SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

TL;DR Mixed feelings about the game. Great visuals, soundtrack and voice acting that are let down by long-winded writing, uneven attention to routes and mistakes in translation. I would still recommend it, just; for a lower price in the future. Take note that this is a spin-off in the series and that it's focused more on it's mystery plot than a thorough exploration of relationships. In more detail: It was certainly brave to choose this game as the first translated Memories Off game. But since it's story is standalone and it's the most recent release for modern platforms, I guess it makes some sense to choose it. I was going into it open-minded, considering it's a spin-off. I will try to keep this spoiler-free. Things I didn't like: - Routes and their purpose. I think that only 2 (you could argue that maybe 3) routes do anything for the characters to solve their dilemmas or push main story. Other ones you could omit and you wouldn't really miss out on much. - Writing often felt very wearisome, over-explaining something that characters already talked about in length. It also doesn't help that a lot of it gets repeated in other routes; and it would be fine that actually helped with character development, but it feels like it added nothing but more playtime. - Many choices that you make are extremely vague in terms of how they will be affecting the playthrough or the route. And if you choose wrong once, even at the very beginning, you will fail to achieve the ending or path you are going for. This is extremely harsh, especially considering the payoff of getting all of them right. - Translation. Or more specifically, the amount of typos and erros, which I have encountered - at least a good dozen. The translation in itself is coherent and gives you a proper representation of game's script. Things I liked: - Another good work on the soundtrack by Takeshi ♥♥♥. The most memorable tracks were no doubt the character themes. - Great voice acting and honestly, it's probably what kept me going when I was wondering whether I want to carry on playing. - Well-drawn CGs, the art style. Thing with mixed opinion: - I like the design and sprites of heroines and Shin, but I'm a bit on the fence about the side cast. Them differing so much in the way they're drawn DOES show that they are, in fact, side characters, but in my opinion the difference is so big that it feels like they are from a completely different game. Especially when they stand side-by-side with main cast characters on the screen. After beating the game I didn't feel any satisfaction or elation. Felt like I was left with nothing to think about and nothing to be sentimental about. It's by no means a bad game, but I don't see much reason to come and revisit it for a 2nd playthrough at some point. P.S. I know that Memories Off is quite conservative when it comes to overall game structure - story itself, the clear list, album, sound tracks. But I can't help but wonder if they have just missed the chance to put something special in the game, for which you would want to come back to every once in a while - like puzzles/minigames to play, sorta like Memories Off Mix, but as a bonus mode? You have a lengthy cast of characters, a mysterious estate with themed rooms in it, could there be any better setup for this? Just a thought.