Bittersweet Blossoms

主仆恋小甜饼，时间线在黑莓甜心结束的70年后，背景舞台依旧是布莱庄园，因为没玩过黑莓甜心，所以也不知道续作的续在哪，登场的前作角色貌似就一个康斯坦丝。玩之前听说黑莓甜心有点雷，导致玩的时候担心本作会不会也一样，结果打完意外的感觉还不错？佩兴丝那有点病态的占有欲和控制欲好品，亲情部分写的也挺好，流程五小时左右，汉化补丁发在指南了，推荐。

[b]Note:[/b] A wonderful friend gifted me a copy of this game. ^^ [h1]A beautiful, fictional historical yuri visual novel in which love can overcome any obstacle.[/h1] [h2]Introduction[/h2] [i]Bittersweet Blossoms[/i] is a yuri, kinetic visual novel developed and published by ebi-hime. It serves as the sequel to [i]Blackberry Honey[/i], but you don't need to have played it before diving into this game. You're Dot, a young woman from Manchester who has recently been employed as a scullery maid to work at Bly, once a beautiful mansion that has become rundown, in the countryside. Wanting to support her mother after both Dot's father and older brother die during WWI, Dot sets off to the countryside. However, she doesn't know what to expect, especially after meeting Bly's mistress' daughter, Patience. The other maids warn Dot to avoid Patience as much as possible due to her ever-changing moods, but Dot finds herself gradually growing fond of her... With the gameplay, the story is linear, so no choices are present and you play through the game from beginning to end. You can choose to play either in full screen or windowed mode, but the latter has only one screen resolution. Lots of beautiful CGs are shown as well as a varied soundtrack although no voice acting. Several Steam achievements are available, 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 guess it's a given by now that whenever ebi-hime releases a new yuri VN, I'll probably play it on the sooner side. XD With that said, I'm happy that there's a sequel to [i]Blackberry Honey[/i], and I got the chance to play and review this game, thanks to a totally awesome friend. ^^ [h3]Story and Writing[/h3] When I first saw that CG of Dot riding the train away from Manchester and towards the countryside, it reminded me of the opening CG from [i]Where the Heart Rests[/i]. lol Anyway, I like how the story starts off, with Dot lost in her thoughts, needing to get away from her mother, who's cut herself off from the world after losing her husband and son, and wondering what awaits her in the countryside and Bly Manor. When Dot has a bit of a rude awakening, I found her reactions to be natural since she'd lived in the city for all her life. Dot is a quiet, sweet person, and I found myself liking her right away. As for Patience, she's definitely way more fiery, which provides a great contrast to Dot's meek personality. Even though Patience is known for being ill-tempered, she has valid reasons for being that way, which Dot and Patience's loved ones understand. It's the other scullery maids, particularly Mabel the gossip, who make assumptions about Patience. I like that Dot gets to know Patience and doesn't judge her based on what others say or how they initially interpret her actions. (If only more people were like that. lol) Thus, I suppose it's only natural that Dot and Patience end up falling for each other although it's a bit of a rocky journey to get there. Also, I like how [i]Bittersweet Blossoms[/i] explores family relationships a bit, mainly between mothers and daughters. Ebi-hime does a wonderful job narrating the story and conveying that people are complicated, things not being so black-and-white. In addition, I love that there's a bit of a callback very late into the story a reference to something that happens in [i]Blackberry Honey[/i] in how Constance, a young girl from that game who's now Patience's elderly grandmother, mentions it to Dot. In regards to the writing, the pacing is well done. It's very relaxing to read the story even though there are a few exciting parts as well as a couple of funny moments. I noticed one typo, but otherwise, the story is very readable (and the typo should probably be fixed in a future update). There were no problems obtaining all Steam achievements, and you can just choose to skip all the text although I think it's worth it to read the story from beginning to end. As for comparisons between this game and [i]Blackberry Honey[/i], I should note that there are no sex scenes. [i]Bittersweet Blossoms[/i] conveys more of a pure yuri love story, which I personally prefer. [h3]Art and Music[/h3] The art style is beautiful, as is the case for ebi-hime's visual novels. The artist is different here from [i]Blackberry Honey[/i], which ebi-hime explains in her Notes section after you finish the story. It might come as a surprise for those who are wanting more of the style from [i]Blackberry Honey[/i], but I actually prefer this style more. The backgrounds feel like they're paintings, and the sprites are soft with just enough detail and a lovely combination of colors. Of course, the sprites are especially beautiful, and I had trouble picking out which ones to showcase. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3754784964 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3754785092 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3754785289 With the music, the tracks have a nice variety, and they're all instrumental in nature. They're very soothing to listen to although my favorite tracks would have to be the ones in which an event that spells impending doom is about to happen. XD [h2]Conclusion[/h2] Would I recommend [i]Bittersweet Blossoms[/i]? If you're a yuri visual novel fan and you especially enjoy a pure yuri story, you like ebi-hime's works, and/or you want to get easily obtainable Steam achievements, then it's worth a look. For the asking price, it might be a bit steep, but this is a newly released VN and after reading ebi-hime's notes on the trials and tribulations that it took to bring this story to life, I think it's worth supporting. Also, it's very much a standalone story, but it doesn't hurt to read [i]Blackberry Honey[/i]. ^^ [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]

