GINKA being the new VN from the same creators as the acclaimed ATRI inevitably gives it certain expectations, but thankfully I've always managed them. Because GINKA is not ATRI, it doesn't try to be, and I think that's absolutely fine.
I had a lot of fun reading this VN. It mainly focusses its relatively short (15-18ish hour) runtime on the titular character. And she's great. Adorable, multi-layered, properly fleshed out. The rest of the cast is fun but not quite as in depth.
I think GINKA is strongest narratively when it's about its main two characters and their longing for the childhood relationship they had before fate drove them apart, and how they cope with the consequences of the sacrifices they've made.
The main plot itself (which I can't say much about without spoiling) can occasionally get too convoluted for its own sake, and the amount of flashbacks interrupting scenes does hurt the pacing somewhat. Despite that, it did a good job keeping me engaged throughout.
I think my favourite thing about this VN other than Ginka herself is the art style. The CGs, character designs and background art are absolutely gorgeous. I love the music too, but that seems to be a given for the medium.
GINKA is not a masterpiece, it's nothing exceptional. But I think that's okay, it's a thoroughly enjoyable and beautiful looking VN about a bittersweet childhood love that overcomes the most difficult of hurdles. And that's about all I wanted from it.
+gorgeous CGs, char designs and art
+Ginka being a great and lovable character
+Music
+Fun bittersweet summer romance story
-Overly convoluted plot.
-Structure feels all over the place with its flashbacks.
-Some side characters feel underdeveloped.
-Ending feels a bit too convenient.
I had a lot of fun reading this VN. It mainly focusses its relatively short (15-18ish hour) runtime on the titular character. And she's great. Adorable, multi-layered, properly fleshed out. The rest of the cast is fun but not quite as in depth.
I think GINKA is strongest narratively when it's about its main two characters and their longing for the childhood relationship they had before fate drove them apart, and how they cope with the consequences of the sacrifices they've made.
The main plot itself (which I can't say much about without spoiling) can occasionally get too convoluted for its own sake, and the amount of flashbacks interrupting scenes does hurt the pacing somewhat. Despite that, it did a good job keeping me engaged throughout.
I think my favourite thing about this VN other than Ginka herself is the art style. The CGs, character designs and background art are absolutely gorgeous. I love the music too, but that seems to be a given for the medium.
GINKA is not a masterpiece, it's nothing exceptional. But I think that's okay, it's a thoroughly enjoyable and beautiful looking VN about a bittersweet childhood love that overcomes the most difficult of hurdles. And that's about all I wanted from it.
+gorgeous CGs, char designs and art
+Ginka being a great and lovable character
+Music
+Fun bittersweet summer romance story
-Overly convoluted plot.
-Structure feels all over the place with its flashbacks.
-Some side characters feel underdeveloped.
-Ending feels a bit too convenient.