Review by Matt S. I’m speaking very broadly here, but in the world of videogames, the horror genre has really lost its way. The core principles about what makes a horror text great – that it disempowers and displaces, that it unsettles and disturbs, was once a part of horror…
Read MoreReview by Matt C. In 2015, Arc System Works released Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, and fans of the series rejoiced. This was a long-awaited new game in a franchise that had been collecting dust for many years, and it lived up to every expectation: it kept the series’ trademark depth…
Read MoreReview by Matt S. Steins;Gate is one of the best visual novels that you’ll ever play. Indeed, it’s a big part of the reason that more and more visual novels are coming out west – PQube hit some real success in localising the original and now other niche publishers want…
Read MoreReview by Matt S. Root Letter is one beautiful detective mystery. It’s a visual novel, so for the most part you’re looking at static images of backgrounds and portraits of the various characters, but every single part of every single image drips with the most subtle, elegant, deft touch of…
Read MoreNews by Brad L., Lindsay M., and Britta S. Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s regular catch-up news feature. With each issue we will bring you the best news that you may have missed. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and…
Read MoreNews by Lindsay M. I am thrilled to be able to share this news: Root Letter (or √Letter) is getting a Western release. Serene artwork meets an intense murder mystery in this visual novel by Kadokawa Games and published by PCube. The past comes back to haunt you as you…
Read MoreReview by Matt S. Since I’ve already covered the Japanese version of Gal*Gun: Double Peace, I won’t run through a lot of that material again for this review of the English version. You can check out my more in-depth analysis of the narrative behind the game there. I’ll use this…
Read MoreMuch like walking simulators do not appeal to everyone, visual novels have their detractors as well. That being said, do not let this title’s relatively low level of interaction deter you from experiencing what is one of the best narratives out there. I do not just mean in video games,…
Read MoreFor years now Steins;Gate has been renowned for being one of the finest visual novels ever produced. First released way back on the Xbox 360 in 2009, it has been ported to PC, PSP, iPad, Androd and, now, the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. There has even been an anime…
Read MoreNews by Clark A. Visual novels haven’t historically been the hottest of commodities beyond Japanese shores, but between Steam’s rapidly growing library and recent console releases like Danganronpa 2, Xblaze Code: Embryo and Phoenix Wright Trilogy, now is a rather reliable time for English-speakers to be fans of the genre.…
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