SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is the latest addition to the memorable Memories Off series by PQube and MAGES, steeped in a rich legacy dating back to its origins on the original PlayStation console in 1999. This new visual novel spin-off lands a decade after the last main title, pulling us into the intriguing life of Junya Mizumoto, a college student navigating a world tinged with tragedy and intrigue.
Having faced the heartbreaking loss of his brother a year ago, Junya is suddenly thrust into a bewildering encounter with a mysterious girl who coldly declares that it was he who should have died instead. It’s a daunting thing to process, but soon enough, an unexpected opportunity arises. Junya finds himself collaborating with none other than Chihaya Hojo, a childhood friend, on a special project. The task? Breathing new life into the historic Hojo manor, an ancestral home brimming with stories of its own, firmly rooted in Chihaya’s family tradition.
As the narrative unfolds, players must engage with various choice-driven paths that influence Junya’s evolving relationships with characters like Chihaya, Hinata Ise, Azusa Satomi, Chunyu Huang, and Yuriko Oyama. The web of interactions gives players plenty to think about as they shape Junya’s journey.
If you’re new to visual novels, these games are a delightful mix of storytelling and visual art, perfect for those who enjoy immersive narrative experiences. SINce Memories doesn’t skimp on authenticity, providing a fully voice-acted cast to draw players deeper into its world. While the dialogue is in Japanese, it aligns perfectly with the genre’s immersive nature, though it might mean a bit of reading for non-Japanese speakers.
Returning fans and newcomers alike will find the charm and depth in this engaging title, now available on Nintendo Switch for $39.99. Though there might be a few typos noticeable in the localization, these minor issues hardly dampen the overall experience of diving into such a well-crafted world.
This review of SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is based on a copy provided for the Nintendo Switch by PQube. Enjoy unraveling the intricate tapestry that is Junya’s journey.
