Aug 2020
Once upon a time in a world filled with wannabe fairy tales and unfulfilled wishes, we find 'Cinders' – a visual novel that dares to shake up the Cinderella story. After making her grand debut in the world of gaming in 2012, she finally made her way to the PS4 in 2020. With a promise of multiple endings, snarky characters, and choices that could make your own mother weep, let's dive into this interactive melange of fairy-tale madness.
As with the choicest of visual novels, gameplay consists of a whole lot of reading and a smidge of decision-making. It’s like being handed a slightly out-of-date interactive Choose Your Own Adventure book but with much better graphics! Throughout your time with Cinders, you’ll make choices at pivotal moments that will steer her character development and influence her relationships with a colorful cast of characters. Yes, you can choose to play her as kind, manipulative, or somewhere delightfully ambiguous. There are a total of four possible endings, ensuring hours of replay value for the compulsive completionist or the curious cat who just can't resist pressing every button. The quests for eight trophies provide that little extra incentive to dive back in and rack up play hours, which, let’s face it, is the primary reason we play games anyway.
Graphically speaking, 'Cinders' looks like it rolled straight out of a beautifully illustrated storybook and into your gaming system. The hand-painted visuals are lush and captivating, turning the typical fairy tale aesthetic on its head. Masterfully designed by Gracjana Zielinska, each scene bursts with color and vibrancy that can make even a grayscale winter’s day feel somewhat sparkly. Those controls? Smooth as butter on a hot biscuit! Each character animations are fluid, making every conversation feel alive. Just don’t expect any 4K graphics here; it’s more of a charming experience than a pixel-popping adventure. The art complements storytelling snugly, ensuring that even if you’re stuck in a slow dialogue, you can still feast your eyes on the stunning visuals.
'Cinders' isn't your average fairy tale; it's a romp through a world where the protagonist can claw her way to power or be subjugated into domesticity. If you're itching for a visual novel that offers more than a narrow happy ending – if you’re ready for characters with depth and a plot that goes in directions you *didn't* see coming – Cinders might just be your cup of enchanted tea. Slap on your coziest gaming socks, grab some snacks (or popcorn), and buckle up for a journey that’s part whimsical, part chaotic, and wholly engaging. In a world filled with plot holes and predictable characters, Cinders is a refreshing breath of smoky cinders and unexpectedly empowering choices. Now go forth and make those tough choices; the fate of your Cinderella awaits!
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