Welcome back to the bizarre world of Robotics;Notes, where robots battle, science reigns supreme, and it's all wrapped up with a generous sprinkling of weirdness, humor, and an unusually high level of youth angst. Oh, and if you ever thought sending a delinquent robot to deliver your pizza was a good idea, think again. Join me on a quest through Robotics;Notes DaSH, where the stakes are a tad higher than just a cold slice of pepperoni.
In DaSH, players take on the role of Kaito Yashio as he tries to make sense of his life, aspirations, and a sudden array of augmented reality hijinks involving local ghost stories, a festival, and one mildly annoying character named Kō Kimijima who can't seem to take a hint. You can manipulate your path through the game via an in-game mobile app, 'Deluoode Map.' Think of it as choosing your own adventure, except with the added excitement of actually being able to get lost! The game encourages exploration, and the degree of branching stories based on your choices is impressive - it might even make you feel like you have some control over your own life, at least until you decide to play a dating simulator instead. The characters are charmingly animated, and dialogue flows fast, drawing you into a maelstrom of humor and heartfelt moments. Relationships can develop organically, or you can crush them like a pesky bug - your choice, your actions.
Let's talk graphics. The aesthetics are nothing short of a visual delight, showcasing beautifully designed backgrounds that really make you feel like you're on an island in Japan (Tanegashima, to be exact). Character designs are iconic and vibrant; they truly encapsulate the essence of each character. You'll find yourself nodding in appreciation at the animations, whether it's Kaito's awkwardness or Akiho's fierce determination. The visual style is a delightful mix between anime-style artistry and some slick mechanical designs - there's a lot of metallic bling for robot fans in here.
Kratos may have his violent rampages, but DaSH has a relentless duo of angst and comedy that feels right at home in your collection. It stands out not just as a visual novel, but as an engaging narrative that pulls you into the lives of its quirky characters, revitalizing your understanding of friendship and ambition, all while keeping you entertained with its quirky charm. If you've played the original Robotics;Notes or you're a fan of the Science Adventure series, this game is a must-play. Embrace the chaos, and reaffirm there's nothing wrong with a little geekiness - it might just lead to saving the world and finding love along the way. Score? You got it: 8.5 out of 10. Now, go forth! Experience this rollercoaster of robots, absurdity, and heartfelt human moments that can only come from the weird and wonderful world of visual novels.