Rewrite (2011)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Rewrite: A Heartfelt Exploration of Love, Loss, and the Meaning of Life

Introduction:

Released in 2011 by the acclaimed visual novel developer Key, Rewrite is a captivating and emotionally resonant story that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the nature of existence, and the search for meaning in life. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and stunning visuals, Rewrite has garnered a dedicated following among fans of visual novels and anime alike.

Story:

The story of Rewrite revolves around Kotarou Tennouji, a high school student living in the fictional town of Kazamatsuri. Unbeknownst to his classmates, Kotarou possesses superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength, speed, and the power to heal wounds. He spends his days investigating supernatural mysteries with five girls from his school: Kotori Kanbe, Chihaya Ohtori, Lucia Konohana, Akane Senri, and Sizuru Nakatsugawa.

As Kotarou and his companions delve deeper into the supernatural world, they encounter a group of familiar summoners and superhumans searching for a familiar girl named Kagari. Kagari is the key to intelligent life on Earth, and her existence threatens the balance of the world. Kotarou and his friends must race against time to find Kagari and protect her from those who seek to destroy her.

Characters:

  • Kotarou Tennouji: The protagonist of the story, Kotarou is a high school student with superhuman abilities. He is kind-hearted and compassionate, but he also struggles with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Kotori Kanbe: Kotarou’s childhood friend and a member of the school’s archery club. She is a cheerful and outgoing girl, but she also has a strong sense of justice.
  • Chihaya Ohtori: The president of the school’s student council. She is a mature and intelligent girl, but she is also aloof and distant.
  • Lucia Konohana: A transfer student from England. She is a skilled pianist and a talented singer.
  • Akane Senri: A member of the school’s track and field club. She is a tomboyish and athletic girl, but she also has a gentle side.
  • Sizuru Nakatsugawa: A member of the school’s drama club. She is a shy and introverted girl, but she is also a talented actress.

Themes:

Rewrite explores a wide range of themes, including:

  • The nature of love and relationships: The story delves into the different types of love, from romantic love to familial love to the love of friends. It examines the complexities of human relationships and the challenges that come with loving and being loved.
  • The meaning of life and existence: Rewrite poses questions about the purpose of life and the nature of existence. It explores the idea that life is a journey, and that we must find our own meaning and purpose along the way.
  • The power of hope: Despite the darkness and tragedy that the characters face, Rewrite is ultimately a story about hope. It shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

Gameplay:

As a visual novel, Rewrite is a text-heavy game with minimal gameplay elements. Players read through the story and make choices at key points in the plot. These choices can affect the course of the story and lead to different endings. Rewrite features multiple endings, each of which provides a different perspective on the story and its themes.

Visuals and Music:

Rewrite features stunning visuals and a beautiful soundtrack. The character designs are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are lush and evocative. The soundtrack is composed by Jun Maeda, known for his work on other Key visual novels such as Clannad and Kanon. The music perfectly complements the story and helps to create an immersive and emotional experience for the player.

Reception:

Rewrite has been critically acclaimed for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. It has won numerous awards, including the Visual Novel of the Year award at the 2012 Dengeki PlayStation Awards. Rewrite has also been adapted into an anime series, a manga series, and a light novel series.

Conclusion:

Rewrite is a masterpiece of the visual novel genre. It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of human relationships, the nature of existence, and the search for meaning in life. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, stunning visuals, and beautiful soundtrack, Rewrite is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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