayano to the ‘ghost club’, which is actually not related to the occult, but rather a gathering place for people with regrets. He was made the new leader of the club despite his reluctance.
Before long, he was surrounded by peculiar girls left and right: cool lone wolf Inori, carefree repeater Ayano, smitten kouhai Hikari, and pushy ‘bro’ Wakaba. Who will he end up in this irreplaceable youth story?
There are English reviews

 

6. Mirai Kanojo ミライカノジョ [150327] Pulltop Latte
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Takaya had started going out with a girl who he had been interested in for quite some time and was looking forward to enjoying a lovey-dovey relationship. But then another girl showed up, who was the same girl from another time (whether it be from the future, past or as another form in the present)!?
“Which of us do you like!?”
How could he choose between them? They were both his dearest lover and possessed different charms. But of course there’s only one answer…
“I’ll go out with both of you!”
This was the beginning of a strange love triangle.
It's not the case of romance triangle, more of constant 3P threesomes.

 

7. Panical Confusion パニカル・コンフュージョン [150327] Escu:de
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Magic has been passed down for generations in the Magicians’ Village, where it has remained closely guarded. However, one day, a girl Honoka who yearned for the outside world ran away. The village elders feared that the existence of magic would be made public, so they ordered fellow magic disciple Kenji to bring her back, by force if necessary.
He found her at Kimishiro Gakuen in Takagahara, happily living the normal school life which she had wanted. Even though he was hesitant upon seeing her happy for once, he decided to take her home in the interests of the village and confronted her on the school’s rooftop. However, his classmates Ayame and Nanaho were caught in the magic barrier that they put up. When Kenji tried to protect them from Honoka’s attacks, there was a sudden explosion. It appeared that a spell was cast upon them all, making them get into all sorts of naughty situations! Honoka and Kenji agreed to remain until they figure out how to lift the spell.
Moege from multiple authors which fails to stand out anywhere but the picture.

 

8. Sengoku Hime 6 ~Tenka Kakusei, Shingetsu no Kirameki~ 戦極姫6 ~天下覚醒、新月の煌き~ [150327] Gesen 18
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Oda Nobunaga headed to the capital to fight against the Azai and Asakura clans. Houjou Ujiyasu planned to take down the forces led by the Yamanouchi Uesugi clan and claim all of Kantou. Takeda Shingen decided to exile his father Nobutora and take over control of the Takeda clan for himself. Masamune Date set forth to unite the Hokuriku region which had grown increasingly discordant. These famous warriors, along with other clan heads, were supported by two men: the wise strategist Amagi Souma, and the master swordsman Sakaki Tsukasa.
TBS

 

9. Shirogane x Spirits! シロガネ×スピリッツ! [150327] Giga 1 2 3 
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Touji came to Kamishiro upon the last request of his late grandfather and iaido master. When he exited the station, he saw a single schoolgirl with a sword amidst a defeated mob of opponents. This was part of “Kamishiro Battle Live”, an annual media-sponsored battle event between the eight schools with the victor gaining control of the city. Setsuna brought him to Oubu Gakuen and recommended him to the student council. Impressed with his iaido technique, the student council leader invited him to join, but he had no desire to fight. However, when she told him that he would be able to live in the student council’s exclusive dormitory, he immediately changed his mind. Thus, the curtain has lifted on this fierce and fun battle stage with unique allies and opponents.
There are English reviews

 

10. Valkyrie Runabout! 戦乙女らんなばうとっ! [150327] Rosebleu 1
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Three years ago, Yuuki was summoned to another world, Dinia, which was being attacked by the forces of the demon lord. Even though he was merely a normal student, he gained great powers and they soon called him the ‘great wise man’. After helping the hero Scana take down the demon lord, he was been unable to return to his own world. They had fallen in love during the difficult journey and promised to marry each other, but they were separated due to the underhanded scheme of some corrupt nobles. For his great achievement, he was ultimately rewarded with only disappointment and despair.
After getting revenge against the nobles, he longed for the lost school days as a normal student. He wanted to just spend relaxing days with his friends. If he couldn’t return to Japan, then at least he wanted to experience it here. With that wish, he found himself standing in front of the school gates.
He was excited to start his new school life, but his homeroom teacher was the kingdom’s second price Hylen, while the first princess who had summoned him to this world, Flowra, was one of his classmates. One by one, people who he partied with or met along his journey appeared by his side once more. Then, Scana re-appeared before him, declaring that she would give everything to him while kissing him in front of everyone.
There is an English review

 

11. Yuki Koi Melt ゆきこいめると [150327] Frontwing 1 2 3
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It’s been only three months since Miharu moved to the snowy town of Yubane, where he was greeted with first true taste of winter. Since he’s sensitive to cold, he greatly hates winter and patiently waits for spring like a hibernating bear. However, he was unfortunately targeted by the school’s top weirdo Usagi. She wanted him to join the mysterious ‘Winter Club’. It was a club to enjoy and love winter.
There were four members: his classmate Taruhi who’s also not good with the cold weather, the ultimate trouble maker ‘Hurricane’ Kanon, everyone’s onee-san (and heater) Shizuri, and the winter-loving aptly-named Yuki. They invited him to join them at the club’s exclusive dormitory, the former ryokan Tougenkyou. They continued to invite him no matter how many times he refused, so he asked them why they wanted him to join so much.
“Because it’ll be much more fun with you.”
There are English reviews

