This is another entry to the "What a beautiful" series by Liar-soft, and a VN where the greatest value comes from your own interpretation, of what's being presented. In other words, it is possible to read this casually, but it would be a mistake to just take most of what you see here literally, this is not a story about some cool guy with lightning powers who saves the school (well it is, but you'd be missing the point). With that out of the way, i don't think you should start here if you want to give the series a try, (an earlier title would be preferable). At this point the amount of pre-existing lore and references to worldbuilding constants, are already detracting from a newcomer's enjoyment.
Positive:
- Great writing - The author behind this VN (and the series) is among the best, if we are talking about VN's. Unique scenarios, detailed descriptions, more worldbuilding than you probably need, passive characterization, by means of "inner world", quality narration, and i could go on.
- Open to interpretation - Probably the greatest strength of "Gahkthun", is the fact that different people can surmise unique meanings after reading this. As the VN explains this is a fairy tale, and the moral of the story is (partially) up to you. It's very rewarding to come up with your own ideas, and being right or wrong has no meaning here, your subjectivity is the "star of the show".
- Some specific production values - In particular the art style (distinct, recognizable), and the voice acting, with the latter being some of the best you ever heard coming from Japan (protagonists are voiced too). The OST is lacking in numbers, but it does help bringing to life the (similar to) Parisienne setting.
- Use of the cast - As you might expect the main couple is the center of attention, but there's an entire host of characters that get their own stories, properly developed personalities, and their contributions/connections to the narrative are at acceptable levels. It's an uncommon state of affairs, especially given this VN duration.
Negative:
- Most of it comes from how much was already established in the series. If you were to start here, you'd have trouble understanding how much of the supernatural is actually real (canon), and what's powering all the strange events. Pertaining to this VN, there's a guessing minigame which serves little purpose, in my opinion. The greatest issue here however is pacing, Gahkthun takes a long time to grab your attention and get interesting (4 chapters for me).
Score: Gahkthun of the Golden Lightning is an 8/10 and a very good VN. This is only recommended to people who are already familiar with the series. I'm gonna be blunt, many people have no idea what is even going on here, and i don't blame them, we live in an era of instant gratification, more entertainment than time to enjoy it, and taking things at face value doesn't "consume your brain power" (and we need so much of it, as it is). Start with one of the older titles.
(There's barely any H-scenes here, don't bother with them)
Positive:
- Great writing - The author behind this VN (and the series) is among the best, if we are talking about VN's. Unique scenarios, detailed descriptions, more worldbuilding than you probably need, passive characterization, by means of "inner world", quality narration, and i could go on.
- Open to interpretation - Probably the greatest strength of "Gahkthun", is the fact that different people can surmise unique meanings after reading this. As the VN explains this is a fairy tale, and the moral of the story is (partially) up to you. It's very rewarding to come up with your own ideas, and being right or wrong has no meaning here, your subjectivity is the "star of the show".
- Some specific production values - In particular the art style (distinct, recognizable), and the voice acting, with the latter being some of the best you ever heard coming from Japan (protagonists are voiced too). The OST is lacking in numbers, but it does help bringing to life the (similar to) Parisienne setting.
- Use of the cast - As you might expect the main couple is the center of attention, but there's an entire host of characters that get their own stories, properly developed personalities, and their contributions/connections to the narrative are at acceptable levels. It's an uncommon state of affairs, especially given this VN duration.
Negative:
- Most of it comes from how much was already established in the series. If you were to start here, you'd have trouble understanding how much of the supernatural is actually real (canon), and what's powering all the strange events. Pertaining to this VN, there's a guessing minigame which serves little purpose, in my opinion. The greatest issue here however is pacing, Gahkthun takes a long time to grab your attention and get interesting (4 chapters for me).
Score: Gahkthun of the Golden Lightning is an 8/10 and a very good VN. This is only recommended to people who are already familiar with the series. I'm gonna be blunt, many people have no idea what is even going on here, and i don't blame them, we live in an era of instant gratification, more entertainment than time to enjoy it, and taking things at face value doesn't "consume your brain power" (and we need so much of it, as it is). Start with one of the older titles.
(There's barely any H-scenes here, don't bother with them)