Apr 3, 2016

Magical Eyes: Red is for Anguish Review

Visual novels are one of the genres that I’ve felt are make it and break it these days. Some, rely on the tired conventions of others while doing nothing truly new or inventive. Then in the middle, there are some that attempt to try a couple of minuscule differences, but ultimately fall short. And then there’s the short list of games that actually succeed, whether it be due to their writing, characters, setting, or most importantly atmosphere. (Seen in such games as Amnesia: Memories, Hatoful Boyfriend, Go! Go! Nippon!: My First Trip to Japan to name a few) But this time, instead of a high-profile company like NIS America, Atlus, or Aksys Games taking another shot, the localization house Fruitbat Factory is putting their money in the betting with a new IP, Magical Eyes: Red is for Anguish. So does this small venture reach new heights or instead fall across them? Let’s see.

Gameplay:

The setting may be overused, but Magical Eyes is thankfully aware of this and brings a lot of variety

Magical Eyes: Red is For Anguish may seem synonymous as other games in it’s genre, but it does have a handful of new additions that make the game feel entertaining, and also suspenseful to it’s narrative. This includes how the story is told through diverging perspectives (three to be precise; with one being more mysterious, fitting the game’s theme) It also may be disappointing to some players that a new ending will not arise, but there are some features that will let you see specific events in different ways and outcomes, fleshing out the story and replay value.

Design:

The suspense isn’t the only thing the game keeps well in it’s dialogue. Sharping humor and self-awareness are also present

Delving more into the mechanics, it’s clear to see how Magical Eyes: Red is for Anguish’s attention to detail surrounds it’s wonderful premise about superhumans, court cases, and somewhat secret agents. There are moments that sidestep from the chaos, and even these are as well executed as the battle scenes, which is a true praising testament. This is also representative of the good story balancing the game’s climax and subsequent arcs, although the introduction isn’t settled as well. But if you get past the first hour or so, you should be in good terms.

Presentation/ Visuals & Audio:

The game’s wide cast of characters all have their strong points and unique quirks, whether they be significant or inconsequential

What further strengthens Magical Eyes: Red is for Anguish from other visual novels is it’s great soundtrack. This fits well with nearly each specific scene of the game, and the exceptions are less awkward due to great writing and character atmosphere. Background visuals aren’t as flavorful and bright to set these aesthetics in, but it’s little things like these that are nitpicks instead of problems that would distract you from the actual experience and gameplay at hand.

Conclusion:

Magical Eyes: Red is for Anguish is a hair away from being one of the best visual novels in the past couple of years, but this doesn’t mean that the product at hand is poor. Strong character representation, voice acting, and design bound themselves with great writing, immersive atmosphere and a rich setting, crafting a memorable, although slightly flawed original take in a overcrowded genre.

Magical Eyes: Red is for Anguish gets a 8/10 (Very Good)

We’d like to thank Fruitbat Factory for sending us a code!

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