Visual novels are a genre that have become increasingly common in games, but many struggle to find their proper footing, in the genre’s developing over-saturation. Many also dismiss these games for having a lack of interesting gameplay or features, and while that can be true, it’s typically the story that alleviates any complaints. Games like Hatoful Boyfriend, (and it’s DLC Holiday Star), Steins; Gate, and Corpse Party: Book of Shadows all take a shot to craft gripping narratives that appease to their fans, as well as adding a bit of fan-service here and there. (Some more than others!) The most recent foray into this genre is XBlaze: Code Embryo, a visual novel that bases itself off the lore of one of Aksys Game’s most acclaimed and respected franchises. Unfortunately, this is one of those ideas that was better on paper. (No pun intended).

Gameplay:

As expected of a visual novel, text is heavy and detailed

XBlaze: Code Embryo is one of the heftier visual novels I’ve played recently, although it does attempt to change some widely criticized tropes. For example, the game has it’s own unique TOI system, in which the ending can be affected based off of how players interpret and analyze information. As great and innovative as this sounds, it’s really confusing and phoned-in, and doesn’t really feel right until a second or third run. Even worse, it’s not good in a grindy way to go through this one aspect, as by the time you finish, you’ll be heavily burned out by this unwelcome feature. Besides for this, the gameplay is rather solid, yet hampered by what’s been previously mentioned.

Not putting in the proper commitment to the TOI guide can also turn story events awry

Plot/ Design:

The game has a wide cast of characters, all with unique, but aggravating personalities

Another imperfect trait of XBlaze: Code Embryo is the nature of it’s cast. Nearly all of them come off as bland, uninteresting, or uninspired, leaving little to shape the rest of the game’s story. The same is also present of the game’s main protagonist, which equals a double-whammie of disappointment. In many ways, the plot is similar to the gameplay, in this regard. It’s base structure is decent, until one or two things impact it’s quality, creating a weak assortment of reasons to keep on playing.

The game can also get a tad convoluted, but that’s expected of this genre

Presentation/ Sound & Visuals:

The attention to detail of certain locales is simply breathtaking

If there’s anything to wildly laud about XBlaze: Code Embryo, it’s the art-design. This will likely strike a major chord with hardcore fans of visual novels, and even some newcomers too, as there’s always a pop of color or an interesting artistic character trait. While the sound isn’t as gratifying, it’s still influential, rather than imprecise. (If only more of the game was like this!) If anything, it’s a true testament to the talent that is somewhat present from the developers.

See! We weren’t kidding. Every box of sushi or outfit is visually diverse.

Conclusion:

XBlaze: Code Embryo is one of the more forgettable visual novels to have been recently released, but it does have some small, yet redeeming facets, such as the art and sound. If anything, it’s a nice groundwork to be improved upon, leading to a game that is respectable of a purchase when it’s on sale, or in a bundle.

XBlaze: Code Embryo gets a 5/10. (Flawed)

We’d like to thank Aksys Games for sending us a code for this one!

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