NEKOPARA Vol. 1

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,481 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
NEKOPARA Vol. 1 Game Cover
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In Nekopara Vol. 1, Kashou Minaduki opens a pastry shop with Chocola and Vanilla, catgirls who persuaded him to let them stay. Running the business is a challenge with these lively and affectionate helpers. Experience the delightful antics of Chocola and Vanilla in this comedic visual novel, complete with expressive animations and full voice acting.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,481 reviews
story574 positive mentions
replayability8 negative mentions
  • story1,727 mentions

    The story of "Nekopara" is a lighthearted slice-of-life narrative centered around Kashou, a young baker who opens a patisserie and is joined by two catgirls, Chocola and Vanilla. While the plot is often described as simplistic and lacking depth, it is filled with cute moments and character interactions that many players find endearing. However, some reviewers criticize the linear storytelling and the absence of meaningful choices, suggesting that the game leans more towards fanservice than a compelling narrative. Overall, it appeals to those looking for a charming, albeit shallow, experience rather than a complex story.

    • “Nekopara is a one-of-a-kind game that has stood the test of time, and even improved in both storytelling and art with their newer entries.”
    • “This game is wholesome and wonderful; yes, it is an 18+ game about catgirls, but it's in no way all there is to the game. They have constructed deep lore that makes this world feel lived in and unique, the romance storyline is top-notch and I find myself genuinely caring for the cast.”
    • “The story is very good, and I can't wait to play the next one.”
    • “The story is very bland and the dialogue wasn't that interesting.”
    • “You'll just have to click and click to follow the story and that's it, nothing else to do.”
    • “The story is boring, the characters are not very likable.”
  • graphics354 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their high quality and vibrant art style, with many reviewers praising the detailed character designs and smooth animations that bring the characters to life. The artwork is described as stunning and cute, effectively enhancing the overall charm of the visual novel experience. While some users noted minor graphical issues, the consensus is that the visuals are a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's appeal.

    • “The artwork for the game is very high quality, having both opening and endings (with their own unique songs!), scene segway cards and CGs.”
    • “The combination of gorgeous artwork and smooth animations brings the characters and their interactions to life, allowing players to truly connect with them on a profound level.”
    • “With its gorgeous visuals, lovable characters, and engaging storytelling, Nekopara 1 immerses players in a heartwarming and often humorous journey.”
    • “I did notice that there are cut animations on the Steam version that led to a few sudden jumps, the opening and ending videos failed to play, and there were a few minor graphical glitches which are going to knock it down a bit.”
    • “The graphics are above average for a visual novel, mostly in the fact that it is animated, but nothing particularly groundbreaking here.”
    • “The visuals at times were cute, but if you're just looking for the naked catgirl sex scenes you were promised by the nudity tag, go find the screenshots online and save yourself some money.”
  • music305 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many praising its catchy and charming qualities that enhance the overall experience, while others find it repetitive or average. The soundtrack is often described as fitting the game's lighthearted and cute atmosphere, with some standout tracks that resonate well with players. Overall, while the music may not be groundbreaking, it effectively complements the visuals and storytelling, contributing positively to the game's appeal.

    • “The music and art are lovely and cute.”
    • “The captivating visual design, soothing soundtrack, and well-written dialogue create an immersive and cozy atmosphere that draws you into the world of La Soleil.”
    • “The music is well composed and changes in all the right places, the voices are too cute and just perfectly placed for each character.”
    • “Apart from that though... it's incredibly short, the story is meh and the music is garbage.”
    • “The soundtrack is an area that could have been shown some more love.”
    • “The music choices simply fit the requirement of having background music while you play through the story.”
  • emotional285 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Nekopara" is characterized by its heartwarming and touching narrative, which resonates deeply with players, often leading to genuine emotional investment in the characters and their stories. While the game features lighthearted and humorous moments, it also includes poignant scenes that can evoke tears and strong feelings, making it a surprisingly impactful experience despite its seemingly simple premise. Overall, players appreciate the blend of wholesome storytelling and emotional depth, which enhances their connection to the game.

