Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
- Platforms: PlayStation 3
- Developers: Compile Heart, Sting Entertainment
- Publishers: Compile Heart
Date A Live: Arusu Install: A Captivating Visual Novel Adventure
Introduction
Date A Live: Arusu Install is a Japanese visual novel developed by Compile Heart and published by Idea Factory. It is the second game based on the popular Date A Live light novel franchise and was released in Japan on June 26, 2014, for the PlayStation 3. The game features a new original story and characters, and takes place after the events of the seventh volume of the light novel series.
Gameplay
As a visual novel, Date A Live: Arusu Install primarily focuses on storytelling and character interactions. The player takes on the role of Shido Itsuka, the protagonist of the series, and must interact with various female characters in order to befriend them and learn their secrets. The game features a branching dialogue system that allows the player to make choices that affect the story’s progression and lead to different endings.
Story
The story of Date A Live: Arusu Install revolves around Shido’s encounter with two new Spirits, Maria Ars and Marina Ars. These Spirits possess the power to manipulate time and space, and their arrival in the world threatens to disrupt the balance of reality. Shido must use his ability to seal the Spirits’ powers in order to prevent them from causing further chaos.
As Shido interacts with Maria and Marina, he learns more about their past and motivations. Maria is a timid and introverted girl who has been hiding from the world due to her fear of her own powers. Marina, on the other hand, is a more outgoing and confident girl who seeks to use her powers for her own selfish desires.
Characters
- Shido Itsuka: The protagonist of the series and a high school student who possesses the ability to seal the powers of Spirits.
- Maria Ars: A new Spirit who possesses the power to manipulate time. She is a timid and introverted girl who has been hiding from the world due to her fear of her own powers.
- Marina Ars: A new Spirit who possesses the power to manipulate space. She is a more outgoing and confident girl who seeks to use her powers for her own selfish desires.
- Tohka Yatogami: A Spirit who has been sealed by Shido and has become his close friend.
- Origami Tobiichi: A Spirit who has been sealed by Shido and has developed romantic feelings for him.
- Kotori Itsuka: Shido’s younger sister and the commander of the Ratatoskr organization, which monitors and assists Spirits.
Visuals and Music
Date A Live: Arusu Install features vibrant and colorful visuals that bring the characters and world to life. The character designs are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are lush and detailed. The game’s music is also top-notch, with a mix of upbeat and emotional tracks that perfectly complement the story and gameplay.
Reception
Date A Live: Arusu Install was well-received by critics and fans alike. The game was praised for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. It was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Japan.
Legacy
Date A Live: Arusu Install is considered to be one of the best visual novels based on an anime franchise. It expanded the Date A Live universe with new characters and storylines, and provided fans with a deeper look into the world and characters of the series. The game’s success also paved the way for future Date A Live games and adaptations.
Conclusion
Date A Live: Arusu Install is a captivating visual novel adventure that offers an engaging story, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. It is a must-play for fans of the Date A Live franchise and visual novels in general.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
