Reviews

• 

  Мизантроп

  Aug 3, 2022

  I started playing

  Empty Horizons

  because I really liked the art there. I was looking through old games with cards in my steam library that I haven't played yet. Cards looked so pretty, I recognized the style as it's not my first novel by this dev. So I decided to give this story a try. Plus, 'otome' tag was quite appealing. BUT I totally didn't expect THAT! I haven't been THAT astonished in a while, what a plot twist xD This novel was such an emotional journey for me, I was so heartbroken when I finished it yesterday, I even decided to sleep on it first before writing a review. This visual novel is absolutely beautiful. The way everything is organized is worthy of a praise. The gallery looks like a cute photo album, the log is like adorable notes, backgrounds are a real pleasure to gaze at, sprites are just perfect! CGs are charming, welp perhaps except that kissing СG, sorry not a fan how he was portrayed. So, visually the novel is stunning. Oh, and the soundtrack is quite fitting. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2843616544 Story-wise it's also a real gem. It's not like a typical otome, that tag was really confusing. It's just one guy and 18-year old girl, I can't even call HER MC, as we get the story from different points of view, his included. It was a nice feature, they both felt so close, I really got attached to both of them quite soon. The girl was typically annoying buut it was that kind of annoyance you can easily explain and thus excuse. Considering all her life circumstances and her age she was fine. Plus, for him it was fun to talk with her, so who am I to complain xD Their bickering was so sweet, so well-written. (I haven't seen any typos btw, that's rare) I kept enjoying their interaction. It was so familiar to realize that what we have now is gonna be fleeting, everything gonna change so soon and you just keep making the most of that time you still have. All that already had a sad hue buuut how the first route actually ended left me agape. It was so unexpected, I'm deeply impressed! I felt betrayed as I never was. That guy was her first and last love, it was obvious from the very beginning, the whole world and...that kind of ending was devastating. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2843717597 I really adore the way the story is presented. At first it's just a kinetic novel but after the first ending while replaying you actually get one choice, one crucial choice to try everything differently. Though other endings still felt too gloomy for me. But at least there's some hope in one of them. I recollected when I was a kid every night my parents read me some story while I was lying in bed falling asleep. Always childish fairy-tales where happy endings were inevitable, it gave me such a strong belief that no matter how dire the events may seem, everything is gonna be all right. It just can't be otherwise. But then when I actually saw some drama, when for the first time I came across the bad ending as a kid, I was so distraught that I remember I was lying in bed and rewriting the plot in my head xD That's how I cope with sad overwhelming experiences. That's what I did here xD Otherwise it's just too unbearable. The author's notes were another wonderful feature. To be able to read the writer's thoughts about the characters is priceless. I'm grateful she didn't write that ending she shared she was asked about, but the way I do it, she (btw I wonder why I think it's she, it's kinda seems like this, sorry if I'm wrong) recommended just to imagine that GxG happy ending saying it's quite plausible. Talking about him, she shared it was her experience writing a stereotypical sexist. Welp, sometimes his words sounded kinda disturbing but I made myself believe it was partially for the sake of teasing the girl. So I was totally fine with his personality. Otherwise he's just TOO unrealistic, I don't want to believe sexism can be possible in men to such huge extent. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2843920341 Welp, I can agree that quasi-romantic relationships are fun, the writer believed in the end they were too different buuut let me contradict here xD In my imagination they are not ⋋_⋌ My heart won't be able to endure that experience in this case. Let me hope that encounter wasn't their last one xD Though dunno again it was kinda new for me, that last scene when she realizes being just a little kid that he's her first love. I get it, that feeling was pure, innocent and naive. And it's my dirty mindset rebelling with their age difference. It's not that jarring when she's 18 but to watch that scene was a little uncomfortable. But again it made me think about my stereotypes, how real love doesn't know any boundaries, love not sex. That's still a taboo, of course. In general, the story was thought-provoking and it greatly stirred my imagination, I kept thinking how ideally they should have acted. It felt too sad to realize our world is that rotten they even had to go through all that. The game though being short tells us about war, suicide, death... in such a way, from different angles that it's impossible to stay indifferent. I llove this novel, highly recommend it. That's precious to get so much more than you dared to expect. I'm immensely grateful for this mind-blowing adventure.

