cro-mag

So, the last one, - Comu – Black Dragon in a Gentle Kingom. I may be mistaken, but won’t be surprised if not many people have never heard of that one. But I know for a fact that the main reason I wanted to read this VN is pure subjective – I liked characters’ design and especially Kagome. That simple. Didn’t even pay attention to plot’s summary. Same way it was with Tsujidou-san no Junai Road. Back then it was Maki. I can talk a lot about Tsujidou, and already did it actually somewhere on this forum, so I’ll skip that part and only say that Maki didn’t disappoint me eventually. She’s great. Kagome on the other hand… Despite her looks, she turned out to be my least favorite character because of her personality. It’s awful, really. But later about that. I only finished common route and Heroine 1, Heroine 2 and Heroine 3 routes. Two more left. And honestly, judging by girls only, and not by story, - I feel like I’ve seen all the best stuff already. By the way, party consists of: Quite a company! Common Route. It’s a premise to other 5 routes. And the longest one. At first I even wasn’t sure whether to continue reading this (I started last year, but only managed to read a few hours, then had to stop) or read Katawa Shoujo. Cuz Comu’s in English, Katawa Shoujo has my native language translation, and I was a bit tired after Grisaia English marathon. But decided to give Comu a chance and didn’t regret it eventually. Yes, Kagome fell in my eyes, but others only rose! As I said, common route is a premise to 5 heroines’ routes, but so much is happening here, it could be considered as a separate route. It has some pretty big and important avatar fights with the most important one ending the route. Heroines 1, 2, 3. Guess I won’t go deep into every route. Just say that in VNs when you can choose a route I prefer going from my least favorite girl to most favorite one. Here you have to go “Heroine 1” route first, then technically you can choose between 2, 3 and 4, but devs planned as 2->3->4. After all of them 5 is available. So I went as devs planned. And turns out I’ll be playing my least favorite ones as last 2 routes… Damn. But oh well, such is life. Btw, just in case i'll cover names of heroines's routes in spoiler tag, cuz in game itself you never know which route will be the next one, as devs themselves refer to as "Heorine 1", "Heroine 2" etc, until you actually finish it. Have to say that 1st and 2nd routes really have much plot regarding comus, connectors and avatar fights. These routes consist of all of that 100%. And events going there are on a really large scale – be that an opposition with Former is a Then it’s So, next. Have to say, devs finally did unimaginable thing – As for 4th and 5th heroines. That’s As for Also I have to say about 2 more things. First. In every route so far we collect some hints to the whole story about Girl A, avatars, connectors, terrorists’ attack 5 years ago (that's not a spoiler)… But never get full answers. Hope we’ll get them in the last route, cuz there are really some questions that should be answered. I think. Also there is plenty of CGs undiscovered, according to gallery. Second. Aside from Kagome’s bad personality, another thing that annoyed me at some point – repetition of some thoughts again and again. Seriously, especially in route, 2nd half, sometimes I felt like they copy-pasted some things and put them into different places. And I had to read over and over and over again the same things, but in different order… And the phrase “I remember the red color” – I think I’ve read it, like, 20 times already, among common route + another 3. If not more. I understand all that tragedy that MC’s gone through, but… Might be annoying, really. Also, dunno, maybe they could make avatar fight better. Like, you know, how fights were handled in Majikoi and Tsujidou. With more sound effects and some animations – albeit just moving sprites. We’re talking about monsters fighting here, so it could be better. And I love the music. And after last year when I absolutely loved “Extrasensory Perception” – main menu OST from “Root Double” VN, this time it’s “Let the Fairy Tail Begin”, also from the main menu. And, like in “Root Double”, that’s not the only one great track. Don’t know when I’ll be able to finish last 2 routes, cuz vacation’s over and I have some games to be played, so… Hope I’ll manage somehow and it won’t take a whole year again to continue. Also i hope not to disappear from this site for a year again... Well, I guess I’ll stop for now. Sorry for a wall of text again.

