Info about 9-nine-:Episode 1:

Official game description:
Content Warning
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About the Game
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The scene: Shiromitsugawa, a run-of-the-mill college town that has launched several failed attempts to drum up tourism and revitalize itself, including sponsoring a high-budget-but-poorly-written anime based on local folklore. A storm is about to descend on this sleepy town.  
We follow Kakeru Niimi, a man who can be a bit curt at times but who has a strong sense of responsibility and a kind heart. Kakeru's ordinary life is thrown into chaos after the local shrine's sacred relic shatters. In the wake of this event, several young men and women awaken to superhuman abilities.  
What was once a run-of-the-mill life in a run-of-the-mill town soon turns into a quest to track down a superpowered serial killer before they can strike again.
Concept
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_9-nine- Episode_ 1 is the first volume in a series of supernatural mystery games, with Episode 1 telling a story centered around Miyako Kujo. The entries in the the _9-nine-_ series share the same setting and world, but each entry focuses on a different heroine. _9-nine-_ is a tale of the town of Shiromitsugawa, host to mysterious Artifacts and the superpowers they bestow on their Users. A tale of growing trust and budding romance between the protagonist and the heroine, and also a murder mystery where they hunt down the culprit behind a series of supernatural murders. Each game has an independent story that can be enjoyed on its own. We hope you enjoy the experience that is the _9-nine-_ series.  
*   Gorgeous art from Izumi Tsubasu (Artist of SakuSaku:Love Blooms with the Cherry Blossoms)  
*   Gripping story written by scenario writer, Kazuki Fumi  
*   Multi part series with independent stories per episode  
*   Two different endings  
*   CG gallery  
*   Music gallery  
*   Movie gallery  
*   FULL Japanese voice acting (Including the main character!)  
*   Japanese, English, and Chinese text. Dual-lang display options

Release date: Jan 31, 2019

Categories: Visual Novel, Supernatural Mystery, Romance, Episodic Structure, Multiple Endings, Kinetic Novel, Moe


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The community consistently indicates that the full price is too high and that the game is only worth buying on sale. The sale price for the entire series is around $33-40, which translates to roughly $6-8 per episode. Since the base game is the first episode, a fair price range is $5-10, with a typical sale price around $6-8.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.0h
  - Story completion: 5.5h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence directly reports playtime for 9-nine-:Episode 1. One reviewer states it took just under 5 hours to 100% the game, supporting gameCompletion at 5 hours. Another mentions the length is about 6 hours, and a third reports 5 hours for two playthroughs (required to reach the true ending), supporting storyCompletion around 5-6 hours. I set storyCompletion to 5.5 as an average of these figures. No evidence addresses session length or endgame content, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: 9-nine-: Episode 1 has a slow, setup-heavy first half that many find boring, but enjoyment improves once the setup is passed and the series takes off.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Getting past the setup
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Slow and weak opening; Excessive setup consuming most of the runtime; Erratic pacing, especially after the midway point; Inconsistent story quality; Rushed romance progression
  - Unlock drivers: Passing the setup phase; Series taking off after the intro; Action sequences breaking up slow stretches
  - Conditions: Player tolerance for setup-heavy narrative; Interest in the overarching series; Willingness to overlook pacing inconsistencies; Preference for mystery-romance genre
- Player Archetypes:
  - Series Story Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience the complete narrative arc, meta reveals, and foreshadowing payoffs across all episodes.
    - Playstyle: Plays all episodes in order, pays close attention to details and foreshadowing, and often rereads after finishing the series.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: story-focused player
    - Reference games: You and Me and Her; DDLC
  - Value-Conscious Critic (sale)
    - Motivation: To obtain a satisfying experience without overpaying for segmented content.
    - Playstyle: Waits for sales, researches before buying, and may purchase the full series as a bundle if priced reasonably.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Koi Sakura
  - Newcomer Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: To try a recommended VN and see if the series lives up to its reputation.
    - Playstyle: Plays the first episode, evaluates it, and decides whether to continue based on interest and budget.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Moe & Visual Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: To enjoy adorable characters, beautiful art, and satisfying romantic/H-scenes.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on character interactions, appreciates CG and voice acting, and may skip or skim plot-heavy sections.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - 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:
- Art style is beautiful (weight 0.32): The art style is consistently praised as beautiful, gorgeous, and bright, with high-quality CG. The visual presentation is a major positive aspect.
- Voice acting is excellent (weight 0.31): Players consistently praise the voice acting as natural, engaging, and bringing characters to life. The full voice acting, including the protagonist, is highlighted as a strong point.
- Characters are likable and fun (weight 0.23): The characters are described as fun, interesting, and well-developed, with engaging dialogue. Their personalities are enjoyable, making them a highlight of the game.
- Game is humorous (weight 0.21): The game is humorous overall, with funny parts and believable friendship among the cast. The comedy is a notable feature.
- Story is engaging and good (weight 0.2): The story is described as very good, excellent, and enjoyable, with a positive reception overall. It is a key strength of the game.
- Miyako is a cute character (weight 0.16): Miyako is frequently highlighted as cute, funny, and appealing, with a wife-like personality. Her design and interactions are well-received.
- H-scenes are high quality (weight 0.14): The H-scenes are noted as good, animated, and enjoyable, though few in number. Their quality is considered impressive.
- Music sets atmosphere well (weight 0.14): The music quality is high and effectively sets the atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. It is praised alongside the voice acting.
- Miao Du is cute and gentle (weight 0.11): The character Miao Du is praised for being cute, gentle, and having a girlfriend-like feel. She is a favorite among players.
- Game is well made (weight 0.11): The game is considered a good work, decent, and very well made overall. Its quality is positively acknowledged.
- Romance is well written (weight 0.09): The romance line is well written, comfortable, and cute, contributing to the game's appeal.
- Protagonist is voiced (weight 0.09): The protagonist being voiced is a pleasant surprise, making interactions more lively and engaging.
- Multi-language display is useful (weight 0.09): The feature allowing simultaneous display of two languages is excellent for language learning, particularly for Japanese. It is a unique and appreciated aspect.