  More thoughts about the game in a

  Reading Nook

• 

  ʀᴀᴛᴇᴀ xᴅᴀʀᴋ

  Jul 20, 2016

  [b][h1]English[/h1] # little good Price # good Story # easy 100% Achievment # for Visual Novel Fans [h1]German[/h1] # kleiner gerechter Preis # Geschichte ist gar nicht so schlecht # easy 100% Achievment # lohnenswert für Visual Novel Fans [/b]
• 

  Xolf

  Jul 20, 2016

  Another visual novel from impressively prolific author Ebi-Hime, teamed once again with artist Selly who creates some truly gorgeous visuals to complement the writing. If you enjoy visual novels, this deserves a spot in your library - it's a beautifully told story.
• 

  ✩ Helenα ✩

  Aug 4, 2016

  Amazing VN with a good story and very good art/BGM. I really enjoyed this title, and I wasn’t expecting that kind of ending at all. At first the MC annoyed me, but after a while I started to like her. It’s worth paying the full price on this one! 8/10, I highly recommend if you want to read something a bit different.
• 

  AMacaulay310

  Aug 7, 2016

  Wow. Just wow. I was not expeting that ending. This story was amazing. After you play it the first time, make sure you play it again. Just trust me. I found the characters altogether likeable, and the writing was good. The ending was surprising. Usually I can see a twist coming, but that time I didn't. I won't say any more for fear of giving something away, which I really don't wanna do. 10/10 Great story!
• 

  Firefly

  Aug 25, 2016

  I just finished this game tonight. A few, assorted thoughts in no particular order: - awesome art (I dig this style) - AMAZINGLY lovely music (if you want the music, google the names of the songs and artists b/c it's creative commons, so you can DL it for free on various Soundclouds) - interesting story. I will leave it at that at risk of ruining it or spoilers - really though, game gave me srs feelz. It has been ages since a game did that to me. - there is literally only 1 choice branch in this entire 'game' .... it is more of a kinetic novel than a choose your own adventure novel, though you really are choosing a path to some extent, but once you make the selection, you don't get to choose again. just sit back and enjoy it. - the story seemed really unbelievable in general, but I get that is the point of novels, games, etc. but maybe it was part of me going "no way!! this can't happen!" because the story is so cute and I had strong feelz about how it branched off. - replayability in the sense that you will want to start a new 'game' each time to see the different outcomes (or to collect the achievements) which brings me to: - yay steam achievements - yay screen shot capability I was sad when it ended yet it felt right at the same time. Which is good, in my book. Overall 10/10 worth the cashdollaz - on sale or not.
• 

  ☯Karma☯

  Oct 6, 2016

  Great and wonderful story with a unexpected ending. Nother visual novel from impressively prolific author Ebi-Hime. After you play it the first time, make sure you play it again, just trust me, Especially if your going for achievements. 10/10
• 

  cheeseshover

  Oct 7, 2016

  This is the closest I've ever got to crying over a visual novel ever! The character development is great and the CGs are often and beautiful. I couldn't believe the finale, it hit me hard, and the characters speak with humour and about relatable topics. I 100% recommend this. (Btw it's a kinetic vn so you don't make any choices, it's like reading a picture book - until the second and third play throughs, where you make one choice at the start. There are 2 different endings but one contains an extra after the credits and has more dialogue than previously throughout.)
• 

