World End Syndrome

Well-written visual novels exist in spades. There are old school classics that brought forth a generation of VNs as well as more creative ones like Doki Doki Literature Club that pushed boundaries. But for the most part, visual novels stick to what they do best by delivering gripping narratives. Rarely do they stray into the territory of adding engaging mechanics to enhance the experience. It’s refreshing when a game like World End Syndrome comes along and produces a VN experience with both solid, gripping writing and intriguing mechanics that keep you engaged.

Here’s everything you need to know about World End Syndrome:

Groundhog Novel

World End Syndrome kicks off like any other visual novel. The setting is set. Key characters are introduced. Some choices are given to the player that move things along. Nothing new to spot at the beginning, but that’s until the drama kicks in.

Once the brown matter hits the fan, the game ends abruptly and you’re tasked with starting over. With the knowledge from the previous events in your mind, you’re given the ability to freely explore the town and interact with whoever you wish. On top of that, the game’s unique save and reload system gives you plenty of opportunities to revisit timelines and piece together the story.

Not A Fairy Tale

In World End Syndrome, you take on the role of a nameless 17-year old protagonist who’s on a train to a place called Mihate Town. After being involved in an unfortunate accident in his hometown that ended up getting his older sister killed, he receives an invitation to transfer to Mihate High School. So, he uses this opportunity to escape his torment and guilt. At first, all seems to go well as he makes new friends, most of which are - surprise, surprise - attractive young women, each following a standard anime character trope. Amongst the comings and goings, he hears of a mysterious supernatural rumour involving the folklore of his newfound home. It’s at this point that World End Syndrome lifts the veil and shows that it’s not all just a fairy tale.

Romance Time

Despite their tropey inspirations, the girls and other characters of World End Syndrome feel three dimensional and deep. Particularly the girls you get to romance have their own backstories that you learn more about the more time you spend with them. And within this romantic atmosphere, there’s a blend of horror and intrigue that sets a uniquely eerie tone that will keep you gripped for hours.

The Bottom Line

Doki Doki Literature Club pushed a lot of boundaries with its veil-lifting style and unexpected twists.

Pros

• Goes beyond a simple visual novel with a unique timeline system
• Every character feels interesting and well developed
• Gripping writing that balances romance and horror

Cons

• Despite its unique aspects, it still feels like an anime visual novel that may not appeal to some audiences