I haven’t been reviewing games for long, but bringing together three of my passions, one can see there’s no question why I love it so much.
- I get to write. I have always loved writing, it is something I have done since I was a small child.
- I get to express my opinion. Those who know me well are already aware how much I like to discuss, dissect, and decide on all matter of topics.
- I get to play video games.
And in addition to number 3, a little subscript can be added – I get to try out genres which I never would consider.
I had never even heard the term ‘Visual Novel’ before as a game genre. Sure, I have played a few point-and-click story games, where drawings are accompanied with written text, however those have an element of choice and/or discovery added. Roam your mouse/controller to explore and find clues. Choose between dialogue/action bubbles on what the character is going to do next. Visual Novels are to be judged by their cover, they are stories, no choices, no searching, just a gamer’s edition of a Read Along book.
And I can think of no better way to try one out than with A Winter’s Daydream. With it’s simple anime style, wonderful soundtrack, and mesmerising story, this was an absolute delight to play.
We start out as Yuu, a young Japanese man on a contemplative train journey from his University home of Tokyo to visit his family in their northern small town during the winter holidays.
We then meet his family at their house; his father, always ready to tell the obligatory dad-jokes at the drop of a hat, his mother who would seem to want to make a career out of doting on her son, and then Otoko, his beautiful but bratty younger sister.
We learn about his past through their personalities, and the story really takes you in at this point – anyone who has had any sort of family can relate to at least a few of the dynamics of domestic life this family presents.
However, because of his strained relationship with his sister, he decides to visit his grandmother who lives in an even smaller, traditional town. He lets his parents know that it is mainly because she is getting quite old, however the reader realises it is to get away from his not-so-nice sister.
When he arrives in her village, his grandmother of course looks after him well, recalling stories about their visits when he was a young boy stuck in place that had little for a youngster to do. They also discuss his grandfather who had passed away nearly a year before, how they met, what he taught Yuu about Astronomy, and how much both grandparents adored each other.
It is during this visit, however, that something very magical occurs, which takes the reader on a twist of happenings that is truly wonderful. Of course I shall not spoil this, as I would leave that for you to be as surprised as I was. And there is an even bigger surprise after the full story is completed, when you read the author’s inspiration for the story!
The story itself can be completed in roughly 3-4 hours. A 100% Achievement/Trophy score is guaranteed as long as you go through to the end. It gives a lovely glimpse of Japanese family life, and that sound, not just the enchanting music but the actual sound effects are really astounding. And to keep us gamers even more interested, there are several gaming references throughout.
If you don’t mind taking a back seat and letting a game play for you, this is ideal. An absolute dream to play.
A Winter’s Daydream will be available on Xbox One, PS4, PSVita, and Nintendo Switch on 8th October 2019, PC version available now. Developed by ebi-hime and console versions published by Sometimes You.
Lady Gamer 