Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Key
- Publishers: Visual Arts
Angel Beats! -1st beat-: A Heartfelt Exploration of Life, Death, and the Afterlife
Introduction
Angel Beats! -1st beat- is a visual novel developed by Key and released in 2015 for Windows. It is based on the popular 2010 anime television series of the same name and adapts many of its iconic scenes and characters. The game follows the story of Otonashi, a boy who has lost his memories after dying and awakens in the afterlife. He is enrolled into a school where he meets a girl named Yuri who invites him to join the Afterlife Battlefront—an organization she leads which fights against God.
Gameplay
As a visual novel, Angel Beats! -1st beat- follows an interactive branching plot line with multiple scenarios. Players progress through the story by reading text and making choices that affect the narrative. The gameplay is primarily focused on character interactions and dialogue, and players’ choices can lead to different endings.
Story
The story of Angel Beats! -1st beat- takes place in the afterlife, where Otonashi awakens with no memories of his past life. He is enrolled into a school by a girl named Yuri, who explains that they are all students who have died and have unfinished business that prevents them from moving on to the next life. Yuri leads the Afterlife Battlefront, an organization that fights against God for giving them unfair or tragic lives.
Otonashi initially refuses to join the Battlefront, but he eventually agrees after witnessing the suffering of his fellow students. He learns that each student has a unique backstory and reason for fighting against God, and he begins to develop close relationships with many of them.
As the story progresses, Otonashi and the Afterlife Battlefront face many challenges. They must fight against the student council president Angel, a girl with supernatural powers who opposes their cause. They also must deal with their own personal demons and come to terms with their past lives.
Characters
Angel Beats! -1st beat- features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Some of the most notable characters include:
- Otonashi: The protagonist of the story, who awakens in the afterlife with no memories of his past life. He is a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to help others.
- Yuri: The leader of the Afterlife Battlefront, who is determined to fight against God for giving her an unfair life. She is a strong and independent girl who cares deeply for her friends.
- Kanade Tachibana (Angel): The student council president who opposes the Afterlife Battlefront. She is a kind and caring girl who believes that fighting against God is futile.
- Yui: A member of the Afterlife Battlefront who is a skilled fighter. She is a cheerful and optimistic girl who is always ready to help her friends.
- Hinata: A member of the Afterlife Battlefront who is a skilled hacker. He is a shy and reserved boy who is often misunderstood.
Themes
Angel Beats! -1st beat- explores a number of complex themes, including:
- The meaning of life and death: The game explores the question of what happens after we die and what gives life meaning.
- The importance of human connection: The game emphasizes the importance of forming strong relationships with others and how these relationships can help us overcome adversity.
- The power of forgiveness: The game shows how forgiveness can help us to let go of the past and move on with our lives.
Conclusion
Angel Beats! -1st beat- is a beautiful and heartwarming visual novel that explores the complex themes of life, death, and the afterlife. It features a cast of memorable characters and a story that will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you are a fan of visual novels or anime, then I highly recommend checking out Angel Beats! -1st beat-.
Score: 8.5/10
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