  vroomvroom

  Dec 1, 2016

  I'm going to start this review off by going as far as to claim that I enjoyed this title even more than I have Key's critically acclaimed titles (CLANNAD and Planetarian). I'm not claiming this is the best story I've ever read or the greatest VN of all time, but for me it is up there. Empty Horizons is a rather short Visual Novel in the sense that you might finish it within a few hours (it took me a little bit over two to finish the first route, but I am a rather quick reader). I'd say the term kinetic novel is more fitting than visual novel, honestly, as there are two choices that you get access to after completing the game once. What I have stated may be a bit of a deterrent to those that want a choice laden or lengthy game, so I counter by saying that the game has a story that I found to be masterfully crafted and despite reading everything in nearly four hours - I skipped repeat text – I've spent far longer with the story because my brain keeps cycling through it three days later; the story has had a lasting effect on me and is one that I will likely remember for the rest of my (hopefully) long life. In addition to the story, the VN comes with the following extras: a CG Gallery, Bonus Art, a Music Box, and Notes from the author (notes that I found really insightful and enjoyable). On the subject of what the game contains, it does not contain voice acting, but I regard that as a plus because it would have cut over the game's excellent soundtrack. I wasn't a fan of the artwork in the beginning, but it quickly grew on me, so if you aren't wild about the look, maybe it'll grow on you over time? I want to leave a longer review, but I am unsure how to do so without spoiling anything and the author's description of the game says all that can really be said on it without spoiling. As an individual that loves to read nearly everything I can get my hands on, I cannot recommend Empty Horizons enough. If you are still unsure then maybe wait until the Ebi-Hime Bundle or Empty Horizons goes on sale and pick this game up either alone or with some of Ebi-Hime's other Visual Novels.
• 

  michellezb

  Jan 10, 2017

  The art in this game is very nice, so I am sorry to say that the story is booooooring and long-winded. Almost nothing happens. There's one vaguely interesting twist near the end... and it takes hours of boring dialogue about nothing to get to it. Not worth it. This VN forces you to get through the whole darn story as a kinetic novel--that's right, no choices--before it unlocks the one and only choice you can make in the game. Each subsequent choice unlocks new "plot", so you have to suffer through more boring story again and again. I mean, you don't HAVE to. I'd paid for this VN so I felt like I should go through all the choices. I kept hoping that maybe something interesting or cool was hidden in there somewhere. It wasn't.
• 

  niX

  Apr 18, 2017

  Nice VN. This is a really nice piece of work by ebi-hime, who once again delivers. The plot features a young woman, Mireille, who is faced with a difficult decision after her father dies. She's been mostly isolated her whole life, and doesn't have many friends. She has only one living relative left, her Uncle, who she is now expected to live with. The family chauffeur, Lyon, is expected to deliver Mireille to her Uncle's house. Although Lyon has known Mireille since she was young, they don't know each other that well outside of a working relationship, and Mireille claims that she despises him. Although deep down, she has mixed feelings for him -- not knowing whether this is hatred or a crush she does not want to admit. The story focuses mostly around these two, and takes off from there. [h1]Pros[/h1] [list] [*] Nice artwork including characters and backgrounds. [*] Soothing music. [*] The interactions between the two main characters is very enjoyable. [*] Good choice in font color and text, making this easy to read regardless of the background. [*] Three different endings. [*] Full gallery, music box and a "notes" section where the developer talks about her personal feelings and thoughts while writing the story and the characters. I think this is a really nice additional touch to understand exactly what the writer wanted to convey. [*] Nice card set and easy achievements. [*] Everything is functional. Doesn't crash, start/load works well, skip button, sound features, window resolution, etc. [/list] [h1]Other Considerations[/h1] I really have no cons about the game. But here are some other things I thought I would mention: [list] [*] The first ending is shocking and sad. This isn't necessairly a con. It's actually great story telling, but I'm including it on here for people who like happy endings. Or for those who won't want to play again after a first time to get the happier endings. [*] Sometimes scenes drag on a little bit. As with my review of ebi-hime's "Asphyxia," I feel as if she goes on and on a little bit TOO much sometimes. When it's starting to feel long winded, I often want to skip or put the game down and not read it for another little while. [*] The first time you play the game is strictly kinetic. There are no choices until your second and third playthrough. And even then, you are only offered ONE choice. This might bother some people, so I thought I'd mention it. [*] The game is short, no matter what ending you play for. This makes it difficult to get a really fulfilling character development between the MC and the other characters. I definitely think the development is there personally, even though it's relatively short lived. I can see, however, how some people might have been expecting a bit more than just banter that goes back and forth (most of the time). [/list]
• 

