NEKOPARA Vol. 4
- November 26, 2020
- NEKO WORKs
- 30h median play time
Get on SteamIn NEKOPARA Vol. 4, Kashou struggles with his father's disapproval of his patisserie. Shigure suggests a hot springs trip with their catpanions, while Maple and Cinnamon propose a journey to France for advice. Amidst this, the family dynamics and relationships of the characters deepen, with charming artwork and animated character sprites bringing the story to life.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Phone
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
PlayStation
Tablet
Reviews
- story291 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story of "Nekopara Volume 4" is generally praised for its emotional depth and character development, focusing on the protagonist Kashou's family dynamics and personal growth, which adds a more serious tone compared to previous entries. While some reviewers noted that the plot can feel predictable or lacking in excitement, many found it heartwarming and engaging, with a satisfying conclusion that ties together various character arcs. Overall, the narrative is described as wholesome and enjoyable, appealing to both fans of the series and newcomers looking for a touching visual novel experience.
“The story is, by far, the best one of the series.”
“The story feels fulfilling and heartwarming, focusing on family relationships and the struggle to catch your dream.”
“Nekopara vol. 4 continues the story of the series with a Christmas setup, and it is a well-written story that is not something stellar or groundbreaking, but still very heartwarming and relatable.”
“Considering what I wrote in the tl;dr, it shouldn't be much of a surprise for me to say that the story appeared to be an afterthought without much effort being put into it.”
“Unfortunately, I've seen the tropes one too many times in other anime, so there's nothing noteworthy in terms of the story.”
“There's just no real hook to it, and the climax points of the story don't really hit that well.”
- graphics68 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics in the latest installment of the Nekopara series have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant and colorful designs, showcasing significant improvements in artwork, animations, and overall visual quality compared to previous volumes. Many players appreciate the new art style and full HD resolution, which enhance the immersive experience, although some note that the pastel color palette may feel overly bright. Overall, the combination of stunning visuals, lively character animations, and detailed artwork has left a positive impression, making it a standout feature of the game.
“The graphics are nice and the soundtrack is chill and relaxing... I don't usually play this kind of game, but the Nekopara series is amazing.”
“Luv how they improved the artwork, designs, and animated characters' sprites to bring the characters to life.”
“The nekopara series always looked nice, but for this game, they polished the UI quite a bit, made the graphics stunningly fantastic, and the game is in 1080p.”
“At first, I was not fond of the art style compared to the previous games.”
“Here we finally have smooth ear movement, but the downside in my opinion is the overly pastel-colored graphics, as if slightly overexposed.”
“Just comparing volume 3 to this one, you can see the difference in quality when it comes to animation, art, and overall aesthetic.”
- emotional54 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players highlighting its heartwarming storytelling, character growth, and the wholesome relationships between the protagonist and the catgirls. Many reviews mention the emotional rollercoaster experienced during gameplay, with some players expressing that the narrative brought them to tears, showcasing its ability to evoke deep feelings while maintaining a lighthearted and cute atmosphere. Overall, the game is praised for its blend of humor, emotional depth, and relatable themes, making it a touching experience for players.
“The heartwarming moments between the protagonist and the cat companions are lovely, with each character's unique traits shining through.”
“All in all, the fourth volume is very emotional and, I will be honest here, it made me cry several times.”
“It's gonna sound sappy, but Nekopara scratched a kind of emotional escapism itch that I've had for a while wanting to get away from it all.”
- music47 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game series is consistently praised for its quality, featuring a mix of upbeat, calming, and emotional tracks that enhance the storytelling experience. While some reviewers note the reuse of certain songs across titles, they still appreciate the overall charm and effectiveness of the soundtrack, including standout opening and ending themes. Voice acting is also highlighted as exceptional, contributing to the game's delightful atmosphere.
“The graphics are nice and the soundtrack is chill and relaxing... I don't usually play this kind of game, but the Nekopara series is amazing.”
“Just like always, the soundtrack is wonderful at bringing out emotions and it really complements the scenes well.”
“The soundtrack is top tier, up there with even AAA titles.”
