Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka

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Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka is a single player action game with a drama theme. It was developed by Frontwing and was released on May 28, 2025. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Industry veteran Yukito Urushibara and prolific illustrator Saine join forces for the first time to craft a stunning tale about a group of young people in an eerie world of endless twilight. Follow their story as they struggle against limitless cruelty and confront the inescapable traumas of life and death together. Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka is the latest visual novel written by Yukito Urushibara,…

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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67%

Audience ScoreBased on 12 reviews

story7 positive mentions

humor3 negative mentions

The visual novel features stunning artwork and a captivating premise that draws readers in with its emotional depth and complex themes.
Character development is a strong point, particularly for the main characters, with well-voiced performances that enhance their arcs.
The story offers a unique exploration of psychological themes and relationships, providing moments that evoke strong emotional responses from players.

The pacing is heavily criticized, with excessive repetition and lengthy flashbacks that detract from the overall experience and make the story feel dragged out.
Many characters lack sufficient development, leading to a feeling of underutilization and disappointment, particularly with the protagonist's arc.
The ending leaves several plot threads unresolved, which can be frustrating for players seeking closure after investing significant time in the narrative.

story
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
74%
8%
The story of the visual novel is characterized as a bittersweet love tale with ambitious character arcs, particularly for Tatsuki and Yozora, though it suffers from excessive exposition and pacing issues due to its reliance on time travel and flashbacks. While the setting and emotional depth are engaging, many reviewers note that the narrative is often bogged down by repetitive details and filler content, leading to a convoluted experience that may frustrate some players. Overall, the story is seen as flawed yet intriguing, with a compelling premise that struggles under its own complexity.
- “The storyline itself wasn't bad; neither was it flawless, but a very flawed yet ambitious work if I have ever seen one.”
- “Curse bearers, humans who wield these spirits’ powers, give the story a unique magical flair.”
- “Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka clearly had a very strong story hidden underneath, with a really interesting setting, strong emotional moments (especially related to Nobody), and some pretty interesting, deep, psychological character arcs.”
- “It likes to over-explain the story, the lore, everything that kept on repeating for so long, and it is the biggest issue for this novel. This results in too many dragged-out filler parts that could have ended quicker.”
- “Chapter 4’s flashback, which could have potentially been the best due to its multi-character focus and major lore reveals, suffers from excessive length and repetitive details, restating earlier plot points and philosophical quotes.”
- “Urushibara’s tendency to repeat lines, especially the catchphrase 'the human heart is a vessel for pain,' feels self-indulgent and arguably treats the reader like an idiot in what is a decently long story that’ll be 20-25 hours for most readers.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the kinetic novel is highlighted by its profound storytelling and character development, particularly the relationships between the protagonist and key characters like "nobody." Reviewers noted that the thoughtful buildup to pivotal scenes, especially in the final moments, evokes strong feelings, often leading to tears. Overall, the narrative is described as a deeply engaging and reflective experience that combines emotional weight with philosophical themes.
- “This kinetic novel presents an emotional and philosophical experience that demands reflection, not just reading.”
- “Final scenes with him and nobody made me cry.”
- “Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka clearly had a very strong story hidden underneath, with a really interesting setting, strong emotional moments (especially related to nobody), and some pretty interesting, deep, psychological character arcs.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
17%
33%
The music in "Perennial Dusk" is highly praised, featuring an atmospheric original soundtrack composed by Element Garden, known for their work on acclaimed titles like "Aokana." The seiyuu casting and the overall musical composition, including a standout theme song, significantly enhance the gaming experience.
- “I like the OST the most here.”
- “The music is atmospheric and adds to the experience.”
- “I also think the theme song is very well done.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is polarizing, with some characters, like Tsuyu, relying on unoriginal jokes about cuteness and narcissism that fail to resonate with all players. This aspect of humor may detract from the overall experience for those who find it unfunny.
- “Tsuyu, a 'trap' character, was easily my least favorite, relying on super unfunny humor related to how he 'traps' people with his cuteness and being a parody of narcissistic Twitch streamers.”
- “The jokes fell flat and often felt forced, making it hard to enjoy the game’s attempts at humor.”
- “I found the humor to be cringeworthy at times, with punchlines that seemed outdated and unoriginal.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by its atmospheric music, which significantly contributes to the overall experience.
- “The music is atmospheric and adds to the experience.”
- “The game's environment is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you're truly part of the world.”
- “The lighting and sound design create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after playing.”