For me, Sky FC is "the JRPG of all time" other than the final boss and literal last 10 minutes of the game. This is partially due to it being a "setup game," (of which I've played next to none, but have seen this often done in visual novels, and it's infinitely worse with an actual videogame due to gameplay losing tension) and as such is automatically an underwhelming part of the story. The combat system is probs my fav JRPG one from what I've played here and the 2 hours I played years back in Cold Steel I, especially later on when both you and enemies can cancel Arts (spell) casting before the attack is delivered, very strategic. The gameplay is fun, the worldbuilding is already good and this is just the first game in the series, true, and the music is good (though a popular JRPG having good music is a given), and it certainly has... soul, but it just felt like an okay experience most of the time for me. It was episodic for most of its story with okay characters and okay plot and okay pacing until it got better near the end. Although it's strange how the overwhelming majority of FC's thematic value is from that last part alone, and before that it feels more focused on worldbuilding and slice-of-life or something? The low points were Tita, Dorothy and Olivier (when he's a walking trope and/or stereotype) being annoying, as well as the stealth missions. I didn't care for the romance either.

I was feeling a little burnt out in the penultimate dungeon, too, which isn't a good sign when it's the first game in the 500+ hour series known for the "trust me bro, it gets peak" effect, with a coin toss on whether a specific player will like a particular game/arc. Additionally, it already feels bloated (it feels like I got 10 hours' worth of actual content out of my ~30 hour playthrough with how one-note some things, especially characters, were), so that's concerning.

In any case, the trailer for SC near the end looked very hype, so I'm excited to play that sometime this year.

A tale of desire, damage, and discovery of what was lost and what was gained. 🩸

Spoiler for Route Names/Leads

Slow Damage is a ride filled with many moments of dread, of sensuality, and of ecstasy. Shinkoumi is an interesting setting with many unusual residents that makes the place feel like home when reading. During the nighttime, its mystifying and dreary atmosphere really shines through as you speak to its residents and explore through the emptiest and busiest sectors.

Towa's a fantastic protagonist with fun dialogue and dynamics with the other characters, and he perfectly enthralls you into the setting. Each main mystery in the chapters range from alright to thrilling but seeing how Towa and his muses, for his art, interact is always absorbing. I really love how everything is built up and structured regarding Towa's mystery, like going from Taku's and Rei's routes (nice BL with some hints and pieces about Towa's life) to unlocking Madarame's route (a focus on a bit of Towa's past and the prevalent figure within it). Everything comes together to not only form an enchanting read filled with crazy homosexuals, but a journey of a damaged and scarred protagonist.

This was also a very personal read for me, which was quite unexpected honestly. Descending into the world of Shinkoumi and Towa's life, I ended up resonating with this game way more than I had ever imagined. Towa and the true route, in particular, are crafted wonderfully, drawing out feelings of pain and disgust but also delivering soothing and beautiful scenes that are absolutely satisfying to witness. Towa's trauma and his buried memories is handled well and watching him get through everything and realize the parts of himself was just extremely compelling. Everything between him and Fujieda made me feel connected to them. Those last couple of hours of the game were extraordinarily written and quite tear-jerking.

The other routes are pretty nice as well. Aside from the true route, Rei's route is probably my favorite. His struggle is relatable, and his dynamic with Towa is sweet. Madarame's route doesn't pull any punches and could hurt to read at certain points. It does a good job of showing a different side of Towa, and that Madarame is an ideal yet very unhealthy partner for him. Taku's route is solid, but weaker than the aforementioned due to his character moments and roles he plays in being more interesting in other routes.

I can't say I'd recommend Slow Damage, definitely depends on the person. If you're a fan of what I've described in my review, I'd say go for it. Though I would look into the content warnings first. P.S: This is the first N+C visual novel I've gotten through, very excited to read more.

Other aspects of the game I loved ♥:

The soundtrack is so damn great. It perfectly sets the tone right and is memorable. The tracks for each ending are quite good too, great choices for each character. Also, listening to After All gets me really emotional.

Yamada Uiro's artwork is phenomenal, and I love all the colors and character designs.

I really like the side cast. The Takasato members, Rei's queer friend group, and a couple others were very enjoyable to interact with.

Over a decade ago, I first experienced CLANNAD, my very first visual novel, and I recall having it land incredibly deeply for me. I don't remember the specifics, but I recall the feelings I felt. Since then, friends and family have come and gone, I've graduated, I've started to make a living and a life for myself. And I found myself back here, at the foot of the hill with Nagisa again. In another decade, I hope to carry with me another ten years' worth of memories, moments, triumphs, and the strength and serenity to push through the difficulties I face on the road to that next benchmark of my time on this earth. And maybe once again, in those ten years' time, we'll meet at the bottom of the hill again.

https://youtu.be/2UbOYG3_6wE?si=zNBxOWxWRoJFvurQ

I'm ngl this game (if it can even be called one) is really fucking bad. Like. Genuine trash. Actual comedy. I can't believe they thought this was a good, no, even a mediocre idea. Easily 0/10, now, you might think, why did you give this a 5/10?

It's simple actually

It has Kevin Graham. He's there. I can see him moving, attacking, and throwing Grail Sphere. And, as bad as this game is, that's something that no trails game can say since Sky 3rd. I'm craving for Kevin. Anything they give me is good at this point. I am desperate. And only for that will i give this a 2.5/5. When Kevin comes back in a REAL game I'll lower this to 0.5 as it truly belongs. For now tho, this is where Kevin is at, and my scores are where Kevin is.

EDIT:

KEVIN GRAHAM IN KAI NO KISEKI FUCK YOU NORTHERN WAR YOU AIN'T GOT SHIT TO KAI NO KISEKI THE GREATEST GAME EVER MADE BY HUMANKIND THIS WAS EDITED AN HOUR AND A HALF AFTER THE TRAILER DROPPED YOU AIN'T GOT SHIT ON ME BUT YOU KNOW WHO DOES? KEVIN GRAHAM BABY WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO