The Mermaid of Zennor

About

"The Mermaid of Zennor" is a visual novel game by Ebi Hime, set in the coastal village of Zennor in Cornwall. The protagonist, a young man named John, becomes entangled in an otherworldly romance with a mermaid, risking his life and the village's peace. The game features beautiful illustrations and a haunting soundtrack, immersing players in a tale of love, mystery, and the unknown.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 45 reviews

story15 positive mentions

The Mermaid of Zennor features a well-written and realistic portrayal of its protagonist, Lilac, who is a relatable character dealing with complex emotions and struggles, particularly as an autistic teenager.
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its beautiful art style and haunting soundtrack, which effectively complement the somber themes of the story.
The inclusion of two endings provides a satisfying narrative experience, allowing players to explore both a hopeful resolution and a more tragic outcome, which adds depth to the overall story.

Some players found the pacing of the story to be slow and repetitive, which may detract from the overall engagement with the narrative.
The secondary characters are often perceived as one-dimensional, lacking the depth and development that would make their roles more impactful in Lilac's story.
While the endings are appreciated, some reviewers felt that the 'good' ending felt tacked on or disconnected from the rest of the narrative, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction.

story
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
69%
5%
The story is a deeply emotional and realistic exploration of loneliness, obsession, and the complexities of familial relationships, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Lilac, and her struggles with bullying and unrequited love for her half-brother. While the narrative is somber and at times depressing, it is well-crafted, with strong character development and a haunting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Despite its short length, the story is impactful and resonates with themes of hope and redemption, making it a compelling read for fans of poignant storytelling.
- “Altogether, despite the short length, I believe that the story is quite well done, especially when presenting conflicts and characters in a realistic way.”
- “A wonderfully written and well-paced story that I enjoyed the whole way through.”
- “The story is narrated by the girl herself, Lilac.”
- “The entire story can be quite depressing, though it was impressively well-written.”
- “It's not an experience for those faint of heart or for moments when you don't feel like going through some deeply depressing storytelling.”
- “The dark, gloomy story revolves around a teenager and her unrequited, forbidden love for her older brother.”
music
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
38%
14%
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the emotional weight of the story. While some found certain tracks difficult to listen to, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack beautifully complements the visuals and narrative, creating a haunting and somber ambiance that draws players into the experience. The combination of ambient sounds and impactful music is noted as a key element that elevates the storytelling, making it a significant aspect of the game.
- “It's very atmospheric; I'm in love with the setting and ambient music. The soundtracks are seriously awesome.”
- “The writing, music, and art all work together to create a somber, slightly eerie atmosphere that drew me in from the beginning.”
- “Without the music, it would've been a missed opportunity, but gladly to say that it just extensively enhances not only the mood but the gravity of a situation.”
- “The music was a bit hard to listen to.”
- “The music continues this tone all throughout the story, with disharmonic electronic sounds that I honestly had to mute at some point to not drown in the feeling of depression.”
- “The intro screen with black ocean waves and unsettling ambient music is both monumental and suffocating.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke deep feelings, ranging from heartbreak to hope, with narratives that resonate on a personal level. Players appreciate the unique storytelling that avoids clichés, presenting characters with relatable struggles and emotional depth. The inclusion of impactful visuals further enhances the emotional experience, making the stories both touching and memorable.
- “One is totally heartbreaking (I was afraid it was coming to that T_T) and another is heartwarming, full of hope I needed so much!”
- “The somewhat morbid story turned into something touching and unique without ever being cheesy or unnatural.”
- “I'm glad Ebi included the second ending; it was both touching and heartwarming for somebody who has always felt that their parents don't understand them, and it was nice to see Ebi not bullying all of her characters for once.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive and evocative qualities, with users highlighting the stunning art, exceptional soundtrack, and cohesive writing that together create a dark, somber, and slightly eerie ambiance. The setting and ambient music are particularly noted for enhancing the emotional depth and thematic richness of the narrative, making it a standout feature of the experience. Overall, the atmospheric elements are described as refined and integral to the game's impact.
- “It's very atmospheric; I'm in love with the setting and ambient music. The soundtracks are seriously awesome.”
- “The pressuring atmosphere created by the background music and art characterized by the usage of cold tones is also a very refined touch to the offered experience.”
- “The art of this novel is stunning; on par, or perhaps even better than 'Rituals in the Dark.' The music creates a grimy atmosphere that underlines the world seen through Lil's eyes.”
- “The writing, music, and art all work together to create a somber, slightly eerie atmosphere that drew me in from the beginning.”
- “The pressuring atmosphere created by the background music and art, characterized by the usage of cold tones, is also a very refined touch to the offered experience.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
29%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their gorgeous visuals and expressive art style, which effectively complement the immersive music and storytelling. Reviewers highlight the artwork as a standout feature, noting its ability to enhance the overall experience, even if some players found the intense narrative occasionally overshadowed the visuals. Overall, the game's graphics contribute significantly to its emotional impact and are highly recommended.
- “Undoubtedly it's easily recommended: gorgeous visuals, immersive music, wonderful writing, low price, powerful contrast endings for any taste.”
- “The visuals and music nicely complemented the story.”
- “The art style is awesome, and the soundtrack is so haunting and in tune to Lilac’s dysfunctional personality that it’s hard to remain unconsumed by the story.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Character development is noted for its realism, with the protagonist being both relatable and frustrating at times. Reviewers appreciate the depth of the characters, particularly highlighting the satisfying growth experienced by the protagonist in the good ending.
- “I found the protagonist to be quite infuriating at times, but I love how realistically she is portrayed, as well as most other characters. I was satisfied to see her character development in the good ending.”
- “The character development in this game is exceptional; each character feels like they grow and evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
- “I was impressed by how the game handles character arcs, allowing players to witness significant growth and change in the characters, which adds depth to the overall narrative.”