Dies Irae is a long VN, that can appeal to all kinds of readers. Basically, you can read this casually and enjoy it, without worrying too much about the themes of the title (things like existential dread, Determinism), or you can take your time, and slowly discern what the VN has to offer. Not a lot of titles can combine more mundane entertainment, with meaningful surmisable content, and that is why Dies Irae is so good.
Positive:
- All kinds of fights with power levels, counters, secret abilities, last minute twists, and more. It's very entertaining, and the story gets "universal" (shounen and chuuni like).
- One of the more unique OST's in the VN world (there's much more than just "emotional piano"), and impressive enough to recommend checking it out on YouTube. The voice acting is good too.
- Lots of great characters that have depth and development. I remember Wilhelm to this very day, and I read this many years ago.
- It's a VN that needs to be read twice, not to understand it, but to realize the scope of what was achieved. Finish reading it, start the intro again, and you will realize it feels completely different.
- Very nice art, and lots of it. If you consider this is a 17 years old VN, it holds very well, has quality and detail.
Negative:
- Remember how I mentioned the "shounen and chuuni", not everyone likes that, and the writing can get very long winded, "edgy" when those categories are being portrayed. Conversely, it's also possible to get too philosophical, and forget about fun factor. Being able to reach a wider audience has its drawbacks.
Score: Dies Irae is a 9/10, and highly recommended if you are already used to long VN's. Just be aware that something that can fit most readers, is bound to have parts that are "less good". It's still a top tier VN, no question about it.
(There's an order to read this version. Check reddit - It's a very long VN, the H-scenes are a very small part of it, and nothing amazing.)
Positive:
- All kinds of fights with power levels, counters, secret abilities, last minute twists, and more. It's very entertaining, and the story gets "universal" (shounen and chuuni like).
- One of the more unique OST's in the VN world (there's much more than just "emotional piano"), and impressive enough to recommend checking it out on YouTube. The voice acting is good too.
- Lots of great characters that have depth and development. I remember Wilhelm to this very day, and I read this many years ago.
- It's a VN that needs to be read twice, not to understand it, but to realize the scope of what was achieved. Finish reading it, start the intro again, and you will realize it feels completely different.
- Very nice art, and lots of it. If you consider this is a 17 years old VN, it holds very well, has quality and detail.
Negative:
- Remember how I mentioned the "shounen and chuuni", not everyone likes that, and the writing can get very long winded, "edgy" when those categories are being portrayed. Conversely, it's also possible to get too philosophical, and forget about fun factor. Being able to reach a wider audience has its drawbacks.
Score: Dies Irae is a 9/10, and highly recommended if you are already used to long VN's. Just be aware that something that can fit most readers, is bound to have parts that are "less good". It's still a top tier VN, no question about it.
(There's an order to read this version. Check reddit - It's a very long VN, the H-scenes are a very small part of it, and nothing amazing.)
