Narcissu 10th Anniversary Anthology Project - A Little Iris DLC

The anti-narcissu of the narcissu series.

This entry to the Narcissu series is somewhat of an odd one out, but I do think it stands fairly well on its own. It's certainly shorter than 1st and 2nd, and generally somewhat less striking. However, it's pretty good if you don't expect the same sort of content. The short story 1993 included in the afterword is quite good, and honestly feels like more of a Narcissu title than the main story. On a sale, I think it alone can justify the purchase.

The story may seem weird, but it does perfectly fit the Narcissu's atmosphere and theme. I actually kind of like this story, with somewhat complicated feelings. From some point of view, it is still sort of "terminal illness", just a non-medical one (in today's perspectives). Most importantly, "for those left behind, smile for them" (Setsumi Sakura, 2005)

This review is about the DLC "A Littls Iris" only. I asume you know Narcissu 1 & 2. I just finished the story and I have mixed feelings. Drawings and music is good as always, nothing to complain here. It's hard to discribe, but for me this part feels like a Narcissu title and it feels not like one at the same time. I am not sure about the reasons. The completely new setting could be one, but this doesn't bother me much. At some points in the story I thought "this seems a bit... unrealistic or strange", but it is nothing too strange or cheesy so that it would ruin the story for me. Well I think the point which bothers me most is the fact, that this story does not create the same feelings I have about the other titles. In each previous title there where points in the story which hit me like a bus at full speed. This story also has some points which are sad, but not as much as the other ones. But as consideration this story feels darker in general. It's more like "the hole world is sad" and not 'just' "one person is dying". The story is captioned with "A side story set in medieval Europe, exploring what it means to desire to live, or die." - This is only half the truth. I would say half of the story is also about "Who deserves to live or to die". I don't want to spoil you anything so I end with this conclusion: These both questions are thematised quite well. It has a different feel than narcissu, so just don't expect something absolute similar to it and enjoy the story. After writing this review I have clearer thoughts about this title than before. Each Narcissu takes one aspect or question about dying and thematizes it. This one is no exception. So it feels a bit different, but it is Narcissu. I don't regret buying or reading this. What else matters?