Info about Harmonia:

Official game description:
**_Love is the one thing that will never hurt anyone._**
＜STORY＞
-------
This is a story of the distant future.  
An immense war left the world broken and torn.  
Ashes covered the sky, the land was stripped of vegetation, and water dried up.  
As a result, the human population drastically decreased.  
The remaining humans huddled together to survive.  
During this time, an emotions-capable robot known as a Phiroid woke up in a decayed factory.  
Prior to the war, science created these human-like robots capable of feeling emotion.  
As new partners for the humans, the Phiroids promised better lives for all of humanity.  
However, upon waking, this Phiroid soon realized that its emotions were not functioning.  
Its right hand lacked artificial skin and the mechanical parts showed how its production likely went unfinished.  
This young male Phiroid had an innate desire to be with humans.  
And so it began a journey to obtain its lost emotions, and wandered across this devastated world.  
One day, the Phiroid was discovered by a young girl.  
Thinking he was a human, she began to look after him.  
She brought him to a small, but pleasant town.  
While living with the young girl, the Phiroid slowly learned about emotions.  
**What is Kinetic Novel?**  
A new form of entertainment for the sole purpose of storytelling -- not a novel, not an anime, not a game -- Kinetic Novel.  
Made with the goal of providing the reader with an unprecedented sense of presence and empathy for the characters through the use of a high-quality scenario, graphics, music, and other production values.
＜CHARACTER＞
-----------
_**“The Emotionless Mechanical Boy”**_ **Rei**  
This young boy awoke to find himself in the remains of what seemed to be a factory.  
His right hand lacks artificial skin as he had been abandoned mid-production. A glove always covers the exposed machinery.  
He wandered the ravaged landscape, following an innate desire to be with another human. Until one day, he was found by a young girl named Shiona.  
Shiona gave him the name Rei.  
_**“The Girl who Sings her Feelings”**_ **Shiona**（CV：Kaori Mizuhashi）  
Shiona is the young girl who discovered Rei. She lives in a church located in one of the makeshift towns of this devastated world.  
Next to nothing can erase the smile from her face, and she is often found consoling others.  
She frequently refers to the feelings and emotions of people in terms of shapes and colors, which can be difficult to understand.  
She loves to sing and often performs in the church or the town square.  
_**“The Blue Little Lady from the Library”**_ **Tipi**（CV：Misaki Kuno）  
This young girl lives in the town's library. For some reason, she is often found crying.  
In age of digital books, this strange place for storing physical copies still exists.  
Shiona calls her the “blue girl”.  
Although the townsfolk know about her, few venture anywhere near.
＜STAFF＞
-------
Character Design & Original Art : Itaru Hinoue.  
Scenario : Tsuzuru Nakamura / Kai  
Music : Shinji Orito / Ryo Mizutsuki  
Theme Music : “Todoketai Melody”  
Lyrics : Kai  
Composition : Shinji Orito  
Arrangement : Yuichiro Tsukagoshi (NanosizeMir)  
Vocals : Ayaka Kitazawa  
Insert Song : “Towa no Hoshi e”  
Lyrics : Kai  
Composition : Tomohiro Takeshita  
Arrangement : Meeon  
Vocals : Haruka Shimotsuki

Release date: Sep 22, 2016

Categories: Visual Novel, Kinetic Novel, Post-apocalyptic, Emotional Storytelling, Single-player Story, Linear Progression


