Snow Sakura (Visual Novel)

Legend says there is a flower that blooms here in the depth of winter...
The Wintery Sakura,Yukizakura.
As the twilight deepens and a snowflake melts in the palm of my hand, I stand with a beautiful girl by my side. 
Will we be able to uncover its mystery in this fleeting moment?
Yukizakura
雪桜
 Publisher : D.O. - G-Collections
Writer: Kitagawa Samui
Release Date : 23 December 2003 (Jap)
Length : Medium (10 - 30 hours)
Genre : Visual Novel, Eroge
Rating : Ranked #25 (vndb.org)
                  Scored 86.2 (KirikoPoll)

.: Story

My name is Tachibana Yuuji, a regular student with no particular plans for the future - until my parents left for Hawaii on a business trip last fall, leaving me in the care of my uncle in the wintry countryside of Hokkaido.

Small-town life on Japan's northern island didn't have time to get dull, as from the moment I got there I was reunited with my cousin and childhood friend Saki. She's pretty demanding, but when I'm hanging out with her and her school friends I don't mind; as I get close to them I feel like I'm finding meaning in life that I didn't know I was looking for.

There is a strange living thing here, deep in the wintery land of the island, the flower that only bloomed in winter season, Snow Sakura. Something strange must be happen here long time ago, as I began to remember the events that I didn't remeber before... About the Sakura which bloomed at winter... About the legend beneath it... And about the girl that shown me everything... (Spoiler Cut)

.: Screen Shoots


 


.: Review

Abandoned and pushed to the home of his uncle, Yuuji Tachibana is sent off to Hokkaido, a place of eternal snow and cold, completely different from his old and happy life in Tokyo. Snow Sakura is a story about how the warmth of family and friends can fight off the chilly colds of the north.

Gameplay
Snow Sakura is your typical adventure H-game. You basically click along the story, going past events until you come to a decision, wherein you'll have to make a choice and follow along. There aren't any special mini-games or anything all that interesting, but the story is more than enough to satiate you. (Score: 6/10)

Story
Snow Sakura is what one can call your typical slice-of-life game. No dragons to defeat, or intensive mind games to play with in court. However, none of that is needed for it's surprising and fun moments. When Yuuji first comes into the story, he's a jerk. He alienates the people around him, hates his father, and makes quite a few cynical remarks. However, as you continue along, you start to see a difference in his personality. He begins to become kinder, as well as treasure the friendships he's made in this snowy land.

Each girl has their own individual story, most of them being quite interesting. And most of their endings will definitely make you go 'awww' at the sweetness of them.
Misaki is the kind, sweet heroine who can't cook for squat.
Kozue is the 'slightly' rich lesbian stalker fangirl of Misaki's.
Saki is your cousin and typical Tsundere character, but as a twist, can actually cook!
Rei is the honor student shrine maiden that's trouble by what the future brings her.
And Misato is the history teacher a few pages short of a complete book. (Score: 9/10)

Graphics/Sound
The art is incredibly well done, with unique character designs, nice backdrop, and nicely done H-scenes for the H-lovers out there. The music and special sounds nicely fit in with the story, and the various events. From hanging out with your friends, walking through town on a date, and even when sadness and depression rears it's ugly head. As well, the individual voices are nothing to laugh at either, clearing expressing elation and sadness at their appropriate times. (Score: 10/10)

Play Time/Replayability
This game can satisfy you for quite a long time. Each story can be finished within six to more hours each, with unique scenes decorating the various girl's story lines. With the hilarious and comedic scenes at every turn, and romance awaiting you with certain choices, this is definitely a game that you can play over and over again. There is even a special reward for those that can finish all the endings. The only thing that could be improved would be a more intensive and longer story line. It's the fatal flaw of all ADV-H games. (Score: 7/10)

Overall
This game is definitely worth buying. The story, visuals, and music make this 'typical' adventure H-game into something worth every second played.
Overall Score: 9/10 


.: Now, I'm getting used... No, I'm already tired of snow :.