Happy New Year, Zeliria!

Yet another visual novel game that I skipped everything so I could grab some easy achievements.

Every year I shall update this review to celebrate the beginning of a new year... (even if its mid of the year) { 20 February 2025 update } • Happy new year 🎉 see you next year!

Жена сказала, что если на этом обзоре наберётся 10 лайков и 5 наград, то она подарит ящик пива. Мужики, выручайте!

Да конечно новелла бесплатна и доступна на русском языке, но мне не зашло. Новелла очень короткая, на все концовки можно пройти за меньше чем час. Достижения как-то странно работают и выпадают при запуске игры. Вообщем раз бесплатно то можно попробовать, но не знаю. Есть варианты поинтереснее.

Happy New Year, Zeliria! is a follow-up title to the Zeliria Sanctuary, a fandisk of sorts. In 2024, this title contains four very short stories (1 is DLC), placing the familiar characters in a new year-themed event (mainly). Shortly after loading, the game presents players with three or four story choices. Once selected, you'll be taken to a general title screen where you can start, load, or quit. As mentioned above, all stories are very short, and only one has a choice to make. Everything can be completed in about an hour. There is no connection between the scenarios, so the order doesn't matter. It is an anthology of sorts, mostly New Year-themed what-if scenarios. For fans of the source material, it is a nice, free extra with an optional paid DLC. One of the aspects of this fandisk I enjoyed was the mix of art styles. Some original character sprites appear, but there are completely new ones as well. There is an adult version of Missy, one really aged couple, a clean, modern-style version of the favourite catgirl, and more. The interface was modified too. It looks much more sci-fi now. I can't say it matches the New Year there, but whatever. The music implemented here matches the events. The x-mas track is present where necessary, but a few different ones can be heard as well. No voice acting this time. No bugs encountered. To conclude, this short collection of 'what-if' stories feels like a fandisk. Some familiar character art and music, some new, and all decent. Since it is a free title, I can easily recommend it to those who have read the original game. As for the rest, the charm will likely be absent.

Ringing in Joy: Celebrating the New Year in Happy New Year, Zeliria! Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Happy New Year, Zeliria! invites players to step into a whimsical world filled with festive spirit and charming characters as they embark on a heartwarming journey to bring happiness to a magical kingdom. With its delightful visuals, engaging gameplay, and the joy of spreading cheer, the game offers a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season year-round. The visual design of Happy New Year, Zeliria! is a delightful feast for the eyes, presenting players with a colorful and enchanting world that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. The art style is both vibrant and endearing, perfectly capturing the magical atmosphere of the game's setting. At its core, Happy New Year, Zeliria! is a simulation game that revolves around bringing happiness to the kingdom's inhabitants. Players take on the role of a cheerful protagonist tasked with solving puzzles, completing quests, and spreading joy through various activities. The gameplay's simplicity and accessibility make it suitable for players of all ages, while the challenges gradually increase in complexity to maintain engagement. The game's narrative is heartwarming and optimistic, centered around the theme of restoring joy to a kingdom in need. The quirky and charming characters you meet along the way add depth to the story, making you feel invested in their happiness and the overall outcome. The gameplay might feel repetitive for players seeking more varied mechanics. While the activities and puzzles diversify the experience, those seeking a wide range of gameplay challenges might find themselves wishing for more complexity. Happy New Year, Zeliria! offers a relatively short playtime, which might be both an advantage and a drawback. While it's perfect for players seeking a quick and heartwarming experience, those who desire a longer game might find themselves yearning for more content. In conclusion, Happy New Year, Zeliria! captures the magic of the holiday season with its festive atmosphere, charming characters, and uplifting gameplay. Its delightful visuals, accessible mechanics, and heartwarming narrative combine to create an enjoyable and feel-good experience for players of all ages. While its relatively short playtime and repetition might be points of contention, those who appreciate cheerful simulation games and the joy of bringing happiness to others will find themselves immersed in the whimsical world of Zeliria, where every click and quest spreads the warmth of the holiday spirit.