God I loved this story so much. 10/10 Easy recommendation to pick up, especially if you're already a fan of Ebi's works. The writing on this one is just perfect and I love the characters. Particulary Constance. Easily the best character of the game oh my gosh!! Not to mention the setting! I love having the story against the backdrop of the end of WW1 and the inesecapable grief that affects -and connects- everyone, regardless of their backgrounds. It is a sort of sequel to Blackberry Honey but if you're expecting to see a return of our favourite couple you'll be dissapointed on that end. Their narrative came to a fitting end already and while it would have been nice to see them again this story is about a different couple blundering their way through love instead. To Ebi-hime, I'm really sorry to hear about how much of a struggle it was to finish making this game and my condolonces to you for your friend. Despite all the trouble you had I'm really happy you stuck with it and ended up finishing this project because I really do think it shines. I wish it could have been easier for you but at the very least the final product was worth it and I'm happy to have been able to play it! It would have been a shame for this to have ended up tucked away and never brought to life. And regarding your concerns about the art styles, for me personally at least I was so engrossed in the narative and the characters I wouldn't have even noticed any inconsitency without your mention

Blackberry Honey has been one of my first visual novels, and I rather appreciated it as an entertaining and spicy yuri visual novel. So buying Bittersweet Blossoms was a no brainer. ebi-hime has been clear that it does not feature any +18 content, so I expected it to be rather different from Bittersweet Blossoms even if it is a sequel. Wasn't wrong on the guess. Bittersweet Blossoms is a totally different experience, and one you would be crudely mistaken not to give a chance. While Blackberry Honey is a candid and steamy love between a clumsy dismissed maid and an exotic lady ladykiller maid in an ultimately fun and mostly happy piece, Bittersweet Blossoms is a much safer, possibly politically incorrect love story between two mourners after WWI. The story takes place 70 years after Blackberry Honey, and after a war which left countless holes in the heart and countless relatives in the graves. As you would guess in this setup, the piece is much more down to earth, mature and cruel. It still has goofy moments (and those are pleasant !), but also hurts sometimes like a truck. Dot, a lady of modest upbringing (the game does have some common points with Blackberry Honey eh !), leaves the house to try to get a job to support herself and her mother. Hired as a maid in the Bly manor, she is soon exposed to a "rich" family in dire financial situation, and as a result a diaspora of absolutely-normal-and-well-meaning characters. Haha just kidding they got a screw loose, as this era of history might leave you. And serve a disabled mistress with a rather terrible attitude. Although the game is set after Blackberry Honey, it is self sufficient and you don't necessarily need to have done the former, although the experience will naturally be better playing both. Visually and musically charming (and it wasn't easy to achieve it seems !), solid story wise and generous in feelings, Bittersweet Blossoms is one of the rare pieces which require me a high level of pickiness to find anything to complain about. That it is a bit short (I'm a slow reader with a moderate attention span, don't mind the hours), if anything. It embroiders a shining tapestry from drab, difficult subjects, with brio. Now that you have read all that yapping which would humble one character of Bittersweet Blossoms, you are probably wondering why I wrote at some point "possibly politically incorrect". Well, Bittersweet Blossoms got some messages, and I have been both amazed and caught off guard by how blunt they are. "Possibly" because there is always a chance I totally missed their point. There is some slippery cliché but it fortunately doesn't go very far, and more importantly, what I would consider platitudes but merely aren't these days. Platitudes in my brain which might cross some souls, should I warn, but which I am glad to read from time to time. What constitutes much less a platitude than a formidable tale, however, is that ultimately Bittersweet Blossoms is an humbling demonstration that within what seems to be a neverending tempest, diamonds can be born when you don't give up and keep walki... ♥♥♥♥ no I didn't write that AAAAAAAH ! I don't know if Bittersweet Blossoms will meet its audience or have the success of Blackberry Honey, but it conquered me with flying colors. [b]I warmly recommend it.[/b]