  timjake78

  May 22, 2017

  This is an interesting VN that has three endings. The first time through is a kinetic novel, no choices at all. The second and third endings are based on a single A or B choice. I will readily admit the first ending caught me by surprise, I was not expecting that at all. Also, be advised that the actual "ending" of the second and third endings is after the credits run. I really like the artwork. It's very different from most of the visual novels on Steam. The backgounds like the lakes are very nicely done. Based on this VN, I'll most likely buy other Ebi-Hime titles.
• 

  FantasyKT

  Jun 25, 2017

  I'm conflicted on whether I should recommend this or not. During my first playthrough, I was a bit bored and almost gave up. Although their banter was cute, the scenes dragged on a bit without anything really happening. The ending was interesting enough that I wanted to replay it to see the alternate endings (with the skip button). It was emotional. Overall, I think the game is worth it if you play through all of the endings, especially at its low cost.
• 

  Arisa

  Aug 13, 2017

  Beautiful art and music, they draw out the story telling tho (probs with a good reason due to the ending I guess) This is more of a kinetic visual novel cuz there's only one choice to make in a second playthrough
• 

  Kehana

  Aug 19, 2017

  PREMISE: I didn't finish the game and I ask for a refund, so my review isn't about the complete game. .......... I played for 1h and 1/2 but then I couldn't anymore: I was growing more and more bored. A big problem is that nothing happen in that 1 and 1/2 hour, it's just talking between the main characters. The other big problem is represented by the main characters: I couldn't get me to love or appreciate them. I love a good bantering between couples but they.never.stop. The heroine is a tsundere: I don't have anything against tsundere characters but if you hate them you are warned. Anyway I found her to be annoying because it's like she is searching for a fight. I appreciate when a character can give a good reply to people picking on him/her but in this case, she is often the one searching for discussions. The male character is a womanizer who jokes almost all the time. He could be nice if he didn't have so many sexist lines. Sure, it probably were made to having him jokingly picking on the heroine but I got tired very soon of this. In short, his jokes are very often about how the heroine should be more feminine in the hope of finding a rich man who would marry her. That's... boring and not stimulating in the interaction between characters. It's a pity I couldn't find the game more entertaining because the art is good: nice style and beautiful colors, especially in the backgrounds. It just needs to work a little more on expressions and it would be great!
• 

  JadePrincessMew

  Dec 8, 2017

  I thought this game was going to be like a normal love story, but I couldn't have been more wrong. It was extremly dark and sad.
• 

  Nobara

  Jun 18, 2018

  Pros: beautiful art main girl actually changes outfits, a small but nice detail effort was put into the transitions Cons: literally only one choice to make the in game I've played VNs before which had few to no choices, but when I looked over the reviews people kept alluding to a "twist", so I assumed after that is when the choices would come. You actually have to play through the game completely one time before unlocking this single choice. I think that's a bit sad, and obviously the author wanted to make the most of out of her big twist. However, the second and third playthroughs/endings were much more enjoyable. Those who wrote negative reviews because it was "boring" likely would have enjoyed those portions more. Interestingly enough the author's pet name for this project was "Spicy sexism", so if you're not into that you may want to stay clear. There's also a non-canonical yuri ending if you read through their notes after you complete the game.
• 

  aznguy0731

  Jul 28, 2018

  Pros: Great art style & soundtrack that matches the mood of each scene. Con: Length is short. Pretty much a kinetic novel. Story is a little bit slow and meh for the first read through until the very end. Subsequent read through will became much more enjoyable. Knowing the ending from the first play through did not lessen the visceral impact of the subsequent endings. Characters can seem insufferable at time but they do grow on you. Overall, another good work by ebi-hime.
• 

