Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Simulator, Visual Novel
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: DMM.com
- Publishers: DMM.com, Shiravune
Iwaihime: A Haunting Tale of Curses and Dolls
From the mind of Ryukishi07, the acclaimed writer behind the When They Cry series, comes Iwaihime, a supernatural horror visual novel that weaves a haunting tale of curses, dolls, and the darkness that lurks within.
A Twisted Tale of Tragedy
Iwaihime follows the story of Miharu, a young woman who travels to the remote village of Hinamizawa to investigate the mysterious death of her aunt. Upon her arrival, she finds a village shrouded in an eerie silence, its inhabitants trapped by a curse that has plagued their lands for generations.
As Miharu delves deeper into the village’s dark history, she encounters a cast of enigmatic characters, each with their own secrets and motives. There’s Takano, the enigmatic miko with a strange fascination with dolls; Ooishi, the gruff police officer haunted by his past; and Rika, a young girl who seems to hold the key to the village’s curse.
Together, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the curse and break its hold on Hinamizawa. Along the way, they must confront their own inner demons and face the horrors that lie in wait.
A Dark and Atmospheric World
Iwaihime’s world is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension. The village of Hinamizawa is a place of shadows and secrets, where every creak and groan seems to whisper a tale of tragedy. The game’s visuals are stunning, with a distinct art style that captures the eerie beauty and oppressive dread of the setting.
The character designs are equally impressive, with each character possessing a unique and memorable appearance. From Miharu’s determined expression to Takano’s enigmatic smile, the characters of Iwaihime are as captivating as they are complex.
A Haunting Narrative
At its core, Iwaihime is a story about the power of curses and the darkness that can consume the human heart. The game’s narrative is a twisted tapestry of mystery, horror, and tragedy, with each revelation bringing the characters closer to the truth and their own inevitable doom.
Ryukishi07’s writing is masterful, weaving a tale that is both gripping and emotionally resonant. The characters are well-developed, with their own motivations and flaws, and the dialogue is sharp and intelligent.
A Challenging and Rewarding Experience
As a visual novel, Iwaihime presents players with a unique and immersive storytelling experience. The game features multiple endings, each determined by the choices players make throughout the story. This adds a layer of replayability, as players can explore different paths and uncover new secrets with each playthrough.
While Iwaihime is primarily a narrative experience, it also features some light puzzle-solving elements. These puzzles are well-integrated into the story and serve to enhance the overall gameplay experience.
An Unforgettable Masterpiece
Iwaihime is a haunting and unforgettable masterpiece that will stay with you long after you finish playing. Its dark and atmospheric world, complex characters, and twisted narrative make it a must-play for fans of supernatural horror and visual novels alike.
Key Features:
- A gripping and emotionally resonant story from the mind of Ryukishi07
- A cast of enigmatic and well-developed characters
- Stunning visuals and a distinct art style that captures the eerie beauty of the setting
- Multiple endings determined by player choices
- Light puzzle-solving elements that enhance the gameplay experience
- A haunting and unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
