Ever wondered what happens when a 1990s eroge meets modern remastering? Well, 'Desire: Remaster Version' on the Nintendo Switch is exactly that weird combination. Set on a mysterious island filled with odd science experiments and character perspectives—because who doesn’t love a good ol’ decision-making visual novel? Strap in as we take a deep dive into this nostalgic trip with all the flair and elegance of a ‘90s anime opening.
Gameplay-wise, this is a visual novel, which means you'll spend most of your time reading dialogue, making pivotal choices, and unraveling a story filled with mystery and more twists than a pretzel factory. You get to choose between two characters, chief engineer Makoto Izumi or her reporter boyfriend Albert Macdgul (yes, that’s a real name). Depending on your choices, the story morphs, creating a butterfly effect that can either lead to groundbreaking discoveries or make you question your life choices. The remaster doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but the gameplay system feels tight, giving you all the chances to mess with timelines and character arcs. Just don’t expect any crazy action sequences—this is all about the emotional rollercoaster.
Now let's talk eye candy. Graphics in 'Desire' are reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon... from the ‘90s. They’ve spiffed up the character art, drawing from its Sega Saturn roots, but don’t expect anything that will push your Nintendo Switch to its limits. It's not pixelated enough to make you cringe, but it definitely won’t make the ‘graphics whores’ among you happy. Still, the aesthetics set a moody atmosphere perfect for an adventure full of mysterious scientific shenanigans. The character designs are charming and the backgrounds have enough detail to provide a decent visual experience—not exactly mind-blowing, but functional.
'Desire: Remaster Version' serves a hearty portion of nostalgia while also sucking in those curious about the origins of visual novels. It won't become the pinnacle of deep narrative exploration, but if you’re keen on unraveling a layered story with a sprinkling of romance and a hint of science-fiction intrigue, you could do a lot worse. Plus, it's portable! Now, you can weave your romantic tales on the go—perfect for those awkward public transit rides. Overall, I’d give it a solid 7.5 out of 10. Grab it if you're feeling adventurous—or just want to add more visual novels to your collection!