9-nine-:Episode 2
- August 16, 2019
- PALETTE
- 11h median play time
In "9-nine-: Episode 2," players unravel a supernatural mystery surrounding Sora Niimi in Shiromitsugawa town, where artifacts grant special powers. This episodic series features standalone stories, with each entry focusing on a different heroine and sharing the same setting. The many-worlds interpretation concept explores how small choices could lead to different outcomes, including supernatural murders.
Reviews
- Episode 2 significantly improves upon the first installment, offering a more engaging story and character development, particularly with Sora, who is a standout character.
- The voice acting, especially for Sora, is exceptional and adds a lot of charm and humor to the interactions between characters.
- The blend of comedy and emotional depth in the sibling relationship is well-executed, making the narrative both entertaining and impactful.
- The game features controversial themes, including incest, which may not sit well with all players and can overshadow the story for some.
- Some players feel that the pacing is uneven, with parts of the story dragging and lacking tension, particularly in the first half.
- The episodic format can be frustrating, as it leaves many plot points unresolved and may require players to purchase multiple episodes to fully appreciate the story.
- story127 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story in "9-nine- episode 2" is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more cohesive and engaging narrative that delves deeper into character relationships, particularly between the siblings, Kakeru and Sora. While it maintains some supernatural elements, the plot often prioritizes emotional depth and character development over traditional storytelling structures, leading to a mix of humor and poignant moments. Despite some pacing issues and a somewhat open-ended conclusion, the episode successfully builds on the foundation laid in the first installment, making it a compelling continuation of the series.
“The best part is undeniably the plot and how it toys with the players' emotions and tests your attachment towards its characters.”
“The story evolved exceptionally, the run-up to the climax was engaging and the character development was extraordinary.”
“This episode focuses a lot on the family development between Niimi and Sora, and it was done in a beautiful way, each sad and happy part was passed in a way where it is noticeable the affection with which this story was made.”
“Where that VN promised an intriguing supernatural mystery and diverted down a path I was neither expecting nor liked, 9-nine promises a grand, urban fantasy story, but only really delivers that for at most 10% of the story.”
“Unlike a typical structure of gradually rising stakes until a peak at the climax, this story feels more like an ECG--a flat line all the way until a too-sudden peak at the climax, and then a flat line again immediately after.”
“The story doesn't quite pick up where it left off in the first episode.”
- humor24 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever dialogue and comedic interactions, particularly between the protagonist Kakeru and his sister Sora, which often elicit genuine laughter. Players highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting, especially Sora's portrayal, which enhances the comedic elements, including the humor found in the h-scenes. Overall, the blend of humor and emotional depth contributes to a memorable and enjoyable experience, making it a standout feature of the game.
“The dialogue is hilarious, adeptly using the straight man-funny man comedy act.”
“This game made me die laughing, then made me really sad, then die laughing again.”
“I give this game a 10/10 for having the most fun character interactions I've ever seen to the point where even the sex scenes made me laugh.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their vibrant anime artwork and great character designs, contributing to an overall appealing visual presentation. While the character visuals are exceptional, some users noted that the visuals related to story elements could be improved. The consistent quality of the artwork and nostalgic elements, such as the unchanged soundtrack and voice acting, enhance the gaming experience.
“Overall presentation: great dialogue, awesome visual scenarios & backgrounds, great character designs.”
“Interesting story, superb visuals, great character development, attractive voice-acting!”
“The artwork is top notch, and easy to look at.”
“Everything else, including graphics, voice design, and writing style, haven't changed and are acceptable.”
“The graphics, music, voices, and settings are unchanged, which is to be expected.”
“While playing this game, everything felt nostalgic which I loved, since it used the same soundtrack, artwork, and voice acting, all of which are of high quality.”
- emotional11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players noting a significant depth in character relationships and plot development that elicits strong feelings. The dynamic between the main character and Sora, along with impactful voice acting, enhances the emotional atmosphere, leading to moments that can provoke tears and deep engagement. Overall, the game effectively captures complex familial bonds and the weight of choices, making it a memorable emotional experience for players.
“I loved the dynamic between our main character and Sora, even back in the first episode, and overall the episode had me more engaged emotionally.”
“Amazing visual novel with a very well-written story that also has some gut-wrenching moments that can make you shed a tear as a result.”
“This game had me emotional and I still am after finishing the first choice; throughout the whole gameplay, feel free to call me a crybaby, but the story is so good.”
- character development11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised, with reviewers highlighting the depth of the characters' emotions and relationships, particularly as the story progresses. The combination of engaging dialogue, stunning visuals, and strong voice acting enhances the overall experience, making the character arcs feel authentic and compelling. Many players appreciate the balance between romance and character growth, noting that the development is intricately woven into the narrative, allowing for a rich exploration of complex feelings.
“If you love visual novels with deep stories, good characters, and incredible character design, you will love this visual novel, guaranteed!”
“The story evolved exceptionally, the run-up to the climax was engaging, and the character development was extraordinary.”
“Something I noticed in episode 2 is that the character development is excellent, and I’m positive that by the end, anyone would be able to understand the characters’ feelings for each other and how complicated those feelings might be at times.”
“But, I'm glad that they didn't focus this on wincest, but more on story. Their character developments are well made, and I love when mysteries are slowly but surely revealed one by one.”
- music10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many finding the background music forgettable and average, though some standout tracks and the intro and ending themes are praised. Overall, while the soundtrack is considered decent, it lacks the memorability of other elements, despite contributing positively to the game's nostalgic feel.
“Great soundtrack and voice acting that makes the game flow quite nicely.”
“Intro and ending music videos were very good.”
“While playing this game, everything felt nostalgic which I loved, since it used the same soundtrack, artwork, and voice acting, all of which are of high quality.”
“Sadly, all background music is forgettable, but the ending theme deserves appraisal.”
“Music is average for a visual novel, with the exception of a few standout tracks.”
“The graphics, music, voices, and settings are unchanged, which is to be expected.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game is highlighted by users praising the exceptional voice acting, particularly the performances of the main character and Sora, which significantly enhance the overall experience.
“Her performance alone is more than worth your time.”
“Sora's voice acting performance by Sawasawa Sawa-san was absolutely amazing.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its emotional depth, particularly in the complex relationship between the brother and sister. The visuals are noted for their polish and attention to detail, featuring vivid colors that enhance the overall ambiance.
“This episode in the emotional line features a very controversial brother and sister love, and the emotional atmosphere is extremely well created.”
“The look of the game is very well done and polished, with lots of details and vivid colors, which combine very well with the overall atmosphere.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is deeply engaging and emotionally resonant, with players highlighting the impactful storytelling that evokes strong feelings throughout the experience.
“This game had me emotional, and I still am after finishing the first choice. Throughout the whole gameplay, I felt deeply connected to the story.”