As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for intriguing narratives and emotional depth, I’m thrilled about the upcoming release of Iwakura Aria. Having traversed the grimy streets of 1960s Japan in countless titles, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia at the prospect of returning to that era. The blend of mystery, drama, and suspense promised by this visual novel seems tailor-made for my tastes.
The worldwide release of the new visual novel Iwakura Aria has now been officially confirmed.
Created by MAGES, this game has been made accessible as an early version on Steam, providing a one-of-a-kind adventure brimming with choices, camaraderie, and affection.
Aria Iwakura first debuted in Japan on June 27th, 2024. It’s planned for a global release on both Steam and Switch platforms in the year 2025.
Immerse Yourself in 1960s Japan
The story centers on the enigmatic Iwakura Aria, the daughter of the rich Iwakura family.
In this post-war setting, you assume the role of a young girl named Ichiko, who has found employment as a maid in the household of the Iwakura family, having been taken under their care following her orphaned state.
Over the course of the story, you’ll grow incredibly close to Aria as you gradually discover hidden truths about her relatives, the estate, and even her own past.
Characters have the ability to select different options to shape the tale according to their preference, traversing multiple possible storylines.
Yet, the path forward is challenging. Each choice presents as many as nine different outcomes, significantly impacting Ichiko’s fate.
Based on your actions, you could potentially jump ahead 33 years, observing the extensive consequences of your decisions.
In the rough, industrial setting of Japan in 1966, the tale unfolds, creating an emotionally charged narrative of friendship, romance, and mystery. As these two young women embark on a puzzling voyage, they find themselves drawn closer together, uncovering hidden truths along the way.
Iwakura Aria masterfully blends the brooding tension of Heavy Rain with the intricate character growth and deep-rooted emotions found in Life is Strange.
The game skillfully combines Japanese aesthetic aspects, but it leans significantly on text and static visuals, which sets it apart from its more action-focused French counterparts.
As a fervent admirer, I’d like to highlight that the engaging aspects of this visual novel revolve around strategic thinking and deliberate choices within a storyline primarily driven by dialogues, rather than relying on physical actions or swift reflexes.
A visually stunning experience
In a visually stunning display, Iwakura Aria showcases intricate and meticulously created oil paintings, watercolors, and pencil drawings.
Artist Hyakunen and graphic designer Fumi Nakada have skillfully conveyed the tale’s atmosphere in a remarkable manner.
The newly released preview flawlessly captures the chilling ambiance of the mansion, as well as the detailed craftsmanship of the characters and backgrounds.
Experience the dark tension and hidden secrets of the Iwakura family for yourself:
The experience is further elevated by a high-quality Japanese voice cast, including Chie Nakamura and Toshiyuki Morikawa. An English dub is also planned for the 2025 release.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-13 12:09