Animal Trail ☆ Girlish Square LOVE+PLUS, developed by Whirlpool and published by Sekai Project, is a visual novel that serves as a heartfelt fandisc to the original Animal Trail ☆ Girlish Square. Released in late 2023, the game focuses on expanding the stories of two of the idol group’s members, Haneru and Tetora, offering fans deeper insights into their personalities, aspirations, and interactions with the protagonist, Nakamori Taiga. It blends slice-of-life storytelling with light romance and the signature whimsical charm of the series, creating an experience that is both comforting and engaging for its audience.
The narrative of LOVE+PLUS centers around Taiga’s continued involvement with the idol group Animal Trail ☆ Girlish Square, placing him in intimate and often amusing situations with the group’s members. Haneru’s storyline follows her attempts to branch out as a streamer of retro games, using this as a promotional tactic for the group. A casual study session with Taiga escalates into moments of unexpected humor and heartfelt connection, allowing players to see a more personal side of her character. Tetora’s story, in contrast, explores her journey of self-improvement as an idol, as she works with Taiga to refine her stage presence and gain confidence. These narratives go beyond the public persona of the characters, revealing their insecurities, ambitions, and charm in everyday interactions.
Visually, the game continues the franchise’s tradition of vibrant, detailed artwork. Character designs are expressive and capture the individual quirks and personalities of Haneru and Tetora, while the backgrounds are lush and immersive, depicting both the studio environment and more casual, personal spaces. The use of SD (super deformed) art during humorous or lighthearted moments adds a playful touch, reinforcing the game’s warm and whimsical tone. The inclusion of full Japanese voice acting for all characters except the protagonist further enhances immersion, allowing players to connect with the story while maintaining the sense of being the central participant through Taiga’s perspective.
As a fandisc, LOVE+PLUS does not fundamentally alter the mechanics of the original game but instead enriches the narrative content. The game follows a linear, kinetic visual novel format with no branching choices, providing a focused and cohesive storytelling experience. While this limits replayability for those seeking multiple endings or divergent story paths, it ensures that the experience is tightly crafted and emotionally resonant. Each storyline is concise yet impactful, offering satisfying character development and memorable interactions without overstaying its welcome.
Overall, Animal Trail ☆ Girlish Square LOVE+PLUS succeeds in delivering a charming and emotionally engaging extension to the original game. Its strength lies not in gameplay innovation but in its ability to deepen players’ connection to Haneru and Tetora through thoughtful storytelling, appealing art, and expressive voice acting. Fans of the series will appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with these characters, exploring their personal growth and interactions in a playful, heartfelt world. While its linear nature may not appeal to all visual novel enthusiasts, for those invested in the franchise, it provides a rewarding and delightful continuation of the Animal Trail ☆ Girlish Square experience.
Rating: 8/10
