Carpe Diem: Reboot

[h1]Carpe Diem: Reboot[/h1] Olha pareceu ser um visual novel legalzinho mas eu acabei só jogando e zerando rápido pelas conquistas mesmo então dei skip em uma boa parte dos diálogos. Há algumas escolhas que pode ser feito durante a história mas na maior parte parece ser tudo meio simples e linear nesse quesito, mas se você curtir jogos assim, manda ver e compra. Só uma pena que não adicionaram pt-BR pra essa versão, joguei uma outra gratuita antes dessa que tinha pt-BR.

[h1]"What am I doing with my life.."[/h1] The first part after all these years remains one of my favorite games. Short, beautiful and memorable for a long time, like fireworks, it stays in my memory as a bright trace. After such a storm of emotions, I incredibly wanted to play the second part, but I was able to get to it only now. And, my impressions were mixed. [h3][i]>REBOOT. PLOT[/i][/h3] The actions continue the first part. Our hero tries to create an ideal girl, but the program fails again and again. So he gave up and decided to spend the last days with her until the code finally disappeared and deleted itself from the computer. However, the smartest AI has its own plans, having received control over the 3D printer and mechanical hand, she closes herself behind the curtain and begins to prepare a gift for us. Day and night she creates something, receives a bunch of boxes with unknown contents, and categorically forbids us to watch. From lack of communication, we begin to get bored and sad. And we don't want this gift at such a price. However, on the birthday, we find that the program is completely erased from the hard drive and there are no more traces of AI. In tears, we open the curtain and see there... [spoiler]The girl herself)[/spoiler] [h3][i]>REBOOT. VISUALS[/i][/h3] The drawing really upset me. The picture is blurry, and there are very few locations. The character sprites are far from the most attractive. And in general, after the short first part, when in 5 minutes you see several locations and a beautiful girl, it is not pleasant to look at the same background for hours. But the soundtrack is my respect. Cool, touching, ideally suited to what is happening on the screen. It was very nice to listen to the songs in the background one after another. [h3][i]>REBOOT. RESULT[/i][/h3] I expected something even more incredible from this game than in the first part. But alas, this is an ordinary, passing novel. Some may find it interesting, especially considering the year it was released. But now there are a huge number of similar games on the topic of artificial intelligence on Steam, and they are free and more beautiful. If you are a fan of the first part like me, you can support the developer by buying this game and DLC. But don’t expect exciting reading, just a nice story with two endings. [h3][i]>REBOOT.[/i][/h3] [code]If you read the review and liked it, don't forget to give it a thumbsup;)[h3][i]The further - The better♥️[/i][/h3][/code]

[h1] Review using one quote from the game: [/h1] "Guys! For the millionth time, please stop treating me like a piece of equipment!" - Ai

So, unlike my previous reviews, I'm not going to get all weird with too much detail or barely put thought into what I was saying (I was young, yesh~). And, this one will just be me rambling on about my thoughts over this. Like writing, I suppose reviews technically are supposed to have a "right way", or "professional way", to do them, right? Well, I'd beg to differ on how stories, like reviews, can be written in many different ways. This is all my opinion, so please don't take this personally. ^^ I would highly recommend you read the fairly short Visual Novel (took me like 16 minutes to read), "Carpe Diem", first, which acts as the precursor to this Visual Novel; it's also free. This Visual Novel takes the premise in a direction that I personally really enjoyed. Granted, a few downfalls arise with, "I wish this happened, instead..." over what happened in it, but it is what it is. Is it worth $5? Well, I spent 7.2 hrs in total playing this, so my dollars were well spent (I can't recall if I got this during a sale or not). Read at the end on what I mean by this. I'd say it's worth the $5, but it really depends on your budget, typically I'd wait for sales before buying. I must commend the author for making a really well-made Visual Novel. The more I look back on it, the more I see where improvements could have been made, but they would be more like "rough patches" that may make the story flow better or which not. I can't grant examples really (especially if I want to avoid spoiling anything), but I still say this was a very well written Visual Novel. It made me go on a roller-coaster ride (which is to say, an emotional trip), especially both endings, leaving me [spoiler]more devastated, than sad, to put lightly.[/spoiler] Like most stories' characters, the characters could be hard to get into*, or could feel pretty cliche as if just borrowing a generic template or whatnot. I try to look past this and examine the character as a fresh, new character, trying to discern what makes them, them. And I will say that the characters did that. I do wish there was a bit more romance actually involved in this piece (one of the "I wish this could happen, instead..." moments) rather than kind-of hinting towards possibilities. * We have a shut-in, anti-social protagonist, though he has his reasons. A cheerful, stubborn, go-lucky girl that may seem annoying due to her constant pestilence-like attitude, though to be fair it sort-of exhibits a child-like persona which is understandable (I thought her character was quite cute and fun~). A more timid variation of her that works at a bakery, she is different in her own way and was also fun to have around. And then the side characters, they're only briefly introduced, but I still feel they carry their own weight. Perhaps, as an aspired-to-be writer, I inject, or draw, more personality from characters without much given? I don't know, point is, I found this Visual Novel to be quite fun and entertaining for the 7.2 hrs I spent on it, which included going back to an earlier save to ensure I got the other ending. Again, I won't spoil anything, but it was an emotional ride that has me begging to spill it here, or anywhere really, but I shall refrain. Lol So, when it comes to games, every dollar you spend should equate to at least an hour of gametime you get back. If you pay $20 for a game, but fully beat it in 10 hours, you got a bit of a rip-off; unless the game was really [i]that good[/i] in-spite of it. So, for a $5 game, me spending 7.2 hrs makes it worthwhile, especially with how much I enjoyed it along the way. Regardless, these are simply my thoughts on the matter. Have a great rest of your day! -Alter