  ╰♡ lєílєє ♡╮

  Aug 2, 2018

  Rarely in a visual novel have I had such a gargantuan WTF moment…!! Slightly depressing foundation sets the stage for this ebi-Hime story, on top of which Mireille and Lyon, our two main characters, gel for three days on the road from Italy to France. As wrappings we have lots of banter and lots of cute moments between Mireille and Lyon, on which you expect a love be triumphant moment when all is said and done and the chocolate is revealed… yea, NOT! I admire ebi-Hime for always making her VNs stand out from the crowd, for always daring what others do not. -It's her thing and I love her stories for it. I do think though, that there simply isn’t enough artwork in Empty Horizons to go the full mile. The art, nice as it is, is simply being stretched past breaking point for me. -What is there is great, it’s just not enough. Music is beautiful and very fitting throughout, and of course in typical ebi-Hime style the package has both CG gallery, bonus sketches, music box, notes and character backgrounds and more. I highly recommend this visual novel, and definitely definitely definitely highly recommend that you do the other two routes available to you after the first run, if not I’m afraid you’ll be unpacking pitchforks and hitting the streets.
• 

  Edge Pet

  Oct 12, 2018

  Another of ebi-hime's amazing visual novels, Empty Horizons follows in the same light of some of her darker works. With this novel, appearances aren't always what they seem in multiple different ways. While Empty Horizons comes off as a light hearted romance story, the darker nature of the story comes to light the more you read on. With an ending I don't think anyone would see coming, this is the sort of novel that makes you question why you didn't see it coming sooner. Empty Horizons follows Mireille, born into a wealthy Italian family overtaken by sadness and trauma. Her parents have both passed away and she's been requested to come live with her uncle in France. Lyon, employed by her family since she was young is requested to chauffeur her there. Along the way she struggles to come to terms with her feelings for Lyon, while still grieving over her deceased father. Though she's an adult, Mireille feels lost in all that has gone wrong in her life and agrees to go to France, feeling as though she has no choice. Things aren't what they seem, and happiness is fleeting when so much has gone wrong for a young girl already. As with most of ebi-hime's amazing work, Empty Horizons is full of twists and turns that keep you reading. While this visual novel is on the shorter side and can feel slow to pick up, the story is beyond worth what it takes to get to the ending and doesn't stop when the credits roll. Even if it may not seem like it at first read, there's plenty of character development that takes the less obvious approach, prefering small hints over deep interaction. There's a lot of subtle hints like these that you won't pick up until after you've given the entire novel a read, and suddenly the ending makes perfect sense once you read through it again. It's a great way to tell a story like this, and the plot all falls into place at the full "best" ending. Never before have I seen a visual novel where choice is ripped from you, then given back and picking the "wrong" option and breaking the storyline is the best thing you can do. As it should be for an amazing visual novel, the artwork and visuals are paired perrfectly with the story and give a deeper sense of emotion and storytelling. From the plainest scenes to the most detailed ones, each bit of art adds to what you're reading and gives a nice visual for the setting. The music sets the tone perfectly, all the way to the end. Especially for Empty Horizons, multiple scenes and especially the ending would have much less of an emotional impact if the visuals didn't support it well. I always have high praises for ebi-hime's work and Empty Horizons is no different. It takes the idea of a typical romance and turns it upside down and backwards, making you question your logic all while wrenching at your heart and your emotions. It's a short read but well worth the price, and is still a great read for those who may not enjoy romance novels normally.