Reviews from

in the past


This and Saya no Uta were like appetisers for us NitroPlus fans until it was time for the main course ‘Soukou Akki Muramasa’

me n my eternal rival do this daily

"I crawl like a worm over bleached white bones,
blood my sustenance, and hate my reward.
Yet still, the sword, it rules me."

As I've mentioned before, I absolutely love artists' works that show tremendous passion and research done into the topic of focus. For example, Ridge Racer Type 4 and its clear love of the race, the cars, the experience of driving. One of my favorite manga, BECK, spoke to me as someone with a background in playing and recording music. Hanachirasu is such a work, and given the praise for the combat scenes in Ittetsu Narahara's work I'd heard so regularly, it came as no surprise that the swordplay and divulging of evident love of the blade and the historic roots of its arts was one of its strongest facets.

I found much of Narahara's discussion of the matter genuinely interesting, taking time to allow myself to truly immerse in the art of the sword - I actually searched up some YouTube videos depicting some techniques and traditions mentioned. In turn I feel like this passion speaks to the author's love of his homeland, of the traditions of the Japanese people that were so clearly left to die out by the terrors its people suffered at the hands of the West, predominantly during and post-World War II. Not to get too political, but I've seen the critique of Narahara's work as being somehow right-wing propaganda. As a staunch leftist, I question if this read comes from a place entirely based on Western values, politics and traditions - the patriotism and reverence of Japanese culture on display doesn't speak to dogmatic conservationism, but reclamation of a culture and history on the threshold of extinction at the hands of the West, predominantly America, and its treatment of the Japanese.

Ultimately, though, all of this serves as a backdrop and contextualization for a story about revenge and obsession; the lengths insecure and emotionally damaged people may go to in order to make it "right" by themselves, whittling the existence of themselves and others down to purely the goal at hand. Anything in the way of that or left over afterwards, like dust, like petals on the wind. One might read Akane as a character entirely fueled on the prospect of simply not being good enough, forgoing growth and acceptance and seeking the carnal and instinctive route to block out the pain until it simply stops or becomes too much. It's a story that doesn't seek to blow minds or twist your perceptions of its reality - some minor twists aside it remains entirely grounded in its concept and execution - but rather, like tate-do theatrics, shine a line on two intertwined souls not simply bound by the bound, but the dedication to become twin blades themselves.

—— A story leading to only one possible conclusion.
The curtains close on as quiet and contemplative a scene as the game has. Simply poetic.


very visceral and compellingly described swordfights. the central rivalry comes to incredibly satisfying conclusion. nothing amazing-amazing, but definitely worth checking out if it intrigues you. short, but punchy.

and actually definitely really a yaoi.

Short.

Simple.

Profound.

Narahara Ittetsu's superior work.

A damn shame he will never reach this peak again.

There's a Tumblr post that goes like "While you were attending therapy, I was studying the blade. What do you mean I need 'better coping mechanisms'?"

That's this game.

But what a beautiful and tragic story Ittetsu managed to make here. Until the middle of the work, there were other elements that fascinated me, instead of the story itself, but the work will show its full face in the last chapters and I loved it. I really like the way Ittetsu alludes to various Japanese historical events that end up being portrayed here, in addition to his vast knowledge of fencing that ends up appearing at every moment of the battle. It really is a story that dedicates his love for the sword and a time in Japan.

Glad Narahara isn't picking up his pen again.

Akane is truly the protagonist of all time

Doesn't matter if you read this game before or after Muramasa, you must read both because together they offer a more complete picture of what Narahara wanted to say by making these two games.

Hanachirasu is very short and to the point, it does not overstay its welcome. Its main ending is perfection, and the gag ends are killer.

Hanachirasu is not as ambitious a work as Muramasa, but I was surprised by how well-realized its world felt to me anyway. I can understand if someone considers this equal to Muramasa, even if it doesn't look it at first. It's actually just really hard for me to think of this as a separate work from Muramasa at all.

#MAMBAMENTALITY wrote by Ittetsu and two hatesex merchants going at each other's throat

Wow! I sure do love these fight scenes, would be a shame if there was a 30 minute r*pe scene to interrupt this interesting moment-

one of the best depictions of obsession in gameland

muramasa kanae route's message on vengeance is presented in a bite-sized package here, alongside ittetsu narahara's love for kendo. hanachirasu is an light and enjoyable experience elevated by an incredible soundtrack.

Very fun read all in all though the overwhelming swords info dumps and ridiculous endings left a sour taste in my mouth. Definitely hyped me more for my incoming Muramasa (re)read.

kurunun yanında yaş da yanar atasözü muramasadan değil hanachirasudandır saygılar.


this the worst and best visual novel ive ever read, only thing keeping it being good is the yaoi

A WARRIOR'S BOND KNOWS NO BOUNDS

How can one write something this distant yet close to their supposed one and only magnum opus. Hanachirasu is an amazing love letter to swordsmanship and samurai fiction as a whole, while still being fresh and interesting. I only could wish that this was longer but for something written in a short time just to promote the 'big one' this is incredible.

And not only the writing is insane. The soundtrack is the best in the whole medium and the art is is arguably better than the Muramasa

I'm amazed yet still sad over on how someone this good at writing exists but won't pick their brush ever again.

Nicit really does not have most of the things i love about muramasa, but its really well done, even if it didnt stick to me personally, and i didnt really like the final fight compared to the others, the ost reminds me of fatal fury, also kaigen represents my soul