Breathless Winds

Breathless Winds is an adventure visual novel set in a fantasy world where the player takes on the role of Dorman, a closeted trans woman who returns to Two Elk Island after recovering from a sailing incident. The game explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance as Dorman navigates various challenges, including helping the local witch Rue prevent poachers from disrupting the island’s balance, aiding the healer Lantana during worsening storms, interacting with Prince Valerian from Castle Island, and reconnecting with childhood friend Gallardia. With four different routes and journeys of self-discovery, players can explore Dorman’s relationships and personal growth in a supportive environment.

Overview of “Breathless Winds – LGBT Visual Novel”

Game Description and Platforms:

• Platforms: PC, Windows (Ren’Py engine)
• Developer: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.
• Publisher: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.

Gameplay and Content:

“Breathless Winds” is an LGBT-themed visual novel that offers multiple routes with different characters. The game features a Ren’Py engine, which supports interactive storytelling through text-based choices and character interactions.

Key Features:
– Characters:
– Gallardia: A male character with strict parents and caregiving responsibilities.
– Lantana: A female character who has experienced parental abuse.
– Rue: A mysterious witch with a cold demeanor but an emotional connection to Poppy.

• Themes:

  • LGBTQ+ representation
  • Gender dysphoria
  • Depression and social anxiety
  • Parental death (implied)
  • Bullying references

• Content Warnings:

  • Internalized transphobia
  • Cisnormativity
  • Depression and social anxiety
  • Parental death (implied, not on-screen)
  • References to past bullying
  • Serious illness/caregiving for relatives
  • References to running away from home
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Poaching/animal death
  • Natural disasters

Visual and Audio Elements:

• Art by Doris Weber
• Music by Mercury Theatre, Eric Matyas, Noi Marunouchi, Yuli, Heitaro Ashibe, etc.
• Sound Effects: Strong Wind Sound Effect, Soothing Forest Sound Effect, Healing Spell, etc.

Community and Reception:

• Critic Reviews:

  • As of now, there are no critic reviews available for the PC version on Metacritic.

• User Reviews:

  • Not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. However, based on community feedback from platforms like Steam, users have praised the game’s narrative and character development.

Community Feedback:

• Steam User Reviews:
  • Positive reception with many users appreciating the diverse characters and themes.
  • Some users noted that certain routes had bittersweet or mixed endings, which added depth to the story.

Technical Details:

• Engine: Ren’Py
• Collaborators:
  • Writers: Amelia Beasley
  • Artists: Doris Weber
  • Music Composers: Mercury Theatre, Eric Matyas, Noi Marunouchi, Yuli, Heitaro Ashibe, etc.
  • Sound Effects: Various contributors

Content Warnings:

• Gallardia’s Route:

  • Strict parents/expectations
  • Heteronormativity
  • Caregiving for siblings

• Lantana’s Route:

  • Parental abuse/verbal and emotional abuse
  • Heteronormativity
  • Internalized homophobia

Conclusion:

“Breathless Winds” is a well-crafted LGBT-themed visual novel that offers multiple routes with diverse characters, themes, and content warnings. The game’s narrative and character development are highly praised by the community, making it a notable entry in the genre.

If you’re interested in exploring this game further, consider checking user reviews on platforms like Steam for more detailed insights into its gameplay experience.