BURIED STARS

[h2][b]TEDIOUS[/b][/h2] As most have said the premises is interesting, but the gameplay itself is bloated with needless conversations. The plot should keep moving forward, and not hit the breaks just to have a chat about things barely related to the actual issue of the story. Also, the story only works because the characters act stupid. This isn't a Steins;Gate where you make choices which change the route, it is sitting through gamified conversations and choosing the right topics to steer the route which is painful. I do not usually skip text in VNs, not even Danganronpa, but this one made it necessary. Oh, and you are locked into a bad end for the first run. A pointless bad end because the NG+ results in the same exact situation without player input, but the game just keeps going this time instead of ending in everyone killing themselves off in absurd ways, making the first game ending a needless addition.

This game falls into a kind of genre I like that I've come to call "Trapped Group". That alone is a big draw for me. I enjoy seeing how a cast of characters struggle between suspicion, self-interest, empathy, and teamwork. Buried Stars has some interesting potential deaths, enough uncertainty at points to keep it interesting. It explores questions of identity and perception while doing a great job of making social media frenzy part of the horror. I played it years ago and then liked it enough to come back to it to 100% the endings and collectibles. Even knowing the answers to mysteries, the atmosphere is enjoyable enough to spend time in again.

Amazing game, coming from someone who has an almost pathological obsession with murder mysteries. I came into this hoping to be entertained and intrigued, but it was so much more than your typical mystery VN. For one, the dynamics didn't fall into typical tropes. The characters actually had depth- you were endeared by them or annoyed, but they didn't feel like a walking stereotype that could be replicated anywhere. I especially loved the bond between Doyoon and Gyuhyuk, and how their story actually came full circle to the beginning. And one of the best parts is the replayability with Routes B and C. Instead of just a few changes, it's essentially a whole new storyline. It takes true passion and committed writers to craft something with this much heart. Had a blast playing it! Shoutout to Gyuhyuk for being the best and hot asf and for Doyoon for achieving the impossible which is to get me to actually love a main character in a visual novel instead of just barely tolerating them.

It was fun, and I enjoyed playing it. The story is fascinating. However, it is sad that I can't rewatch the ending. Also, the save slots were too few for me.

Tedious and boring. I love visual novels, I love mysteries. I can't even get to the mystery, because the communication rounds are endless blabbering about stuff that isnt important to the situation at all. You have 5 people with the same 11 topics or more EACH. And you dont know which ones to pick to continue the story. Then there is the rapport and sanity system. Some conversations just randomly drop or increase these stats, trial and error style. I really don't think I'm going to finish this. TLDR, really dont buy this for full price. Only get it if you want to read about failed k-pop star rumors for hours instead of a good mystery.

Interesting VN that serves as a huge criticism of K-Idol culture and of the impact of social media. The overall mystery is not very complex, especially if you're a fan of the genre; but it was satisfying none the less. The focus is on information asymmetry. Particularly how individuals deal with unfair social media trolling. The first 5-6 hours are pretty slow, and then things pick up substantially. The characters start off as snobbish, distant, and selfish; but as you progress through more of the game they really grow on you. They're all flawed in their own ways. There are no 'perfect' individuals here, and I like that. For criticisms, the translation is shoddy in places. Spelling errors, and even incorrect information being given. I also curse the game's UI or lack thereof. Putting together clues is a big part of solving the mystery, but there are some sequences where you just can't access your 'master' list of all clues gathered to review them which is pretty frustrating. Ace Attorney solved this UI issue in 2001. Why is there no 'Court Record' equivalent in this game I can access at any time?!