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Summer Pockets

97%Game Brain Score
story, music
grinding, monetization
97% User Score Based on 1,188 reviews

Platforms

iPadiPadiPhiPhoneNSNintendo SwitchPCPCPhoPhoneP4Playstation 4SDSteam DeckWinWindowsAndAndroidMPMobile PlatformPlaPlayStationTabTablet

About

"Summer Pockets" is a visual novel set in the idyllic Torishiro Island, where players uncover the stories and mysteries of various residents through the perspective of the protagonist, Shiroha Naruse. The game features a rich narrative with elements of romance, drama, and mystery, written by well-known creators such as Jun Maeda, Yuu Niijima, and Kai. Accompanied by beautiful artwork, memorable characters, and soothing music, this game offers an immersive and emotional experience.

Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
Summer Pockets screenshot
+6

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,188 reviews
story286 positive mentions
grinding6 negative mentions

  • The game features a beautifully crafted story that evokes strong emotions, making players laugh and cry throughout.
  • The character development is well-executed, with each heroine having unique and engaging story arcs that contribute to the overall narrative.
  • The visuals and soundtrack are top-notch, enhancing the immersive experience and complementing the emotional weight of the story.
  • Some routes feel underwhelming or predictable compared to the overall quality of the game, particularly Kamome's route.
  • The pacing can be inconsistent, with certain routes feeling rushed or lacking depth in character interactions.
  • There are minor technical issues, such as font errors and typos, that detract from the overall polish of the game.
  • story
    730 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Summer Pockets" is a blend of heartwarming and emotional narratives, exploring themes of nostalgia, family, and personal growth through the experiences of a young man during his summer vacation on an island. While many players appreciate the touching character arcs and the overall emotional resonance, some criticize the writing for becoming weaker as the game progresses, with certain routes feeling incomplete or predictable. Overall, the game is praised for its beautiful storytelling, engaging characters, and a soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, making it a recommended experience for fans of visual novels.

    • “Very compelling storytelling and characters, left me in tears after I finished it...”
    • “It's a story that touches your heart and makes you feel something real.”
    • “The story is amazing and warm and I enjoyed every second of it.”
  • music
    272 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its emotional depth and ability to enhance the storytelling experience. The soundtrack is described as beautiful and fitting, capturing various moods and seamlessly integrating with the game's scenes, although some noted it may not be as memorable as previous titles from the same developers. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere and emotional resonance.

    • “The soundtrack captures so many different moods, and the more elaborate tracks seem to flow in just the right way with the scenes they're used in.”
    • “The music in the game is amazing and fits the themes of the game very well.”
    • “The writing, music, characters, and art are all exceptionally well crafted and emotionally riveting.”
    • “You preferably want your music to be at least above average when the reader has to listen to it for probably at least 8 hours.”
    • “Even the music feels like generic royalty-free music we'd find in the background of YouTube videos.”
    • “Towards the end, I was able to tell in what direction a situation might go thanks to the music playing in the background, which you could maybe say was a bit unpleasant but I guess that's to be expected after finishing multiple routes and having 40+ hours into the game by then.”
  • emotional
    262 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Summer Pockets" is widely praised, with many players reporting intense feelings of sadness and joy throughout their experience. The game's storytelling, character development, and evocative soundtrack contribute to a deeply moving narrative that often leaves players in tears, highlighting its ability to create strong emotional connections. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a heartfelt and impactful visual novel experience, though players should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

    • “Very good story with amazing and interesting characters with great and touching music, and after going on a binge of reading through this visual novel I'm sad that I finished it and want more.”
    • “This was absolutely emotionally moving.”
    • “The writing, music, characters, and art are all exceptionally well crafted and emotionally riveting.”
  • humor
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Summer Pockets" is a mixed bag, with many players finding it engaging and funny, often leading to genuine laughter through character antics and witty dialogue. However, some critiques highlight that certain jokes fall flat or become repetitive, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these inconsistencies, the game successfully balances humor with emotional depth, making it a memorable visual novel that resonates with players.

    • “It's actually really funny too, I found myself often laughing at the characters' antics.”
    • “Just wow had me laughing at one moment and in tears the next.”
    • “Many a time was I laughing out loud, stopping up more hours than I should to see the conclusion of a route and at times, even some tears were shed.”
    • “I probably am depicting it way worse than it actually is, but while Kamome's route still felt like it was about looking for a pirate ship, Tsugumi's route just drags on and on with nothing much happening except Tsumugi trying to act quirky and ending every sentence with '~mugyuu', while her friend is randomly babbling on about boobs in the most unfunny way possible.”
  • graphics
    74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and artistic quality, often described as a beautiful blend of old-school manga aesthetics and modern polish. Many reviewers noted the artwork's ability to evoke strong emotional responses, enhancing the storytelling experience, while the overall presentation, including the soundtrack, was praised as top-notch. Despite some comparisons to newer titles, the game's visuals are considered among the most eye-catching and immersive in the genre.

