Because We're Here - Act I
- July 19, 2018
- Studio Elfriede
Get on Steam"Because We’re Here - Act I" is a bittersweet otome dating sim set in a First World War-inspired setting. As neurotic Postal Corps volunteer Elfriede Rauss, navigate the chaos of the front lines while encountering an unexpected challenge: love. This anti-war epic features 20 original CG art pieces and introduces 11 main characters, offering a wide array of potential romantic interests.
Reviews
- The game features an incredibly well-written and engaging storyline that immerses players in a unique World War I setting, blending romance with the harsh realities of war.
- The characters are diverse and well-developed, each with their own motivations and perspectives, making it easy for players to become emotionally invested in their fates.
- The game successfully balances humor and tragedy, providing moments of levity amidst the darker themes, which enhances the overall emotional impact.
- Act I feels more like a prologue than a complete story, with some players expressing disappointment over its short length and the fact that much of it mirrors the earlier demo version.
- The CG art style is inconsistent with the character sprites, leading to a disjointed visual experience that some players found jarring.
- There is a lack of significant romantic development in Act I, which may leave players wanting more in terms of relationship-building with the love interests.
- story82 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story of this visual novel is deeply engaging, characterized by well-developed characters and a unique setting during a fictionalized version of World War I. Players appreciate the emotional depth and realism, with a focus on character-driven narratives rather than traditional romance arcs, leading to a gripping experience that evokes strong reactions. While Act 1 serves as a brief introduction, Act 2 expands significantly on the plot, promising a rich and immersive storytelling experience that keeps players invested.
“I've never had a game make me break down in tears as many times as 'Because We're Here' has; it's a strong emotional story and completely ripped apart all my expectations, then proved to be better than anything I could have imagined.”
“The emotional impact of the plot is emphasized through knowing and talking to the characters for so long; I can honestly say I felt a sense of loss and introspection as the war effort progressed in the novel.”
“This is a perfect synthesis of setting and story, and I must sit tight and hope for more.”
“Act 1 is a bit short and generic as it takes the time to introduce the first set of characters in the story (around 3 hours), whereas Act 2 is considerably longer with plenty of suspense, thrills, addition and removal of some characters (around 7 hours).”
“The game seeks to drive this point home early on in what was one of the stupidest plot points I think I’ve ever seen in an otome game.”
“Honestly, the worst part of this story is that I want to know what happens next...! Part one isn't too long, and feels more like an introductory prologue to a wider epic than a stand-alone story.”
- emotional20 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of "Because We're Here" is profound, with players reporting intense feelings of loss, heartbreak, and attachment to characters throughout the narrative. The game’s realistic portrayal of war and its consequences elicits genuine emotional reactions, often leading to tears and deep introspection. Enhanced by a powerful soundtrack, it stands out as a touching visual novel that challenges players emotionally while delivering a compelling story.
“The emotional impact of the plot is emphasized through knowing and talking to the characters for so long; and I can honestly say I felt a sense of loss and introspection as the war effort progressed in the novel.”
“I've never had a game make me break down in tears as many times as 'Because We're Here' has; it's a strong emotional story and completely ripped apart all my expectations, then proved to be better than anything I could have imagined.”
“It's bleak and heart-wrenching, and the game makes you hope desperately that Elfriede will find some way to save everyone.”
- music16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its emotional depth and ability to enhance various scenes, with a mix of classical and thematic tracks that effectively reflect the game's tone. While some users noted that certain sound effects and specific tracks fell short, the overall soundtrack is considered a standout feature that significantly contributes to the storytelling experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a music room is a unique bonus that players appreciated.
“I was not expecting the music and sound design to be this great, but from the very beginning of the game they blew me away.”
“The music enhances emotionally heavy scenes, and that shows what a soundtrack can do for a game!”
“And the music is perfect – from the very first scene, the usage of traditional classical music perfectly expresses the dramatic moment, and other scenes continue, whether it’s upbeat folk music for the scene where everyone is just so darn excited to sign up to go to war, or sour dirges for when things inevitably go to shit.”
“This visual novel is an indie production using the Ren'Py engine, so it has to rely on the plot and diversity of characters to bring out the storyline, and route variety to make up for the average classical background music and artwork.”
“However, the battle of wits mechanic, while a decent premise, used terrible music and sound effects for what was supposed to be tense situations.”
“The music and sound effects can get loud and startling, at least for me, so maybe keep your volume low if you have sensitive hearing.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the visual novel feature a charming and emotive sprite art style that effectively conveys the game's tone, though the backgrounds can be somewhat messy. However, the contrast between the sprite artwork and the less professional character graphics (CGs) created by a different artist has drawn criticism for its lack of cohesion. Overall, while the visuals may not be the primary draw for players, they complement the storytelling and emotional depth of the narrative.
