Every anime fan, otome fan, or any unrealistic fan has dreamed of dating an otherworldly character at least once. We've all thought about how it feels like dating a spirit, a ghost, a fairy, a mermaid, a fox with a human form...
Here is the synopsis of the game:
The world of Ishtera is populated by two races: dragonkind, who have lived there for eons, and the heavenkind, who have recently appeared.
Auralee, an aspiring knight from the farming town of Berri, stumbles upon something unexpected during one of her patrols. After a rather inelegant introduction, Kerr states he's really an Earth Dragon - one of the mystical beasts that inhabit their world, Ishtera.
Whether he likes it or not, Auralee is now involved in his mission to regain his dragon form. Along with some help by a fellow dragonkind namedIlmari, their journey begins...
A simple VN about friendship, growth and understanding, we hope it’s as warm and comforting as apple cider ^_^
So! Let's begin with the review!
Platform, Download and Playthrough
The game is available only on PC. You could download it on their site or here in itch.io. Autumn's journey is free, so you don't have to worry about spending a single dime on your wallet. One playthrough is about an hour, so it's actually pretty short. That doesn't mean it isn't wonderful though.
Background Music:
On the first few scenes of the game, I was actually contemplating whether to continue playing or not, since not much was happening on the first chapter of the game. But there was something that keeps pulling me in, stopping me from exiting the game.
It was the background music. The soundtracks were enough not to distract the game experience. Every music was used very well to enhance the story. A battle BGM would be played on a battle scene. Even the clanging of swords were good music to my ears.
I especially loved the "Forest Maiden." It is mainly used in the main character's silent moments with the dragons. That music created the ambiance of a magical and tranquil world. It creates the feeling of warmth, friends, and getting along with others on an emotional level.
Background music are unlocked as you play the game, and it is available in the extras (in case you got interested in the title and composer of the music.)
Some BGM may be repetitive. But don't worry, I don't think it would annoy you.
Voice Acting
The voice acting is partial and a bit repetitive. But as long as you don't mind it that much, it won't affect the game play.
P.S. Auralee's laugh sound so genuine and heartwarming though. Oh, how I wish I'd have that kind of laugh!
Another P.S. Ilmari's "I have a question!" was definitely... ADORABLE. *sighs*
Story
As I've said above, I was struggling whether to continue the game on the first chapter.
And boy, I was so glad I did.
Despite the fact that it was a short game, the storytelling was still well-made. They managed to create a deep story even with the short playthrough time.
Every mysterious scenes presented at the beginning of the story was well-explained in the end - unlike other otome games who introduce so much secret and explain onlly a half of them.
The characters, with their own secrets, were superb. Character development is obvious and constant, making them so lovable. I assure you, by the end of the game, you'd wish you have dragon friends (or boyfriend?), too!
Main Characters
Auralee
If you are into badass female main characters, then you're on the right track. Auralee is that type of girl who is so straightforward, a bit of a fighter (no, scratch that. She is a great fighter.), bright and determined.
She loves fighting with Kerr, poking dragons, touching their ears (I want to do that, too!), constantly bugging her mom to give her the knight recommendations and bragging about how great knights are! And just like most people, she hates reading. (I'm not one of those, though.)
Auralee is also capable of feeling depressed though. Thankfully, two dragons are with her to cheer her up. Let's read one of the most fun script lines I've ever encountered on Otome Games:
Warning: Do not read if YOU HATE PUNS.
Ilmari: What does one do to reassure a heavenkind?
Aura: They usually take her out to the pub so they can drown their sorrows.
Kerr: What's a pub?
Ilmari: Is it a type of lake ? I don't want anyone to drown.
Geez, Ilmari. That question just proved how cute, adorable and ignorant you are. And yes, that "ignorant" was a compliment.
Kerr
Kerr is the badmouthed, tsundere and prideful earth dragon. But he is actually very dependable. He may seem like a very unsociable guy at first, but the moment Auralee shattered his heart of stone, he would probably make your heart go doki doki.
His character gallery was extraordinary, and his little inside jokes with Aura was heartwarming.
There's one thing that he loves more than Auralee though. It's Apple Tart. His commitment and devotion would be for the apple tarts. He would let himself get stung by bees just for apple tarts.
What Ilmari calls him: Dominant Young Male (you'd understand why if you play the game.)
Ilmari
At first I thought I'd go after Kerr, but I actually ended up going after Ilmari.
I'm not really a fan of those cute and bubbly guys, but Ilmari has something special in him that secured a place in my heart. And if you do play his route, I'll tell you that the library scene and their love confession time was the most heart-tugging and overwhelming scene.
Ilmari has that face that won't let you say "no." He looks soooo innocent! Yet, at some point you may wonder (just like Auralee) if he is only just using this "innocent look" to get what he wanted, which makes him not-so-innocent at all.
Ilmari is the one who always break out the fights between Kerr and Aura. He is pretty responsible, too! ...Though, even with the bubbly and positive attitude, Ilmari is also capable of contempt. And his secret would shock you. (Probably. Slightly?)
Over-All
I do not recommend this if you hate puns.
But if you could tolerate it, then by all means, GO DOWNLOAD IT NOW. PLAY! This won't take too much of your time! And if you think you like it the same way as I do (especially with Ilmari), then let's talk about it! You could comment here, or message us on tumblr (qiarayounglib,tumblr.com) or on twitter (@qiarayoung).
Thank you for reading!
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