Shuffle!
- January 30, 2004
- Navel
- 17h median play time
"Shuffle!" is a single-player Simulation game with a captivating story and plenty of humor. The game takes place in a world where gods, demons, and humans coexist, and magic is common. Players follow the journey of a young man who has the power to become a god, demon, or human as he navigates through a busy romantic adventure.
PC
PlayStation
Playstation 2
Reviews
- The game features multiple routes and characters, including new additions like Mayumi and Kareha, which fans of the anime will appreciate.
- The visuals and music are well-received, with many players enjoying the art style and character designs.
- The humor and light-hearted nature of the game provide an entertaining experience, making it a fun visual novel for newcomers and fans alike.
- The Steam version lacks adult content and has been heavily censored, disappointing fans expecting the original experience.
- Technical issues such as a poor user interface, slow text skipping, and abrupt scene transitions detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- The story pacing is criticized for being uneven, with some routes feeling rushed and lacking the depth found in the original versions.
- story54 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally perceived as light-hearted and entertaining, featuring a variety of character routes that offer some depth, though many players note that the narrative lacks complexity and flow due to abrupt transitions and the removal of adult content. While some routes, like those of Nerine and Primula, are particularly well-received, others are criticized for being bland or underdeveloped. Overall, the game is recommended for its charming characters and nostalgic elements, but players seeking a rich and cohesive plot may find it lacking.
“Really good characters and great story 10/10”
“The story is actually light-hearted and fun.”
“Story, music, art and characters are all well done and the game is fun to play.”
“There is very little 'flow' to the day-by-day scenes, and this is filled to the brim with abrupt scene endings and sudden pace changes which leave you with no way to keep your bearings as the 'story' (there is barely one) progresses.”
“The story has obviously been butchered to fit into 'all ages' and not rewritten with any skill.”
“There's just not enough substance to make you care about the characters until almost the end of the story.”
- music15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising its fittingness to the scenes and overall quality, despite some noticeable looping. While some users found the background music too loud initially, recent updates have improved the balance, allowing for a better listening experience. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the game's atmosphere, contributing positively to the storytelling and character engagement.
“The art is on the better side of the scale, and while the music is a bit above average, the high pace of most, and the more calming quiet tracks are nice to listen to.”
“On a more positive note, the visuals and music were pretty sweet.”
“The background music is also way too loud, so I had to turn that down to hear the voices properly.”
“Music-wise, the tracks are fitting for the mood of the scene and the looping is noticeable, but the tracks are good enough that the looping isn't too distracting.”
“Not like everlasting summer music (damn the song at the end of each route in that game gets me every time), but it suffices.”
- humor13 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its over-the-top and laugh-out-loud moments, with players finding the characters and their interactions genuinely funny. Despite some issues with translation and censorship affecting certain scenes, the comedic elements remain strong, making the game enjoyable and entertaining throughout. Characters like Mayumi stand out for their humor, contributing to a lighthearted and engaging experience.
“It's so over the top I couldn't stop laughing.”
“From the beginning few scenes to up until your progress to the end of a route, if you have a sense of humor, this game is incredibly funny.”
“The Mayumi route is one of the best ones I've ever played; it was so funny and just plain awesome.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Gameplay typically lasts between 10 to 20 hours, influenced by reading speed and completion level, but is characterized by a limited choice structure that makes it relatively easy to progress through the game. Players experience the story through a series of vignettes, with gameplay spanning several months, either day by day or episodically.
“First review at 0.8 hours of gameplay and 1 episode of the anime.”
“However, the paths are not too difficult to achieve as there are not many choices to make in the game, making gameplay somewhat limited.”
“Gameplay generally spans some months, either a day at a time or by a series of vignettes.”
“10 - 20 hours of gameplay depending on reading speed, degree of completion, and usage of skip.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics received high praise for their quality and artistic design, with some users calling it a masterpiece. However, there were technical issues reported, such as difficulties with aspect ratio settings that required adjustments to graphics card configurations.
“On a more positive note, the visuals and music were pretty sweet.”
“I have played a lot of games in my time, and this one has to be the best I've ever experienced. The character stories and routes really make it a masterpiece.”
“In the MG version, I had to either play windowed or tamper with my graphics card settings to keep the game's 4:3 aspect ratio.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the touching Mayumi route, which resonates strongly with fans of the story. However, some players note that the overall emotional depth may not satisfy those seeking a dramatic experience, as it tends to be more subdued.
“The Mayumi route, in particular, is rather touching and may very well be my favorite.”
“I love this game! I'm actually a big fan of anime, and the story is very touching.”
“If you're looking for drama or an emotional ride, you won't be getting it.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the character development is a standout feature of the game, complemented by exceptional voice acting that enhances the overall experience.
“The real value here is in the character development and excellent voice acting.”
