The Labyrinth of Grisaia
- June 22, 2016
- Frontwing
In "The Labyrinth of Grisaia," also known as "Grisaia Chronos Rebellion," players experience the sequel to "The Fruit of Grisaia." This visual novel combines elements from the original trilogy and "Grisaia Phantom Trigger," engaging players in a battle against a dangerous terrorist organization. The game encourages self-reflection through intricate narratives, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and personal growth as characters evolve from being protected to becoming protectors themselves. It is highly recommended to play the first game in the series before starting this one.
Reviews
- The game provides a deep exploration of Yuuji's backstory, revealing his past and character development in a compelling way.
- The afterstories for each heroine are enjoyable and provide closure to their arcs from the first game, adding depth to the characters.
- The art, music, and voice acting are of high quality, enhancing the overall experience of the visual novel.
- The game is significantly shorter than its predecessor, which may leave some players feeling it doesn't offer enough content for the price.
- Many scenes and jokes have been cut or altered in the Steam version, leading to disappointment for fans expecting the full experience.
- The lack of choices and branching paths in the main story makes it feel more like a kinetic novel, which may not appeal to all players.
- story101 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Labyrinth of Grisaia" is a complex blend of Yuuji's intense backstory and various afterstories for the heroines, with mixed reviews on its execution. While Yuuji's narrative is praised for its depth and emotional impact, many feel that the side stories and fan service detract from the main plot, leading to a disjointed experience. Overall, the main storyline is considered essential for fans of the series, setting the stage for the final installment, despite criticisms regarding pacing and structure.
“This second part of this visual novel series was intense on another level, especially the Yuuji story. It got me so hooked that I ended up devouring it in 2 days. The ending left me wanting more; I can't wait to read the third part!”
“The story is a delicate mix of comedic slice-of-life, intense action, and dramatic tragedies. It continues to be thrilling and, in my opinion, well written.”
“The main story in this game is the grand route, starting with Yuuji's past and finally filling us in on what made the main character who he is. It sets up for the final game in the series, which can't come soon enough in my opinion.”
“The after stories feel jarring, following right after the main routes but having none of their melancholy or stakes, while Yuuji’s backstory mostly tells what we already know with ample filler and uninspired writing.”
“Its structuring sucks and the story, while decent, resulted in the clusterf**k that is Eden of Grisaia, a title that I abhor due to the sudden shift in focus towards action and degradation of characters as a whole.”
“Half of it is fan service and half is the MC's backstory.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of funny side stories that, while not essential to the main plot, provide entertaining skits filled with both lighthearted and dirty humor. While some stories resonate more than others, many players find them enjoyable and touching, with standout moments that blend comedy with emotional depth, particularly in character interactions. Overall, the humor is well-received, adding a fun layer to the narrative experience.
“A lot of side stories that don't really contribute much to the main story; they are not 'canon' but just funny skits if you care to read.”
“Definitely read hers even if you skip all the others; it's hilarious, fun, and very touching.”
“The funny parts, the romantic parts, and the sad parts were all a pleasure to read through.”
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its consistency and emotional impact, with many considering it the best in the Grisaia series. While some feel that certain tracks are not particularly fresh, the overall soundtrack is celebrated for its memorable compositions and strong connection to the game's identity. Notable tracks like "World's End," "Thanatos the Creator," and "Cigar & Coffee" are highlighted as standout pieces.
“The soundtrack is amazing.”
“Still, I gotta say I love the soundtrack from this installment the most compared to other Grisaia games.”
“The music is still just as nice, and I'm certain that if someone played me just the music, I'd still be able to pinpoint it as belonging to the Grisaia series, which is frankly the best praise one can give the soundtrack of a game.”
“The art is just as consistent as the first game, but the OST doesn't feel anywhere near fresh enough, seeing how most of it is taken straight from 'Fruit'.”
“Music is just like before.”
“Still, gotta say I love the soundtrack from this installment the most compared to other Grisaia games.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is described as a compelling roller coaster, with some side stories providing heartwarming and touching experiences, particularly one that stands out for its humor and depth. While the overall emotional impact may vary, many players found the narratives engaging and capable of eliciting strong feelings, including tears.
“An emotional roller coaster.”
“Definitely read hers even if you skip all the others; it's hilarious, fun, and very touching.”
“The five short after stories (2-3 hours each depending on reading speed) for each of the Mihama Academy girls are all heartwarming and fun 'what if' situations, and I enjoyed them a lot.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional character development, particularly within the context of a visual novel format, allowing for deep and engaging character arcs.
“An incredible visual novel, with a lot of character development.”