All posts tagged in Visual Novel
Jun 20, 2024
Times & Galaxy is a vibrant and quirky interplanetary adventure game developed by CopyChaser Games. You play as the brand new intern at the Dorp system’s favorite regional holopaper, Times & Galaxy. You’re even the very first robot reporter to write for a newspaper, too, so don’t waste this opportunity to become something incredible! Take on different assignments, journey to other planets, interview witnesses, and construct engaging, informative articles. If you work hard, you might be able to prove you belong on the staff full time.
During any given cycle, you have the choice between a few different assignments, all with their own intrigue. Cover a mysterious shuttle crash, let the world know about the intersolar cat show, or even attend a ghost funeral. Choose your assignment, then set off to a new planet to take in the scene. Interview sources. Investigate the scene and dig up clues as to what happened. Then, use the information you gathered to write your story using the Build-a-Story™ tool. Your tone and the quality of the article matter for your success, as does your ability to gather all of the relevant information. Were you a diligent reporter bot, or did you slack on gathering clues?
Of course, Times & Galaxy isn’t all about interviews, gathering clues, and publishing articles. Your fellow staff all live and work on the Scanner, the spacebound newsroom. Then, between assignments, you can explore your workplace and get to know your fellow crew members. There are over 20 colorful and unique employees for you to get to know, including writers, photographers, pilots, and more. Encounter aliens of all kinds right in your newsroom as your fellow employees hail from all corners of the galaxy, and also possesses their own personality and stories for you to get to know.
So, take off on an exciting interplanetary adventure full of fun characters and use your investigative abilities to dig up the best and juiciest information for stories. Your future as a reporter depends on it!
Release Date
Times & Galaxy is finally releasing everywhere, too! June 21st you’ll be able to pick up a copy of this excellent game on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
If you want more newspaper fun, try News Tower!
- May 30, 2024
If you aren’t familiar with Tavern Talk, you really should go take a look at it. I had the chance to play the demo back in November and just absolutely enjoyed myself. The game is a charming mix of D&D fantasy elements and the chill, laid-back drink mixing and interactions that make Coffee Talk so lovely. It is perfect for those who love fantasy-themed games, but are looking for something that branches away from the usual fighting and saving the world.
In Tavern Talk, you are the owner of the Wayfarer’s Inn, a popular pit stop for adventurers crossing the land of Asteria. As the owner, you’re in charge of everything, including being the barkeeper! However, your drinks aren’t simply ales and wines, but magical potions that will alter the fate of the drinker. In fact, adventurer’s come to you before they embark on important quests and tasks to bolster their abilities to help their outcomes. But you’re also a dealer of quests, yourself. As you speak to your patrons, you’ll gather bits and pieces, rumors, and hints of what’s going on in the world beyond your doors. Arrange those pieces of information into tangible quests for your patrons to complete to further the story and discover what fate awaits the world around you.
Release Date
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Tavern Talk for a while now, and today they’ve announced the release date! You will be able to grab the game for yourself June 20th from Steam! You can still check out the demo in the meantime, and add this beautiful visual novel to your Steam Wishlist! There are also plans for a Switch release, too.
- May 23, 2024
Fishbowl, developed by imissmyfriends.studio, is a captivating slice-of-life game that delves into the coming-of-age tale of Alo. Step into Alo’s shoes over the span of a month as she embarks on a journey into the working world in a bustling new city. Every decision you make as you navigate your new position in life matters. At its core, the game is a heartwarming narrative centered around solitude, forging friendships, and grappling with loss; it’s an experience designed to be cozy and wholesome.
Immerse yourself in a solitary yet interconnected existence by engaging in various activities. Work from home editing videos for a social media star by playing an engaging arcade-style matching game. As well as embrace the mundane routines of daily life, from scrubbing dishes to tending to your balcony garden. However, Fishbowl also presents a sentimental journey through Alo’s past. Explore your late grandmother’s possessions, solving puzzles along the way. Uncover childhood mementos that offer glimpses into your childhood. More importantly, stay connected with your circle of friends and family through heartfelt video calls. These interactions and conversations are especially important as they deepen the storyline!