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $8.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The majority of reviewers explicitly state that $10 is a fair or great price for the game's story and experience, with several noting that it becomes even more attractive during sales. A few suggest waiting for a discount, implying that the full price is acceptable but not a steal. The community consensus points to a base price around $10, with a slightly lower range (e.g., $8) representing the perceived value when on sale. Thus, a fair base-game price range of $8–$10 aligns with the positive sentiment and the common sale price mentioned.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 6.0h
  - Story completion: 6.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 2.0h
  - Reasoning: Game completion is supported by multiple reviews giving 4–6 hours, with a representative average around 6 hours. Story completion is also supported by explicit 8-hour claims, but other reviews suggest 4–6 hours; a compromise of 6 hours is used. Endgame is supported by the 2-hour estimate for achievements and gallery. No explicit session length is reported, so that metric is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a slow, boring start for the first three chapters, but becomes engaging from chapter 4 onward, indicating that enjoyment clicks after an early friction period.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Chapter 4
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Boring daily-life chapters in the first three chapters; Slow, meditative opening
  - Unlock drivers: Reaching Chapter 4
  - Conditions: The first three chapters are slow and boring; The story becomes interesting from Chapter 4
- Player Archetypes:
  - Key Devotee (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing Key's signature emotional narrative and recurring themes of humanity, robots, and love.
    - Playstyle: Reads the kinetic novel start to finish, focusing on narrative, music, and atmosphere without expecting branching choices.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Planetarian; Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For-
  - Value Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Getting a fair price for the story and experience, ideally during a sale.
    - Playstyle: Weighs the short length and price against personal enjoyment, often waiting for discounts before purchasing.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Emotional Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking an emotional, tear-jerking story that leaves a lasting impression.
    - Playstyle: Approaches the game as a casual reader, immersed in the narrative and music, without prior VN conventions.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Disappointed Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Expecting a high-quality, emotionally resonant story from a trusted developer, but finding the execution lacking.
    - Playstyle: Reads with a critical eye, comparing themes, pacing, and emotional impact to other Key titles.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Music fits story well (weight 0.7): The soundtrack is praised for matching the story's theme and atmosphere, enhancing immersion. The music is well-chosen and appropriate for each scene.
- Story is decent quality (weight 0.54): The story is generally considered good, with some calling it great and others acceptable. It is seen as a quality short narrative.
- Character art is beautiful (weight 0.49): The character art, especially the colored pencil sketching effect, is highly praised. The art style by Itaru Hinoue is loved and considered some of her best work.
- Emotional and tear-jerking experience (weight 0.45): The game delivers a strong emotional impact, evoking deep feelings and tear-jerking moments. It is compared favorably to other titles for its emotional depth.
- Good value for money (weight 0.32): Players consistently mention the game offers good value, being short but reasonably priced. It is seen as a quality work overall for its cost.
- Twist is shocking and unexpected (weight 0.31): The story features a shocking twist with unexpected elements, using a narrative trick. The multiple twists and reversals are moving and well-executed.
- Soundtrack is standout element (weight 0.27): The soundtrack is highlighted as a memorable and fantastic element that sets the atmosphere. It is considered beautiful and a key part of the experience.
- Visuals and CG are beautiful (weight 0.26): The CG and visuals are beautiful, with nice sprites and background art. The art fits the post-apocalyptic atmosphere well.

Common complaints:
- Disappointing for Key fans (weight 0.56): The game is seen as a weak entry in Key's catalog, lacking the emotional depth and quality expected, and is only recommended for hardcore fans.
- Abrupt and rushed ending (weight 0.55): The ending is often described as abrupt, rushed, and lacking proper buildup, with information delivered too quickly and resolutions feeling forced.
- Forced and cliched drama (weight 0.41): The drama and tragedy feel contrived rather than natural, with predictable twists and forced emotional moments that fail to resonate.
- Localization and language problems (weight 0.41): The English translation has flaws, and the lack of Japanese text or subtitles is a significant issue for some players, with translation patches incompatible with the Steam version.
- Inferior to Planetarian (weight 0.39): Multiple reviews state the game feels rushed, formulaic, and less impactful compared to Planetarian, with weaker emotional highs and predictability.
- Pacing issues throughout (weight 0.38): The pacing is uneven, with a slow opening and rushed later chapters, making the story feel disjointed and poorly structured.
- Weak worldbuilding (weight 0.34): The world feels contrived, empty, and uninteresting, with illogical elements and insufficient explanation of the setting.
- Boring and forgettable (weight 0.34): The game is described as boring, plain, and forgettable, with a bland story that fails to leave a lasting impression.
- Story too short (weight 0.33): The game's short length is frequently criticized, leading to abrupt pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a rushed ending.
- Technical and display issues (weight 0.33): Several technical problems are reported, including display issues, resolution limits, font settings, and a game-stopping bug near the end.
- Art and audio shortcomings (weight 0.31): The graphics are outdated, backgrounds are simple or empty, and there are issues with character designs and voice acting.
- Opening and early game weak (weight 0.3): The beginning is slow, boring, and filled with daily life content that fails to engage, with an opening narration that seems unrelated to the plot.
- Underdeveloped characters (weight 0.27): Character development is insufficient due to the short length, leaving arcs feeling lacking and making it hard to get attached to the cast.
- Ending too idealistic (weight 0.27): The ending is criticized for being too fairy-tale like, with a deus ex machina resolution and an epilogue that makes little sense.
- Unresolved plot elements (weight 0.19): Several foreshadowing elements and plot threads are left unrecovered, likely due to the short length, leaving the story incomplete.
- Unconvincing theme execution (weight 0.15): The central theme of emotion is implemented arbitrarily and unconvincingly, with the protagonist's acquisition of emotions feeling inconsistent.
- Unfair pricing and features (weight 0.14): The release of a separate FHD version on Steam is seen as unfair to original buyers, and the lack of trading cards and locked gallery/music are criticized.

