All is Fair in Dust and Air

All is Fair in Dust and Air is a first-person visual novel set in the fantasy world of the Guns of Icarus Universe during the Age of Air, following the adventures of a young man embarking on his own journey amidst airships and intrigue, presented with an anime/manga art style.

All is Fair in Dust and Air: Review

Introduction

In the sprawling landscape of visual novels, All is Fair in Dust and Air stands out as a labor of love, a testament to the passion of its creators and the enduring appeal of the Guns of Icarus universe. Developed by Broken Hammer Games, this narrative-driven adventure is more than just a spin-off; it’s a deep dive into the world of airships, intrigue, and romance that Muse Games originally crafted. With over 800,000 words of content, this visual novel promises an expansive journey across six nations, each with its own unique story arcs and heroines. But does it soar to the heights of its ambitions, or does it crash and burn under the weight of its own aspirations? This review will explore every facet of All is Fair in Dust and Air to determine its place in gaming history.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Broken Hammer Games, LLC, is an indie studio born from a fan project that gained official sanction from Muse Games, the creators of Guns of Icarus. What started as a passion project evolved into a full-fledged visual novel studio, driven by the desire to expand the Guns of Icarus universe. The studio’s vision was to create a narrative experience that captured the essence of the original game while forging its own path. The decision to use the Tyrano engine initially seemed promising, but as development progressed, the studio faced significant challenges, including poor communication with the engine’s developers, Strikeworks. This led to a pivotal shift in 2024, where Broken Hammer Games announced their move to the Naninovel engine within Unity, citing better support and flexibility for future expansions.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

Released on September 21, 2021, All is Fair in Dust and Air entered a market dominated by visual novels like Doki Doki Literature Club! and Steins;Gate. The game’s initial release was met with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its roots as a fan project. The studio’s decision to release the game in early access on January 12, 2021, allowed for iterative improvements and community feedback. However, the shift to a new engine in 2024 highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing creative vision with technical constraints.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The game follows William Aven, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, as he navigates the skies and the complex social dynamics of the Guns of Icarus universe. The narrative is divided into story arcs, each focusing on a different heroine and nation. The initial story, set in Cathedral, introduces players to the game’s central hub and three of the six main heroines. The plot is rich with intrigue, adventure, and romance, as William encounters air pirates, ancient treasures, and the seedy underbelly of the world.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue is a standout feature, blending humor, emotion, and depth. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities and motivations. Themes of self-discovery, love, and the struggle for independence are woven throughout the narrative. The game’s exploration of these themes is nuanced, offering players multiple endings and choice points that significantly impact the story’s outcome. Some story arcs even cross over, adding layers of complexity and replayability.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

All is Fair in Dust and Air leans heavily towards the “novel” side of visual novels. The gameplay is straightforward: read, choose, and experience. The game eschews traditional visual novel mechanics like stat management and relationship meters, focusing instead on a pure narrative experience. This approach allows players to immerse themselves in the story at their own pace.

Combat and Progression

While the game is primarily narrative-driven, it does include elements of combat and exploration. Players can engage in airship battles and uncover hidden treasures, adding variety to the gameplay. The progression system is tied to the narrative, with choices leading to different outcomes and endings. The UI is clean and intuitive, with clear navigation and a well-organized menu system.

Innovative and Flawed Systems

One of the game’s innovative features is its use of cross-over story arcs, which encourage players to revisit the game to explore different paths and outcomes. However, the initial reliance on the Tyrano engine led to some technical issues, including bugs and performance problems. The shift to Naninovel in 2024 aims to address these concerns, but the early access period was marred by these challenges.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is a fantastical blend of steampunk and fantasy, with airships soaring over diverse landscapes ranging from frozen undercities to desert sands. The world is richly detailed, with each nation offering unique cultural and environmental elements. The atmosphere is immersive, drawing players into the game’s lore and history.

Visual Direction

The art style is a mix of anime and manga influences, with hand-drawn characters and environments. The character designs are vibrant and expressive, capturing the essence of each heroine. The backgrounds are equally impressive, with intricate details that bring the world to life. The game’s visuals are a significant strength, enhancing the narrative and emotional impact.

Sound Design

The sound design complements the visuals, with a soundtrack that ranges from epic orchestral pieces to intimate, emotional melodies. The voice acting is top-notch, with talented actors bringing the characters to life. The sound effects are well-integrated, adding depth to the game’s atmosphere and action sequences.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

At launch, All is Fair in Dust and Air received a mixed reception. Critics praised the game’s narrative depth and art style but criticized its technical issues and the decision to use DLC for story arcs. The game’s player score on Steam is 75/100, indicating a “Mostly Positive” reception. The shift to Naninovel in 2024 has addressed some of these concerns, but the game’s legacy is still evolving.

Influence on Subsequent Games

The game’s influence is evident in its impact on the visual novel genre. Its focus on narrative depth and player choice has inspired other developers to explore similar themes. The decision to shift engines also highlights the challenges of indie development and the importance of community feedback.

Conclusion

All is Fair in Dust and Air is a ambitious and deeply engaging visual novel that captures the essence of the Guns of Icarus universe. Its narrative depth, rich world-building, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the genre. While technical issues and the shift to a new engine have posed challenges, the game’s legacy is one of passion and creativity. It is a must-play for fans of visual novels and the Guns of Icarus universe, and a testament to the power of fan projects turned professional. In the annals of video game history, All is Fair in Dust and Air deserves a place among the greats, a labor of love that soars above the ordinary.