Common complaints:
- Cliffhanger ending unresolved (weight 0.48): Players consistently report that the story ends on a cliffhanger with major plot points left unresolved, leaving an unsatisfying conclusion. This is the most frequently mentioned issue across multiple clusters.
- Split-sale structure disliked (weight 0.27): The game is sold in multiple parts, which players find troublesome, expensive, and uncomfortable. The split-sale method is seen as a negative business practice that increases overall cost.
- Poor Traditional Chinese translation (weight 0.25): The Traditional Chinese translation is criticized for typos, misordering, incomplete text, and untranslated lines. This affects comprehension and overall quality for Chinese-speaking players.
- Forced bad first ending (weight 0.24): The first playthrough forces a bad ending with no choices, which players find abrupt and unsatisfying. This design choice is criticized for lacking player agency and narrative payoff.
- Rushed and anticlimactic ending (weight 0.22): The ending is described as rushed, hasty, and anticlimactic, with plot twists that feel unearned. This leaves players feeling the story concludes poorly.
- High price not justified (weight 0.2): The game is considered expensive, especially given its short length and incomplete story. Players feel the price does not match the content provided.
- Lacks Simplified Chinese support (weight 0.09): The game only offers Traditional Chinese, requiring a patch for Simplified Chinese. This is seen as a significant omission at the current price point.
- Slow and boring first episode (weight 0.09): Episode 1 is criticized for being slow-paced, weak, and boring, which may deter players from continuing the series. The lack of immediate engagement is a noted issue.
- Unnecessary H-scene content (weight 0.09): H-scene content is described as filler and unnecessary, adding little to the story or gameplay. This content is seen as padding rather than meaningful addition.
- Character abilities unexplained (weight 0.09): The abilities of the male protagonist and other characters are not fully explained, leaving players confused about the mechanics and lore. This lack of clarity detracts from the narrative.
- No climax or battle (weight 0.09): The game lacks a climax or battle sequence, making the experience feel anticlimactic. Players expected more action or dramatic peaks.

Gameplay feedback:
- Visual novel with moe elements (weight 0.33): The game is consistently described as a visual novel, specifically a gal game with moe elements and animated H-scenes. It features a continuous story across multiple parts with choices affecting endings.
- First part of 9-nine series (weight 0.26): This game is explicitly identified as the first entry in the 9-nine series, serving as the opening chapter. It sets up the overarching story and introduces the series' structure.
- Multiple playthroughs required (weight 0.25): Players must engage in multiple playthroughs to experience different story tones and endings. The second playthrough introduces new options and a different world line, making replays essential.
- Supernatural mystery with romance (weight 0.25): The game blends supernatural mystery with school romance, featuring supernatural powers and a murder mystery plot. It combines elements of mystery, action, and slice-of-life romance.
- First playthrough is kinetic (weight 0.22): The initial playthrough has no choices and functions as a kinetic novel, leading directly to a bad ending. This design forces players to replay to access interactive elements.
- Bad ending unlocks good ending (weight 0.21): The game forces a bad ending on the first playthrough, which must be completed to unlock the good or true ending. The second playthrough adds choices that lead to the better outcome.
- Split into four parts (weight 0.18): The game is sold as a split series of multiple parts, specifically four parts plus a new chapter. This split-sale model is a notable aspect of the game's distribution.
- Four episodes with different heroines (weight 0.16): The series is split into four episodes, each focusing on a different heroine and featuring separate stories. This episodic structure is a core aspect of the game's design.
- Episodic story with unresolved conflict (weight 0.13): The game is an episodic story where the first part can be skipped and returned to later, and the conflict is not fully resolved in this entry. Playing through the series fills in the story pieces.
- Skip and language features (weight 0.1): The game offers options to skip to previous or next choice and skip read dialogue, enhancing replayability. It also allows two languages to be displayed simultaneously.
- Features waifu characters and harem (weight 0.09): The game includes waifu characters and harem elements, typical of moe games. This focus on character appeal is a key selling point.