“The sprite artwork is gorgeous and emotive, and the backgrounds, while a little messy, help set the tone and mood wonderfully.”
“Because it draws the player in with its colorful art style and witty dialogue, but it's not afraid to explore the darkest aspects of warfare and throws some genuinely unexpected gut-punches along the way.”
“This drama works in contrast with its more light-hearted art style and somehow makes things all the more tragic when everything goes wrong.”
“This visual novel is an indie production using the Ren'Py engine, so it has to rely on the plot and diversity of characters to bring out the storyline, and route variety to make up for the average classical background music and artwork.”
“My only critique is that the art style for the CGs is very obviously done by a different artist, and the style unfortunately clashes hard with the style of the sprites we see for the rest of the game.”
“While I really like the sprite art, I was really disappointed to find out that the CGs are drawn by someone else in a completely different art style (that I personally like significantly less).”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending witty dialogue and dark humor with the more serious themes of the story. Players appreciate the balance between lighthearted moments and somber scenes, with characters delivering amusing quips and expressions that enhance the overall experience without undermining the narrative's gravity. This effective use of humor not only entertains but also deepens the emotional impact of the story.
“There were segments that I had to stop reading because I was too busy laughing at some witty wording, more than a few tears, and even parts where I sat back in slow dawning horror as pieces of a story puzzle came together.”
“While there is a certain amount of grim charm to the game as it progresses, it never gets so angsty and dark as to be devoid of humor or charm (there's some great dark humor in here!) and has a nice side dash of fun sarcasm thanks to our heroine Elfriede and her very amusing inner dialogues.”
“Even the main character is vibrant and humorous and has a personality of her own, but it isn't to the point of being overbearing, either.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a unique "battle of wits" mechanic that emphasizes verbal confrontations and decision-making, allowing players to influence key story moments through dialogue choices. While the concept is engaging and supported by a diverse cast of characters and flexible narrative routes, the execution suffers from poor audio design that detracts from the intended tension of these encounters. Overall, the gameplay offers intriguing mechanics that encourage strategic thinking and character interaction.
“It also has some intriguing in-game mechanics where you engage in 'battles of wits' with other characters (or sometimes it's an internal struggle between Elfriede and herself!) to decide the outcome of key moments.”
“I love the huge cast of characters to get involved with, and the mechanic of changing routes at any point in the story opens so many avenues for the story to progress; I can't help but wonder what's in store.”
“Then there’s the battle of wits system – interestingly for a war game, the real gameplay is actually in debates, where you will have to choose the most persuasive or most accurate response in order to win an argument.”
“However, the battle of wits mechanic, while a decent premise, used terrible music and sound effects for what was supposed to be tense situations.”
- character development5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised, with reviewers noting significant growth in characters even early on, showcasing skilled writing that effectively handles darker themes. The character designs align well with their personalities, and the game cleverly parodies dating sim archetypes, using them as a foundation for deeper character exploration.
“The plot and character development are amazing.”
“Even within Act 1, you can see some great character development of the earlier characters you meet taking place, and I really can't wait to see how everything progresses.”
“In the hands of a less skilled writer, some of the darker themes and character developments in the game could be easily fumbled, but honestly, the writing in this game is some of the best I've seen in an indie/otome release.”
“In the hands of a less skilled writer, some of the darker themes and character developments in the game could be easily fumbled. However, the writing in this game is some of the best I've seen in an indie/otome release.”
“They're tropey, but as the story unfolded, I saw how the creator lovingly parodies familiar dating sim archetypes and uses them as a setup for further character development.”
“While every character design feels fitted to their personality, the depth of their development is lacking, making it hard to connect with them on a meaningful level.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as immersive and evocative, effectively capturing the complexities of life in a historical context reminiscent of Weimar-era Germany. Reviewers appreciate the depth of the setting, noting its blend of romanticism and impending doom, while some express a desire for lighter moments to balance the heavy mood. Overall, the well-researched narrative and diverse characters contribute to a unique and compelling atmosphere.
“The atmosphere is incredible; I have never felt I understood so well what it could be like living in such a context.”
“I'm reminded of those Weimar artists and poets who described so vividly the romantic, almost party-like atmosphere that swept through Germany before the reality of war came crashing down upon them.”
“I'm reminded of those Weimar artists and poets who described so vividly the romantic, almost party-like atmosphere that swept through Germany, before the reality of war came crashing down upon them.”
“I do hope that her sense of humor comes back in future acts, though, to alleviate some of the heavy mood once she gets more used to the general atmosphere in the trenches.”
“In short: this is a very well-researched and written story with a wide variety of interesting characters well developed, which captures an atmosphere that isn’t quite like anything I’ve ever seen before.”
