With the release of UsoNatsu ~The Summer Romance Bloomed From A Lie~ (UsoNatsu) right around the corner, the everlasting longing for its English release date won’t cease. Just recently, UsoNatsu received an update on September 22nd on the Sekai Project progress page. It says that the game is currently in its QA phase, but there’s already a demo released on Steam. This particular demo covers the very first chapter of the game and offers a glimpse into what the full game has to offer, something that yuri fans were eagerly looking forward to.
UsoNatsu ~The Summer Romance Bloomed From A Lie~‘s demo gives a glimpse what to expect when the full game releases. Throughout my play time, it clocks in at roughly 40 minutes, and covers the very first chapter entirely. Judging from the promotional material offered, visuals, voice acting and scenario formerly worked as independent puzzle pieces as to how the full game may turn out. Now, they pose a unified outline, while answering some of the questions that were raised in me prior to the story trailer’s release.
The demo does an impeccable job to hook you in as soon you enter its loading screen. Presenting us with a cow plushie, coincidentally the same that can be found in Kaoru’s room. We’re faced with some stunning visuals to compel readers into UsoNatsu ~The Summer Romance Bloomed From A Lie~‘s demo. It really makes you hot for the English version.
Be it from the beautiful character design illustrated by Shio Koji, or the use of Live2D that brings them to life with the use of details such as; lip syncing, the patting of rain drops, subtle hair shaking and simple gestures. This enhances what we already knew that this game will center around Summer, Lies and Romance.
Additionally, the UI matches the entire presentation. Incorporating a white base with transparent transitions and blurry backgrounds, while you traverse the game. The visuals capture the aesthetic of summer, while still being convenient when showing chapter summaries on the menu. The backlog allows for seamless jumping inbetween scenes as well.
Simultaneously, the respective voice actors add depth and personality to the spectacle of poignant heartfelt romance mixed with slapstick humor that Akeo had written. Across the whole demo, you really get a feel of the actors wide variety of vocal pitch and range. Akeo had written Sound of Drop ~Fall into Poison~ as well as Fatal Twelve.
I will discuss the demo more in depth now, for those who wish to experience it by themselves. Play the demo first, then you can continue reading to the article.
As I mentioned previously, the demo covers Chapter One, which is entitled “Fragile”. The chapter is giving the player the idea of a painful outcome that affects the heart. It’s a hurdle one must overcome, or in the words of UsoNatsu, “overwrite”.
Such a poignant verb poses thoughts from the standpoint of what’s being overwritten or what it seeks to convey within. From the point we’re introduced to our main character Tachibana Kaoru who’s apathetic towards the many wonders of love. As we delve further into Kaoru’s VA’s – Koichi Makoto‘s performance, we notice how she uses a characteristic low pitch to emphasize Kaoru’s boyish persona.
Next, we’re introduced to Shimotsuki Mirei. She beholds a stoic demeanor, as she wears a mask called “adulthood”. This prompts her to do her best to dodge Kaoru advances throughout the story. Both characters bring to mind that there’s a concept behind where “lies” come from, and this is a big factor that’s ingrained into their design.
Under the impression of a fascinating and mysterious woman with lots of insights regarding life to share. Thus, Mirei and Kaoru oddly complicated relationship raises some questions to uncover until the time full game releases. Usonatsu‘s Demo leaves you guessing who the inspiring student is that Mirei meant as well as what significance the painting “Runaway Rebellion,” which Kaoru had created in the past, could have.
Lastly, our attention travels to Minagi Shiori. We sadly didn’t get a lot of exposure to her character within the demo, with the exception of some dialogue lines about the tour of memories that Shiori and Kaoru would embark on. Meanwhile, the demo ends with an uplifting message stating that there’s a new beginning following a heartbreak.
Lastly, on September 22th, LYCORIS had posted a playlist on their YouTube channel. It’s containing seven voice dramas, temporally located within the events of UsoNatsu ~The Summer Romance Bloomed From A Lie~‘s main story. Unfortunately, is only available in JP yet – which I’m unable to understand.
Throughout the demo, my expectations were wildly shaken taking in how much emotion was there to be found. The character sprites felt so vivid and the L2D was awesome for the whole duration. On top of that, we’re about to discover a compelling and profound story which does make you think about it lots.
Anyways, I can’t wait for the full English release and even less for what it’ll make us discover for ourselves when exploring what Usonatsu has to tell.
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