RYAN JOHNSON
GrimGrimoire OnceMore (PS5) Review
GrimGrimoire OnceMore is an upgraded edition of a Vanillaware Real-Time Strategy game from 2006 where a school for witches is set for destruction, however a new recruit continually goes through a five day time loop in an attempt to undo the evil within the school. The beautiful art and updated control scheme make this game a gem to play.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen (PS4) Review
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is the first time the origin story for the two other titles: Mask of Truth and Mask of Deception is officially released with an English translation. Expect a heavy visual novel with some strategic RPG battles thrown in for good measure.
Dragon Star Varnir (Steam) Review
Dragon Star Varnir, previously a PS4 exclusive, comes to Steam. Basically the same game ported over, Steam users buying the Deluxe Edition can come across a few pieces of bonus artwork. Overall a great RPG that deserves equal billing as a visual novel.
Catherine: Full Body (PS4) Review
Catherine returns in a richer, fuller bodied edition. Adding another potential love interest with multiple endings, new endings for the returning romances, twice the puzzles and more, this is really a piece-de-resistance for fans of the original release.
Winds of Change (Steam) Review
Tall Tail Studios’ Winds of Change makes a bold statement in crafting a visual novel with choice options to rival Mass Effect and Dragon Age in variety. While the game as a whole is a pleasure to play, there are a few continuity issues and a smattering of hunt-and-peck gameplay that could use a little more polish.
Dragon Star Varnir (PS4) Review
Dragon Star Varnir is a visual novel at heart with a rather unique RPG combat system taking place over three levels of battlefield in the sky. While it may rely on some traditional tropes, it still provides a solid and fun experience.
London Detective Mysteria (PS Vita) Review
London Detective Mysteria is a Vita rerelease/upgrade of a Japanese Otome visual novel from 2013. This cleanly-translated novel offers a story that doesn’t have to revolve around romantic relationships and makes you feel part of the story. A welcome fast forward and rewind makes you feel as if seeing all the options won’t be a hassle.
Gal Metal (Switch) Review
Gal Metal subverts the expectations of a rhythm game by telling a slice-of-life style visual novel in between songs where there aren’t dedicated rhythms to follow: you just have to “feel the music.” This may throw off traditional music game enthusiasts but will provide plenty of fun for real drummers or people just looking to get in and have fun.
Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth Review
Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth is the second game in the series released this year. A Visual Novel title, you'll spend more time looking at stating images and listening to storyline than actual strategic role playing, but the main draw here is the story anyways, and you're in for a ride if you are a fan of anime, manga, books in general, or feudal Japan. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge looks into it for you.