9-nine-:Episode 3
- August 31, 2020
- PALETTE
Get on SteamIn "9-nine-: Episode 3," protagonist Kakeru investigates supernatural events in his school while growing closer to childhood friend Miyuki. This visual novel features mystery-solving, character-driven storylines, and choices that affect relationships and the outcome of the game. It's the third episode in the 9-nine- series, focusing on a different heroine and her own unique story.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Episode 3 builds effectively on the previous episodes, providing important plot developments and character growth, particularly for Haruka Kousaka.
- The character development of Haruka is well-executed, showcasing her dual personalities and making her a relatable and engaging heroine.
- The story is filled with unexpected twists and maintains a good balance of action and emotional depth, making it a compelling read.
- Some players found the pacing to be uneven, with the climax occurring too early and the latter part of the episode feeling drawn out.
- There are complaints about the lack of stakes and emotional impact compared to previous episodes, leading to a less intense experience.
- Certain plot points and character interactions felt forced or poorly integrated, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the episode.
- story154 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story in Episode 3 of the 9-nine series builds effectively on previous episodes, focusing primarily on Haruka Kousaka's character development while addressing key plot points and world-building elements. While the episode features intense action and significant reveals, some reviewers noted that the pacing felt uneven, with the climax arriving too early and subsequent resolutions dragging on. Overall, the narrative is praised for its depth and engagement, making it a compelling continuation of the series, despite some criticisms regarding character development and pacing.
“Towards the end of the story, Haruka opens up to Kakeru and the rest of Valhalla society, and during a critical moment, instead of ceding control over to the queen, Haruka steps up and combines the best aspects of her personalities and transforms into a strong and independent leader, who is willing to stand up for herself and protect her friends.”
“The story this time around is actually amazing.”
“With a strong plot and strong character development, I guarantee that this episode would make the previous 2 episodes a worthwhile investment of both your time and money.”
“The story was very bare and nothing really happened.”
“What should've been the climax of the story was the absolute low point for me.”
“I feel like the story aspects being held back for the 4th installment left this episode lacking, but still fulfilling the needed progression kind of like episode 1.”
- music28 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in this installment is generally seen as average, with some standout tracks that enhance the experience. While it retains familiar elements from previous episodes, the addition of new music has been positively noted, particularly in the opening and ending themes. Overall, the soundtrack complements the intense storytelling, earning it a favorable reception among players.
“A very great and intense story with great soundtracks and music.”
“The opening is awesome and the songs in-game suit each moment of the story.”
“And about the soundtracks, this episode easily has the best soundtracks.”
“Music is average for a visual novel, with the exception of a few standout tracks.”
“Graphics, voices, and music are unchanged from previous games, but the story goes pretty crazy.”
“As always, excellent art, and mostly mediocre music, but there were some tracks that seemed new which I enjoyed more.”
- character development26 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The character development of Haruka is highly praised, with reviewers noting her significant growth and its importance to the plot. Her dual personalities and interactions with other characters, particularly Kakeru, enhance her depth and relatability, making her a standout character in the series. Overall, the character development is described as exceptional, contributing to a compelling narrative and engaging viewer experience.
“Controversial as it may seem, Haruka is up there as one of my favorite characters. Not only does she experience character development, but her development is also crucial to the plot.”
“Interesting story, superb visuals, great character development, and attractive voice acting!”
“With a strong plot and strong character development, I guarantee that this episode would make the previous two episodes a worthwhile investment of both your time and money.”
“I also had a slight problem with the climax. After the climax, there proceeds to be another 2-3 hours of Haruka character development.”
“Henceforth, the amount of character development in this episode outshines that of the first two.”
“She goes through more character development than the previous girls as well.”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with characters like Sora providing consistent laughs and cute moments, particularly in earlier episodes. While Episode 3 shifts focus to Haruka and incorporates more serious storytelling, many players appreciate the improved quality and unpredictability of the humor scenes. Overall, the game balances humor with engaging narratives, making it enjoyable despite some episodes being less funny than others.
“The story is good, nothing particular but it's enjoyable, and I loved the humor.”
“The story of the game is really good, with so many cute moments and funny.”
“Episode 3 revolves more around Haruka Kousaka, and what I really appreciate as an improvement from the previous two episodes is the amount and the quality of the humor scenes that exist in the game, not to mention many unpredictable storylines (including the side story at the dating arc) that blow your mind away.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their high quality, particularly in character design and artwork, which is described as top-notch and visually appealing. However, some users noted that the visuals related to story elements are inconsistent and sometimes lacking, leaving room for improvement. Additionally, while the graphics remain unchanged from previous titles, the overall visual experience is complemented by strong voice acting and character development.
“Interesting story, superb visuals, great character development, attractive voice-acting!”
“The artwork is top notch, and easy to look at.”
“Graphics, voices, and music are unchanged from previous games, but the story goes pretty crazy.”
“Graphics, voices, and music are unchanged from previous games, but the story goes pretty crazy.”
- emotional10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while episode 3 of the series may lack the emotional intensity and stakes found in episode 2, it compensates with wholesome character development and world-building that sets the stage for a more impactful climax in episode 4. Some viewers feel the emotional depth is slightly diminished, but others appreciate the character growth and the emotional charge it brings, suggesting a continuous improvement in the series' narrative approach. Overall, the emotional aspect remains a mixed bag, with anticipation building for future episodes.
“Episode 3 is more wholesome in developing Haruka, and its world-building serves as a prelude to the much-anticipated climax in Episode 4.”
“Compared to the second episode, this time the characterization may be slightly lacking, but both the development of the main plot and the depth of the emotional line is clearly reflected in the continuous improvement of the 9-nine series.”
“About us (MC) is finally our time to shine; we really have improved in this episode, and we are given an emotional charge that highlights the character very well.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is somewhat hindered by its standalone parts, which, while designed to be coherent individually, may limit the overall experience and depth when revisiting the game. Players may find that the segmented nature affects their desire to replay the entire game as a cohesive whole.
“Some of the issues I have probably come from the fact that each of these parts is playable standalone, and they wanted each one to make enough sense on its own.”
