Haru to Shura
- June 24, 2021
- Studio Pixel
Get on Steam"Haru to Shura" is a lo-fi, pixel-based 2D adventure game where you play as Chihiro, an ordinary high school student transported to the dreamlike, melancholy world of Eden. Explore the peaceful winterland, interact with eccentric villagers, and uncover the bittersweet secret of this suffering-free land, all while experiencing a mysterious and poetic tale with freedom of interpretation. The game features 3-4 hours of casual adventure-style gameplay with multiple ends.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a beautifully subtle and emotional story that unfolds in a captivating way, with multiple endings that encourage exploration.
- The pixel art and music create a dreamy atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience and making it visually appealing.
- It's a thought-provoking game that tackles heavy themes, making players reflect on morality and life, all while being offered at an excellent price.
- The game can feel slow and tedious at times, with some cutscenes dragging on and a lack of engaging gameplay elements.
- Players may encounter bugs and issues with saving, which can lead to frustrating experiences if not managed carefully.
- The dialogue-heavy nature of the game may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for more action-oriented gameplay.
- story68 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its emotional depth and intriguing themes, with many players recommending exploring all alternative endings to fully appreciate the narrative. While the pacing can be slow and some dialogue may feel cumbersome, the overall experience is described as thought-provoking and engaging, tackling heavy topics effectively. However, players should be aware that the story may contain triggering themes and that the game is heavily reliant on its narrative rather than action-oriented gameplay.
“Literally an amazing and emotional story. 10/10 cried.”
“The story is thoughtful and engaging for the entire duration, and tackles heavy topics almost effortlessly.”
“It has an interesting story that leaves you to wonder what exactly is happening until the very end of the game.”
“It can be a bit slow and boring at times where the pixelated art and music become a bit of a hindrance to the overall story. The actual written dialogue can also become a bit lumbering to read at times; many of the characters have to say what they feel because the pixel art doesn't capture their emotions properly, and the main character is mute throughout the game.”
“I couldn't get into the story at all.”
“On the topic of the story, the themes may be triggering for some, so do keep that in mind.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their beautiful pixel art style, combining simple retro visuals with high-quality cutscenes, which effectively convey the game's emotional core. Reviewers note that the aesthetic is reminiscent of other titles from the developer, such as Cave Story, while still maintaining a unique identity. Overall, the charming visuals and engaging chiptune music enhance the intriguing narrative experience.
“The artwork in the game is great; I love the style of simple retro pixel art, and the mix with very high-quality cutscene pixel art works very well.”
“Haru to Shura is a short and interesting story (completing my first playthrough took around 4 hours) backed up by the wonderful pixel visuals and music from Studio Pixel/Daisuke Amaya.”
“However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had the same graphical charm and polish we saw in Cave Story and Kero Blaster, but it has an identity of its own.”
“The overall presentation and aesthetics are still presented as a typical studio pixel game, so much of the emotional core of the game is done through pixelated art, written dialogue, and chiptune music.”
“Nonetheless, the music and graphics feel like a pixel game.”
“However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had the same graphical charm and polish we saw in Cave Story and Kero Blaster, but has an identity of its own.”
- music14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by chiptune elements that complement its pixelated art style, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. While some players find the music and visuals enhance the emotional experience, others feel they can detract from the storytelling, leading to moments of slow pacing. Overall, the soundtrack is praised for its quality, contributing to a compelling ambiance despite some criticisms regarding its impact on gameplay.
“Haru to Shura is a short and interesting story (completing my first playthrough took around 4 hours) backed up by the wonderful pixel visuals and music from Studio Pixel/Daisuke Amaya.”
“The music, dialogue, and incredible art add up to a great atmosphere that anyone vaguely interested in this game would enjoy.”
“The pixel art and OST are both phenomenal, and the game is able to convey complex thoughts with minimalistic output.”
“It can be a bit slow and boring at times where the pixelated art and music become a bit of a hindrance to the overall story. The actual written dialogue can also become a bit lumbering to read at times; many of the characters have to say what they feel because the pixel art doesn't capture their emotions properly, and the main character is mute throughout the game.”
“Gameplay and music didn't leave much of an impression.”
“The overall presentation and aesthetics are still presented as a typical studio pixel game, so much of the emotional core of the game is done through pixelated art, written dialogue, and chiptune music.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its deeply emotional narrative, with many players reporting that it brought them to tears. The emotional impact is enhanced by its pixelated art, engaging dialogue, and chiptune music, creating a captivating and heartfelt experience. Overall, it is celebrated for its ability to evoke strong feelings through its charming presentation and storytelling.
“Literally an amazing and emotional story 10/10 cried”
“The overall presentation/aesthetics are still presented as a typical studio pixel game, so much of the emotional core of the game is done through pixelated art, written dialogue and chiptune music.”
“Cute graphics with fun and emotional dialogue, as to be expected from both of the developer's work, and a very intriguing/mysterious story.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally seen as secondary to the story, with some reviewers noting it lacks impact but effectively complements the narrative. While it may not leave a strong impression, the blend of casual gameplay and storytelling keeps players engaged. Overall, it receives mixed feedback, with some rating it around 5/10.
“It's a perfect mix of casual gameplay and story to keep you invested!”
“Gameplay and music didn't leave much of an impression.”
“5 / 10 gameplay”
“Gameplay takes a backseat here to story, and it works very well with the medium.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its dreamy, fairy-tale-like atmosphere, enhanced by captivating music, engaging dialogue, and stunning art. This combination creates an immersive experience that appeals to a wide audience.
“All of which present the game with a dreamy, fairy-tale like atmosphere.”
“The music, dialogue, and incredible art add up to a great atmosphere that anyone vaguely interested in this game would enjoy.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted to be situational, particularly in the context of speedrunning, which some players find amusing despite the lack of clarity regarding decision impacts on endings. However, the overall replay value is questioned, as many players do not find the game engaging enough to revisit without the challenge of speedrunning.
“The humor in this game is absolutely top-notch, with witty dialogue and hilarious situations that keep you laughing throughout.”
“I love how the game uses absurdity to create funny moments; it really adds to the overall charm and enjoyment.”
“The comedic timing in the game is perfect, making even the most mundane tasks feel entertaining and fun.”