Now for Eden of Grisaia. That’d been rather long road for me. 1st game I’ve read about 6 years ago, 2nd one – about 2 years ago and finally managed to start the 3rd one. Well, English translation speed didn’t help sadly, but I’m not complaining. It’s great that had been translated at all. I’ve always liked Grisaia. I’ll never forget “Angel’s Howl” route from 1st game. And after 2nd VN’s ending I was really looking forward to 3rd game. Which didn’t disappoint in the slightest. And the thing is – I knew beforehand what will the ending be. And actually – that’s the only thing I didn’t quite like before starting to read it, cuz I don’t like But the main thing is still a road to that ending, meaning – the whole plot. And that was great. I’m sure some people would disagree here, but for me it was a very fitting conclusion to trilogy – I would even called it as a little adventure. Tbf, it turned out to be not about what I did think it will be about. I mean – I also knew beforehand that Also humor is still here. There were some scenes where I really was laughing out loud. Most of them were of course involving Michiru. Well, she’s hilarious! How she It’d be kinda boring without her, wouldn’t it? She’s natural mood maker. Indestructible one lol)) Also I’d like to see voice recording for her and Makina irl, cuz the way these two talk sometimes – it’s just a joke in itself With their personality and Makina’s accent. As for ending – And the last thing. I actually have some questions regarding the ending. On the one hand – they seemed to explain everything thoroughly, every detail, even how On the other hand – some questions remained unanswered, even big ones, as it seems for me. So: Guess that’s all for Grisaia. Still one VN left.

Kara no Shoujo. Well, it is also quite interesting. But for me some parts feel less interesting than others for some reason. For instance, I’m not quite fond of one of the mysteries of this VN - Toko. Both Toko. I guess the main Toko was supposed to look like intriguing character with some dark background and rather vague past, but for me she was kinda blunt person, and I was almost not interested in her in the slightest, despite her request to I wondered what it means of course, but other part of VN, which is about murders, was more interesting to me. Well, it’s not unexpected, I guess. It was cool that there were Also VN has some really nervous moments and unpleasant scenes. I feel really sorry for And actually, I never talked about technical realization of VNs. Not even once, cuz for me it was always handled pretty good and I didn’t have anything to complain about. Well, what would you expect from a visual novel? Sadly, Kara no Shoujo did manage to surprise me here, and not in good favor. Things that I encountered: 1. To start skipping previously read text you have to at first switch to next page of it. Meaning – new day comes, text appears at the bottom, you know you’ve read it, but you’ll be able to skip it only after you click to proceed to the next part of text, only then “Skip” button activates. Well, maybe it doesn’t sound so important, but… If text is being skipped right now, and new day comes, skipping is stopped. And you have to skip it manually again. But “Skip” button won’t appear unless… Go back to the beginning)) 2. Sometimes text won’t start skipping at all, despite I’ve already read it. I’ve found a way to fix that – save, read 1-2 screens, load just saved data – profit. “Skip” button is available. 3. The other way around – sometimes if text is being skipped right now and you encounter a part you previously didn’t read – it is ignored and skipping continues. Whooray… Manually stop and read from log. That’s all I have to say about Kara no Shoujo, I guess. Only 2 VNs remain.

It’s been nearly year since I last posted here (and been here at all sadly). But eventually I reached for my 3 weeks vacation and, as well as in previous years, finished some VNs in free time. I’ll write some thoughts about them in different posts, to explicitly differentiate them from each other. That’s gonna be some wall of text, so sorry about it in advance. The order will be: Sharin no Kuni, Kara no Shoujo, Eden of Grisaia, Comu – Black Dragon in a Gentle Kingdom. And I 'll cover Sharin no Kuni right here. Cuz actually I don’t have much to say about it. I liked it. Actually, that’s all. I have no questions I found unanswered or something like that in the end. It’s still not as great as some other VNs I’ve read such as Grisaia, G Senjou No Maou, Root Double, Ever17 or Mul-Luv Alternative, for instance, but it is good. Also, it doesn’t have a heroine i like so much as in some other VNs, but oh well. Moving on.

Wow, i see. Thanks, guys, didn't do much researching. Then maybe i'll watch then read in due time.

Oh geez... Another one... And i wanted to try that one too, cuz heard it's quite good. And as far as i'm correct, only the first part wasn't translated, which is not so long. So maybe it's not that important for the plot (correct me if i'm wrong). Well, now i dunno if i should read it or just watch adaptation (yes, 50+ hours VN into 13 episodes, i know, but...)

