Venus: Improbable Dream Reviews

[b]Note:[/b] Topics, such as depression, disability, etc., are delved into the story, so it's only fair to give a heads up. [b]Venus: Improbable Dream[/b] is an emotional visual novel developed and published by Borealis. You take on the role of Kakeru Akane, a high school teenager who has a visible birth defect. Because of this defect and the fact that he was bullied a lot because of it when he was younger, Kakeru spends his days at school trying to be invisible. However, one day, his homeroom teacher approaches him, concerned that Kakeru isn't making any efforts to be more sociable at school. It probably doesn't help that his parents have called the school on some occasions to express their concerns as well. Thus, Kakeru's homeroom teacher suggests (although it's more like, pushes) Kakeru to join the music club since Kakeru used to play the piano when he was younger. Reluctantly, Kakeru agrees, silently deciding that he can drop out if things don't work out. Once he arrives at the music club, things are as Kakeru suspected. Just as he's about to decide on not continuing the music club, he hears the lovely sound of flute playing. Curiously, Kakeru investigates the source and finds Haruka Fujiwara, another member of the music club, in a separate room. Although their initial meeting is very awkward, to the point that Kakeru is almost completely sure that he won't go back to the music club, they continue to see each other, and the slow start of a friendship blossoms between them. I'll stop my story synopsis here to avoid spoilers and all that. ^^ As for the gameplay, the story contains a brief prologue, two chapters, and an epilogue (for both good and true endings), and it solely has choices. While the choices in the first chapter don't affect the story's direction, the ones in the second chapter determine whether [spoiler]Kakeru chooses to perform with the group or to do a solo performance[/spoiler]. There are a total of four endings: good, true, and two bad endings. Also, Steam achievements are present although at the time of this review, they won't count towards a user's global total until the game is out of "profile features limited". In addition, there are several CGs although no CG gallery from which to view them. Now that I've gone over the story and gameplay, I'll move onto my thoughts. As this month is Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to play one game (at least) to highlight its importance, and [i]Venus: Improbable Dream[/i] definitely fits the bill. Also, I have been meaning to get around to playing this visual novel for quite a long while now. ^^ Without further delay, I'll give my thoughts on the story. It starts off as one would expect from such a story. Kakeru has major anxiety issues, which is very understandable due to him being bullied over his birth defect. I found him to a shy, quiet character who just wants to get through each day although that's not really living life to the fullest. Then when it comes to the other characters, I found the others to be mostly likable. Haruka is like Kakeru in that they both have anxiety issues and are shy and quiet, so it's no wonder that they end up developing a frienship. As for the other characters, like Kakeru's parents, homeroom teacher, and music club advisor, I found them to be pretty likable as well. A lot of them can come off as a bit pushy at times, but it's obvious that they mean well and only want Kakeru to break out of his shell. It's great that Kakeru has such a support system as well as a wonderful friend whom he can be himself around. On a personal level, I feel that it is important to have that support system, especially when you've been bullied (unfortunately, it has happened to me in the past). Otherwise, it's very easy to feel depressed and be in a dark place to the point of feeling isolated. As for the story itself, I enjoy reading it from beginning to end. It was wonderful to witness Kakeru and Haruka's friendship blossom, and I liked witnessing how Kakeru would gradually become more social although it was definitely a work-in-progress. Regardless of one of two possible routes that Kakeru can take, I liked seeing how Kakeru would work hard to perform well for the end-of-the-year school festival. While the good ending felt more like a friendship ending (not only with Haruka, but with a few other music club members), the true ending was definitely more of an [spoiler]emotional romance between Kakeru and Haruka[/spoiler]. Of course, the bad endings are what one would expect from them. All of them are full of emotion, and I would definitely play the good ending first before getting to the true ending. (The true ending is definitely worth waiting for. XD) In regards to the writing, the pacing can feel a bit off at times. While events would progress from one day to the next, there would be time skips of a few days for others. However, I think it's fine since it would feel boring to go over each day, and also, as far as I'm aware, this was the developer's first visual novel. As for typos, I only noticed a couple, but they were very minor and don't stand out from the reader enjoying the story. Regarding the art, it gives off that feeling of being an indie game in which I mean that there was plenty of love and care taken into creating the sprites and CGs. The sprites and CGs are drawn and colored well. I only wish that there was a CG gallery since I would have loved to have taken screenshots to show off. The art style reminds me of a few of the first visual novels I played way back, being free visual novels. (Yes, there are plenty of wonderful visual novels that are free, and I even have a list in my curation that lists all of the free games that I've played. ^^) Moving onto the music, the tracks are absolutely lovely to listen to. The majority of them are beautiful classical music pieces, and I have to admit that classical music is one of my favorite genres. Getting back on topic, it makes sense that the tracks would be classical music since the music club focuses a lot on them. They feel so soothing and relaxing to listen to. Overall, would I recommend [i]Venus: Improbable Dream[/i]? If you enjoy reading emotional visual novels and don't mind the topics that I mentioned at the beginning of my review, then this is certainly worth taking a look. All of the achievements unlocked for me without a problem, and at the asking price, I'd say it's just about worth it to get. I bought this on a sale, and I feel bad that I only got to it now, but as the saying goes, the best things in life are worth waiting for. ^^ Also, I just want to say that we definitely need more games like this that bring forth awareness about mental health and how important it is to acknowledge and address it, rather than ignore it or worse, bully people over it. [quote]For more detailed, fully complete, high quality reviews like this, please follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44702020/]The Introverted Gamer[/url], prioritizing heart and soul always. ^^[/quote]

