Curate of Curiosities

So, what was the last visual novel I've showcased? Class of '09? I wonder what happened to it--oh, it looks like there's a third game now. Hmmm, what's this? The game has descended into foot fetish hell, and it got a beating on social media for it? And all because the creator was pissed that most of the series' fanbase consists of 19-year-old lesbians?

No wait, the real last time was that Full Bokko Whatever game where you throw a kindergartener off a cliff. You'd think something with that premise would be easier for me to remember!

So, so far we have three visual novels, two set in high school, and one set in kindergarten. So naturally, the next thing to do is to play a visual novel set in middle school. But as far as I can tell, middle school is relatively untrodden territory for this medium, so pickings are rather slim.

There's not a whole lot of backstory for this game that's worth mentioning. It was made in 2014 by Canada-based company Bloom Digital Media, and is promoted as "a dating game for the real world," made "for a hopeful and loving future." Given that most of the reviews I've seen of this game were from people who were themselves in their early teens when they played the game, I initially assumed that it was aimed at that age group, but its page on itch.io stating that it gives players the chance to "do it all over again" suggests otherwise. At the same time, however, this promotional video explicitly mentions helping teens negotiate relationship issues, so I'm still not sure. Plus, it makes a big deal about how different it is from most other dating sims--always a good sign! As for how I managed to get ahold of it...it was on sale on itch.io once. That's all.

I'll be honest, I didn't have the highest of expectations for this game. To start with, it might have the single most uninspired title that I've ever seen in a visual novel. And second of all, its main theme sounds like a cross between a Kickstarter pitch video background track and a YouTuber apology.

As far as this site is concerned, this game represents a number of not-firsts. It's not the first visual novel showcased, it's not the first episodic game I've showcased (though it might be the first finished episodic game), it's not the first thing that's (probably) aimed at preteens I've showcased (though it might be the first one with no arbitrary region blocks to deal with), and it's not the first thing made in Canada I've showcased (though I can only hope that it's not as utterly wretched as The Demon Rush.)

Sections:

1. The Mystery of the Used Locker
   This is why they ask you to clear out your things at the end of the school year.
2. Junior Investigator
   Yes, enlist the help of the person you think is harassing you. I'm sure this won't backfire at all.
3. Nudged Off The Trail
   Oh right, I keep forgetting, the audience is here for typical middle school stuff! ...Right?
4. The Pieces Come Together
   Looks like this mystery is well on its way to being solved. Now to have the game's message drilled in!
5. Finishing The Job
   So the lesson here is that I really shouldn't have bothered.
6. Another Mystery
   You know, the main plot's basically over at this point. Everything outside the relationship stuff from here on is just a formality.
7. The Final Choice
   What did we learn? Relationships are fickle, so don't worry too much.
8. Final Words