Being a DIK [v0.10.1]
Pros:
+ The GOLD standard for visual novels
+ It feels more like an actual GAME than most visual novels
+ Mini-games are actually fun and engaging (can be skipped for those who don't like)
+ The game has a lot of depth in content, gameplay and story as it progresses
+ Huge variety of characters you can get with
+ Multiple paths that offer unique experiences
+ Choices feel like they matter a lot
+ Character models are all gorgeous
+ Animations are pretty great
+ Very high quality and production value
+ Memorable music, sound effects
+ Great user interface and game structure
Cons:
- Restrictive paths may not be for everyone, choices feel final but so are choices in life, I suppose
- Since the game is so long, it's hard to do multiple paths in a timely manner
(Sandbox free exploration parts makes it annoying to redo)
I first played this game years ago, before there was even a season 2. It was my first real experience with a non-Japanese visual novel, and honestly I got through most of it but was turned off by some story elements and ended up quitting. At the time, it had felt kind of generic in story and setting.
Throughout the years, I had felt it was just overrated, as many others often express. However, I decided to give it another chance. More than 4 years later, I've picked up the game again and played through from the start again all the way through the most recent Episode 10.
I was blown away by the depth of how far the story continued on from what I had first perceived to be shallow into something much darker and deeper.
On top of that, the gameplay elements improved and became more engaging as the chapters progressed. The tests, all of the mini-games, the management aspects, puzzles, everything. It may not be for everyone and there is an option to skip through them, but I actually enjoyed all of it throughout the chapters and how they kept adding new modes and new puzzles and management-type mini-games.
These mini-games kept the game very engaging and made it feel more like a GAME than most visual novels out there, which I felt was great and broke up the monotony of just reading for hours on end, especially with how much content the game has right now story-wise.
The game to me is the gold standard for adult visual novels. It might not be at the top of everyone's radar, but I feel it has potentially a little bit of something for everyone. There's so much content and the fact that it feels like more of a game than most others out there is a big turn on for me, with choices mattering quite a lot for the story and relationship progression.
Worth checking out if you're looking for something new, or coming back from long ago like myself.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Pros:
+ The GOLD standard for visual novels
+ It feels more like an actual GAME than most visual novels
+ Mini-games are actually fun and engaging (can be skipped for those who don't like)
+ The game has a lot of depth in content, gameplay and story as it progresses
+ Huge variety of characters you can get with
+ Multiple paths that offer unique experiences
+ Choices feel like they matter a lot
+ Character models are all gorgeous
+ Animations are pretty great
+ Very high quality and production value
+ Memorable music, sound effects
+ Great user interface and game structure
Cons:
- Restrictive paths may not be for everyone, choices feel final but so are choices in life, I suppose
- Since the game is so long, it's hard to do multiple paths in a timely manner
(Sandbox free exploration parts makes it annoying to redo)
I first played this game years ago, before there was even a season 2. It was my first real experience with a non-Japanese visual novel, and honestly I got through most of it but was turned off by some story elements and ended up quitting. At the time, it had felt kind of generic in story and setting.
Throughout the years, I had felt it was just overrated, as many others often express. However, I decided to give it another chance. More than 4 years later, I've picked up the game again and played through from the start again all the way through the most recent Episode 10.
I was blown away by the depth of how far the story continued on from what I had first perceived to be shallow into something much darker and deeper.
On top of that, the gameplay elements improved and became more engaging as the chapters progressed. The tests, all of the mini-games, the management aspects, puzzles, everything. It may not be for everyone and there is an option to skip through them, but I actually enjoyed all of it throughout the chapters and how they kept adding new modes and new puzzles and management-type mini-games.
These mini-games kept the game very engaging and made it feel more like a GAME than most visual novels out there, which I felt was great and broke up the monotony of just reading for hours on end, especially with how much content the game has right now story-wise.
The game to me is the gold standard for adult visual novels. It might not be at the top of everyone's radar, but I feel it has potentially a little bit of something for everyone. There's so much content and the fact that it feels like more of a game than most others out there is a big turn on for me, with choices mattering quite a lot for the story and relationship progression.
Worth checking out if you're looking for something new, or coming back from long ago like myself.
Overall Rating: 10/10