Visual novel ghostpia Season One is described much like other visual novels: it’s a movie you can read. The genre gets a lot of heat from “gamers” for being boring and having no action, but I quite love them. There’s something cozy about visual novels, even the most horrific ones. So I’m super happy to hear that ghostpia Season One will be published in the west thanks to PQube.
So what is ghostpia Season One? Apparently, it is cruel cuteness and melancholy violence. That description sends shivers up my spine. It is the first part of the ghostpia story and consists of three episodes. The story is currently scheduled for two seasons. The visual mix warm, delicate art (like something you’d see in a children’s book) with glitch and noise effects, creating a nostalgic vibe. There are no quick time events and no branching scenarios; instead, the focus is on the best possible story.
A barren town sits near a terminal station, isolated from the world by snow. Ghosts flood the street at night… but they’re actually not ghosts in the traditional sense. They are immortal and unable to die. THey’ve taken to referring to themselves as ghosts, though, so we’ll go with that. The town is said to be a ghost utopia. But there’s one person who questions that… one person who doesn’t belong. Sayako. She’s sharing a room with a mysterious new face, Yoru. Sayako longs to return to her hometown, to set off beyond the snow, to remember what she has forgotten.
Related reading: Paranormasight is another spooky visual novel worth checking out.
Developed by Chosuido and published in the west by PQube, ghostpia Season One will be released for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch later this year. In Japan, it is published by room6 and Yokaze, and will be released for Nintendo Switch on March 23.