    • “The visuals are stunning, from the main menu to the general scenery, accompanied by an absolutely beautiful soundtrack, and all of it packed into a smooth running game.”
    • “Graphic-wise, Summer Pockets is truly gorgeous and even has multiple CGs that have different expressions as well.”
    • “Newer games tend to overshadow older ones in terms of visuals, but this has got one of the most visually eye-pleasing graphics ever, even if by the time I'm writing this it has passed the point of 3 years after its release.”
    • “Not even an hour into the game, I really thought to myself that I get this 'old manga/anime' feeling with this artwork.”
    • “Back then, you could really tell that this is 'really well done old school manga' and not some super over-edited, plastic-like artwork that some other titles nowadays have.”
  • character development
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is generally praised for its depth and believability, with players feeling a strong connection to the main characters, who are well-designed and have distinct personalities and backstories. However, some side characters lack sufficient development, leading to a desire for more content in future expansions. Overall, the character routes provide a satisfying amount of development, although a few players noted that some aspects felt slightly rushed.

    • “The character development is great, and I genuinely felt immediately connected with the characters, (this was not the case with 'Little Busters', where I found some of the characters annoying and never grew to like any of them).”
    • “Character development and story progression are both superb on all routes, which is something that could not be said for most others.”
    • “Said heroines have distinct personalities to enjoy and a notable amount of backstory and character development, while the sidekicks are just the usual personification of ridiculousness.”
    • “Side characters seem to lack character development, so I'm really looking forward to playing the Reflection Blue version (if you don't know, it's likely a DLC with more routes, so please buy the game to support Key in releasing the English version of it).”
    • “Most visual novels usually treat the characters that don't end up being the main source of romance as expendable, ultimately casting them by the wayside of the plot with little to no character development.”
    • “Character development is slightly rushed, as you only have about 35 days of plot development in each route from a realistic point of view, but the main heroine is quite fleshed out after receiving so much attention.”
  • atmosphere
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in "Summer Pockets" is widely praised for its calming and nostalgic qualities, effectively capturing the essence of a summer vacation in a charming island setting. The game's music complements the serene environment, enhancing the emotional depth of character interactions and scenes. Reviewers highlight the unique blend of relaxation and melodrama, making it a standout aspect of the visual novel.

    • “Summer Pockets has a very pleasant atmosphere and it's nice to visit individual locations and read the various scenes that come with them.”
    • “Just be prepared to have a box of tissues handy if you're the type that can't stomach the melodramatic atmosphere of nakiges.”
    • “If you need more convincing, then let me say this: from a literary standpoint, Summer Pockets' development of themes and the foundation of both its setting and atmosphere are unspeakably strong.”
    • “Its setting of an island countryside really worked in the nostalgia and relaxing atmosphere, and the characters really made the place welcoming, like a home.”
  • gameplay
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Summer Pockets" is characterized by its blend of traditional visual novel mechanics, such as choice-making and story progression, alongside engaging mini-games, including a standout ping pong feature. Players appreciate the simplicity of the mechanics and the extensive save options, although some report minor frame rate drops during transitions that do not significantly impact the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully combines narrative depth with enjoyable gameplay elements.

    • “But more than a visual novel, the best ping pong gameplay ever.”
    • “Summer Pockets is a good game from Key; they really know how to blend mini-games to make the gameplay more enjoyable, like Little Busters.”
    • “As for the gameplay, it's pretty much the same as other visual novels: you make choices, read the story, and then at the end, you will unlock the true ending for the story.”
    • “As for the gameplay, it's pretty much the same as other visual novels; you make choices, read the story, and then at the end you will unlock the true ending for the story.”
    • “During the transition between days, there’s a very noticeable FPS drop, but since it only happens during transition, I don’t bother to do anything about it because it does not affect my gameplay whatsoever.”
    • “The gameplay itself (for a visual novel) is pretty easy.”
  • grinding
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players have mixed feelings about grinding in the game; while some find it enjoyable and appreciate the option to skip the prologue for a more streamlined experience, others feel that it reflects the burdens of life and nostalgia for simpler times. Overall, grinding is seen as a significant aspect that can enhance or detract from the gaming experience, depending on individual preferences.

    • “The game even gives the option to skip the prologue for when you're just grinding through routes.”
    • “Once the dream imperceptibly fades away, childhood memories—happy, sad, and touching—have also been ground down by life. Now, in this rapid life, we are forced into all kinds of 'bondage' as we set out.”
    • “I found myself hugely enjoying the grinding aspect of this game.”
  • monetization
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game is not directly addressed, but users express frustration over its lack of advertising, suggesting that better promotion could have increased its visibility and sales in the Western market. This indicates a potential missed opportunity for the developers to capitalize on the game's quality and appeal.

Buy Summer Pockets

50h Median play time
50h Average play time
50-50h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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