Manna for our Malices
- February 11, 2019
- John Ohno
In "Manna for our Malices," Akagi Ai must work with her past self to uncover why she keeps dying and coming back, while also becoming entangled in mysterious events involving her friends. This decision-heavy visual novel features branching time loops and progressively unlocking scenes as new clues are discovered. Explore different options and consequences in this intriguing mystery.
Reviews
- The story is engaging and well-written, with a compelling mystery that unfolds through player choices.
- The game features a unique time loop mechanic that encourages exploration and discovery, making it enjoyable for players who like piecing together narratives.
- Despite its poor art style, the game is considered charming by some, and its low price makes it an accessible option for those interested in visual novels.
- The art style is widely criticized as unattractive, which may deter potential players from trying the game.
- The game's logic can become confusing towards the end, leading to potential glitches or frustrating situations where players can get stuck in loops.
- Character development is lacking, with many characters feeling shallow and underutilized, which detracts from the overall experience.
- story16 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The story is a standout aspect of the game, featuring a mix of engaging writing and interesting themes, particularly around LGBTQ+ representation, with a significant portion of the cast being portrayed as lesbians in a sincere manner. While some plot elements may feel rushed or underdeveloped, the narrative offers emotional moments and intriguing twists, making it a compelling experience despite its artistic shortcomings. Overall, players appreciate the depth and creativity of the storytelling, which keeps them invested in the game.
“And the story is the reason why I'm sort of recommending it.”
“A short visual novel with very good writing and an interesting story.”
“Verdict: good ideas, good writing, interesting story.”
“But then the plot kicks in.”
“Plus, while every other investigative branch either stays open forever or has a final 'I know enough about this now' moment, the MIB storyline reaches its peak very quickly with very little information gathering (it was literally the first thing I did on my first playthrough) and then you're locked out of it with no comment, with the rest of that plot all coming from Shironeko exposition.”
“It has a few endings but the way to find them is long, because you need the right choices at the right time or you're stuck in eternity. It's a trial and error but it's good for achievement hunters and people who enjoy these repeating stories where you need to find the trick to get out and discover the well-hidden endings.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics have received mixed reviews, with some players finding the art style unappealing and potentially janky, while others suggest it may be a deliberate stylistic choice. Overall, the visuals may not be aesthetically pleasing, but they do not detract significantly from the overall experience of the game.
“The art style is unique and definitely stands out, making the game visually interesting.”
“The graphics are vibrant and add a lot of character to the overall experience.”
“The environments are beautifully crafted, immersing players in a rich and detailed world.”
“So if you think you can stomach the art style and don't mind some potential jank - check this out, out of curiosity if nothing else.”
“Now whether the art style is genuine incompetence, a stylistic choice, or an attempt to use a stylistic choice to mask genuine incompetence, I genuinely cannot tell.”
“I do remember the artwork not being pleasing to the eye, but I'm going to guess that the story had something to do with me wanting to finish it.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the character Ai's amusing use of bad language, while Mimi adds an intriguing element, though some users feel the comedic aspects are limited.
“She's so funny!”
“AI's bad language is funny; Mimi is intriguing, but that's all.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music is described as deliberately avant-garde and unconventional, creating a unique and enjoyable listening experience that stands out as "weird."
“The music is weird as hell in a very deliberate avant-garde way that I enjoy.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing every moment.”
“I love how the music evolves with the gameplay, creating a unique experience each time.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
“The soundtrack feels disjointed and doesn't match the game's atmosphere, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The music choices are jarring and often pull me out of the immersion instead of enhancing it.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, effectively contributing to the overall experience.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game's world.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you on edge.”
“The sound design and visuals create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its engaging mechanics that allow players to gradually uncover information and piece together the narrative alongside the main character, particularly during the first 70% of the game.
“I really enjoyed the gameplay and the gradual discovery of information, piecing things together with the main character during the first 70% of the game!”
“The gameplay mechanics are intuitive and engaging, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story.”
“I loved how the gameplay encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, keeping me invested throughout the entire experience.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a touching heart-to-heart conversation in the Aoi storyline, which resonates with players. However, some reviewers find it odd that the main character's reaction to the revelation of the first Aoi's death feels muted, detracting from the overall emotional impact.
“I like the conclusion of the Aoi storyline where they have a heart-to-heart about the clone situation; it's very touching. However, it's a bit odd that during that conversation, the main character does not react more to the revelation about the first Aoi being dead.”