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Story
Sentimental Graffiti is a visual novel game developed and published by NEC Interchannel, first released in 1998 for the Sega Saturn. The narrative revolves around a male protagonist who embarks on a sentimental journey across Japan to reconnect with twelve girls he once knew during his childhood. Each girl represents a specific city, and their individual stories are intimately woven into the protagonist’s past, creating a tapestry of nostalgia and emotion.
The story begins when the protagonist receives anonymous letters from each of the twelve girls, prompting him to travel across Japan. As he visits each city, the player engages in heartfelt interactions, uncovering the unique backstories and personalities of the girls. The narrative is rich with themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Each encounter is a potential romance, but it’s also a reflection of the protagonist’s memories and how they have shaped his journey into adulthood.
What sets Sentimental Graffiti apart is its focus on the depth of relationships and emotional storytelling. Unlike many games of its time, it emphasizes character development and the impact of choices on narrative progression. The player’s decisions influence the outcome of the story, leading to multiple endings based on the connections formed with each character.
Gameplay
Sentimental Graffiti is primarily a visual novel, a genre that combines narrative-driven gameplay with interactive elements. The gameplay involves reading dialogues, making choices, and managing time and resources as the protagonist travels from one city to another.
Interaction and Choices
Players interact with characters through dialogue options, affecting their relationships with the twelve girls. The game includes a calendar system, where players must decide how to spend their time in each location, balancing between visiting characters, exploring the city, and managing travel logistics. These choices are crucial as they determine the depth of the relationship with each character and ultimately influence the story’s outcome.
- Dialogue Options: Players choose from various dialogue responses, shaping the narrative and character relationships.
- Time Management: Strategic planning is required to maximize interactions within the limited time frame.
- Multiple Endings: The game offers different endings based on the player’s decisions and relationship dynamics.
Exploration and Travel
The game’s map system allows players to travel across Japan, visiting different cities to meet each girl. This aspect of exploration adds an element of travel simulation, as players must consider travel costs and time constraints. The cities are depicted with a focus on authenticity, capturing the essence of each location and its cultural nuances.
Graphics and Sound
Sentimental Graffiti is renowned for its detailed character designs and vibrant backgrounds, which were considered groundbreaking at the time of its release. The character illustrations are expressive, capturing a wide range of emotions that enhance the storytelling experience.
Visuals
The game utilizes anime-style art, which was popular in the late 1990s. The character designs are intricate, with each girl showcasing distinct visual traits that reflect their personalities and backgrounds. The backgrounds are equally impressive, with detailed depictions of various Japanese cities that add depth and authenticity to the setting.
Audio
The sound design in Sentimental Graffiti complements its visual storytelling. The game features a rich soundtrack composed of melodic tunes that evoke the emotional undertones of the narrative. Additionally, the game includes full voice acting for all main characters, a feature that enhances the immersive experience and brings the characters to life.
Legacy and Reception
Sentimental Graffiti holds a special place in the history of visual novels due to its innovative storytelling and focus on emotional depth. Upon its release, it received praise for its narrative complexity and character development, setting a new standard for romantic visual novels.
Impact on the Genre
- Character-Driven Narrative: The game’s emphasis on character relationships and emotional storytelling influenced future visual novels.
- Technical Innovation: The inclusion of voice acting and detailed character art was pioneering for the time.
- Multiple Endings: The branching storylines and multiple endings paved the way for more interactive storytelling in visual novels.
Critical Reception
Although the game was primarily released in Japan, it garnered a cult following due to its emotional depth and engaging narrative. Critics praised its character-driven story and the emotional resonance of its gameplay. Over the years, Sentimental Graffiti has been remembered as a classic, often cited as an inspiration for many contemporary visual novels.
Conclusion
Sentimental Graffiti is a landmark title in the visual novel genre, known for its heartfelt storytelling and complex character interactions. Its legacy is marked by its innovative approach to narrative and character development, setting a precedent for emotional depth in video games. The game’s influence can still be seen in modern visual novels, which continue to explore themes of love, memory, and personal growth. For fans of narrative-driven games, Sentimental Graffiti remains a must-experience journey through nostalgia and emotion.
