The Orchard of Stray Sheep
- June 20, 2016
- Namaage
- 9h median play time
Get on Steam"The Orchard of Stray Sheep" is a farming simulation and life management game. You play as a young woman returning to her family's farm, where you'll grow crops, care for animals, and build relationships with the townspeople. The game features a peaceful atmosphere and a variety of activities to engage in, making it a relaxing and immersive experience.
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Linux
Reviews
- The artwork and music in the game are praised for being lovely and exceptional.
- The story has an interesting premise and explores dark themes, which some players found engaging.
- The game offers multiple endings, providing some replay value despite its short length.
- The characters are often described as unlikable or annoying, making it hard for players to connect with them.
- The pacing is criticized for being slow at the start, and the story feels rushed towards the end with unresolved plot points.
- There are very few choices in the game, leading to a more linear experience that some players found disappointing.
- story24 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with some praising its intriguing premise and character potential, while others criticize its pacing and lack of character development. Many users noted that the narrative starts slowly but becomes engaging, particularly in its exploration of complex themes and a unique setting. However, the conclusion feels rushed and leaves several plot points unresolved, leading to a sense of disappointment despite the overall quality of the writing and art.
“The story is really fascinating and the girls are cute.”
“A short visual novel (3 hours) but well written; maybe a little slow at the start, but after 3 short chapters, you'll be immersed in the story.”
“The main character was interesting (if kind of a terrible person), and I thought the story wrapped up quite well.”
“What is the point of reading a story if you cannot relate to any of its characters.”
“There are character interactions that don't make sense, developments that don't go anywhere, and the story is rushed to a shoddy open-ended conclusion before you can blink.”
“Having played through and reached all 3 possible endings in this visual novel, the game started out too slowly as a typical school life drama and only after episode 5 out of 9 possible episodes did it build more suspense and thriller, but there are only 1-2 choices to make in the entire game.”
- music14 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its exceptional quality and quirky light-hearted tracks, while others find it basic or boring. The soundtrack, particularly the opening and ending themes, is highlighted as a redeeming quality that enhances the overall experience, making the game more memorable. However, the slow pacing and limited choices detract from the overall impact of the music.
“The art style is phenomenal and the music is just exceptional!”
“On the plus side, I would definitely say that the game, using music by Patirchev and Ara Hiroshi, produced a great opening and ending movie, theme song, and BGM that probably saved this visual novel from being just another forgettable title.”
“I really enjoyed the OST and the art is also pretty decent.”
“Music was really boring in my opinion.”
“On the plus side, I would definitely say that the game using music by Patirchev and Ara Hiroshi to produce a great opening and ending movie, theme song, and BGM probably saved this visual novel from being just another forgettable title I would uninstall after finishing.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their lovely art style, featuring exceptional anime artwork, character sprites, and atmospheric visuals that enhance the experience. While the artwork is noted as being good, some reviewers mention a lack of variety in the visuals and the absence of achievements, which may detract from the overall appeal. Overall, the game's graphics are well-received, particularly for fans of the genre, but the limited interactivity and slow pacing may affect engagement.
“The art style is phenomenal and the music is just exceptional!”
“The artwork is lovely, the music is very nice, and some of the characters are interesting.”
“The art style is absolutely lovely.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that character development is lacking, with players expressing disappointment over the absence of individual endings and backstories for the characters, resulting in a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with their narratives.
“The character development in this game is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
“I love how each character has their own unique backstory that unfolds throughout the game, making every interaction feel meaningful.”
“The way the characters evolve based on player choices adds a layer of depth that keeps me engaged and invested in their journeys.”
“I thought that you'd have an ending with each character and that we'd see all of the girls get some character development and backstory, but you really don't.”
“The characters feel one-dimensional, and their arcs are underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more depth.”
“There are missed opportunities for character growth, and it feels like the story rushes past important moments.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by beautiful artwork and pleasant music, creating an engaging environment. However, the slow start and focus on slice-of-life elements over more dynamic themes like conspiracy and intrigue may leave some players wanting more depth and interaction. Additionally, limited choices towards the end may further detract from the overall immersive experience.
“The artwork is lovely, the music is very nice, and some of the characters are interesting, creating a captivating atmosphere that draws you in.”
“The game immerses you in a slice-of-life experience, filled with atmospheric moments that enhance the overall storytelling.”
“The atmospheric elements, including the music and visuals, contribute significantly to the game's charm and emotional depth.”
