• Review: Planetarian ～ Chiisana Hoshi no Yume ～

    by
    ecchiSKETCH
    Published on 10-25-2011 12:20 AM
    3 Comments Comments
    http://i.imgur.com/DOf9Z.jpg

    Planetarian: Chiisana Hoshi no Yume (little star's dream)

    Developer: Key
    Publisher: Prototype
    Platforms: PSP
    Genre: Visual Novel
    Rating: CERO A (Everyone)
    Release Date: February 28, 2009 (Limited Edition) May 12, 2011 (Charity Edition)

    Prior to it's PSP release, Planetarian had been released on several different platforms including PC, PS2, as well as several cell phone versions. A limited edition was ported to the PSP from February 28 to March 1, 2009. Then on Friday March 11, 2011 an earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. In response, a re-release of the PSP version was released as a "Charity Edition" on May 12, 2011. 16,663 units were pre-ordered, and through the combined efforts of Prototype and Visual Art's, 22,415,069 yen (roughly $ 270,061.07) was raised.

    Presentation

    As this game was created by Key, you can expect it to follow the formula of the arrival of a male protagonist, him meeting a cute girl, and then having something tragic occur between them. Think Kanon or Clannad. However this isn't exactly a bad thing if you enjoy great storytelling.

    The story itself is set in a post-apocalyptic Japan where, due to a nuclear war, it is constantly raining a deadly shower. The protagonist, voiced by Ono Daisuke (Sebastian's voice actor in Black Butler), is scavenging in an old building when he happens to stumble upon a planetarium and its robotic caretaker Hoshino Yumemi, voiced by Suzuki Keiko. It just so happens that 2,500,000th customer will be given a special showing by Yumemi, which the protagonist is allowed to see despite only being the 2,497,290th customer.

    Sound/Music

    The opening to Planetarian is a charming rearrangement of a Charles Crozat Converse hymn. This track, coupled with the sound of the falling rain, sets a fragile yet upbeat mood with just a hint of melancholy. You'll find yourself wrapped in a lighthearted song, and then without noticing the mood and music will take a far more serious tone. I cannot stress enough how the music helps in telling the story. Togoshi Magome handles most of the composing, with the track for the battle scene composed by Orito Shinji. Another thing to note is that upon beating the game, you unlock access to the game's in-game soundtrack consisting of nine tracks.

    Graphics

    As this is a visual novel, there is no real animation except that of the falling rain and the occasional panning of the camera. Yumemi's expression changes instantaneously with no midway between normal and smiling eyes. Again this seemingly detrimental aspect is not a deal breaker, quite the contrary. By pressing START you can clear away the text, leaving only the image. Then by pressing SQUARE you can take a picture of that image, saving it to your memory stick thus letting you use that image as a wallpaper for your PSP. The images are beautiful and and full of emotion. Also upon beating the game you unlock sixty CG images that can be accessed from the main menu. You can't take a picture of them here, but all images are in the story at some point in the game.

    Gameplay

    Planetarian is a visual novel, and as such gameplay is limited to viewing Yumemi's expressions and the text of conversations. There is no experience to be gained, no levels to grind, and no way to die. Visual Art's touts the game as a "KineticNovel"; this meaning that unlike other visual novels, Planetarian has no options during dialogue and only one possible ending. Visual novels usually give you the choice of saying the right thing or the comical thing, but in this game you have no choices of what you can or cannot say. These choices usually allotted by visual novels also present the aspect of what you choose to say effecting the outcome of the game, but since no such option exists in Planetarian, there are no alternative endings. In this sense Planetarian plays more like a movie. You press CIRCLE to advance the text, the L button to go back to view what was previously said, and SQUARE brings up a black screen and shows the text only. It takes around four hours to get to the ending, but you can save at any time by pressing TRIANGLE and selecting the first option. The second option loads your save data, the third option allows you to adjust game settings such as background music, and the fourth option allows you to exit the game and return to the main menu. The main menu itself isn't terribly hard to figure out. Just keep in mind that for Japanese games the CIRCLE and X buttons are reversed meaning CIRCLE accepts options while X cancels.

    Lasting Appeal

    Once you see the ending of the game, you unlock everything. All CG images and tracks are 100% cleared, and you unlock a new feature to the main menu allowing you to choose the chapter you wish to start on. Planetarian has the same lasting appeal as a movie would have. Alternatively, this game is a great tool for sharpening one's skills in Japanese speech and writing simultaneously. This will NOT teach you Japanese, but if you know or at least understand some, it is a very helpful study guide.

    Conclusion

    Obviously this game will not appeal to everyone. Even fans of the visual novel genre may find this game somewhat lacking. But Planetarian was never about gameplay. Planetarian's strength lies in the parallel juxtaposition of the story and soundtrack. What it may lack in gameplay it makes up for with brilliant storytelling. If you are planning to check this game out, I recommend at least basic knowledge of hiragana and katakana. You can "get" the story while not fully understanding it, however this takes away from some of the better scenes where the protagonist and Yumemi discuss "Roboto no Tengoku" and "Roboto no Kami-sama".

    Score
    8.5
    Comments 3 Comments
    1. AkaneUchiha's Avatar
      AkaneUchiha - 11-07-2011
      Wow, this game seems really interesting. I think it's cool that it focuses on the storytelling and incorporating music into that. It's not all about the visuals. lolI wanna play ^0^
    1. Reigami's Avatar
      Reigami - 11-09-2011
      I give you mad props for reviewing a visual novel game, Great review
    1. ecchiSKETCH's Avatar
      ecchiSKETCH - 12-05-2011

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.