It's also worth mentioning that at one point, Arisa is attacked by a vengeful water spirit while swimming in a lake. She and Kaguya share an unfortunate run-in with a roper's tentacles as well. Arisa has really bad luck with monsters, because she's always being targeted by touchy-feely slimes and groping goblins. Some of the other 'sexy moments' in this visual novel are just plain disturbing. It's completely forced and doesn't make any sense. In one scene, Mikage talks about the importance of communication, and somehow this segues into Arisa fondling Kaguya's breasts. When it comes to sexiness, or being sexy, it's a matter of context. The artwork is drawn well enough, though one wonders how the ladies are always oiled up for maximum shininess. It's also difficult to appreciate the game's attempts at being sexy. Besides, who didn't enjoy reading 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books when they were younger? It's not this reviewer's intention to be morbid or anything, but if there are no stakes, then there's not much of a purpose. It would have been really exciting if there was a possibility that the wrong choice could be made, and someone could possibly suffer a miserable end. Even decisions made during an intense battle don't carry much weight. The few times Mikage has a choice only determines which girl he could potentially end up with. Having decisions to make is a fine way to engage the viewer, but they need to have real consequences in order for them to mean anything. Is it necessary to know everything about this sci-fi world? Probably not, but some people like a little immersion to go with their titillation.Īs the story progresses, the viewer will face a handful of choices. It's never explained why there are goblins, demons, or giant spiders in the future. There also isn't much in the way of world building. While each character has an arc, they don't really benefit the story as a whole, so it's just something tacked on to pad the run time. Their personalities are trite and overly familiar, as if they were put together by a committee. The potential love interests don't fare any better. The protagonist is good-looking, driven, humble, and boring. The characterization is bland and predictable. However, while this game is certainly heavy on the 'plot,' there's very little storyline. Depending on decisions made by the player, Mikage could find himself married to the woman of his dreams. Over time, their relationship develops into something beyond friends. There might even be times where the students have to take matters into their own hands. While they undergo training, all manner of fiends are trying to wipe out civilization. Many trials stand in the way of their road to knighthood. They all have their reasons for joining the academy. Sakura Nova is a visual novel that focuses on the exploits of Mikage, Arisa, and Kaguya.

Sakura nova review