Summary
- Release Year: 2017
- Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: 5pb., MAGES.
- Publishers: 5pb.
Yu-No: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World (2017): A Masterpiece of Visual Novel Storytelling
Introduction
Yu-No: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World is a Japanese-style adventure game, also known as a visual novel, originally released in 1996 for the NEC PC-98. The game was later ported to the Sega Saturn and Windows, and in 2017 a remake was produced for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita, with completely redrawn HD graphics and rearranged music, while maintaining the same story and game structure. The 2019 Nintendo Switch port included these new features as well.
Gameplay
Yu-No is a text-based adventure game with visual novel elements. The player takes on the role of Takuya Arima, a high school student who travels back in time to prevent the death of his father. The game is played by reading through the story and making choices at key points. These choices can affect the story’s outcome, and there are multiple endings depending on the player’s actions.
Story
The story of Yu-No is complex and engaging, with multiple twists and turns. Takuya Arima is a high school student who travels back in time to prevent the death of his father. He arrives in a parallel world where his father is still alive, but things are not as they seem. Takuya soon discovers that he is caught in a time loop, and he must find a way to break the loop and save his father.
Characters
The characters in Yu-No are well-developed and relatable. Takuya is a likeable and sympathetic protagonist, and the supporting cast of characters is equally well-rounded. The characters’ interactions are believable and engaging, and the player will quickly become invested in their stories.
Art and Music
The art and music in Yu-No are top-notch. The character designs are beautiful, and the backgrounds are lush and detailed. The music is also excellent, and it helps to create the game’s atmosphere.
Themes
Yu-No explores a number of complex themes, including love, loss, and the nature of reality. The game also raises questions about the ethics of time travel and the consequences of changing the past.
Legacy
Yu-No is considered to be one of the greatest visual novels ever made. The game has been praised for its complex story, well-developed characters, and beautiful art and music. Yu-No has also been influential in the development of the visual novel genre, and it has inspired a number of other games.
Conclusion
Yu-No: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World (2017) is a masterpiece of visual novel storytelling. The game has a complex and engaging story, well-developed characters, and beautiful art and music. Yu-No is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on players.
Review Score
9/10
Pros
- Complex and engaging story
- Well-developed characters
- Beautiful art and music
- Thought-provoking themes
Cons
- Can be difficult to follow at times
- Some of the endings are unsatisfying
Overall
Yu-No: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World (2017) is a must-play for fans of visual novels. The game has a complex and engaging story, well-developed characters, and beautiful art and music. Yu-No is sure to leave a lasting impression on players.
Review Score
8/10