“Not much to say about sound design, soundtrack, voice acting, and performance.”
“And honestly, I can't tell if the same songs being used again scene after scene is a blessing or a curse.”
“Music, why are they re-using a lot of it?”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of wholesome moments, playful innuendo, and charming character interactions, particularly with the catgirls who bring both cuteness and comedic relief. Players appreciate the lightheartedness and funny scenarios that arise from character dynamics, making it an enjoyable experience filled with laughter. Overall, the game maintains a fun and humorous tone, appealing to those who enjoy a mix of comedy and heartwarming storytelling.
“The character building and the funny moments.”
“Just like the previous installments in the series, this entry is chock full of wholesome, funny and adorable moments!”
“Chocola is just so lovable, Vanilla is hilarious and cute, Coconut is gorgeous and unique, Azuki is the tsundere ideal, Maple is relatable and adorable, and Cinnamon is an endearing freak in the sheets.”
- character development12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The character development in this volume is notably enhanced compared to previous installments, with a stronger narrative focus on family lore and the introduction of new characters, particularly for Kashou and Shigure. While the main character's journey is compelling, some reviewers feel that significant heroines lack further development, as they are already established. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging character arcs, appealing designs, and a fresh take on the franchise, making it a satisfying addition for fans.
“Compared to the previous volumes, this one follows more of a story, building more family lore, introducing new characters, and giving Kashou, but also Shigure, more character development.”
“Overall, nice character development, new characters to simp over, and more desires to have your own catgirl in real life to just pet and love.”
“Its a fine addition to the series with some nice character development and some new faces to keep things fresh; a worthwhile addition, 10/10.”
“On the downside, there is no character development left here, since you should already know all the significant heroines.”
“Honestly, the Nekopara franchise getting a new coat of paint with improved engine, animations, and character designs really works in its favor and really sets up a new chapter for the franchise as well.”
“I have nothing bad to say other than the fact that the 18+ patch, which gives extra character development, isn't on the Steam page itself.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for being simple yet engaging, with unique mechanics and excellent controls, particularly for one-handed play in certain versions. Players appreciate the emotional depth and satisfaction derived from the gameplay, although some note a lack of significant changes from previous titles. Overall, the game offers a compelling experience that captivates players for extended periods.
“The gameplay is satisfactory and unique, and the graphics are phenomenal.”
“During my gameplay, I was on an emotional rollercoaster.”
“What other Game of the Year contender encourages one-handed gameplay?”
“With no gameplay.”
“I think no one is doubting me when I say that the core gameplay hasn't changed.”
“Sadly this time without one-handed gameplay support.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the engaging story and characters, others find the limited choices and few scenes diminish its long-term appeal. Despite being enjoyable, many agree that it lacks substantial replay value.
“Man, this game is awesome! It has hella replay value.”
“It was alright, definitely replayable.”
“Replayability ⭐⭐⭐ - worth replaying for the story, but limited choices.”
“This also results in a very polished, yet not really replayable game.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a cute and relaxing vibe, enhanced by colorful character designs and artistic cakes that contribute to a sweet café setting. While it maintains a fun and bubbly tone, it also addresses deeper themes such as self-discovery and generational connections, making it enjoyable for both series fans and newcomers. Overall, it effectively creates an inviting environment for players to immerse themselves in.
“This game just makes me giggle and laugh with its cute and relaxing atmosphere.”
“From the girls' designs of various shapes and colors, to their bright uniforms that really make the atmosphere of the café even sweeter, to the marvelous cakes that are forms of art on their own.”
“There is the usual fun and bubbly atmosphere too, but the game does not shy away from some more serious topics – finding yourself, connections between generations, doing what you really love, and following your heart.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking any real depth or engagement.”
“Despite the vibrant visuals, the overall atmosphere is surprisingly dull and fails to draw me in.”
“The game tries to create a whimsical atmosphere, but it ends up feeling forced and artificial.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that while there isn't much commentary on sound design, soundtrack, or voice acting, Kotoko's performance is notably praised. Overall, the optimization aspect appears to be less emphasized in the feedback.
