X-note
- January 16, 2015
- Zeiva Inc
X-note is a single-player mystery simulation game, combining elements of visual novel and dating sim. As the protagonist Essi, you have 30 days to investigate a murder and disappearance at Xen Institute, where your mother once worked. During this time, you can train Essi's psychic abilities, explore the school, collect notes, and make choices that will determine her fate, all while uncovering the truth behind your mother's mysterious death and the elusive "X-note".
Reviews
- The game features an interesting and engaging plot that keeps players guessing and emotionally invested.
- The artwork is beautiful and well-executed, enhancing the overall experience of the game.
- The game offers multiple endings and routes, providing good replayability and depth to the story.
- The game lacks a skip dialogue feature, which can make replaying sections tedious.
- Some players found the mini-games frustrating and the skill training repetitive.
- The soundtrack is considered mediocre, with no voice acting, which detracts from the overall immersion.
- story27 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally well-received, praised for its beautiful execution and emotional depth, particularly as it unfolds through multiple routes and endings. While some players found the pacing slow initially, it picks up significantly, offering a rich narrative experience complemented by stunning artwork. However, frustrations with gameplay mechanics and a desire for longer storylines were noted, indicating a mixed reception regarding the overall structure and engagement of the narrative.
“The story starts off very slow, which is one of the weak points I found, but it soon picks up around chapter 3... the overall story was beautifully executed (of course, the story will be slightly different for all the 9 possible routes).”
“The art is amazing, the story is awesome, the characters are deep and easy to bond with... what more can I say?”
“The story starts off very slow, which is one of the weak points I found, but it soon picks up around chapter 3. The overall story was beautifully executed, though the story will be slightly different for all the 9 possible routes.”
“More time was spent on the art than the storyline or gameplay.”
“The story is revealed in parts during the various plot lines, so you don't get the full picture until you've played them all.”
- music11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it well-suited to the mood and atmospheric, while others describe it as mediocre and repetitive. Although it lacks variety and is considered basic by some, it effectively enhances the emotional tone of scenes and contributes positively to the overall experience. Despite its shortcomings, many agree that the music complements the game's strong narrative and artwork.
“I thought the music was well-suited to the mood and I loved the artwork.”
“All the music sets very certain tones for the scenes, which kind of reassured me about what was going to happen next.”
“Atmospherically, the combination of horror themes, music, and lighting were done well and used sparingly to create dramatic effect during those scenes.”
“The soundtrack is mediocre; there is nothing special about this aspect, some of which are repeated a lot in various sequences throughout the whole game, which I didn't really like. Nonetheless, it still deserves some credit.”
“Overall verdict: despite the mediocre soundtrack and the high price, everything in this visual novel in itself is perfect.”
“The artwork is nothing special, the unique scenes that are supposed to be a bit better don't look much different, and there is a noticeable lack of variety of locations and music.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some praising the unique and beautiful artwork of the characters and overall design, while others criticized the lack of variety in locations and the artwork's inability to elevate the experience significantly. Despite the well-structured visual novel format, opinions varied on whether the visuals justified the game's price, with some finding them stunning and others feeling they fell short. Overall, the character designs were generally well-received, contributing positively to the game's aesthetic.
“I thought the music was well-suited to the mood and I loved the artwork.”
“The artwork is pretty good for each of the characters and the overall design was well balanced; I loved it.”
“The graphics, the characters in particular, were all very pretty and cohesive in style.”
“The artwork is nothing special; the unique scenes that are supposed to be a bit better don't look much different. There is a noticeable lack of variety in locations and music.”
“The story, artwork, and sound are certainly not worth the price.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the playful interactions between characters, particularly in Anon's good ending, which is both funny and rewarding due to its difficulty. The dynamic between Anon and Yuon, along with Oure's inept attempts to mediate, adds a lighthearted and comedic touch to the narrative. Overall, the humor effectively enhances character relationships and the overall experience.
“Anon's good end is also my favorite, if only because it was so funny and gave a real 'true end' vibe because it was so hard to get.”
“Anon slotting back into bestie to Oure would be so sweet after all they've been through, and I bet he would tease Yuon extremely enthusiastically once they met. Yuon totally wouldn't be able to handle that, so it'd be really funny, and then Oure would feel like he has to intervene. He's such an inept cutie; there's no way that would work unless Anon started feeling bad and eased off on his own or Essie intervened to lay down the law herself.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players have found the game unexpectedly emotional, often leading to tears due to its impactful storytelling. The narrative is described as engaging and moving, leaving players eager for a sequel.
“Make sure to have something to wipe your eyes with because when I first started this game, I wasn't expecting to encounter such emotional moments. I ended up crying, so be prepared for that.”
“The story is interesting and emotional, and I look forward to the sequel, Area-X.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Many users feel that grinding is essential for enjoyment in the game, suggesting that without it, the experience becomes unenjoyable unless cheats are used.
“Without cheats, it's impossible to have fun without grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious, making the game more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
“I spent hours grinding for resources, only to realize it didn't significantly impact my progress.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers enhanced replayability by adding layers of mystery, encouraging players to revisit it for new experiences and discoveries.
“It adds to the replayability and enhances the mystery.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is effectively crafted through a careful blend of horror themes, music, and lighting, which are used sparingly to enhance dramatic moments in the game.
“Atmospherically, the combination of horror themes, music, and lighting was executed well, using them sparingly to create a dramatic effect during key scenes.”
“The game's atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, immersing players in a world that feels both eerie and captivating.”
“Every sound and visual element contributes to a palpable sense of tension, making the atmosphere truly unforgettable.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a combination of choice-driven mechanics and engaging mini-games that enhance character stats, providing a dynamic and interactive experience for players.
“Gameplay-wise, the game relies on both choices and mini-games that boost stats.”
“The mechanics are intuitive and engaging, making every session feel fresh and exciting.”
“I love how the gameplay encourages strategic thinking and offers multiple paths to success.”