[Review for Nintendo Switch] SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is the newest offering from PQube and MAGES, adding another chapter to the beloved visual novel series. In this installment of the Memories Off franchise—which first captivated audiences on the PlayStation back in 1999—we dive into a narrative set a decade after the events of the main series. Fans can look forward to a new game coming to Japan on the Nintendo Switch next year, and there’s hope it will make its way to the rest of us as well. The story centers on Junya Mizumoto, a college student navigating the complexities of life after losing his brother in a tragic accident a year prior.

The game takes a poignant and unexpected turn when Junya encounters an enigmatic girl who delivers a piercing message: it was he who should have perished instead. What follows is a gripping narrative twist. On the brighter side, Junya is soon involved in a renovation project on the Hojo manor, a quintessential Japanese residence. This opportunity comes through his childhood friend Chihaya Hojo, whose family owns the ancestral home. As players, you’ll find yourself navigating various story paths, with your choices significantly impacting your relationships with characters like Chihaya, Hinata Ise, Azusa Satomi, Chunyu Huang, and Yuriko Oyama.

If you’re new to visual novels, think of them as interactive storytelling experiences that blend rich narratives with visual art. Some are as extensive as a full-length novel and may even include voice acting—a costly feature in game production. This particular title is fully voiced, although the performances are all in Japanese. So, if you’re not fluent in the language, be prepared for lots of reading, which is part of the charm with visual novels, after all.

Visually immersive and emotionally engaging, SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky delivers a narrative that is as compelling as it is haunting. Your character, Junya, must cope with the intense aftermath of his brother’s death, all while dealing with the haunting message from the mysterious girl. Thankfully, the story’s silver lining comes with the collaboration with Chihaya on her family’s historic manor.

With a mix of suspense and heartfelt moments, your choices will shape the unfolding story. Will you forge stronger bonds or drift away from those closest to you? That’s for you to decide. Despite a few localization hiccups, like minor typos here and there, the experience remains highly enjoyable.

Available for $39.99 on the Nintendo Switch, SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a journey worth embarking on. It’s an invitation to explore not just the narrative branching from your decisions, but also to experience the compelling universe that the Memories Off series is known for.

Please note that this review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.