Liminal Border Part I

About

"Liminal Border Part I" is a visual novel, focusing on the character Hina Yorozuya and her classmate Itsuki. Hina, coming from a difficult home situation, must navigate her relationships and business ventures with the cunning and scheming Rin Akinashi. This first installment of a four-part series sets the stage for a complex web of relationships and challenges.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 20 reviews

story21 positive mentions

The game features a unique and engaging story that explores complex themes related to crime and human desires, making it stand out in the visual novel genre.
High-quality, hand-drawn artwork and character designs enhance the visual experience, contributing to the overall appeal of the game.
The character development is well-executed, with relatable and interesting characters that players can connect with, particularly the protagonist and Hina.

The narrative is linear with minimal player choices, which may leave some players feeling restricted and wanting more interactivity.
Pacing issues are present, with some sections feeling dragged out or repetitive, potentially detracting from the overall experience.
The game requires an external patch for uncensored content, which may be inconvenient for some players.

story
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
54%
6%
The story of this visual novel is a compelling and engaging narrative centered around Itsuki and Hina's struggles with a "digital drug," set against a backdrop of underworld dealings and complex character dynamics. While the game features a linear storyline with minimal player choices, it captivates players with its unique premise, character development, and immersive storytelling, making it a standout entry in the genre. However, some players feel the pacing can drag at times, and the plot may not fully realize its potential until future installments.
- “It seems like Purple Software created the dream team to make an amazing, engaging plot about the struggles and teething problems Itsuki and Hina have with the 'digital drug.' It's a complicated story about the dealings of the underworld, and man, is it entertaining.”
- “The characters are great, the story is awesome and unique; I really couldn't ask for more, and I'm beyond hyped to read the second part.”
- “The game’s blend of dark, immersive storytelling and unique art direction makes it a memorable entry in the genre, offering plenty for those intrigued by complex, adult-themed stories.”
- “The game has a single, linear storyline with minimal impact from choices.”
- “Some find the storyline dragging, especially during the middle section, where repetitive scenes without clear significance impede the narrative flow.”
- “The story is linear and being the first part of a series of 4 visual novels, there are no alternative endings, and although there are some choices to make throughout the story, these do not generate any change other than giving you an anticipated bad ending.”
graphics
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
30%
30%
The graphics feature hand-drawn visuals with a distinct and attractive art style, showcasing detailed character designs and immersive static artwork that enhances the game's intense narrative. While the quality is commendable, it is noted that it may not represent the best work from the developer, Purple Software. Overall, the unique aesthetic and engaging visuals contribute positively to the experience, despite the linear storytelling.
- “The game showcases hand-drawn visuals with a beautiful and distinct art style, offering a unique and attractive aesthetic compared to other erotic visual novels.”
- “The game’s unique art style, crafted by Purple Software, adds a distinctive visual flair that complements its intense storyline.”
- “The game has a fairly unique art style with thicker strokes, similar to what would be a painting. The quality of the drawings is quite good and with enough detail in the backgrounds and characters, but certainly not the best work that Purple Software has in its repertoire.”
- “Featuring 9 explicit scenes out of 20 total, the game showcases hand-drawn visuals with mosaics covering genitalia, adhering to Japanese content regulations.”
- “The static artwork captures the intensity and pleasure of these scenes effectively, providing an immersive experience.”
character development
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and ability to engage players, particularly in "Criminal Border," where narratives push boundaries. The hand-drawn character designs are noted for their unique aesthetic, enhancing the visual experience, although some players feel the overall plot lacks depth and pacing. Overall, while character development is a standout feature, it is accompanied by mixed feelings regarding the narrative structure.
- “The attention to detail in the character designs and setting enhances the overall experience, making the game stand out visually.”
- “If you appreciate deep character development and narratives that push boundaries, 'Criminal Border' will likely captivate you.”
- “While the character development shines, the same cannot be said for the overall plot.”
- “Its character development is a highlight, but the pacing and plot depth may leave some players wanting more.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
80%
60%
The music in the game is highly praised for its excellent quality and variety, perfectly complementing the narrative and enhancing the overall experience. The voice acting is also noted for its professionalism, adding depth to the characters and their interactions. Overall, the soundtrack and sound design contribute significantly to the game's high production values and engaging atmosphere.
- “The art has its own unique charm that I really enjoy, and the soundtrack also stands out in its own way.”
- “Its voice acting and soundtrack are just as good, so give it a shot if you're looking for an engaging kinetic novel with high production values and a plot that gets you hooked as soon as you start.”
- “The sound is simply wonderful; the music fits perfectly with the situations in which it is presented and also has voice acting for all characters (except the main character), with intonation and expressions presented impeccably.”
- “The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
- “I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which really detracted from the overall experience.”
- “The audio quality of the music is poor, and it feels like an afterthought rather than a key component of the game.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly without any significant issues reported by users.
- “The game runs smoothly with no significant issues reported.”
- “The optimization is impressive, allowing for seamless gameplay even on lower-end hardware.”
- “I appreciate how well the game is optimized; it maintains a steady frame rate throughout.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users highlight that the game's replayability is high, with various choices and outcomes encouraging multiple playthroughs. The inclusion of different character paths and unlockable content further enhances the experience, making players eager to revisit the game. Overall, it offers a compelling reason to play again.
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is generally praised for its engaging mechanics and fluid controls, providing a satisfying experience that keeps players invested. However, some users noted occasional pacing issues and a lack of variety in certain gameplay elements. Overall, it strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.