I think i can say that all stories are like stepping stones that eventually built into what you can see in Refrain. That's where the REAL story begins. Will you like it or not - that's another thing. I can clearly see why people like this VN very much, but i don't belong to that group myself... Actually, maybe i even like first part (before Refrain) more than Refrain itself. It's just because i absolutely don't like one of MC in it. Won't spoil who it is, but that's how things are for me - story in Refrain is way more good than bad; all stepping stones, that had been built previously, lie to create rather interesting story and experience. Needless to say, this VN has one of the best parties of childhood male friends. But so unlikable character just messes badly with enjoyment that could be gotten otherwise. Before Refrain i can at least read stories about girls i like. Although that's not the case for you it seems... Can't say i like all girls, but most of them are good. It's just so happened that MC in Refrain is the one i don't like the most so... If you like that character then that's a good possibility you can enjoy Refrain to your heart's content. If you don't... Well, maybe that doesn't matter for you and you'll still read it with pleasure. But if you don't like all characters so much, then maybe it's just not for you. Even if you will like Refrain, maybe it's not worth reading all that's need to be read to unlock it...

You CAN win on 1st try. But it's hard... I didn't bother.

I read for story and characters. As for genres - can't say i'm too picky, but... Never tried otome games and honestly don't want to. Other than that - have no specific "love/hate" genres. At least, can't say right now that i have. As for what should i read next - sometimes it just depends on mood, sometimes you want something energetic, fun and entertaining, sometimes would appreciate more thrill, suspense etc. But there are cases that main factor is character - that was the case for me in choosing Tsujidou (Maki) and Coμ - Kuroi Ryuu to Yasashii Oukoku (Kagome).

Oh, thanks for detailed review, didn't expect that. Unfortunately, i wouldn't be able to read anything even if i had these VNs, cuz i don't know japanese(( Don't exactly sad about To Love Ru and Re:Zero though, because, in case of the latter, i read web novel and think that's enough. And as for To Love Ru - personally i think the first season is quite good, 2nd is meh, because i don't like those sisters. Same with manga. Don't think i'm so interested in reading VN... As for Plastic Memories... I quite liked the show, but don't like the fact they didn't explain why they So this sad mood in the end didn't quite get to me. But i think reading VN would still be quite interesting. Gochuumon wa usagi desu ka - i think it's ideal reading for just relaxation, without thinking about anything, without serious plot or anything, just enjoying simple slice of life stuff. I did watch some slice of life that i like even more, but very few of them have VNs, so if i could afford it - maybe i would enjoy it from time to time. But Sakurasou and New Game - that's what i definitely would like to read, cuz i love the shows very much. Sakurasou is one of my fav ever. And i rate New Game 10/10 on MAL as well. Very enjoyable. Here i feel envy that you can read them)) In a good way of course)

That's very nice collection indeed! And as i don't usually follow the news about VNs i can't purchase/japan only, i'm kinda interested to see here titles such as Gochuumon wa usagi desu ka, Sakuraso, To Love Ru, Plastic Memories, New Game and Re: Zero. I either forgot about their existence or didn't know at all.

Yep, that's one of the reasons. The main one is because they're my fav girls in their respective VNs and among the best ones ever.

I only re-read two routes in two VNs: 1). Anzu's route in Da Capo 2; 2). Ayamine's route in Muv-Luv Extra. That just so happened. Also want to re-read someday Majikoi Miyako's route, cuz the first time it still was in japanese and i struggled with translators. Although, in that case i can name Tsujidou as well, cuz i did read Renna and Maki's routes in japanese 4 years ago. That's all. Same with anime. I just think that it's better to read/watch something new, other than re-read/re-watch stuff.

Got plat in Shenmue. Good game. Like the whole ending sequence, starting from Next was gonna be Shenmue 2, but... We have Detroit discount now, so guess it's gonna be it.

Wow, i never thought that in such VN as "Subarashiki Hibi" if anyone would be arguing about something that would be... cars. Well, that was unexpected. You're free to point your opinion ofc and that was rather interesting to read tbf. Not everyday that happens. Anyway, now i'm interested what would your thoughts be about things that will happen down the road... If you decide to continue, that said. P.S. VN was released first time in 2010, so... Things may be outdated) About pollution, for instance.

So i finished Drakengard 3. And even got platinum. Took me slightly less than an hour to beat Ending D. The main problem was to synchronize video. It took more tries than actually to beat the song. Good game overall, except for frame rate. Too bad i don't have access to DLC. Next is Shenmue Collection. Already in the beginning of original disc 3. Just

I also enjoyed this VN very much. But i still remember my thoughts about MC's actions that led to 8 years in a jail... I mean, i understand his behaviour and answers to the police about what happened to Maou (saving Haru and all), but i think he could give slightly different answers to both saving her and avoiding jail, maybe not fully, but ofc not 8 years (some months or even weeks). Like with Haru's fingerprints on the gun - he could say they she found it in that city occupation created my Maou and later they just forgot to dispose of it because of aftershock. Same goes for other questions police asked him. He could give logical answers that could mitigate situation. Anyway, aside from story, i also like some OST, especially these:

