This is the first title of the "A Clockwork Ley-Line" trilogy, so you can give this one try to see if it suits you, but the point is to also read the sequels, and get one very long VN. Other than that, people tend to dismiss this one because it's the introductory chapter, and the "setting things up" takes some time to complete, but this is still an above average VN, that does many things right. In short, there's quality here, you just need to decide if you have 50 hours for the whole thing.
Positive:
- It's all about the story - There's magic, alternate dimensions (sort of), investigations, artifacts, high school, and all of this put together results in supernatural mystery. This title is laying the foundation of what's to come, but it's already compelling, and makes you want to find out what happens next.
- Unique characters - The protagonist is a bit of a thug, the main heroine is cold like the arctic, the principal seems certified nuts, the best friend looks like a trap, and more. Almost everyone in the cast has something interesting going for them, or breaks the mold in some form.
- The extra mile - It's a VN with many strong points, but nothing stands out as great. It feels like they want to deliver something superior, and that goal was accomplished whether we are talking about writing, plot, production values, characters, setting, worldbuilding., and more. It's not a top tier VN though, and because sequels were planned, logistics got in the way, but the overall quality is enough to leave a good impression.
Negative:
- It's a trilogy, instead of a single VN, and that creates all sorts of problems. Reading this one, while expecting the others to be much better (or the real reward) is a mistake. The difference exists, but it's not that noticeable, and if this one doesn't work for you, it's best to drop it.
Score: A Clockwork Ley-Line: The Borderline of Dusk is a 7/10, and a good VN. Not much to think about, other than interest in this type of story, and having time on your hands to read the 3 titles. If you check both requirements give this a go, it's better than most traditional VN's.
(H-scenes are just OK. The art style itself is nice, but i wouldn't bother with them.)
Positive:
- It's all about the story - There's magic, alternate dimensions (sort of), investigations, artifacts, high school, and all of this put together results in supernatural mystery. This title is laying the foundation of what's to come, but it's already compelling, and makes you want to find out what happens next.
- Unique characters - The protagonist is a bit of a thug, the main heroine is cold like the arctic, the principal seems certified nuts, the best friend looks like a trap, and more. Almost everyone in the cast has something interesting going for them, or breaks the mold in some form.
- The extra mile - It's a VN with many strong points, but nothing stands out as great. It feels like they want to deliver something superior, and that goal was accomplished whether we are talking about writing, plot, production values, characters, setting, worldbuilding., and more. It's not a top tier VN though, and because sequels were planned, logistics got in the way, but the overall quality is enough to leave a good impression.
Negative:
- It's a trilogy, instead of a single VN, and that creates all sorts of problems. Reading this one, while expecting the others to be much better (or the real reward) is a mistake. The difference exists, but it's not that noticeable, and if this one doesn't work for you, it's best to drop it.
Score: A Clockwork Ley-Line: The Borderline of Dusk is a 7/10, and a good VN. Not much to think about, other than interest in this type of story, and having time on your hands to read the 3 titles. If you check both requirements give this a go, it's better than most traditional VN's.
(H-scenes are just OK. The art style itself is nice, but i wouldn't bother with them.)
