AerielBudget Bytes is a monthly series that features visual novels which, cost US $10 or less! This month I’ll be highlighting a set of visual novels that are short and sweet—perfect to play when you’re busy!
Dual Chroma: Far Shore
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)
Price: $3.49 USD
Dual Chroma: Far Shore is a tropical fantasy romance game. You’ll spend time on the shores of Aradal with a mysterious man, Kassian. Who is this man and where did he come from? This game features player pronoun options and two different endings.
I found this game back during its early development stages around when this year’s NaNoRenO commenced. The artwork is breathtaking and really makes the game stand out. The background art especially is mesmerizing, and I think it meshes well with Kassian’s sprite.
Game sessions for Far Shore last between one to two hours. This is the longest game featured on this edition of Budget Bytes, but it’s still perfect to play during a busy week when you’re craving a tropical vacation with a handsome man.
Macaron First Meetings
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)
Price: Free
Macaron First Meetings is short visual novel about encountering a fox in the forest. This game features multiple endings, and your responses to your new fox friend will determine the outcome of the story.
The artwork is adorable and the story is very wholesome and simple. I love the character design of Macaron and how kind she is; it makes me wish I could find a magical forest and meet a talking fox surrounded by red mushrooms too.
This visual novel took me just five minutes to finish, so it’s perfect to play when you’re in the mood in the mood for a cute story but don’t have a lot of time.
Save Someone
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (itch.io)
Price: Free
Save Someone is a visual novel about your encounter with someone struggling with their mental health; it’s up to you to help them. Your choices will affect how the story progresses.
What stands out about this visual novel is the distinct art style. hoodieratboi, the developer of Save Someone, has a noticeable style of drawing that’s simplistic and sketchy. Despite the heavier theme of the story, I found the artwork very adorable in contrast.
This game takes about five to ten minutes to complete. Save Someone mentions the topic of suicide, so proceed with caution if this is a sensitive topic for you.
Anna Mirabella