    • “This game made me feel emotionally attached and invested in not a lot of time at all, and honestly, I'm happy that I stumbled across it one day.”
    • “The story is very touching, happy, and bubbly, and is told with excellent art and animation.”
    • “I was no longer able to find joy in games, so when I first started up this game I wasn't expecting to be so emotionally captivated by a maid cafe story.”
    • “Boring story, stereotypical stupid characters, just your typical low-tier hentai porn game with glitter sprinkled on it.”
  • humor200 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with many players finding it cute, funny, and often heartwarming, particularly in the interactions between the catgirls and their master. While the game starts off lighthearted and amusing, some reviews note that it can shift abruptly to more mature themes, which may feel awkward or creepy to some. Overall, the blend of humor, charm, and emotional moments contributes to a fun and entertaining experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lighthearted visual novel.

    • “The interactions between the catgirls and their master are hilarious and heartwarming, and the show has just the right amount of fan service to keep things spicy without being too... ahem, racy.”
    • “The jokes are surprisingly really funny and all the characters have charm.”
    • “It's a sweet, silly, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny tale that is pretty predictable.”
    • “Upon release, I heard Nekopara had become a cringeworthy, bottom-tier meme and unfunny YouTubers were doing Let's Plays and reaction videos and whatever other garbage that pre-teens love to slurp up.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not funny.”
  • gameplay133 mentions

    The gameplay of this title is largely criticized for its lack of interactivity, with many reviewers noting that it functions more as a visual novel with minimal player choices and mechanics. While some appreciate the graphics and storytelling, the consensus is that the gameplay experience is limited to clicking through dialogue, resulting in a mostly passive experience. Overall, players seeking traditional gameplay elements may find this game unsatisfactory, as it offers little beyond a linear narrative.

    • “From its breathtaking graphics to its compelling storyline and immersive gameplay, this game is a work of art that transcends the boundaries of traditional gaming.”
    • “The gameplay is a seamless blend of challenging puzzles, heart-pounding action sequences, and moments of quiet reflection.”
    • “The gameplay makes me feel something; it's like a light in this darkness we call reality, it's an escape from all the troubles I have to go through on a daily basis.”
    • “But there's no actual choices or gameplay involved, it's just a straight auto-playing game.”
    • “There is literally no other gameplay than clicking and reading the text that pops up, this is not a game at all.”
    • “I would have to say 'no' unfortunately, for the gameplay is literally non-existent to the point that if you would check 'auto' and leave, your computer would play the whole game for you to the end in about 6 hours.”
  • character development65 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the depth and emotional attachment to characters like Chocola and Vanilla, while others criticize the lack of meaningful choices and one-dimensional characters. The stunning character designs and animations are consistently highlighted, enhancing the overall experience, but opinions vary on the effectiveness of the character arcs, with some finding them engaging and others feeling they fall flat. Overall, while the visual novel excels in art and presentation, the quality of character development can be inconsistent, ranging from profound to superficial.

    • “The character development from her starting as a scared, young soul, and developing into the shining star catgirl at La Soleil is a great decision, as she takes over co-lead at La Soleil.”
    • “The character development is very good and it really makes you care about all of the characters and the activities they get up to.”
    • “Good character development and emotional attachment.”
    • “There’s no meaningful character development, no choices at all (aside from whether to enable explicit content and how much to make the boobs shake in animations), and no conflicts.”
    • “The soundtrack is sappy garbage, the character designs are okay at best, the story is almost non-existent, the characters are one-dimensional and uninteresting.”
    • “The game has little plot and character development, but at least it keeps it short and sweet.”
  • atmosphere17 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as a mix of cozy and lively, with elements that create an immersive experience, such as captivating visuals, soothing soundtracks, and engaging dialogue. However, some reviews highlight a jarring contrast between the wholesome elements and darker themes, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While many appreciate the light and fluffy ambiance, others find that certain scenes disrupt the otherwise pleasant atmosphere.

