Shira Oka: Second Chances – Visual Novel, American Style

American visual novel “Shira Oka” is attracting attention amongst Japanese gamers as much for its deficiencies as its strengths.

In summary, it is an American developed visual novel patterned on a Tokimeki Memorial-style branching scenario, with mediocre artwork, no sex and an “all-star” voice cast whom the developers fail to name:

A demo and purchasing information ($25) are available on the game’s official site.

2ch is less than impressed:

It looks pretty good, for something by Americans. I thought it was Chinese at first though.

Could pass muster, if it were a Flash game.

This is DLSite level alright.

It’s a real pity there’s no sex.

The art looks about 25 years old.

Maybe it would be useful for learning English.

Looks like a 1995-level game… how nostalgic.

What’s with them following Japan… I was hoping for something more American, like massive and stuff.

It’s like a doujin-game.

I thought it would be something like this:

America is sprouting [moe-teiru].

For most observers, much apparently depends on whether the game is considered a commercial game or doujin soft.

Considering they face off against the established might of JAST, MangaGamer and DLSite.com, the developers do at least deserve praise for their boldness.