Posted on: November 14, 2018
MysteryPKMN
Games: 8 Reviews: 3
Good Romance VN With Substance
First thing's first: The 18+ version of PE is available only direct from MangaGamer's store. There is no official patch for this "all-ages" version to convert between the two. The AA version has a handful of bonus CG images that replace the adult content, plus slightly sanitized dialogue, so it is treated as a separate product. That said, PE is a meaty enough game to enjoy without its H scenes. While the main plot comes across as a cliche excuse to surround one lucky boy with a harem of schoolgirl cuties, the game takes it seriously. The topic of gender integration is explored in earnest and its implications with regard to the school's future is never forgotten. The lead into any of the four heroine routes and ensuing romance are heartfelt and believable. The length of the game really serves the immerse the reader into the setting and the characters, giving them a vested interest in seeing the protagonist and heroines succeed, both in love and beyond. There's not much to the choice system, however: a few meaningless choices and four important ones that boil down to choosing the same heroine each time, lest you be chastized by the bad end (which just yells at you to go back and pick the same girl everytime). It's a linear read with four branching plotlines, all of which reveal slightly different information regarding the setting at large and different character relationships. PE tackles many mature topics even outside of the realm of sex and romance, which I won't spoil. Not child-appropriate. Some of them are handled better than others. PE's strength is certainly not in its conflict resolution, as the antagonists of their respective routes are sometimes cartoonishly evil and never receive more than a slap on the wrist once the problem is resolved, but if you can forgive the game for taking a lighthearted "nobody loses" approach, both the main plot and heroine subplots resolve neatly. The budding romance between MC and heroine is where PE shines most, though.
Is this helpful to you?
