Note that this is not a plot introduction, but a game recommendation. If my gibberish after reading it makes you want to try one of the games, I would be extremely grateful.
2236 A.D. Searching for Answers in Infinity#
If I were to summarize 2236 in one sentence, my answer would be: to comprehend the most heartbreaking truth in the most stubborn way.
2236 itself is a futuristic visual novel, but the focus of the story is not on technology, but still on the relationships between people. Simply put, the game mainly focuses on the emotional relationship between the protagonist, Yotsuba, and two characters: Haru and Hime. So why is this game different from others that write about the same things? Aren't there many galgames that write about these things? This is one of the interesting aspects of 2236. It goes beyond these games in answering this question. The transcendence here does not necessarily mean it is good. It means that it is a very rare perspective. Or rather, this answer questions galgames. There are three endings in the game, but these three endings are not parallel. Instead, its structure allows you to delve deeper step by step. And the final ending is the true ending of the game, the true purpose of the game. The sense of emptiness contained in it is very captivating.
In addition to these, the game also has many interesting scenes. To be honest, I don't know how to describe them. It can be said that this game is also a very detailed portrayal of the concept of "infinity," which is one of the reasons why I love it so much. And it is only within this infinity that the game can present its viewpoints, and it is only within this infinity that everything can be profound. And then, you are also easily trapped in the trap of infinity. Fortunately, the game does not intend to attack completely, because there are other more important things to do.
It can be said that the latter part of this game is so exciting and addictive that it immediately captivates the reader. I kept reading for 12 hours straight. That's how terrifying and addictive it is. You may not like this story, but you will definitely remember it.
Seraphic Blue: A Story of Anti-Heroes in the Abyss#
Just wrote about an infinite game, and now another one about the abyss. You can probably tell my preference. The story of Seraphic Blue is heart-wrenching from beginning to end, and even in the end, it doesn't make you feel comfortable. But it is precisely this game, with its high difficulty, stomach-turning plot, and the malice of RPG Maker games from over 20 years ago, that made me, someone who usually can't finish RPGs, keep playing. There are many characters in SB's story, and most of them are well portrayed. But the most amazing part is the collection of foreshadowing that unfolds one by one. It is a story that starts slow but explodes later on. The recurring themes in the game include trauma and self-destruction, abuse, and the dark side of human nature, among others. However, even in this dog-eat-dog world, there are still flashes of justice and love, but in the end, their fate is still bittersweet. But that's how it is. After all, wounds don't heal perfectly. This is ultimately not a traditional story. Or rather, this story is even more novel now than it was 20 years ago. The relationship between Lake and Vene can be seen as a catalyst, even though both of them carry heavy burdens. While 2236 questions love in galgames, SB questions the heroes in RPGs. Why do people easily accept the responsibility of being a savior? Isn't that an extremely stressful thing? Realizing this, it completely disintegrates the concept of heroes.
In addition to the tragic story of these two characters, it can be said that every character in the game has a sad past to some extent. Everyone lives under their own shadow, but in the end, everyone still moves forward and continues to live.
Musicus! How Will You Choose in the Face of Reality's Pressure?#
How can artists in the literary and artistic world make a living? Whether it's music, art, or writing, how to make a living is indeed a question that cannot be ignored. In a fortuitous opportunity, Ma Xin came into contact with rock music. He could choose to follow the path of rock music or choose stability and go to college for a good life. The several female leads in the game represent his or rather your choices.
Choosing Miko means giving up on your dreams and seeking a stable life. This route is so boring that I couldn't even finish it. But I respect the choice. I can't guarantee that I would take the risk and pursue music. The safe route is boring but tried and true.
Choosing the remaining female characters represents your reflection on this journey.
Choosing Kazusa means creating for happiness. Choosing Mikazuki means contemplating the meaning of it all. But no, you can't expect the author to give you any answers.
However, who can say that there won't be moments of obsession or going astray on this creative path?
Musicus is not afraid to confront you with heavy real-life problems. You may play games because you can't stand these things, but occasionally experiencing them is not a bad thing. The game presents various problems through numerous task dialogues and self-reflection. To be honest, the character dialogues in this game are very unrealistic. Everyone can speak a lot without interruption.
Dark Room: Unapologetic Human Darkness and the Faint Hope#
Dark Room is not long, to the point where it's basically a novel because the author wanted to publish it but failed. But after reading it, it does make you want to look up at the ceiling and sigh at the complex farce and the characters in the story. When reading Dark Room, there is not a second where you can relax or think that the ending will be satisfying. The stories in the book are all narrated by different people and then pieced together to form a story. The astonishing consistency of the characters truly makes you feel powerless. Adults are always portrayed as so evil, and after experiencing this series of farces, the young people in the story will still support each other. Yes, this is another story about trauma. It can be said that none of the plotlines in this recommendation can make people feel happy.
Farewell to You: Mad Ramblings and a Bizarre World#
The CG of Farewell to You is perhaps my favorite in galgames. I fell in love with it at first sight. The classroom under the twilight, a girl looking out, accompanied by the game's crazy atmosphere, it never gets boring no matter how you look at it. Farewell to You is not accurately written in terms of plot, but the text is exceptionally well-written. The plot itself is actually very simple. But the text in this game can truly drive people crazy. This is also a characteristic of the denpa genre games: to infect players with the accumulation of these words and immerse them in the crazy, illogical, and pathological world of the game. Just based on this, it is enough for me to recommend it. Please be sure not to search for related content online.