Performance notes:
- Resolution limited to 720p (weight 0.1): Multiple players report the game runs at 720p and appears blurry on 1080p monitors, especially in text. This is a common technical complaint.
- No bugs or issues encountered (weight 0.05): Some players report encountering no bugs or technical issues, suggesting the game is generally stable for them. This is positive but vague feedback.
- OP and ED issues on Windows 11 (weight 0.04): One player encountered problems with the opening and ending animations not playing properly on Windows 11. This is a specific but isolated issue.
- Game runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.03): A player reports the game works fine on Steam Deck, indicating good compatibility with the handheld device. This is positive feedback but from a single user.
- Unlocked framerate (weight 0.03): One player notes the game has an unlocked framerate, which can be a positive feature for those with high refresh rate displays. This is a minor technical detail.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended visual novel (weight 0.28): The game is praised for its quality and is highly recommended for visual novel fans. Reviewers find it worth playing and enjoyable, with some giving it high scores.
- Buy entire series (weight 0.23): Reviewers advise purchasing all episodes together, as the first episode alone is not representative and may lead to wanting more. Buying the bundle is seen as more cost-effective and provides a complete experience.
- Wait for sale (weight 0.18): Multiple reviewers recommend waiting for a discount before purchasing, indicating the game may not be worth its full price. This is a common suggestion for visual novels with shorter content.
- Play series in order (weight 0.15): To avoid story fragmentation and fully understand the narrative, reviewers strongly recommend playing all parts in order without skipping. This ensures a coherent and immersive experience.
- Install patches (weight 0.14): Reviewers advise installing patches, such as the R18 patch or translation patches, to enhance the experience. This is especially important for accessing adult content or improving localization.
- Recommended for story fans (weight 0.12): The game is particularly recommended for players who focus on story, with engaging character dynamics and plot twists. It suits both story-focused and moe-focused players, but not those seeking deep world-building.
- Not for all players (weight 0.11): The game is not recommended for realists, those seeking hard-boiled suspense, or players who dislike convenient plot developments. It also may not suit those looking for pure romance or non-creepy stories.
- Buy official, play pirated (weight 0.09): Some reviewers suggest purchasing the game to support developers but playing a pirated version, possibly due to pricing or regional issues. This reflects a common sentiment among certain players.
- Buy on alternative platforms (weight 0.06): Some reviewers suggest buying the game on platforms like DLSite instead of Steam, possibly for Japanese language support or better pricing. This is a niche recommendation for certain players.
- Worth full price (weight 0.06): Some reviewers believe the game is worth buying at full price due to its quality, despite others suggesting waiting for a sale. This indicates a divide in perceived value.
- Manage expectations (weight 0.06): Reviewers advise not expecting something grand in the first episode, as it may be a typical moe game. This helps set realistic expectations for new players.
- Play without patches (weight 0.03): The game can be enjoyed entirely without worrying about H-scene patches, making it accessible to a wider audience. This is a positive note for those who prefer a clean experience.
- Use skip feature (weight 0.03): After the first ending, starting a new game and using the skip read text option is recommended to see alternate routes. This is a practical tip for completionists.
- Consider slang before buying (weight 0.03): Reviewers suggest considering the game's slang and style before purchasing, as it may not appeal to everyone. This is a minor consideration for potential buyers.

