Nightshade is Bittersweet

After playing this game, I needed some time to distance myself from it. Never have I ever came across a visual novel that all the characters were well-written. Plus, I just want to hug them all to shield them from what had happened to them.

Nightshade is one of the few major Japanese otome available on Steam. It is also known as Hyakka Hyakurou Sengoku Ninpou-chou which can be heard said by various of characters when entering the main menu. The default setting randomly selects the voice. Though, you can change it to hearing your favorite character’s voice in the settings. I just left it as it is since all the voices are lovely to hear. Most of the visual novel is voiced including minor characters and the prologue narration. Impressive! The only character who doesn’t have a VA is Enju. Whether an MC is voiced or not is not a make or break deal for me.

The art and music are beautiful. Visually, I’m in awe with both the static art and the animated effects such as character sprites blinking, mouths moving, and the illusion of them engaging in combat across the screen. However, in a few CGs, Enju looks a little off. Since I’m no art expert, please take it as a grain of salt. I enjoyed the music when the characters were in town or were all together. Oh, those good times. Though, my favorite track is the one that could be heard only once in one route. Yeah, I understand that it’s a tune only used for specific occasions. Fortunately, I bought the OST along with the game. But my absolute favorite is the opening! Seriously, I have not once skipped it (only the time when I needed to fix the game because it wasn’t running the opening or ending graphics properly. Though, I think it was my own fault who postponed updating my own system for quite awhile at the time…). For most games, seeing an opening once is enough for me, or I’m too impatient and just want to skip to the main menu to load my save. Too bad the opening and endings aren’t included in the OST. However, there’s a link on their official site that directs to iTunes for the theme songs.

Usually, I romance my favorite first. However, based on the opening video and researching through route recommendations, my playthrough was different this time around. Here’s my simplified reasoning for the order I played in: the guy I think I’m least compatible with, that boy giving off an evil vibe, my favorite, the canon route, and lastly the route to finish off strong and maybe to ease the pain from the previous routes.

The Guys

Goemon – Robin Hood thief: Most of the time I don’t like the flirty type. To my surprise, he’s actually quite gentlemanly. Enjoys the company of woman and is respectful of them. He won’t do anything to Enju that would make her uncomfortable or without her consent unless they are in a intimate relationship. The aspect I enjoy most about Goemon is that he makes a great companion while being on the run regardless of the route you choose.

A good first pick since his route is the least spoiler among all the guys. Also, being the most lighthearted, you can play this route in between those that are heavy. Though, I felt bad for him in the bad ending. ;(

Kuroyuki – Gekkamaru’s younger brother: These two brothers were adopted into the Koga clan and grew up along with Enju. Kuroyuki is such a cheeky one. Though, was sent off on a long mission at an early age.

I have to say it’s my least favorite route. A Steam reviewer wasn’t kidding when they said Enju doesn’t say much besides Kuroyuki’s name every time she’s speechless. I was annoyed by this too. DX He’s definitely not evil like the villains but may fall into an archetype that some do not like. However, if you asked me who’s my favorite character from the whole story, it would be this brat. I love that he brings life and humor in all the other routes~ Plus, you can count on him to save the day!

Contains lots of spoilers for one of the plots. So it’s a good thing that I played Kuriyuki’s route after Goemon’s. Ideally, it would be best to play either Goemon or Hanzo or both before Kuroyuki. I’ve also seen many recommending to save him for one of the last routes to play.

Chojiro – Mentor and cousin: Based solely on appearance (one thing that bugs me the most is his ninja outfit… I don’t see him as the type to show cleavage. In my opinion, he seems to be more conservative like when he wears casual clothing.) and personality, he’s definitely my type of guy. ❤ The silent type who only speaks when necessary. However, will open up to those only close to them. Chojiro has the advantage of knowing Enju the best being both her teacher and family member.

Sadly, his route is the weakest. You don’t get to spend much time with him like the other guys since he reunites with Enju much later in his route. As a result, fleshes out the other characters instead. I guess to make up for it some of those alone moments with each other were quite steamy… >///<

Best to do this route anytime before Gekkamaru. Both are similar in following the same plot. But if you don’t want to go directly from one tragedy to the next, then place one of the others in between Chou-nii and Gekka. I’m a person that loves happy endings but in this situation the bad ending seems more suitable. It was beautiful too~ TwT

Gekkamaru – Bodyguard: Between the two brothers, Gekka was chosen to personally protect Enju. My first impression of him when starting the first chapter was that he was too clingy and overprotective of his princess. However, as I played his route, I found his loyalty appreciative. Very few characters actually doubted that Enju would commit the crime; Gekkamaru is one of them. Considering her nature and if you’re actually her friend, why would you suspect her?

The truth to this story is so messed up. At least, I’m proud of Enju towards the end. If she didn’t riot after all that had happened to her, then there would be no point to the story. Because of this, we learn the meaning behind the title.

Yep, Gekka’s route is definitely one of the routes to play last.

Hanzo – Don’t mess with him: His stern stares are intimidating… If I was in Enju’s shoes, I would probably freeze up and obey his every order. Makes you think before doing or saying anything stupid. With this in mind, it shouldn’t be too difficult to choose those options that raises Hanzo’s affection. He can act tough all he wants but still has a soft side to him. Plus, he doesn’t scare me when the rain messes his hair~