 

BLOCKED
 
1. Enigma: ENIGMA: [150315] Uzumeya 1 2 3
The world is afflicted with a mysterious disease known as "The Enigma."
Chester, infected with this disease, finds himself washed onto a lonely island, Carlyle.
As he is being given a tour of the island by the girl who nursed him back to health, Chester finds himself feeling that something is off.
There are no doctors from the mainland. Not only is there no information of the outside world, but the inhabitants seem entirely oblivious of the worldwide epidemic.
---It's as if this place has been completely removed from the rest of the world.
After a while, Chester finds a conspicuous white forest in the middle of a green expanse.
"That forest devours people. That's what I believe."
The forest's name is Enigma.
The same as the disease consuming his body.
Doujin is localized and has English reviews
 
2. Golden Marriage -Jewel Days- Golden Marriage -Jewel Days- [150327] ensemble 1
This is the fandisc for Golden Marriage, featuring after stories for all six heroines (Marika included). There’s also two extra episodes, including one with alcohol. There’s plenty of new situations, in wedding dresses, swimsuits or yukata. Marriage isn’t your life’s goal; it’s a new beginning! Enjoy your sweet honeymoon!
Fandisc

 

Edited by kivandopulus

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11gatsu was an attempt to make a plotge with a bunch of charage paths tacked on for fanservice.  I'm not saying it was a horrible choice, but this game would have been much better if they'd gone one way or the other.

Anekouji Naoko to Gin'iro no Shinigami is the most dramatic failure of Minato Soft to date.  It still saddens me to recall how awful this game turned out to be.

Debate School 9 was an attempt to be clever by including a debate club into a charage... and it failed miserably.

Hana no No ni Saku Utakata no is a first-class nakige worth playing for anyone who wants some nice catharsis.

Hanasaki Work Spring is one of Saga Planets less plot-centric games, and as a result it is less quirky and eccentric as such works as Hatsyuki Sakura.  Unfortunately, quirky and eccentric is one of the elements that defines the company, so it wasn't a good thing, though the game itself is decent.

Sengoku Hime 6... was dramatically lower in quality (story-wise) than 5.  Since the games all cover the same era, that is essentially me telling you to just stick with Sengoku Hime 5 rather than any of the earlier or later entries in the series (at least so far).

Shirogane Spirits is a battle royale combined with a charage, something that was verging on becoming a theme in 2014 and 2015.  It has its high points, but it fell well behind Hana no No and evne Hanasaki Work spring in my estimation.

Yuki Koi Melt... is forgettable.

Valkyrie Runabout is one of my go-to games for replaying, for a number of reasons.  One of them is simply that it is Agobarrier's last work and he did an excellent job in bringing it to life.  However, another big reason is that it pulls off the combined comedy and catharsis elements sufficient to make you care about the characters early in the game.  It feels, in some ways, like if you were to add a complete harem rom-com with nakige elements onto the end of a 'protagonist gets summoned to save the world' story (the beginning being where it turns into a rom-com, lol).

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Enigma - Doujin VN that was translated by the late Conjueror and was published by Fruitbat Factory, and it seems to be one of underrated VNs. That said it has interesting premise in that the MC was need to deal with his own disease and that he's about to die, and that he arrived in the mysterious island that has mysterious forest that somehow share the same name as the disease that the MC suffer. Lastly I can say that the graphic and the opening of this VN are quite nice, so perhaps you may pick Enigma just for the graphic alone although keep in mind that the story here will be quite depressing (It has Utsuge tag for a reason).

Hanasaki - Another VN with the project that I followed back at 2016, in that it has nice progress for a while before finally stopped because Saga Planet did sent C&D. Although turned out that the fact that Saga Planet did send C&D is quite vague anyway, because apparently the leader of the project just hear about it from someone instead of received it directly, and you know that just a word of mouth here is not exactly the most credible source of information (Still a good move to stop the project to be safe anyway). Anyway other than quite controversial C&D, this VN is deal with the club just like Daitoshokan. For whether we can get this localized or not, it's up to Nekonyan whether they want to localize this or not.

Yuki Koi Melt - Normal moege that Frontwing did localize back at last year, and I suppose it would be nice read if one want to read winter theme VN. It also has small controversy with Steam did somehow block all of the common route so much that Frontwing did only to manage released the heroines routes in the Steam (Yeah Valve can be very random when it come to VNs censorship), although that problem is easily solvable anyway seeing that 18+ patch here did contain the sex scenes and obviously the censored common route.

That's all for my comment in regard of March 2015 releases.

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