Carpe Diem: Reboot is an emotionally driven indie visual novel that places intimacy, loss, and personal reflection at the forefront of its experience. Developed and published by Moonlit Works, the game serves both as a continuation and a reimagining of the original Carpe Diem, expanding its ideas into a more fully realized narrative while remaining approachable for newcomers. Rather than focusing on spectacle or mechanical complexity, it centers its entire design around a single, fragile relationship and the quiet but devastating implications of its impermanence. The story follows Jung, a young programmer whose life is deeply intertwined with Ai, an artificial intelligence companion who exists not merely as software, but as a presence that offers comfort, affection, and emotional grounding. From the beginning, the narrative makes it clear that this bond is temporary, and that knowledge hangs over every interaction. The tension between cherishing the present and dreading the inevitable future forms the emotional spine of the game, shaping both Jung’s internal struggles and the player’s perception of each moment they share together. Gameplay adheres closely to traditional visual novel structure, relying on reading, dialogue progression, and carefully placed choices rather than interactive systems. Player decisions do not radically alter the plot, but they subtly influence tone, pacing, and emotional direction, ultimately guiding the story toward one of its endings. These choices feel less like branching gameplay mechanics and more like moments of introspection, asking players to consider how Jung copes with attachment, denial, and acceptance. This restrained approach reinforces the game’s thematic focus, ensuring that choice enhances emotional engagement rather than distracting from it. Character writing is where Carpe Diem: Reboot truly shines. Jung is portrayed as deeply human—flawed, uncertain, and emotionally vulnerable—while Ai balances warmth and sincerity with the quiet tragedy of her limited existence. Their conversations range from lighthearted, everyday exchanges to deeply personal reflections, and the gradual shift between these tones feels natural and unforced. Supporting characters play smaller roles, but they help ground the story in a believable world, offering contrast to Jung’s inward focus and highlighting how isolated his emotional struggle can become. Visually, the game employs a clean, anime-inspired art style that prioritizes expression over extravagance. Character sprites are effective at conveying subtle changes in mood, whether it’s hesitation, affection, or resignation, and background art supports the narrative without overwhelming it. The presentation is modest compared to large-scale visual novels, but it is cohesive and purposeful, ensuring that attention remains on dialogue and emotional nuance rather than visual excess. Audio presentation adds an important layer to the experience. Music is soft and reflective, reinforcing moments of calm intimacy as well as emotional tension. Voice acting, where present, lends authenticity to key scenes and deepens the connection between player and characters. Rather than dominating the experience, the sound design complements the pacing, allowing silence and stillness to carry weight when needed. Pacing is deliberate and contemplative, favoring emotional buildup over dramatic escalation. Scenes often linger on quiet moments—shared routines, conversations about the future, or simple reflections on daily life—inviting players to slow down and inhabit the space between characters. For some, this measured rhythm enhances immersion and emotional payoff; for others, it may feel slow or introspective to a fault. The game makes no attempt to rush its themes, trusting players to engage with its subtleties. Thematically, Carpe Diem: Reboot explores grief, attachment, and the human desire to preserve moments that cannot last. It avoids easy answers, instead presenting acceptance as something that must be earned through reflection and emotional honesty. The endings, while limited in number, feel earned and resonant, shaped more by emotional readiness than by mechanical success or failure. The impact of these conclusions often lingers, encouraging players to reflect on their own experiences with loss and impermanence. Overall, Carpe Diem: Reboot is a focused and heartfelt visual novel that succeeds through sincerity rather than scope. It does not rely on elaborate branching narratives or complex systems, but instead crafts a memorable experience through strong character writing, thoughtful pacing, and emotional restraint. For players who value introspective storytelling and are open to quiet, bittersweet narratives about love and letting go, it offers a poignant journey that captures the true meaning of its title: cherishing fleeting moments before they slip away. Rating: 7/10

this isn't a romance I was lied to but I still liked it

Длинная и нудная история. Нет нормальной прокрутки пройденного, авто работает очень медленно, быстрее кликать. Поэтому сохраняйте точки развилки диалогов, благо их совсем немного.

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