Bittersweet Blossoms is the long-awaited sequel to Blackberry Honey, and in my own opinion, I believe it's an even stronger story than its older sister! I first read Blackberry Honey about 4 years ago, and though I felt it dragged in a few places, I enjoyed it a lot. But I've noticed ebi-hime's works becoming more tightly plotted over time, and Bittersweet Blossoms is no exception. The story centers on a new pair of characters in a familiar setting, both charming in their own right. Dot's grief, her desire for independence, and her compassion make her a likeable protagonist, and though Patience has a cruel streak, her youth and her experience explain it even if they don't excuse it; it seems clear to me that she has room to grow and change with and for Dot. It was fun to see their dynamic, made interesting and textured through their mishmash of power dynamics across different axes. My favorite character from Blackberry Honey also plays a role - Constance! More than just a cameo, Constance appears as a fairly important supporting character here. Her role here acts as both a closure to the loose threads of her story from the previous installment, and a support to the new couple here in Bittersweet Blossoms. TBH, she's easily my favorite character here too, much as I enjoy Dot and Patience. The new scullery maids are also reminiscent of the old comic supporting cast, adding similar lightness and depth to Bly Manor outside of Dot and Patience's own story. Much of the familiar soundtrack makes a return here, but there are also some brand-new songs befitting of the new time period that Bittersweet Blossoms is set in, just as delightful as the rest of the soundtrack. And while the original artist for Blackberry Honey was unable to return for this project, the artist who replaced them did an excellent job drawing each vibrant, expressive character. I can definitely wholeheartedly recommend Bittersweet Blossoms; I think any fan of Blackberry Honey will enjoy this newest installment as it carries the story of Bly Manor forward.

Blackberry Honey was the first ebi-hime VN I read, and ever since I've been hooked on every single yuri VN they've maid (ha). So of course, the moment I could, I made sure to pick up Bittersweet Blossoms, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The story takes place many years after our first journey to Bly in Blackberry Honey, leaving us in a post WW1 world, a tragedy that affects nearly every character in the story and looms over them. It really works as the core of the emotional narrative and I certainly teared up. Despite some gloom naturally coming from this, it's the overcoming of grief, and moving forward from grief through love that really shines in Bittersweet Blossoms. Even though this is a sequel to Blackberry Honey, don't expect to see Lori or Taohua- they're off being gay somewhere and their story is complete. The music is lovely in this, I'm in love with the original Blackberry Honey soundtrack and this is just as enjoyable. I couldn't help but get emotional when the 'Blackberry Honey' theme started playing in one of the more emotional songs. Regarding Constance, I know I wasn't the only one who felt a bit disheartened by how things ended with her in Blackberry Honey. I was really happy to see her returned, and though there was some worry expressed in the notes, I'm happy to say I really enjoyed this conclusion to her story. Patience gets to get her happy ending, a girl very similar in many ways (though perhaps not quite as rude as Constance in her heyday), thanks to Constance's support and that's really lovely. Seeing her wax about her own lost love (which by the way, hearing her say she loved Lori certainly made me giggle), and how she managed, and keeps on living, it's bittersweet...but even something bittersweet has sweetness, as they say. As another reviewer said, my heart goes out to you, Ebi-hime, for everything you had to endure to bring this game to life. For what it's worth, I'm extremely happy I got to experience such a wonderful story and I'll continue buying every yuri VN you produce for the foreseeable future. 10/10, more maids please.

If you liked Blackberry Honey you will love Bittersweet Blossoms.

It's a good, well written visual novel with an enjoyable jazzy soundtrack and a bit of humor. I do like an "opposites attract" romance, how the two girls slowly got to know each other. The power dynamic is complicated, but their ages make the toxicity feel like it stems from innocence and inexperience, which makes it a bit more forgivable. There is a bit of anti-Romani sentiment from characters, like a few stereotypes, typical for the time period. At least there are no Romani characters in the story, so they can't be targets of this hate.

A lovely visual novel, and a lovely sequel to Blackberry Honey. The emotional themes are quite strong in this one, and I love the atmosphere of the once opulent setting slowing falling into disrepair. It's quite melancholic. Enough to make me tear up just listening to the (wonderful!) soundtrack during certain scenes which lean into this mood. It's also nice to see some loose ends from the first novel wrapped up here. And, of course, the main pairing's relationship is wonderfully compelling!

雖說是blackberry honey的續作但年代實在差太多劇情上基本沒什麼關聯，不過看到當初任性暴躁的大小姐變成老奶奶，雖然還是一樣固執但卻更有智慧懂得人生大道理(還幫忙開導主角同性戀的價值觀)，還蠻令人欣慰的，老奶奶或許人生沒辦法過得完美，但至少能夠支持孫女的同性戀情，這點已經勝過大多數長輩了。 不得不說ebi-hime這次寫得真的挺好的，雖然最好的不是在百合，而是描寫戰後活下來的人們如何從失去親人的悲痛中走出來這點寫得最好，尤其是dot的母親那段真的蠻感動的，[spoiler]母親因為dot回來陪伴她，看到dot的改變，自己也下定決心擺脫傷痛選擇前進 [/spoiler]，又或者說這次在親情上描寫得很好，兩對母女各自面臨的問題，以及解決方法都有條理，讓人覺得是個溫馨的故事，當然女主兩人的感情能修成正果才是最重要的!