Editor's Rating
Story - "Shinjuku Hearts" offers a diverse range of endings that revolve around the protagonist, Guy, and his interactions with the three main girls: Mako, Rio, and Alice. From heartfelt connections to unexpected encounters, the narrative boasts five distinct endings that players can explore. However, while the multiple endings add replayability, they tend to feel rushed and lacking in depth. The game's short length may be to blame for this, leaving some of the story arcs underdeveloped. Nonetheless, it's commendable that each route takes a unique turn, injecting a sense of variety into the experience. - 68%
Visual - The game's standout feature is undoubtedly its artistic presentation. Departing from the typical Japanese VN art style, "Shinjuku Hearts" flaunts its uniqueness, which resonated well with me and many other players. The character designs exhibit a refreshing originality, setting it apart from the cookie-cutter designs found in other visual novels. Though the art style is a highlight, the rest of the visuals fail to achieve the same level of excellence. Backgrounds lack the detail and polish expected in a visual novel, leaving room for improvement. - 71%
Engagement - Engagement in "Shinjuku Hearts" comes with mixed results. While the art style and diverse endings may initially captivate players, the overall experience tends to wane quickly. The short length of the game leaves little room for character development or a deeper exploration of relationships. The abruptness of some routes and lack of compelling choices hinder the player's emotional investment in the story. As a result, engagement fluctuates between moments of intrigue and stretches of mediocrity. - 56%
Core Loop - The core loop of "Shinjuku Hearts" centers around uncovering different endings by making various choices throughout the story. While this mechanic is a staple in visual novels, it feels underwhelming here. The lack of meaningful decisions and their impact on the narrative weakens the overall experience. Additionally, the repetitiveness of some routes dilutes the game's charm, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the world of "Shinjuku Hearts." - 50%
61%
out off 100%
This review is based on author's perspective and actual experience may differ on individual's own preferences.