AerielEach month, we release an article that covers a selection of visual novels that came out during the previous month. This June was filled with a diverse array of games with differing themes and intriguing story lines. Read on to see what’s new in the world of visual novels!
Twice Reborn
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Steam) (itch.io)
Price: US $19.99
If you crossed a vampire, would you protect humanity or embrace the blood? Guide Mark Delaware’s choices in this visual novel as he navigates this dangerous world.
First Step Cinematics
Twice Reborn is a supernatural vampire game that follows the story of a newly turned vampire. What makes this game so interesting is the level of depth the plot has to offer and the different factions that the player can choose to align with.
Flowers -Le volume sur hiver-
Platforms: Windows (Steam)
Price: US $19.99
Suoh finally uncovers the the truth behind Saint Angraecum Academy in this emotional conclusion to the Flowers visual novel series.
JAST USA
Flowers is a series of visual novels that began with the first installment, Flowers -Le volume sur printemps-. The stories take place in an all-girls school known as Saint Angraecum Academy, and this latest installment brings the series to a close. If you haven’t already, you should definitely dive into these games, because the art alone is breathtaking.
Birushana – Rising Flower of Genpei
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Price: US $49.99
Torn between warring factions and a desire for a peaceful life, can Shanao forge her own path – and find someone worthy of her journey in this visual novel?
Idea Factory
If you’re looking for a historical otome romance, then look no further; Birushana is now available on the Nintendo Switch in English for otome game fans. This is the game I’m the most excited for right now, because action blended with romance is one hundred percent up my alley—not to mention, the CGs and overall artwork for Birushana are incredibly stunning.
The Sound of Fireworks: The Haiku
Platforms: Windows (Steam) (itch.io)
Price: US $4.99
Follow the story of Amimi Imai, an 18 year old student who’s recent move from home has left her succumbed to a new high school and new life. The Sound of Fireworks: The Haiku is a single path/ending visual novel about love, acceptance, and a good ol’ awkward budding teenage friendship.
thatdiesel
A sweet and relatable story, The Sound of Fireworks: The Haiku was released in June as the first installment to a trilogy of stories. The Steam page reveals a lot about the backstory for the main character, and I think that goes to show that this game is going to have strong, fleshed out characters, which is very promising.
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch (Steam) (eShop)
Price: US $59.99
Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings in this sequel to the critically acclaimed AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES.
Spike Chunsoft
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative is a sci-fi murder mystery with 3D rendered graphics. The style of graphics gives me Persona 5 vibes, and the story of nirvanA Initiative itself is certainly complex and full of intrigue. This game features new characters and is a sequel to the original AI: The Somnium Files led by Kaname Date.
Camp Palut
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux (Steam) (itch.io)
Price: US $14.99
Camp Palut is an otome-style mystery that can be completed in 2-4 hours. Play as Jess, a high school senior attending summer camp for the first time. Luckily there are cuties ready to get to know you!
Bearly Playing Games
Camp Palut brings something new to the table with its LGBTQ+ mystery visual novel with four romantic love interests. What makes this game shine is its inclusive cast that showcases characters of different walks of life in terms of culture and gender. The character that intrigues me the most is Bianca the goth.
You can read the VN Game Den demo review for Camp Palut here.
2072
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Browser (itch.io)
Price: Free
You, as Jasper Valdez, get a glimpse of the Earth 50 years in the future. You discover that global warming has led to the collapse of human civilization.
Victoria Lin
2072 is a magnificent and beautiful take on the very real-world scenarios that plague our society. What makes this game notable is the mesmerizing artwork it has to offer, making it a pleasant surprise that it’s free—however, you can support the developer by contributing a donation.
Loopers
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Price: US $24.99
Follow an ensemble of young people as they try to escape a world in which they relive August 1st over and over again.
Prototype
Loopers is a visual novel by developed by Key which is rich with sci-fi fantasy adventures mixed with everyday high school life. What could be more interesting than a visual novel about time loops and geohunting?