    • “The game, with its captivating characters, pleasing music, and lively voice acting, does an excellent job of recreating the atmosphere of a bustling bakery.”
    • “The captivating visual design, soothing soundtrack, and well-written dialogue create an immersive and cozy atmosphere that draws you into the world of La Soleil.”
    • “Such a light and fluffy atmosphere that just makes your heart soar; since it is a storybook, it's just a fun little digi manga I would like to call it.”
    • “There are major incestuous themes or at least implications that go unpunished, even presented as wholesome or pleasant; the 'catgirls' are nothing like cats - the things in this visual novel are way too friendly, loyal, and affectionate to have anything whatsoever to do with felines - and there is generally an atmosphere and worldbuilding core of abuse in glittery paint.”
    • “All that cozy and sweet atmosphere was totally ruined by this goddamn erotic scene.”
    • “Atmosphere - 0/5”
  • replayability17 mentions

    Overall, the game has limited replayability due to its linear structure and lack of player choices, with many reviewers noting that it offers only one path and one ending. While some players find enjoyment in the characters and story, the absence of meaningful interaction significantly detracts from the game's replay value. Consequently, it is often described as having little to no replayability, making it less appealing for those seeking varied gameplay experiences.

    • “A lot of replay value”
    • “Solid replay value”
    • “Has auto play so you don't even need your hands for the mouse, which gives it high replay value.”
    • “The norm in the genre is to promote replayability through multiple available choices and multiple endings, so it seems a little bit of a letdown to have only a completely linear path with no real interaction available.”
    • “It really doesn't have much difference from other visual novel games, which is a shame because it has potential to be a bit more original in the story. This game has literally one path and one ending, there are no choices to be made during the whole gameplay, you only need to keep clicking and move along with the story, which is a real shame that made this game have no replay value whatsoever.”
    • “The fact that the player cannot influence any of the protagonists' decisions in the visual novel is a fairly big deal and severely affects replayability.”
  • stability11 mentions

    The stability of the game varies significantly among users, with some reporting minor graphical glitches and issues with cut animations, while others experience more severe problems like crashes and freezing. Conversely, a few players have noted a smooth experience with no technical issues at all. Overall, the feedback suggests a mixed bag of stability, with some players encountering frustrating glitches and others enjoying a seamless gameplay experience.

    • “No glitches or technical issues.”
    • “A surprising amount of options for a visual novel; it might only be native 720p, but it still looks and runs great. It offers many options for different scaling and cropping to full screen for any unexpected screen sizes.”
    • “I did notice that there are cut animations on the Steam version that led to a few sudden jumps, the opening and ending videos failed to play, and there were a few minor graphical glitches which are going to knock it down a bit.”
    • “There also seem to be a few glitches with the speech where you sometimes have to click twice to make the full text appear (a problem if you're not a natural Japanese speaker, as voiceover is only in Japanese).”
    • “The game glitches every time I try to open it, and it hasn't been working for months.”
  • optimization7 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally smooth, even on average hardware, with features like multiple save slots and quick loading enhancing user experience. However, some users report noticeable stuttering during character loading and occasional lag during sprite transitions, which detracts from the otherwise polished presentation. Adjusting settings like mipmap quality can improve visual clarity, but issues with the e-mote system remain a concern for some players.

    • “This gives us common features like up to 80 individual save slots whose description you can individually change, quick saving and loading, auto and skip mode with adjustable behavior, basic customization options (which can be further changed through the hidden advanced settings) and an overall smooth performance.”
    • “With all the animations and stuff, the game still runs smoothly on an average laptop.”
    • “Also, make sure to set your mipmap quality setting for this game in your GPU control panel to 'high quality', since setting it to 'performance/low quality' will make the characters in animated scenes blurry.”
    • “(I readily admit this is probably a personal failing.) The e-mote system causes very noticeable stuttering when loading new characters into a scene; I was not the only one suffering from this problem, according to the forums.”
  • grinding6 mentions

    Reviews indicate that grinding in this game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant hours to progress. Many find the experience tedious and unenjoyable, with some criticizing the underlying themes of the story as off-putting. Overall, the grinding aspect detracts from the potential enjoyment of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “However, I strongly caution against subjecting oneself to the tediousness and unease that accompany playing this title.”
    • “Catgirls kill; only you can prevent severe addiction to farming hours on a game about animated cat girls.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users expressing concerns about the potential for awkward social implications, particularly in relation to advertising features. Overall, the user interface is noted positively, but the monetization strategy may raise discomfort among players.

    • “The monetization system feels overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game fully without spending extra money.”
    • “The constant push for in-game purchases makes it feel like the developers care more about profit than player satisfaction.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy NEKOPARA Vol. 1

Play time

14hMedian play time
25hAverage play time
5-45hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 13 analyzed playthroughs

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