Cliché: Critical Change

In ‘Cliché: Critical Change’, players embark on a comedic mission as Angel de Manly, tasked by a bored god to dismantle clichés by matchmaking an unconventional couple—muscular Muki and her petite dream prince. This visual novel/dating sim blends skill management with quirky fantasy elements, featuring 100 in-game days of strategic stat-building across Heaven and Human realms. Players balance traits like Spirit, Femininity, and Intelligence while managing stress and boredom through activities, unlocking minigames and events. Outcomes hinge on relationship scores and character stats, with replayability enhanced by a post-completion Skip Mode streamlining subsequent playthroughs.

Cliché: Critical Change: Review

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, few titles manage to stand out as both a nostalgic throwback and a fresh take on classic genres. Cliché: Critical Change is one such game, a delightful blend of visual novel, dating simulation, and skill management mechanics that offers players a unique and engaging experience. Developed and published by Zeiva Inc Production, this game was released on March 28, 2019, and has since garnered a dedicated following. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its enduring legacy in the gaming community.

Development History & Context

The Studio

Zeiva Inc Production, the studio behind Cliché: Critical Change, has a reputation for creating charming and innovative visual novels. Known for their attention to detail and engaging storytelling, Zeiva Inc has carved out a niche for themselves in the otome game genre. Their previous works, such as OASE – Other Age Second Encounter and Area-X, have been well-received for their unique narratives and character-driven plots.

The Creators’ Vision

The creators of Cliché: Critical Change set out to challenge the clichés that often permeate the dating simulation genre. The game’s premise revolves around the angel Angel de Manly, tasked by God to match up a tall, muscular girl named Muki with her dream prince, a slim and small boy. This unconventional pairing serves as the foundation for a humorous and heartwarming narrative that subverts traditional expectations.

Technological Constraints

Released in 2019, Cliché: Critical Change benefited from the technological advancements of the time. The game’s fixed/flip-screen perspective and anime/manga art style are executed with a high level of polish, thanks to the capabilities of modern development tools. The use of Flash technology allowed for smooth animations and interactive elements, enhancing the overall player experience.

The Gaming Landscape

At the time of its release, the gaming landscape was ripe for a title like Cliché: Critical Change. Visual novels and dating simulations were gaining popularity, particularly among niche audiences. The game’s unique blend of humor, romance, and skill management mechanics set it apart from other titles in the genre, making it a standout choice for players looking for something fresh and engaging.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot

The plot of Cliché: Critical Change is both whimsical and thought-provoking. Angel de Manly, despite her masculine name, is a female angel sent by God to earth to eliminate clichés. Her mission is to pair Muki, a muscular girl with a heart of a maiden, with her dream prince, a slim and small boy. The game’s narrative unfolds over 100 days, during which players must manage the characters’ actions and relationships to achieve various endings.

Characters

The characters in Cliché: Critical Change are well-developed and endearing. Muki, the muscular protagonist, is a delightful blend of strength and vulnerability. Her counterpart, Johnny la Prince, is charming and enigmatic, making him an ideal love interest. Libra De Rian, another key character, adds depth to the story with his mysterious and somewhat aloof demeanor. The supporting cast, including Elcia, God, Jaki Chan, and Maki Chan, each bring their unique personalities to the narrative, enriching the overall experience.

Dialogue

The dialogue in Cliché: Critical Change is witty and engaging, often breaking the fourth wall to add a layer of humor. The conversations between characters are natural and believable, making it easy for players to become invested in their relationships. The game’s use of humor and self-awareness is one of its standout features, setting it apart from more traditional visual novels.

Themes

The game explores several themes, including the subversion of clichés, the importance of self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. The narrative challenges players to think beyond conventional norms and embrace the unconventional. Themes of love, friendship, and personal growth are woven throughout the story, making it a rich and rewarding experience.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

The core gameplay loop in Cliché: Critical Change revolves around managing the actions of two characters, Angel de Manly and Muki, over a 100-day period. Players can perform three actions per day, visiting various locations in the Heaven Realm (for Manly) or the Human Realm (for Muki). These actions modify the characters’ properties, such as Spirit, Charm, and Wisdom for Manly, and Masculinity, Femininity, and Intelligence for Muki. Negative properties like Boredom for Manly and Stress for Muki also increase with most tasks, requiring players to balance their actions carefully.

Combat

While Cliché: Critical Change is not a combat-focused game, it does feature mini-games that serve as a form of challenge. These mini-games, such as the boxing match in the gym, influence character properties based on the outcome. The inclusion of these mini-games adds a layer of strategy and engagement to the gameplay.

Character Progression

Character progression in Cliché: Critical Change is tied to the management of various properties and relationship points. Players must carefully plan their actions to maximize the characters’ growth and achieve desired endings. The game’s skill tree and special events add depth to the progression system, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies.

UI

The user interface in Cliché: Critical Change is intuitive and easy to navigate. The point-and-select interface allows players to quickly and efficiently manage their actions, making the gameplay experience smooth and enjoyable. The UI’s design complements the game’s anime/manga art style, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The game’s setting is a blend of the Heaven Realm and the Human Realm, each with its unique locations and characters. The Heaven Realm is depicted as a whimsical and otherworldly place, while the Human Realm is more grounded and relatable. The contrast between these two realms adds depth to the narrative and enhances the overall world-building.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in Cliché: Critical Change is lighthearted and humorous, with a touch of fantasy. The game’s use of anime/manga art style and whimsical character designs contribute to its charming and endearing atmosphere. The narrative’s self-awareness and breaking of the fourth wall add a layer of humor, making the game a joy to play.

Visual Direction

The visual direction in Cliché: Critical Change is polished and engaging. The fixed/flip-screen perspective allows for detailed and expressive character animations, enhancing the storytelling. The game’s use of color and design elements creates a visually appealing and immersive experience.

Sound Design

The sound design in Cliché: Critical Change complements the game’s visual style and narrative. The background music is upbeat and whimsical, perfectly matching the game’s lighthearted atmosphere. The sound effects are subtle and effective, adding depth to the gameplay experience without being intrusive.

Reception & Legacy

Critical & Commercial Reception

At launch, Cliché: Critical Change received positive reviews from both critics and players. The game’s unique blend of genres, engaging narrative, and charming characters were praised for their innovation and entertainment value. The game’s commercial success was modest but steady, with a dedicated following that appreciated its fresh take on the dating simulation genre.

Evolution of Reputation

Over time, Cliché: Critical Change has gained a cult following among visual novel and dating simulation enthusiasts. The game’s reputation has evolved from a charming and innovative title to a classic in the genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the impact it has had on subsequent games.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Cliché: Critical Change has influenced a new wave of visual novels and dating simulations that prioritize humor, self-awareness, and unconventional narratives. The game’s success has inspired other developers to experiment with similar mechanics and themes, enriching the genre as a whole.

Conclusion

Cliché: Critical Change is a standout title in the world of visual novels and dating simulations. Its unique blend of humor, romance, and skill management mechanics, combined with a charming narrative and endearing characters, makes it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game’s enduring legacy and influence on subsequent titles cement its place in video game history as a classic that challenged conventions and paved the way for future innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the genre, Cliché: Critical Change offers an engaging and rewarding experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.