[b]Note:[/b] I was a playtester for the game, so my review will be based on the game at the time I was testing. ^^
[h1]Welcome (back) to Shiba Inu Island! :D[/h1]
[h2]Introduction[/h2]
[i]Autumn with the Shiba Inu[/i] is a dystopian, mystery visual novel developed and published by Quill Game Studios. It is set in the same world as [i]A Summer with the Shiba Inu[/i] (check out my review of it [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/skyeraye/recommended/916030?snr=1_5_9__402]here[/url]) although it isn't necessary to have played it before delving into this game. You take on the role of Quei-Li, a labrador retriever who's a hacker on Shiba Inu Island. (Yes, Quei-Li is quite the odd one in that she's the only dog who isn't a shiba inu.) She's currently looking for a new work project to help pay the bills when she encounters a case involving a high profile official who is in jail. The client wants Quei-Li to look into ARI's (Allocated Reality Institute's) files to find evidence that the official was framed. After reluctantly agreeing to take the job, Quei-Li discovers that it's her friend, Bei-Xu, a popular influencer, who's hired her to take the job. Despite this twist, Quei-Li has no choice but to go through with the job, first getting hired as an ARI security programmer and then finding the necessary evidence. Indeed, it's quite the dangerous task, but Quei-Li is up to the challenge. :o
As for the gameplay, the main game consists of several choices. While some of them have no consequences, a few can determine whether Quei-Li can successfully pull off her cover at ARI. If she can, then there are a total of 4 possible endings. If not, then only 3 possible endings are obtainable. The endings involve the possible relationships that Quei-Li can have, such as with Bei-Xu, Yin-Ba (a low-ranked dog who helps Quei-Li get acquainted with ARI), Syd (a mysterious shiba inu whom Quei-Li keeps seeing in dreams and memory cards), and Xue-La (a higher ranked dog at ARI). Also, there are a few CGs as well as a varied soundtrack although no voice acting. In addition, a hacking mini-game can be played by clicking on Quei-Li's laptop in the main menu screen, and it involves correctly guessing the right combination of numbers to obtain an IP address. Several Steam achievements are present, too, but they won't count towards a user's global total until the game is out of "Steam is learning about this game".
[h2]Review[/h2]
I remember playing [i]A Summer with the Shiba Inu[/i] (please check out my review of it [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/skyeraye/recommended/916030?snr=1_5_9__402]here[/url]) and having such fond memories over the game. Probably, it goes without saying that I'm really happy that there's now another game in the series, and this time, we get to play as Quei-Li, a hacker. Although a few of the characters from [i]A Summer with the Shiba Inu[/i] appear in this game, it's not necessary to have played the first one. Quei-Li is such a fun main character, and I enjoyed witnessing her interactions with other characters, such as Bei-Xu, the influencer. Quei-Li's relationships definitely have their highs and lows. While some form quite well, others are tested. It's when Quei-Li discovers memory fragments from her time in the ARInas (despite that she has no memory of it) that her beliefs get rocked to the core. Although Quei-Li has to focus on her mission (exonerating the framed official who wants to ultimately eliminate the ARI ranking system), she also ends up getting personally involved. While I won't reveal how it ends, I'll say that regardless of which ending you get, the general consequences remain the same. It's only with Quei-Li's time with certain characters that things might change. Also, I'll just say that I'm really hoping for another game in the series. XD
As for the writing, it's fairly well-paced. It never felt like events were going on too slowly or whatnot. Also, the typos are pretty much non-existent, so the script makes for very smooth reading. The gameplay was fun, and I liked seeing how Quei-Li's choices would affect her interactions with her fellow dogs. In addition, I had no problems obtaining all the Steam achievements. I should make a note about the hacking mini-game. Even though the tutorial explains it, I sometimes struggled with getting the correct IP address within a certain number of tries. However, this may no longer be an issue at the time I post this review since I initially played it before the final release. In case anyone worries about whether Steam achievements are tied with the mini-game, the answer is no, so the mini-game is completely optional.
With the art, the sprites and backgrounds are drawn and colored well. Even though some sprites and backgrounds are from [i]A Summer with the Shiba Inu[/i] (which makes sense since it's set in the same universe), there's plenty of new art. Of course, the CGs are done especially well. I just wish that there had been more of them to view. ^^
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3534998943
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3534999424
In regards to the music, the tracks are completely new (as far as I'm aware). They have this lively, jazz upbeat, and I totally enjoyed listening to them. You can even listen to unlocked tracks (as well as look at unlocked CGs) in the extras section on the main menu.
[h2]Conclusion[/h2]
Would I recommend [i]Autumn with the Shiba Inu[/i]? If you're looking for a fun visual novel with mystery elements, you especially enjoyed [i]A Summer with the Shiba Inu[/i] (I can't recommend that game enough), and/or you like obtaining those Steam achievements, then I think that it's worth taking a look. The story and Quei-Li took me for quite a journey, and well, I really hope that there will be another game in the series. I guess I'm a believer that an unjust system needs to get broken down. XD
Finally, I want to take this time to give a personal thank you to Quill Game Studios for the opportunity to playtest this game. It might be obvious that I'm a fan of the series and I want these awesome dogs to get their happy ending. ^^
[quote]For more detailed, fully complete, high quality reviews like this, please follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44702020/]The Introverted Gamer[/url], prioritizing heart and soul always. ^^[/quote]
Freelance hacker Quei-Li is given a new job: uncover information from the Allocated Reality Institute (ARI) about a high-profile corruption case. While she typically avoids high-risk jobs like this, her curiosity about the secret files and her wish to bring on positive change to Shiba Island convinces her to accept. 