Kokorogawari

Kokorogawari is a GxB romantic drama visual novel set in modern-day Japan, following Matsubayashi Asami, a cynical university student grappling with trust issues stemming from her parents’ divorce. As Asami navigates relationships with three distinct love interests—her classmate Shinichi, colleague Yuuya, and art teacher Guillam—the story explores themes of family, visual arts, and emotional healing through 217,000 words of narrative. The game features anime/manga artwork, multiple endings, relationship tracking via ‘Love Stats,’ and bonus content while balancing romantic tension with social obligations rarely explored in otome games.

Kokorogawari: Review

Kokorogawari, developed by Precatio, is a visual novel that stands out in the crowded otome genre by delving deeply into themes of family, art, and the complexities of modern relationships. Released in 2018, this game has left an indelible mark on the visual novel landscape, offering a narrative that is both heartfelt and thought-provoking. This review will explore the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and its enduring legacy.

Development History & Context

Studio and Creators’ Vision

Precatio, the indie studio behind Kokorogawari, was founded with a vision to create visual novels that explore underrepresented themes. The studio’s director, Jyuuguchi, led the project with a clear mission to craft a story that resonates with players on a deep emotional level. The team’s collective passion for storytelling and art is evident in every aspect of the game, from the intricate character designs to the evocative soundtrack.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Kokorogawari was developed using the Ren’Py engine, a popular choice for indie visual novel creators due to its accessibility and flexibility. The game’s release coincided with a surge in the popularity of visual novels, particularly in the otome genre. However, Kokorogawari differentiated itself by focusing on themes that were rarely explored in depth, such as the intricacies of familial relationships and the role of art in personal expression.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Kokorogawari follows Matsubayashi Asami, a fourth-year university student who has developed a cynical attitude towards relationships and marriage after witnessing her mother’s struggles during a divorce. Asami’s journey is one of self-discovery and emotional healing, as she navigates her relationships with three distinct love interests: Shinichi, Yuuya, and Guillam.

• Shinichi: Asami’s cheeky classmate and the charismatic leader of the university’s art club. Shinichi’s street-smart demeanor and artistic prowess make him a compelling love interest, despite Asami’s initial resistance to his advances.
• Yuuya: A polite and well-mannered colleague at Asami’s internship. Yuuya’s reserved nature hides a depth of emotion and a complex past, making him a intriguing and relatable character.
• Guillam: An ambitious and self-assured art teacher with a flair for the dramatic. Guillam’s confident exterior belies a more vulnerable side, adding layers to his character and his relationship with Asami.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue in Kokorogawari is rich and nuanced, reflecting the characters’ emotional journeys and the game’s central themes. The narrative explores the complexities of familial relationships, the role of art in personal expression, and the challenges of navigating modern relationships. Asami’s internal monologues and interactions with her love interests provide a deep dive into her psyche, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

The game’s themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, with each character’s backstory and interactions with Asami highlighting different aspects of the central themes. The visual arts play a crucial role in the story, serving as a means of expression and a catalyst for emotional growth. The familial relationships depicted in the game are equally important, showcasing the impact of family dynamics on individual choices and emotions.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Kokorogawari is a traditional visual novel, with gameplay primarily consisting of reading text and making choices that influence the story’s outcome. The game features a branching narrative with multiple endings, encouraging players to replay the game to explore different paths and outcomes.

Combat and Character Progression

As a visual novel, Kokorogawari does not feature traditional combat mechanics. Instead, the game focuses on character development and emotional growth. Players can track Asami’s relationships with her love interests using the “Love Stats” function, which provides insights into her emotional state and the progress of her relationships.

UI and Innovative Systems

The user interface in Kokorogawari is intuitive and user-friendly, with fast-access rewind, skip, and text jump functions that make replaying for new endings much simpler. The game also features an in-game Japanese dictionary, allowing players to learn more about the game’s world and culture.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Kokorogawari is set in modern-day Japan, with a focus on the authentic portrayal of everyday life. The game’s setting is richly detailed, with each location—from the university campus to the art studio—evoking a sense of place and atmosphere. The visual direction is consistent with the game’s themes, using a blend of anime and manga styles to create a visually appealing and emotionally resonant world.

Visual Direction

The art in Kokorogawari is stunning, with high-quality character designs and backgrounds that bring the game’s world to life. The character sprites are expressive, capturing the nuances of emotion and personality that make each character unique. The backgrounds are equally impressive, providing a sense of depth and realism that enhances the game’s atmosphere.

Sound Design

The soundtrack in Kokorogawari is beautiful and evocative, with original compositions that complement the game’s narrative and themes. The theme song, in particular, is a standout, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the story. The sound design is integral to the game’s atmosphere, using ambient sounds and music to enhance the player’s immersion in the game’s world.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Kokorogawari received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its narrative depth and emotional resonance but criticizing its lack of gameplay variety. The game’s critical reception was summarized by Geek Culture, which gave it a score of 5.8 out of 10, noting that while the story is authentic and reflective of reality, it falls short as a traditional game due to its lack of choices and interactive elements.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

Despite its mixed reception, Kokorogawari has had a lasting impact on the visual novel genre. Its exploration of underrepresented themes and its focus on emotional depth have inspired other developers to push the boundaries of the genre. The game’s legacy can be seen in the increasing number of visual novels that prioritize narrative and character development over traditional gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

Kokorogawari is a visual novel that stands out for its emotional depth and thematic richness. While it may not have been a commercial success, its impact on the genre is undeniable. The game’s exploration of familial relationships, the role of art in personal expression, and the complexities of modern relationships make it a unique and memorable experience. For fans of visual novels and those seeking a story that resonates on a deep emotional level, Kokorogawari is a must-play. Its legacy as a pioneering work in the genre is secure, and its influence will continue to be felt in the years to come.