It has updated graphic, but it's still a dating sim from 1998. It came out at a time when visual novel was transitioning away from adventure game and stripping down the gameplay elements. You can see the visage of an old school dating sim in White Album when you have to choose where to go each day, but the outcome of the story is purely choice-based, you don't need to raise your charm point or study point like in Tokimemo.

Each character in this game is vulnerable and lonely, and they seek warmth from the protagonist one way or another. Some just want companionship, some want love, and some prefer something purely carnal. This is all standard dating sim stuff, but the late 90s Japan setting really adds to the atmosphere. The game captures an anxiety that permeated in the air, and imbues it into each character and makes them feel like real people living in that era, not just objects to obtain in a videogame.

Reviewed on Jan 08, 2024


Comments