owodeluxe
2021
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.
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.
One of the most endearing and heartwarming games ever, with fantastic storytelling and well done character relationships. 🌻
Second Light sets out to tell a story about growth, change, how everything won't remain the same, and the value of that time before change. The adventure and time in the game is akin to summer vacation (as Ao Hoshizaki had stated), a relaxing and fun time that will eventually end before returning to "reality". Ao and the cast often linger on this thought and the troubled feelings they have of their inevitable fate. They aren't sure what lies ahead of them after the Oasis, whether or not they'll even see each other again or if the memories of their time together will stay with them. The school setting in the Oasis is perfect for capturing what they feel as most players will be able to sympathize with this, comparing the cast's feelings to the unnerving feeling of moving on after school years. Right off the bat, I was interested and felt some sort of connection to this game.
So to make the most of their summer vacation, the reflectors spend it decorating the school, making new devices and pastimes, and most importantly of all, spending time together. The game is very heavy on building relationships with each of the girls. However before being able to build your relationship with them, their Heartscapes must be explored through first along with their history (aside from a few, most of them have their Heartscape as the start of their character arc). Each Heartscape reveals a distinct and personal struggle each one was facing prior to entering the Oasis. Even after confronting their memories and gaining them back, their issues don't go away. Your relationship and time with them helps them to recover from their past and to help them go forward with their lives.
The cast and each of their relationships are well thoughtout. The girls felt like real and understandable people, especially with how their problems are presented and resolved. They felt like people I've met across my life. It's a cast that can emotionally attach you to them easily. They're also a large cast, yet they feel distinct and unique, and their character arcs all feel balanaced and strong. A lot of other casts typically fail and fumble when it comes to their side characters' characterization and relationship with the protagonist/player, however Tie excels at these aspects. None of them really feel like they were wasted (unlike other JRPGs that have a focus on relationships and have a system based off that, not naming any names).
Other aspects of the game I loved ♥:
The concept and visuals of the Heartscapes are great. I always like settings/areas that are based on the psyche of characters. The Heartscapes also looked so pretty and pleasing. Sunflowers look unusually good in this game.
The OST was lovely. Heartscape themes were unique and felt appropriate for each character. There were some simple tracks, but they were nice to listen to and really elevated the calm and comfy experience.
Second Light sets out to tell a story about growth, change, how everything won't remain the same, and the value of that time before change. The adventure and time in the game is akin to summer vacation (as Ao Hoshizaki had stated), a relaxing and fun time that will eventually end before returning to "reality". Ao and the cast often linger on this thought and the troubled feelings they have of their inevitable fate. They aren't sure what lies ahead of them after the Oasis, whether or not they'll even see each other again or if the memories of their time together will stay with them. The school setting in the Oasis is perfect for capturing what they feel as most players will be able to sympathize with this, comparing the cast's feelings to the unnerving feeling of moving on after school years. Right off the bat, I was interested and felt some sort of connection to this game.
So to make the most of their summer vacation, the reflectors spend it decorating the school, making new devices and pastimes, and most importantly of all, spending time together. The game is very heavy on building relationships with each of the girls. However before being able to build your relationship with them, their Heartscapes must be explored through first along with their history (aside from a few, most of them have their Heartscape as the start of their character arc). Each Heartscape reveals a distinct and personal struggle each one was facing prior to entering the Oasis. Even after confronting their memories and gaining them back, their issues don't go away. Your relationship and time with them helps them to recover from their past and to help them go forward with their lives.
The cast and each of their relationships are well thoughtout. The girls felt like real and understandable people, especially with how their problems are presented and resolved. They felt like people I've met across my life. It's a cast that can emotionally attach you to them easily. They're also a large cast, yet they feel distinct and unique, and their character arcs all feel balanaced and strong. A lot of other casts typically fail and fumble when it comes to their side characters' characterization and relationship with the protagonist/player, however Tie excels at these aspects. None of them really feel like they were wasted (unlike other JRPGs that have a focus on relationships and have a system based off that, not naming any names).
Other aspects of the game I loved ♥:
The concept and visuals of the Heartscapes are great. I always like settings/areas that are based on the psyche of characters. The Heartscapes also looked so pretty and pleasing. Sunflowers look unusually good in this game.
The OST was lovely. Heartscape themes were unique and felt appropriate for each character. There were some simple tracks, but they were nice to listen to and really elevated the calm and comfy experience.