So far loving this game is different from all the other visual novels that I have played in the past as soon as a very little touchy the soundtrack freaking amazing, great details on the characters and the game and one person she did a fantastic job. Keep up the great work developer, you truly the amazing job this game is totally inspiration, inspiring, emotional, powerful truly it's totally different from all the other visual novels I played this set an impact right here. Complete this game last night men got the true ending the game. Full review Start off say this game was amazing everything about the cast and crew music do beautiful here it play in the game. Made big impact on me definitely true inspiration to cast dealing with a personal issue blind and other depression to help each other that was amazing also. Made Dream come true and special way too. Love details in game graphics were amazing different locations in also amazing. Other cast members were totally amazing also both parents in the game also amazing. Teacher were amazing too. Haruka, she was amazing dealing with the blind issue, she made improabaleDream for that When she had a major breakdown that made the big impact even the real life world 🌎 Do Recommend this game absolutely you will fall in love with this game. Special thanks to the developers you have done an amazing job impact lot of people now. Congratulations. Whatever next project going to be here to support.

I read though the entire VN to completion, getting all 4 endings, and going through all possible choices. The verdict; if you're into this genre of VNs that deal with the subject of disabilities, or mental health, (or both) you should definitely have Venus on your wishlist, or in your library. While it may be unpolished in some areas, the writing and music are solid, and its quite charming. I would recommend it to others who like this genre, *especially* if its on sale. If I had to give a rating, it would be 7/10.

An exceptionally well written VN with a uniquely compelling story arc. In short, it's a drama about mental illness centered around a blind girl and a physically disfigured boy falling in love. The artwork and music is all top-notch, and while the choices are limited (large chunks of the VN is kinetic) it's nice to know that every choice you make DOES matter, unlike certain VNs that make you choose between synonyms with no indication of what any option does. Anyways, I digress. If you are interested at all in VNs, mental health dramas, or interactive fiction in general, I would strongly recommend checking out Venus.

the soundtrack is incredible, i really enjoyed the story progression a lot, it showed that no matter what if you push yourself out your comfort zone, good things can come of it. the right people wont judge you for being you and thats a beautiful reminder for anyone. it handles mental health and disabilities really respectfully and are incredibly well represented. this game makes you feel so many emotions as its so beautifully written along with the soundtrack which fits perfectly really adds to the players feelings. this game is truly a joy to play and 100% will recommend it to others!