Release Date
Fishbowl currently has no release date. However, there is a demo on Steam. It’s also set to release on PlayStation!
Coffee Talk 2 and Tavern Talk are both wonderful visual novels, too.
- Mar 13, 2024
Embark on a vibrant journey full of mystery in Enelia: Dawn of Madness by developer Indra Studio. You play as Enelia, a young druid who belongs to the Za’ani race. Each member of this race possesses special organs in the palms of their hands that allows them to interact with their environment. Those who can use the organs skillfully become druids, and Enelia has dreamed of becoming a druid her whole life. However, she’s not very good at it, so to fulfill her dream she’ll need to defy Za’ani traditions.
While working on becoming a druid, though, you learn a dark and deadly secret. It not only threatens your life, but the lives of all of your people. And it’s up to you to save everyone! Explore the beautiful visual novel of Enelia: Dawn of Madness as you set out to achieve the goal of becoming a druid. Play dozens of minigames and collect items to learn the history of this mysterious world. Meet and build relationships with a cast of charming characters, including mythical creatures. Plus, experience dramatic moments with those characters as you pick and choose your path. Your choices matter to how your journey ends, so choose wisely. Even use your astral vision to aid you in your journey to becoming a druid and saving your people!
Ready for a journey that could lead you to your end?
Release Date
Enelia: Dawn of Madness is set to release on Steam in Q2 of this year!
- Feb 29, 2024
I got to experience the closed beta version of this game thanks to the developer and publisher!
If you missed the last time I talked about Time & Galaxy, then let me get you up to speed! This game is a vibrant, quirky visual novel where you play as the galaxy’s first robot reporter. You’ve just begun your internship at the renowned holopaper, Times & Galaxy, and you need to prove your worth. Take on different assignments and brush up on your journalism skills as you investigate the scene of a crash, interview contestants in a contest, or gather quotes from onlookers. Then, use the Build-a-Story tool to create your piece!
Gameplay
Times & Galaxy is a visual novel, so you just need WASD keys to move, and your mouse to click. Interact with your crewmates, as well as the people you want to interview using the mouse, and that’s it! It’s simple and easy to play, which is perfect for focusing on the engaging dialogue you’ll come across.
I was immediately captivated by this game. Every single character design is unique. Personalities are different from each other. Plus, you interact with over 100 different characters across the whole game. I experienced a limited closed beta version, so did not encounter all 100+ characters, but if you like visual novels, you need to! The characters I did get to interact with were fun to get to know. Some were grumpy, some upbeat, and every other flavor of personality you can think of. And all of the dialogue was interesting. Not a single conversation made me bored, so there’s clearly been a lot of thought and care put into this game. You can even flirt with people, or robots, or aliens! You, a robot, exhibiting flirting skills was possibly the highlight of interacting with folks, too.
I really enjoyed traveling to the different locations in Times & Galaxy, too. Each assignment let me see a small peak at the different planets in the galaxy. Not to mention, each assignment was super unique. One was a shuttle crash site where I examined the shuttle and interviewed people. Another was a cat show fluff piece where I got to visit with the cats and talk to their owners. I don’t think there’s a single thing in this game that I can call boring. It’s quirky, fun, humorous, and overall just great.
Visuals and Soundtrack
If you aren’t as charmed by the beautiful visuals as I am, then we need to talk. They are vibrant without being overwhelming and just fit the story and setting so perfectly. I couldn’t imagine playing this game without these lovely graphics. They’re clever and add so much life to what is ultimately a limited view of the galaxy. You spend most of your time on the ship or at specific places for your stories, often a single room or area. So, it’s important that the visuals (and dialogue) make an impact. And they do!
Pair everything with the great soundtrack and Times & Galaxy has really nailed what it was aiming for. The music fits each scene and situation perfectly. It doesn’t overwhelm, either. You’re not listening to the same track over and over again. Nor is anything obnoxious. Each track fits well where it is and sits perfectly in the background like it should.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t have Times & Galaxy on your Wishlist already, what are you waiting for? It’s so charming and funny. The characters and situations are fun. The visuals are gorgeous. The soundtrack is great. What more could you ask for from a game?