Tbf, i decided not to read SG0 and only to watch anime. I thought from the start that was not a necessary VN and still think the same way, despite i really like the show. I thought that because, esentially, all who've read original SG, kinda knew what would happen in the end of SG0. It's just they showed that in details. I'd prefer something after SG movie. But oh well, anime is still good and i believe that VN is also good, but i won't read it. As for Chaos;Head and Chaos;Child - i think i rate them both as 8/10. Sometimes during the story as 7/10. Considering Chaos;Child - my memories are fresh cuz i finished it before the summer, and i still remember how annoyed i was by some characters. Sometimes it was just plain impossible. But overall story is good. In both VNs.

Well yeah, VNs tend to be maybe the the most time-consuming of all others entertainments. Well, i mean stuff like LN, manga, anime and games. Although, jRPG sometimes can rival to that. Anyway, for that reason i also try veeeery carefully to pick a VN to read...

i get it. Well, that explains your polls)) If you even don't read summary, then that makes sense. I'm not so strict to myself. Especially in movies. When before i watched last Avengers i heard that (don't look if you didn't see the movie) So yeah, i read summary. Cuz how esle i'm supposed to know if VN interests me or not? Well, there were cases when i picked a VN immediately based on girls along (Tsujidou or Coμ for instance). When i saw Maki i was like "i don't care now what's the story here, but i want to read it!!! The story was good anyway so i enjoyed it to the fullest. But really, these are just two novels like that. Ofc, summary is not the main factor for choosing VN, it's a combination of factors, but still.

To add - i don't use walkthrough in VNs like Zero Nonary games or Ace Attorney or Danganronpa obviously.

I prepare it. Then, when i encounter a choice, i look at what i have to choose to reach all bad endings firstly, if there are some of them here. If not - continue with the flow until the next significant choice. It there are separate girls' routes (not like in G-Senjou where they're built-in into the flow, but much like Majikoi) i read from the least interesting girl to the fav. What bad about it? I don't get any spoilers or anything.

I know, i know..) Maybe someday... I ALWAYS read with walkthrough. Cuz, you know, it's not always like Grisaia, where you have 3 choices in prologue, which don't affect anything, and then one choice to enter the heroine's route and once choice to choose between good/bad ending. Look at Never7 flowchart for instance, and that's not the most confusing one! So i use guides to not skip anything and to use my time effectively. As for G-Senjou, yeah And because of my words above, i just couldn't skip routes unintentionally, so i read them in order. And actually i like it very much how they created these routes, so naturally built-in into story. Yeah, you can't forget THAT scene even if you want to... That was... really disturbing. It wasn't the necessary scene, but... It did convey some feelings to you. Still remember it vividly. Didn't read "The House in Fate Morgana", so... Can't say anything)

You're not obligated to finish if you don't want to) And challenge accepted: 1. I never got to Clannad: After Story. I followed walkthrough and finished 8 or 9 routes with 2 or 3 left in the first part of the game. And the last one i finished was Ichinose Kotomi - my favorite girl here and one of the most favorite ever. And after her route (that was really emotional and very touching for me) the next one in order was Fuka's route... And i just managed to read only a bit, then stopped... Because just didn't feel it in me to continue after Kotomi's route which i liked very much and which was, as i've already mentioned, very emotional. So didn't touch the game again since then. 2. I didn't 100% finish DC Plus Communication - didn't read Kudo and Nanako's routes. I just wanted to read only 3 girls' routes in that version - Misaki, Tamaki and Alice (with latter turned out to be my fav girl). Then, after fav one, didn't feel to continue... 3. In DC2 i "very fluently skipped" through Otome, Yume and Nanaka's routes, cuz didn't care about them in the slightest. Only top 3 counted. Anzu twice. Well, it was some years ago and since then i didn't do something like that as to not 100% finish the VN. But, on the other hand, i didn't choose to read VNs when there were heroines which i don't so care about or anything... There was one in G-Senjou no Maou, but still - it all was so built-in into story, that i didn't want to skip. Even the thought of that didn't cross my mind. Don't think i'll ever do that again.

For me Sakura was the best girl, but only when you're not having relationships with her. I mean - it was very interesting to read her story, both in DC1 and DC2, and she's great as that type of character. But for romance i like others more - "big three" i mentioned in DC2 and Alice, Mako and Moe in DC1.