This was my first visual novel and unfortunately, due to my work schedule I have not been able to complete this game yet, but what I have played is precisely the sort of thing that young person might need to read to learn some new perspective. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say this: This game is a story about young man who is dealing with some personal struggles but who realizes through interpersonal connections that he is not the only one. It's very much a story about what it's like to grow up different, and aware that you're different. Story aside, the artwork is well executed, the music is quite nice, and the flow of the story is quite easy to follow. I really didn't find anything worth noting that could be considered negative.

I really liked the game, the music was very nice and fitted the mood. The story was relatable and was transported very well - I was always curious to see what will happen next and could really feel the anxiety of the main character and the transformation. I didn't play a lot of visual novels so far, but after this I may try some more!

At first, the game felt like it was not for me since this was my first visual novel experience. I couldn't relate to the thought processes of the protagonist but soon I realized it was because I didn't know him yet. The more I played the game, the more I could empathize. Still, all the connections I found between myself and the story was not enough for me to fully understand his situation. As I looked from his eyes, my curiosity went up. Because this game is so successful at telling a story from the perspective that you have never been. Also, our narrator is a sociology prodigy. All the actions of the characters are coherent to their personalities. The world is not fantasized. There are people in this game, you wouldn't be able to tell that they are made up. Nothing feels out of place! A unique story while being natural and realistic... Can't skip the music. There are original pieces and they fit in the story quite well. Since music takes a big part as a topic in the life of our main characters, I respect that sounds used in this game are very impactful to your "gameplay".

Please get this game for yourselves to play, lost for words for how emotionally powerful this story is. Some games have a huge complex of lores to fully understand the underbelly of them, but this game doesn't have that, which works in its favour being tied emotionally to 2 people. 2 people who live very similar lives feeling like they're a bother to everyone else around them due to their at birth conditions. Having dyspraxia myself and going through certain stages in my life where I hated myself solely due to my learning difficulty, this story empathised with me more than most others when looking at a person and their interpretations of what they view themselves as. Kakeru for having hemangioma, along with Haruka for being blind. 2 very different physical conditions, but both giving the individual very similar psychological damage as each day passes, while getting into a routine living with the condition that they have, they resent themselves for having it and how their upsets & worries are portrayed in a way that doesn't disown them for having hemangioma or being blind. Each segment of the game gradually building up to a big moment with a few twists & kicks here and there to keep you on your toes, nothing is left in the open for the player to be confused by like other games sadly fall short on. Venus: Improbable Dream is an incredibly wonderful experience, a tear dropper for me personally on 2 different occasions throughout the game where I couldn't help but cry. Each ending presenting a different challenge, scenario and feeling when the curtain closes and you try the other choice to get to a different outcome. Speaking of choices, all of the choices in this game feel like they have meaning & purpose behind them. I was really impressed with the opening of the game when the demo initially released, and with the full game I was broken into submission by the game's ability to project the suffering that these two characters have endured both alone and with each other through their struggles. I want all visual novel fans to know, along with those interested in learning about mental health to know that this is a game you must purchase and try out for yourselves! No game is perfect, but emotions alone this game gives it to you like a siege hammer when times are tough, especially if you live with the same or similar condition(s) to either Kakeru or Haruka where it dramatically affects your entire life. Please get yourselves Venus: Improbable Dream today, you will leave with either a smile curling up on both sides of your lips, or tears running down your cheeks, thank you for all of the memories made on this wonderful game! <3

Katawa Shoujo and Missing Stars are one of my most favourite VNs so far, one of the things I love about them is how they handle the topic of mental health. This is I was looking forward to Venus: Improbable Dream and got it as soon as it came out. I am just two hours in and I can already tell this is something special. The story already made me cry like a little baby. I can easily recommend it already. EDIT after finishing the story: OMG this VN is amazing, the ending was so emotional and touching. Just go and buy it, you'll love it. Now excuse me, while I go get more tissues. PS: I'm a very fast reader, you'll probably need more time to finish reading it.