I give it:
You can find Times & Galaxy on Steam!
- Feb 22, 2024
Garage Sale by developer Bug Burrow welcomes you to the curious little hamlet of Lettuce Village! You play as Juniper, a young girl who’s shy but eager to make friends. You’ll do that by exploring the town during the town’s communal garage sale, picking up some fun trinkets along the way.
This peaceful town is in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by beautiful forest lands. Therefore, the townspeople of Garage Sale are a bit… weird. Get to know your neighbors by completing quests for them, and they will reward you with bits of history about the town. Lettuce Village might be tiny, but it harbors a very interesting past. If you play your cards right, you might just uncover its secrets. While you’re hunting down town secrets, search every nook and cranny for treasures and coins. Then, use that money to purchase fun knick knacks from the different garage sale tables you come across!
What can you discover from your neighbor’s old trinkets?
Release Date
Garage Sale is coming to Steam in Q1 of this year, so hopefully very soon!
Bug & Seek has you catching bugs for the museum like in ACNH, but has the same toned-down visual style this game has!
- Feb 22, 2024
Set out on a vibrant interplanetary adventure as the very first robot reporter for the Times & Galaxy. You’re just a simple intern for the solar system’s most trusted holopaper. You might be able to keep your job if you do it well, though! Take this unpaid opportunity to get the scoop on exciting situations like shuttle crashes, intersolar cat shows, even space ghost funerals. Write great stories and impress your coworkers, and you just prove you’re worthy of the newsroom.
Your job in Times & Galaxy is to get the necessary interviews (there’s over 100 characters!), find clues, and investigate the scene. There’s always more to a story than what appears on the surface, too. So whip your conversational and investigative skills into shape to get all the answers. Then, piece together your story with the Build-a-Story tool. Your choices impact the quality and tone of your story, plus how your editor and readers interpret the article. The reputation of the paper is at stake, too. When you’re not busy with assignments, get to know a unique cast of humans and aliens that serve as your crewmates and coworkers. Or spend some time in the Garden where you can plant seeds to restore its beauty and take a relaxing break.
Do you have what it takes to become more than just an intern?
Release Date
Times & Galaxy is listed on Steam and set to release some time this year! There is currently a demo available.
Little-Known Galaxy is another interstellar game coming soon to Steam.
- Dec 28, 2023
I truly don’t know where the year went. It’s been an interesting year, and it’s certainly been full of a ton of top-tier games. We’ve seen the release of Palia, a lovely cozy MMORPG that lets you gather friends and strangers alike to farm, mine, and more. The Moonlight Peaks demo dropped recently, too! Then there’s Spells & Secrets, a great roguelite wizarding adventure. dotAGE is the perfect survival city builder. And Roots of Pacha takes top spot for my favorite farming game this year. Some other notable games are Spirit City: Lofi Sessions and Smushi Come Home. But what’s in store for next year? Well, time will tell, but here are nine games to look forward to in 2024!
Little Kitty, Big City
First on the list is Little Kitty, Big City! You play as a kitty who’s lost in a big city. You can hurry on your way and find home, or you can take time to explore this brand new place. Cause a little chaos as you explore, too.Dive into trash cans, knock potted plants off their ledges, and walk through some fresh paint to leave behind your paw prints. Meet stray animals on the streets and become friends with them. Find different adorable hats to wear. Plus, so much more!
Bloomtown
Next up is Bloomtown: A Different Story. You play as Emily and her younger brother Chester as they spend their summer holiday in their grandpa’s cozy and quiet town. Underneath this sleepy little town, however, a demon world is growing and children are going missing. Embark on a grand adventure to save the towns from this mysterious demon world. The demons are the fears and vices of the townspeople that have come to life. As Emily, figure out the mysteries and the disappearances and save the souls of everyone! Face off against giant demons and dungeon bosses in the Underside using a turn-based combat system. Fight alongside your friends, who each have their own sets of abilities, as well as summon your own inner demons. Even capture new creatures to use in other battles by weakening them during combat.
Coming to Steam and PlayStation!
