Hate Plus is the sequel to 2012’s Analog: A Hate Story. In that visual novel, players learned the terrible truth of the derelict space ship, the Mugunghwa, and what happened to its inhabitants. All that remained of the ship and its culture were it’s two A.Is, and it was up to players to piece together the events that led to the disaster that claimed the lives of its passengers. However, upon reading the log files, it was clear that the culture and society on the ship had regressed to feudal levels and traditions, where ruling families held all the power and women were treated as second class citizens. Hate Plus, beginning only a few moments after Analog ends, tells the story of the events leading up to ‘year zero’, the point when society regressed to the form seen in Analog. It’s an even more heartbreaking and gripping tale than Analog, and it will suck you right in provided you are prepared to do a lot of reading.
[Read the rest of this entry…]

The Digital Novel is a genre of gaming that isn’t popular over on this side of the Pacific due to its heavy emphasis on story rather than action. However, this title from independent developer Christine Love is worth checking out for its non linear storytelling, although clearly it isn’t meant for everyone. Designed as a spiritual successor to her two previous games Digital: A Love Story and Don’t take it personally babe, it just ain’t your story, Analog’s deep story and 59,000 word count will keep open-minded players hooked.
[Read the rest of this entry…]