Gameplay feedback:
- Game is a short visual novel (weight 0.77): Multiple reviews describe the game as a short visual novel, with playtimes ranging from 3 to 7 hours. It is often categorized as a kinetic novel, meaning it has no player choices.
- Key visual novel style (weight 0.6): Reviews identify the game as a typical Key visual novel, following the studio's signature style of warm daily life, sudden tragedy, and emotional recovery. It is also noted as a spiritual successor to 'planetarian'.
- No choices or branches (weight 0.58): The game is consistently described as having no choices, branches, or dialogue options, making it a linear experience similar to reading a novel or watching a movie. This is a defining characteristic mentioned across many clusters.
- Post-apocalyptic setting (weight 0.38): The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, often described as a wasteland where humans and robots coexist. This setting is a key element of the story and is frequently highlighted in reviews.
- Robot protagonist learns emotions (weight 0.34): The story follows a robot or android protagonist who learns about emotions and human connections. This theme is central to the narrative and is mentioned in several clusters.
- Eight chapters total (weight 0.15): The game is structured into eight chapters, with an additional ending. This structure is mentioned in multiple reviews.
- Japanese audio with English subtitles (weight 0.1): The game features Japanese voice acting with English subtitles, and no Spanish support. This is a specific detail mentioned in one review.
- Plot twist about robots (weight 0.06): The story includes a plot twist revealing that everyone in the town is a robot. This twist is a key narrative element.
- Interface resembles Higurashi (weight 0.05): The game's interface has a Higurashi feel, with text overlapping the background CG instead of using a dialog box at the bottom. This is a specific UI observation.
- All-ages content (weight 0.05): The game is all-ages, meaning it contains no explicit content. This is a notable characteristic for some players.
- Four main characters (weight 0.05): The game features four main characters, which is a structural detail mentioned in one review.
- Quick pacing with no fillers (weight 0.05): The pacing is described as quick with little to no filler content, keeping the story engaging throughout.
- Story reveals truth slowly (weight 0.05): The story slowly reveals the truth behind its setting, building mystery and depth over time.
- Protagonist helps female lead (weight 0.04): In the early game, the protagonist helps the female lead in various ways, establishing their relationship.
- Ending passes human spirit (weight 0.04): The ending has the male protagonist passing on the human spirit, a poignant conclusion to the story.
- AI is simple and practical (weight 0.04): The AI in the game is described as simple and practical, fitting the setting.
- Audio comic feel (weight 0.04): The game can be viewed as an audio comic, emphasizing its narrative-driven nature.
- Boy wakes with no memories (weight 0.04): The story involves a boy who wakes up with no memories in a post-apocalyptic setting, adding to the mystery.