Chilltown
Third on the list is Chill Town! This game promises to be a soothing blend of idle game and life sim. You run around collecting resources on a beautiful island. Catch bugs, visit the shops or town hall, fish, farm, and tame cute creatures. Unleash your creativity in build mode and create your perfect home using a variety of different decor items. Even add your personal touch to the outside of your home with benches, light posts, and more. Plus, take care of your very own furry friend!
Coming to Steam!
Horticular
Horticular is a relaxing garden-builder with a little magical twist. You’ve been summoned by mysterious gnomes to restore an abandoned garden. Immerse yourself in a magical world with a day-night cycle, weather patterns, and adorable animals. Meanwhile, build your dream garden with hundreds of unlockable items. Create lush flower gardens and flourishing crop plots. Attract creatures by fulfilling their requirements and taking care of them. You’ll need to fight off decay and corruption by using the magic within your garden. You’ll also get to rename inhabitants to personalize your gardening experience. And if you want to prove your abilities, enter the in-world competition, plus much more!
Coming to Steam!
Critter Cove
Next on the list is Critter Cove, an open-world life sim set in a post-apocalyptic world. You’ll restore an old town, and sail across a gorgeous archipelago. Collect relics and treasures as you explore. Fish for a variety of sea life. Craft everything you might need from tools to decor. You’ll even get to find new residents to invite to your town. And so much more! There’s tons to do in this game, and it’s all up to you to restore it to its former glory.
Coming to Steam!
Chef RPG
Next up is Chef RPG! The beautiful little seaside town of White Ash harbor is your new home, and once was a thriving tourist destination. Now, it’s up to you to help revive the town using your experience as a traveling chef. In Chef RPG, you’ll run your very own restaurant to serve up delicious dishes in order to attract tourists back to town. Hunt, harvest, and shop for the ingredients you’ll use in your cooking. Build a thriving restaurant and become a successful chef!
Coming to Steam!
Tavern Talk
Sixth on the list is Tavern Talk, where you find yourself to be the owner of Wayfarer’s Inn. It appears to be a normal inn in the middle of the world, but looks can be deceiving. And you can infuse beverages with magic that can influence someone’s fate. You’re known for helping the people of the realm via these magical drinks. Listen to the stories of the unique cast of beautifully designed adventurers that come in. From boasting about their glory or commiserating about failures, you’ll experience a variety of different personalities and tales. Help them find a place that feels like home by building relationships and creating an inviting environment inside the inn. Craft different interesting drinks, while you’re at it, but be careful what you serve. Your drink choices will alter their fate and the path their quests will take. Your choices shape the story of Tavern Talk!
Coming to Steam!
SunnySide
Welcome to SunnySide. You’ve just purchased your first plot of land located in an aging town in Japan’s countryside. Your goal is to create a homestead you can be proud of. You’ll learn to collect your own water, generate power, grow crops, craft food, care for your animals, and much more in order to help your local economy. You’ll get to ferment soy sauce, grow and grind your own flour, and even make cheese. Then, you can take it all a step further and cook recipes using your homemade ingredients. SunnySide also features a colorful cast of characters for you to interact with. Life in the small town is peaceful, but not without its problems. What sets this game apart from the other farm sim games is that it seeks to combine modernism with the old.
Coming to Steam!
Meetlight and the Secrets of the Universe
In the last game on the list you play as Anna. Anna has faced a terrible tragedy and lost her spouse. Now, she has taken over her great-uncle’s forge and become the new blacksmith. You’ll build your house from scratch (and decorate it too!), customize your character’s appearance, and befriend animals, nature, and your neighbors (some are even romanceable!). You’ll even be able to complete quests for the villagers or trade with them. With the loss of your spouse, you’ve gained the ability of clairvoyance, which you’ll slowly develop and perfect as you play. Enter the magical world of energy where you’ll meet new inhabitants, explore lost places, and discover the secrets of the universe. In this 3D open-world, with 19 places to visit on the map (so far), there’s just SO much to do and see. Plus, there’s farming, animal companions, cooking, and alchemy for you to enjoy!
Coming to Steam, with plans for Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation!
