[h1]Prelude & Review Information[/h1]
[b]Be advised[/b], this review contains [b]spoilers[/b] for the game that [b]won't be censored.[/b]
If proceeding without having played the VN, then it should be noted that this game [b]does garner my recommendation.[/b] However, that isn't without a few stipulations. Remember, this VN [b]does not include any choices[/b], and as such, [b]no replay ability.[/b] Also, this VN, as properly advertised, is catering to the [b]slice of life type of story, with less dramatic reactions and outlooks.[/b] People [b]may view[/b] the story as [b] [url=http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1270058733]boring[/url] or [url=http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1270117762]dragging[/url] [/b] on as a result. Be wary of buying if you don't like the aforementioned traits. However, if none of the above applies to you, then rejoice: you've stumbled upon quite the game.
[h1] [b]Now The Real Review Begins[/b] [/h1]
Visual Novels can really be surmised in three categories: the UI, the story, and the music. If all three work in tandem well enough, they orchestrate a beautiful symphony.
[h1]UI[/h1]
The UI, what every VN has and needs. Made in the Ren'Py engine, the trademark engine of most VNs, the settings and options are all there. Fast forwarding, quick saves and loads, the whole deal is included. The only thing that I could do to benefit it would be to create a save every arc (arcs denoted by an achievement), but that's a minor gripe and there isn't anything to complain about. The illustrations for the UI are also quite nice and colorful, in the same vein as the CGs and BGs.
[h1]Story[/h1]
Let's focus on the first achievement, when Juliane first uses her magic. Depending on the reader, it may take a while to get here. In all honesty, it did feel monotonous. Whether intentional or not, it's my belief that aided the story. Upon the music [i]Princess of Calamity[/i] playing, it felt mesmerizing. After, blinded with a flash of light, I was suddenly whisked away to what initially seemed like a different VN entirely.
The settings and characters changed but actually it was really fun! Of the new cast, Hitomi by far seemed like the most likable character. Maybe that speaks about me as a person but the way she was written is such a good combination of sarcasm and bitter humor.
For a while, I didn't see why this was combined with the original magic universe, and finally, upon the discovery of Juliane's teleportation to this universe, it clicked. Transdimensional interactions between sorceresses and local store owners in a bog standard town. The highlights of their time here were Hitomi and Lily bonding over Yukari's fleeting logic, Hitomi's arguments with Juliane, and pretty much all of Tsukiko's interactions with the group. If you didn't get it by now, Hitomi is pretty great and Tsukiko, given more dialogue, is probably just as great.
However, on the other side of the portal, I just didn't feel it was up to par. Before transporting and after, the story didn't feel as good as it did during the middle. Honestly, the end arc with Lily transporting to the other universe felt unneeded. Certainly, the surprise that Lily was pulled forcibly to that side was interesting and we also got the backstory of Juliane and finally the full name of the Academy, but there really was no point to it. That isn't to say the final bits of dialogue with Juliane's gratitude didn't feel nice. I believe, that with proper voice acting, that would've been a genuinely heartwarming moment for our Calamity Princess.
[h1]Music[/h1]
I had scoured the music gallery before playing the game. Initially, I was wary that the music of each looped too quickly and some of the songs carried a similar melody. That's also the reason [i]Princess of Calamity[/i] was the best track of the bunch. It was played on at integral moments and each time, it was distinct. Overall, the music was fine but nothing to write home about besides that in particular. Note, it didn't detract from the story as it did loop well and fit thematically. The only reason I'm indifferent is because outside of this game I wouldn't be ecstatic about it.
[h1]Final Thoughts[/h1]
Yes, this is a good game. Despite all the complaints I could wage against it, it's everything that it advertised and more. Don't go into it expecting another Steins;Gate, that isn't this. This is a comedic and lighthearted story of a gluttonous princess with an appetite that can't be satiated. Play at a pace which you can enjoy as it's a bit slow. I hope to see another VN in this universe, possibly with a more dramatic edge.