Performance notes:
No performancepoints

Recommendations:
- Game is recommended overall (weight 0.8): Many reviewers recommend the game, citing its value, emotional depth, and quality. It is praised as a worthwhile experience for visual novel fans and newcomers alike.
- Recommended for Key fans (weight 0.28): The game is particularly recommended for fans of Key's works, who will appreciate its emotional storytelling and connection to the developer's style. It is seen as a must-play for dedicated Key enthusiasts.
- Not recommended for some (weight 0.27): A few reviewers do not recommend the game, citing it as not worth the time or money, especially for those who are not hardcore Key fans. Caution is advised for general Japanese game fans.
- Good for visual novel lovers (weight 0.16): Reviewers recommend the game to visual novel enthusiasts, highlighting its beautiful art, memorable characters, and emotional narrative. It is considered a strong entry in the genre.
- Buy on sale only (weight 0.16): Several reviewers advise waiting for a discount before purchasing, as the game's short length may not justify the full price. It is considered a good value when on sale.
- Good for beginners (weight 0.15): The game is recommended for those new to visual novels or the genre, serving as a good entry point. Its short length and accessible storytelling make it suitable for beginners.
- Try similar visual novels (weight 0.1): Reviewers suggest trying other visual novels like 'Lucy The Eternity She Wished For' for a similar experience. This indicates the game shares thematic elements with other works.
- Worth supporting developer (weight 0.1): Some reviewers recommend buying the game to support the developer, indicating goodwill towards the studio. This is a motivational reason to purchase.
- Not for passive readers (weight 0.06): One reviewer advises against the game for those who prefer active engagement, as it may require a more passive reading style. This is a niche concern.
- Achievements without guide (weight 0.05): One reviewer notes that no guide is needed for achievements, making it easy to fully complete. This is a minor positive point.
- Consider HD version (weight 0.05): A reviewer suggests getting the HD version for a better experience. This is a specific recommendation for potential buyers.

Other player notes:
- Frequently compared to Planetarian (weight 0.97): Many reviews compare this game to Key's Planetarian, noting similarities in setting, themes, and structure. Some consider Planetarian superior, while others appreciate this game's focus on emotions.
- Short playtime (weight 0.59): The game is consistently described as short, with playtimes ranging from 2 to 7 hours. This is a notable contrast to typical Key visual novels that last 30-50 hours.
- Robot and human themes (weight 0.35): The story explores themes of humans and robots, love, and artificial intelligence. It is compared to works like Blade Runner and Ex Machina.
- Community translations available (weight 0.34): Various fan translations exist, including Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and Chinese patches. These are valued by non-English speakers, though some patches have limitations.
- Art by Itaru Hinoue (weight 0.27): The game features artwork by Itaru Hinoue, a key artist for Key. It is noted as one of her last works before her retirement, making it significant for fans.
- English release before Japan (weight 0.25): The game was released in English on Steam before the Japanese version, which is unusual and appreciated by international players. This English-first approach is highlighted in several reviews.
- Emotional impact compared to Clannad (weight 0.25): Some reviewers compare the emotional impact to Clannad, though they note it may not reach the same level. The game still delivers a meaningful experience.
- Sweet short story (weight 0.21): The game is described as a sweet and short story, focusing on emotional themes. It is often compared to other short visual novels like Lucy -The Eternity She Wished For-.
- Niche within Key catalog (weight 0.14): The game is considered a niche work within Key's library, often overshadowed by more popular titles. Some reviewers feel it deserves more recognition.
- Easy achievements (weight 0.13): All Steam achievements are easy to obtain, mostly by completing the game and viewing extras. This is a positive for achievement hunters.
- HD version released (weight 0.12): An HD version has been released with improved art and voice acting. This is noted as a positive for visual quality.
- Chinese language support (weight 0.09): The game has Chinese language support, which is appreciated by Chinese players. However, some note that Key works typically lack Chinese.
- Vertical textbox (weight 0.09): The game uses a vertical textbox, which is unusual for Visual Art's games. This is a stylistic choice that some players may find unique.
- Steam Deck playable (weight 0.05): The game is playable on Steam Deck, making it convenient for portable gaming. This is a practical feature for many players.
- Font issue at start (weight 0.05): There is a pop-up about a missing font at the start, which can be resolved by selecting an available font. This is a minor technical issue.
- English text easy to understand (weight 0.05): The English text is easy to understand with short sentences, making it accessible for non-native speakers. This is a positive for international players.

