Lily of the Valley

About

"Lily of the Valley" is a visual novel about a man who returns to Wales for his mother's funeral and meets a mysterious girl named Lily. As he forms a friendship with her, he is left with questions about her connection to his past and her fascination with death. The game, originally released in 2014 and recently revamped, features two art styles and around 25,000 words of writing by ebi-hime, with an original soundtrack by yuzuki and art by SillySelly. A hidden extra scene and author commentary can be unlocked through exploration.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 112 reviews

story34 positive mentions

atmosphere2 negative mentions

The writing is creative and thought-provoking, effectively exploring heavy themes such as grief and the meaning of life.
The artwork and soundtrack are beautifully crafted, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
The game is short but impactful, leaving a lasting impression and encouraging reflection on personal experiences with loss.

The game has limited replay value due to its short length and only one meaningful choice at the end.
Some players found the plot twist to be abrupt and lacking sufficient buildup.
There are minor issues with typos and the game locks players out of their save files after completion, which can be frustrating.

story
156 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
76%
2%
The story of "Lily of the Valley" is a poignant exploration of grief and loss, centered around a man returning to his hometown in Wales after his mother's funeral, where he encounters a teenage girl. While the narrative is linear with minimal choices, it is rich in emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, particularly regarding the impact of death on those left behind. The well-crafted plot, combined with a fitting soundtrack and evocative visuals, creates a memorable experience that resonates with anyone who has faced loss or regret.
- “The commentary regarding grief and death was rather intriguing and interesting, and with the drama and setting that the story took place, made for an experience that I will never forget.”
- “It's a pretty well-written and thought-provoking short story.”
- “A great story about death and what happens to the people one leaves behind as a result of it.”
- “Honestly, the only real downside of this game is that there really needed to be more of a buildup for the plot twist, as it felt like it came out of nowhere.”
- “It's a very linear story with a single choice at the end, not that you really had a choice to make anyway.”
- “Be warned, those who cannot handle the topic of death may not want to consider 'Lily of the Valley', as death revolves around the entire story.”
graphics
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
56%
9%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful artwork and unique art styles, offering players options between old and new designs that enhance the storytelling experience. The visuals are described as soft and gentle, complementing the game's emotional themes, while the overall aesthetic is noted for its cohesion and charm. However, some reviewers felt that the art could have been even more polished, suggesting it was close to perfection but not quite there.
- “The updated artwork by sillyselly is absolutely gorgeous, giving the game, along with the writing and the OST, a very strong atmosphere.”
- “The music is warm and inviting while the art style is soft and gentle, even for such a dark and heart-wrenching tale of despair.”
- “The artwork of the game is extremely pretty and I was totally taken aback by it.”
- “The art style is very similar to 'empty horizons'.”
- “Graphically nothing in particular.”
- “I wanted to play it again to have a look at the old visuals and finish the achievements (only one missing), but going through the files to unlock the game simply does not seem worth it.”
music
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
50%
12%
The music in the game is widely praised for its fitting and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall experience with a warm and inviting atmosphere. While many appreciate the grand musical score and its alignment with the plot, some users noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time. Additionally, there are suggestions that the soundtrack DLC should be offered for free, given the game's short length.
- “The soundtrack fits the plot like a glove.”
- “I have to mention the grand musical score and artwork within this visual novel, as it's pretty top tier.”
- “The music is warm and inviting while the art style is soft and gentle, even for such a dark and heart-wrenching tale of despair.”
- “Furthermore, the soundtrack DLC should be free.”
- “I usually consider soundtrack DLCs for games just garbage to pad a bundle offer, but as short as this game is, they should offer the DLC free as a bonus.”
- “Music gets old fast.”
emotional
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke deep feelings, with many players noting its thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of loss and coping. The juxtaposition of cute art and dark themes creates a poignant experience, often leading to tears and personal reflection. Overall, the game is described as beautifully emotional, with a moody atmosphere that resonates with players on a personal level.
- “The story made me cry a little, and I wish there could have been a happy ending!”
- “The music is warm and inviting while the art style is soft and gentle, even for such a dark and heart-wrenching tale of despair.”
- “Without spoiling the story, I found it very emotional, the main topic focusing on the death of a loved one and how others cope around you.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's atmosphere is initially praised for its realistic UK setting, creating an engaging environment, but it ultimately shifts to an unexpected and jarring anime twist that some players found off-putting. In contrast, "Lily in the Valley" offers a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from typical visual novels on Steam.
- “The game starts off well enough, has that same realistic UK atmosphere, but ends in a stupid anime twist ([spoiler]shinigami[/spoiler], seriously?).”
- “Lily in the Valley has a much different atmosphere than most visual novels found on Steam.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game has minimal replayability, as players cannot replay it without reinstalling or deleting their save files, which significantly limits the opportunity for multiple playthroughs.
- “No replay value (in fact, you can't replay it unless you reinstall or delete save games).”
- “No replay value (in fact, you can't replay it unless you reinstall or delete save games).”