Ponytale in LalaParadise

*Update* 26 December

and I’ll willingly submerge to the bottom…

It was captivating. I’m glad I bought it ^^ I love the visuals and in-game music. I’ll definitely get the soundtrack when it is out Ah and not to forget the seiyuus… well, I haven’t got to the main H-scenes yet but they were still lovely. I think BLCD based on this game will be a hit.

Gameplay

The selection process is very different from what we usually find in adventure games of this type. You choose your routes based on Instinct or Rational. When the selection screen comes out wow… moving your mouse over Instinct will trigger a “pulsating” screen and  sound effect of heartbeats. I love that. Hovering over to Rational will be cold and sound effect of a gust of wind.

Overall atmosphere

I also like to bask in the unearthly atmosphere created by the music. It draws you into the game and when you wear a good pair of headphones, the effect is even lovelier. I don’t think I’ll get tired of it anytime soon.

Another thing I love about Nitro+ games is that they make very good use of simple animation and layering of images within the game. It gives the in-game visuals a very refreshing and stylish look. Character poses are a lot more varied too. Nice touch. Comparatively, most BL games feel rather static.

Sweet Pool CGs

I’ve not completed any character arc yet ^^;;; but no biggie, I’ve already spoiled myself silly with the complete CGs captured by other gamers cos I know I’ll take ages to complete this game *sobs* Probably too curious for my own good but they were… awesome, awesome awesome!!! The official artbook, when available, will be a worthy addition to any bookshelf. There were many beautiful scenes involving the main characters. However, some images can be quite gruesome too with blood and gore but if you can take Togainu, I think you should be fine with this one. I can’t stomach real-life gore but I thought Sweet Pool was ok.

General Conclusion

I really don’t want to rush through this game and will try to figure out the plot as much as I can. (Limited Japanese ability sigh~) Based on my first impressions, I think Sweet Pool is something worth making time for. Another classic in the making.

*Update 30 Dec* Completed the Tetsuo x Youji routes… similar to what other gamers have commented… one of the routes was really touching and tears were brimming in my eyes too… Besides the awesome script and voice acting by the seiyuus, the sound of violin in the BGM played a great part in conveying the emotions felt by the characters. It was really awesome. *sniffs*

19 December

SHIPPED! KYAAA~ xD

Watch for updates and/or capture guide! Link to capture guide (Japanese) kindly shared by Fuuga

But I hope that Japanese gamers have already done the capture guides cos I don’t think I’ll have that much time to go through every step. It’s Christmas ok! Family/friends time!

Anyway… *keeps fingers crossed for the luxury of free time to play*

Related post:
BL Game: Sweet Pool by Nitro+Chiral