Other player notes:
- Game sold in parts (weight 0.48): The game is sold as multiple separate episodes or parts, requiring players to purchase each part to experience the full story. This split-sale structure is a common complaint among reviewers.
- Censored content requires patch (weight 0.36): The Steam version has adult scenes removed, and an 18+ patch is available to restore full content. The patch is free and can be obtained from other digital stores like Denpasoft.
- First entry in series (weight 0.32): The game is the first installment in a multi-part series, often serving as an introduction to characters and plot. This is a common point of feedback, noting the game's role as an opening entry.
- Traditional Chinese only support (weight 0.29): The game only supports Traditional Chinese, lacking Simplified Chinese and having untranslated lines. This limits accessibility for players who prefer Simplified Chinese.
- Episodic story structure (weight 0.26): The game is part of an episodic series with multiple episodes, and the story is not fully resolved in this entry. Players note that the conflict continues in later episodes.
- Short playtime (weight 0.22): The game is relatively short, with playthroughs ranging from 5 to 12 hours. Some reviewers mention that it can be completed in under 10 hours, making it a brief experience.
- High price without discount (weight 0.16): The default asking price is considered high, especially when compared to other games. Reviewers mention that the price is not cheap and may be a barrier.
- Untranslated Japanese text (weight 0.09): The game has untranslated Japanese lines in subtitles, which can be problematic for players who do not understand Japanese. This is a specific localization issue.
- Bundle available for series (weight 0.09): The game is sold as part of a series with a bundle available, allowing players to purchase multiple parts together. This is noted as a positive or neutral aspect.
- English translation uses slang (weight 0.07): The English translation contains a lot of native slang, which can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand. This is a specific criticism of the localization quality.
- Anime adaptation exists (weight 0.06): The series has an anime adaptation, which may be of interest to fans. This is mentioned as additional content related to the game.
- Purchased during sale (weight 0.06): Some reviewers bought the game during a sale, which may affect their perception of value. This is a minor point but relevant to pricing discussions.
- Four parts plus new chapter (weight 0.06): The game consists of four parts plus a new chapter, indicating additional content beyond the main episodes. This is a structural detail.
- PALETTE game with specific art (weight 0.05): The game is a PALETTE title with art by 和泉つばす, which may be a selling point for fans of the artist. This is a niche detail.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.18): Players are frustrated by the game being split into multiple paid parts, leaving the story incomplete and forcing them to buy expensive sequels. Additional issues include poor or incomplete Chinese translations, untranslated text, and a short playtime that does not justify the price.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): The game disappoints due to its short length and episodic structure, which leaves the story underdeveloped and unresolved. Poor translation quality, anticlimactic endings, and a price that does not match the content further contribute to the negative reception.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Players appreciate the high-quality character art, consistent style, and appealing aesthetics. The voice acting, music, and well-written romance and story elements are also praised, making the game visually and narratively enjoyable.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): The game is enjoyed for its humorous sibling interactions, fluffy and light-hearted scenes, and believable romance. The engaging story, good voice acting, and high-quality presentation contribute to a fun and entertaining experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.06): Players admire the well-developed characters, particularly Miyako and Miao, who are considered ideal and beloved. The artwork, soundtrack, and voice acting are also highly praised, and the game is regarded as a pinnacle of supernatural visual novels.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): The story becomes increasingly exciting from the second episode onward, with non-stop twists, explosive plot developments, and a thrilling final battle. The escalating quality and engaging narrative keep players hooked and eager to continue.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Players are satisfied with the game's engaging story, beautiful art and music, and strong voice cast. The purchase is considered worthwhile, especially when bought on sale, and the overall experience meets or exceeds expectations.
- Anticipation (weight 0.04): Players look forward to the upcoming episodes, expecting the story to develop further and resolve the cliffhangers. The sequel setup and the promise of more content, such as the sister route, generate excitement for what comes next.
- Affection (weight 0.04): Players feel affection for the cute and virtuous heroines, especially Miyako and Miu, who are likable and endearing. The art style and character designs also evoke a warm, positive response.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): The game provides amusement through hilarious dialogue, humorous use of supernatural abilities, and satirical commentary. The system voice and unexpected card drops also add to the lighthearted fun.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): The game induces boredom due to its repetitive and slow-paced story, particularly in the first episode. The bland daily-life segments and lack of engaging content make it difficult to stay interested.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): The series evokes nostalgia by hitting classic visual novel tropes and reminding players of their youth. Memorable music and emotional scenes, such as the confession, contribute to a sentimental, reminiscent feeling.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players are angered by the mistreatment of the character Miao Du and the poor official Chinese translation. The split-sale structure, which divides the game into multiple parts, also fuels frustration and anger.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): The game evokes sadness through its forced bad ending, where the heroine is turned to stone and shattered. The characters' struggles and the emotional weight of the first playthrough contribute to a melancholic experience.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Unresolved plot points, such as the petrification murder case, spark curiosity and motivate players to continue the series. The story's mysteries and cliffhangers make players eager to learn what happens next.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed by the game's short length and incomplete story, which leaves suspense unresolved. The forced bad ending and the need to purchase additional episodes to get closure add to the dissatisfaction.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): The episodic release structure and separated selling frustrate players, as the story is cut off and the single route is expensive. Poorly connected H-scenes further detract from the experience.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Players are dissatisfied with the story ending without resolving any mysteries and the plot barely progressing. The split-sale structure and poor localization quality also contribute to the negative sentiment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by untranslated text in the official Chinese version and the quiet voice volume for a character. These minor but noticeable issues detract from the overall experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): The first chapter is confusing, with unclear story logic and cause-and-effect relationships. This leaves players puzzled and struggling to follow the narrative.}