Mixed Feelings: While You Were Away - Boys Love (BL) Visual Novel Reviews

This was really great even though I knew that all the possible endings would likely break my heart. I like all the characters so didn't want to reject anyone but caring about the characters is a good thing, it means they are well written. And the art is great as usual. I've played a few visual novels from this developer now and enjoyed them all.

Brycen stole my heart. I don't even know what else to say, really. Heartwrenching story, but so beautiful. This developer handles love triangles so well. Obviously there's conflict in this game. I'm always impressed how this developer can have so much emotion in such short games, but they never cease to amaze me. Definitely my favorite (so far) SFW developer. The romances are always so adorable.

I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant to give this a try because of the art at first, but... I do not regret playing this. Not at all. If anything, it only proves once again that art isn't everything. I ran into my fair share of games that were only pretty on the eyes and otherwise complete trash. Compared to those, this would be the complete opposite. Though, that would also be a lie, 'cause the art isn't actually that bad and it even grew on me at one point. I won't go into too much detail regarding the story, since the game is fairly short, but let me still tell you that it was quite the emotional rollercoaster and, despite a few typos here and there, wonderfully written! This was my first game from this creator, but it certainly won't be my last. A positive recommendation all the way!

Here I sit, a haughty sophisticate, a [i]connaisseur de littérature[/i], waving elegantly a Japanese hand fan whilst sipping le jus d'orange from a champagne glass, when I suddenly realise I am reading about a man whose shoe got smeared in a dog turd. I would hereby like to compliment the author for the colourful descriptions of matters faecal – my dinner is now dripping through the floorboards. Sentences form straightforward, simple messages and the vocabulary is rudimentary English rich in colloquialism. Appropriately so, as this is consistent with the main character's reality. In contrast to this lingual simplicity, the author challenges a rather tantalising topic: falling in love with someone despite already being in a wholesome relationship. The story is short, but clearly focused on developing this topic. Through retrospection and frequent descriptions of the main character’s emotions, the game presents an authentic experience that is bound to incite an inner conflict within the reader. I enjoyed reading through this – it was something new and refreshing. If I were to change something, it would be the soundtrack.

Cute graphics, interesting story - recommended for Chanil's fans

As a person who was only asked out/dated online, this brought on a bunch of memories. Good and bad. I also got a glimpse as to what it would be like if literally ANYONE enjoyed my company in real life... I am just kidding. It's not like that. (For the last part). When you are kind to someone and are there for them to just... Listen, they tend to feel a connection to you. Going as far as wanting to do more than just talk with you. However, it's not always easy online isn't it? Well, this game shows you just that. The pain and frustration of missing someone you made that connection with... And the inability to do anything physical with them. You tell yourself you can do it. You will persevere. That one day you will meet and be together. Sometimes you have really bad days and sometimes good. Sometimes you just want to give it all up... But then there is no one there to hold your hand and tell you that "it'll be okay"... Not always anyway, so you stick around... Hoping for the best. Throughout such an experience you get to learn different lessons. It might even make you a better person or teach you to find a suitable partner. You may have thought that being with bad boys was a great thing... Only for you to have one failed relationship after another with that particular type. Then you decide to sample the other type... A good guy... And life just pushes you two together. You meet. Fall in love and see where life takes you. Because a happy ending is a must. Even if you go through pain and all sorts of life events... A happy ending is always a must. That said, for this game... I felt like Brycen was the more intended lover for Gale. I like Arthur. I do. But... If you read it, you'll see that the emotions/instincts will point more to Brycen. I just realized that this was from my perspective/opinion, but ya never know. And you know what? There are two timelines here -> one for each. So Gale got to be with both and that's good enough for me. Even if it wasn't at the same time. That's okay too. This is where the story ends and many more begin. Thank you very much for this game Chani. Honestly, your games always make me laugh and don't make me go insane looking up really hardcore words. I enjoy the art and the fluffiness/comedy works well for me. Appreciate it. :3 :) :-)

There was so much bitter sweetness to this and there is absolute truth in the name of this VN. But I couldn't help but fall for Brycen right away and did his route first. He's flirty and likes to tease and touch. Actually gave me butterflies a few times. So the first play-through gave all the feels. (laughter, love, heartbreak). Fair amount of cuteness and very light spice. I wish there was more. When I went to do Arthurs' route there wasn't a whole lot of differences. It's probably my only qualm with this game. Luckily both guys are likable in different ways but I liked Brycen more cause he was more my type. I really enjoyed my first play-through of this and I liked this type of story, it was unique for a visual novel. I also got this on sale and I feel like it was for sure worth the price. I even bought the bundle from this creator during VN week so can't wait to play all of those as well. If you are uncomfortable/triggered with cheating in a VN then you may not want to pick this one up though.

[h1]Minor spoilers ahead(?)[/h1] I’d like to start of by saying that I know how harsh this review is going to sound but keep in mind I do like the game and it’s overall plot. I’m just not mad about it. With that said, let me get started. The game is a bit laggy at times and there was this one song that started getting so annoying that I just muted the game. It’s repetitive and a bit to distracting. The other BGM was not bad and fitted the cutesy vibes that the game gives. Art style is cute, but not exactly anything to write home about. Sometimes the characters look a bit stiff and the CGs all sort of look the same. Moreover, I just don’t really like the whole pointy chinned anime look. That’s just my personal preference though, and I did buy the game knowing full well how the art style looks. The plot ([u]at the beginning[/u]) is uncomfortable to say the least. I couldn’t quite place my finger on why I was feeling so uneasy about it, but after thinking a bit about it, it all clicked: The game is so focused on showing the reader how adorable Arthur and Gale are together and how in love they are. We see backflashes and cute phone calls and lots of “I miss you”s, which shoves Brycen out of the picture a LOT. It just seems so unfathomable to even consider Brycen as a love interest when Gale and Arthur are so obviously happy. It makes me uncomfortable that Gale is so easily stolen away by someone he’s just met (He gets all blushy and flirty with Brycen within their second run in with each other) when Gale and Arthur have been together for so long and seem quite happy together. Gale’s behavior just doesn’t add up; one minute he’s sad about his boyfriend whom he deeply misses, then in the next he’s borderline flirting with Brycen, because what? He’s lonely? It was extremely cringe to pick Brycen’s choices when Gale-Arthur fluff was being shoved down my throat. There isn’t even a conflict between the two lovers to create an opportunity for Brycen to come into the picture smoothly. Later on Gale’s feelings and actions start to make more sense. Take what I’ve said with a grain of salt though, because I could just be reading too deep into it. Side note: Arthur is way to good for Gale. My heart really hurts for Arthur in Brycen’s route. Unfortunately, I can’t say the grammar was too great either. Past and present tenses were mixed up a bit. It was not horrible, just small mistakes. The writing itself was good and the characters jokes and bantering was fun. However, the writing was sometimes a bit clunky (for example the constant use of the word “partner” and “coworker” instead of just using their names or just “boyfriend”. Partner sounds to official, like they are married or something) but mostly good. I guess I can with confidence say the game kept me entertained for the most part, but I’m glad I bought it on sale.

This game definitely gave me "mixed feelings" but in the best way possible! I was invested in the story from beginning to end and it really got a reaction out of me. I'm not good at doing written reviews but I do know what I like and what I would recommend that I know other people would enjoy: this is definitely one of those visual novels. Cheers to ChaniMK for doing a great job on this and can't wait to explore the other visual novels!

Phew, that was hard stuff, emotionally. Really. Usually it is easy for me to decide between characters, but here. Man, that's really a gutwrenching decision. Still, it was a nice little game, please make more and longer BL games! :)