I say all the time that the Nintendo Switch is an ideal platform for consuming visual novels. Ghostpia: Season One is the latest visual novel to grace the Switch and does so with a unique style.
Ghostpia: Season One is presented by Developer Chosuido and publisher PQube. With its glitchy VHS-style visuals and thoughtful story, Ghostpia: Season One stands out as a somber experience that separates itself from its peers.
In Ghostpia, players will guide Sayako, the game’s protagonist, through a town of ghosts. Sayako is a resident but longs to return home. Unsurprisingly, Sayako stumbles upon some secrets in the ghost town, and it doesn’t take long for her to find herself in a deeper investigation of her home. It’s a somber experience that emphasizes longing and themes full of melancholy.
Ghostpia might have sad themes, but it is a joy to play. It’s well-written and maintains a gripping pace throughout. The controls are typical, giving players a suite of ways to experience the visual novel. The ability to rewind each episode using the right analog stick enhances the experience, giving players a nice quality-of-life feature that fits in with the narrative well.
While Ghostpia: Season One‘s visuals instantly pop. It harkens back to the days of tapes, with a style that feels both cozy and ominous. The themes explored are dark and suit the moody visuals well.
