SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky from PQube and MAGES marks the latest entry in a beloved visual novel saga. Dive into our review to discover what this thrilling installment has to offer.
In the expansive Memories Off series that originally took off in 1999 on the PlayStation, SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a fresh spin-off chapter. This narrative unfolds a decade after the main timeline, putting players in the shoes of Junya Mizumoto, a college student navigating the aftermath of his brother’s untimely death.
Unexpectedly, Junya encounters an enigmatic girl who delivers a chilling message: the implication that he was meant to die instead. This unsettling encounter sets the stage for an emotionally charged journey. Yet, not all is grim. Soon, you are drafted into a project by Chihaya Hojo, his childhood companion. The task? Revamping an old Japanese manor, rich with legacy, which belongs to Chihaya’s family. How this story unravels is up to you, as your decisions will forge Junya’s path and affect his relationships with Chihaya and other intriguing characters like Hinata Ise, Azusa Satomi, Chunyu Huang, and Yuriko Oyama. Rather than spoil the surprises, I’ll leave that discovery in your capable hands.
If you’re new to visual novels, think of them as interactive stories, sometimes as hefty as a full-fledged novel, paired with captivating visual and audio elements. Some include voice acting, adding an immersive layer. In this title, a fully voiced Japanese cast brings the characters to life. For those not versed in Japanese, fear not—you’ll find yourself engaging in the rich tapestry of text and storytelling, which is the essence of the visual novel experience.
Visual novels often demand an investment in reading, aligning well with this genre’s core engagement style.
With SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky being fully voice-acted in Japanese, prepare for an immersive reading experience if you’re not fluent in the language. The emotional nuance brought to life by voice actors enriches an already engaging story, inviting players deeper into its world.
As for the game itself, it’s available on the Nintendo Switch at a price of $39.99. While you might spot the occasional typo in the localization, these are minor distractions in an otherwise enthralling narrative.
To wrap it up, if you’re someone who’s invested in unraveling intricate stories loaded with choices and emotional depth, SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky deserves a spot on your gaming list. It promises a compelling voyage that resonates with both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Note: This review was crafted with the help of a Nintendo Switch version provided by PQube.