Emotions:
- Appreciation (weight 0.11): Players appreciate the well-crafted story, beautiful soundtrack, and atmospheric art that combine to deliver a powerful emotional experience. The themes of love and humanity, along with the delicate writing and strong climax, are particularly praised.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Many players feel the story is rushed, especially in the later chapters, and ends abruptly with a fairy-tale-like conclusion. Compared to previous Key works, the emotional buildup and plot twists are seen as weaker and less impactful.
- Moved (weight 0.07): The game successfully evokes strong emotions, often bringing players to tears through its touching story and music. Key's signature emotional style, combined with poignant quotes and character moments, deeply resonates with players.
- Sadness (weight 0.07): The story's melancholic atmosphere, themes of loss and decay, and tragic events, including character deaths, create a pervasive sense of sadness. Players frequently cry while playing, especially during touching departure scenes and the post-apocalyptic setting.
- Admiration (weight 0.06): Players admire the exceptional writing, beautiful art style by Hinoue Itaru, and the game's ability to create a unique emotional experience. The developer Key is praised for delivering a legendary and immersive work despite its short length.
- Disappointed (weight 0.03): Some players ended up disliking the story due to its rushed ending, predictable plot, and lack of a climax. The similarity to 'planetarian' and the failure to preserve character names and memories at the end also contributed to this feeling.
- Frustration (weight 0.03): Frustration arises from the rushed middle and late game, forced dramatic moments, and the skip function being locked until completion. Additionally, the release of a separate FHD version made early supporters feel cheated, and poor English translation hindered exploration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players are satisfied with the game's value for its price, enjoying the interesting story, nice scenes, and cute characters. The happy ending epilogue after the credits adds to the overall positive experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players thoroughly enjoyed the game, describing it as a really good read with a loved ending. The typical Key visual novel elements of drama, twists, and humor contributed to an immensely enjoyable experience.
- Warmth (weight 0.02): The heartwarming story, sincere redemption of a non-human character, and hopeful ending leave players feeling warm and fuzzy. Despite the desolate world, the narrative brings a positive and comforting feeling.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): The beginning of the game is slow, and the first three chapters are filled with boring daily life content. Some players find the overall experience boring and forgettable, especially when compared to other Key works.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by the unexpected twist that the protagonist is human while the whole village is robots. Low expectations from the trailer and little promotion were surpassed, and the mid-story sudden development added to the surprise.
- Touching (weight 0.02): The contrast between kind robots and evil humans, along with themes of love and the robot's journey to understand emotions, is deeply moving. The story and music, especially in the eighth chapter, made players tear up.
- Hope (weight 0.02): The story conveys that love and kindness can bring light to a broken world, offering hope and comfort in a desperate setting. Despite the sad atmosphere, hope is a persistent theme throughout the narrative.
- Impressed (weight 0.02): Players are impressed by the well-written story, quality presentation, and effective use of the soundtrack. The art and music quality also stand out as highlights of the game.
- Touched (weight 0.01): The protagonist's journey of learning to feel emotions and the themes of love and connection are touching. The story is described as touching as usual, resonating emotionally with players.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): The game is engaging despite its short length, with the story becoming particularly captivating after the halfway point. Players find themselves drawn into the narrative and characters.
- Interest (weight 0.01): The underlying questioning of the story is interesting, and the narrative becomes more engaging from chapter 4 onward. Players are intrigued by the philosophical and emotional themes presented.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): By the end, players liked the story again, finding the game a satisfying purchase even if they were not strict fans. The overall experience left them content with their decision to play.
- Shock (weight 0.01): The twist in the story is shocking, leading players to re-analyze earlier chapters. By the 7th chapter, the revelation significantly impacted their understanding of the narrative.}