A Superpowered Surprise: A Review of Origin Story
Overview: Alright, so I just finished Origin Story, and wow, this game really caught me off guard—in the best way possible! It’s an interactive visual novel about superheroes, and while I wasn’t expecting too much going in, it ended up being a pretty awesome experience. It’s not perfect, but it has way more depth than I thought it would.
Pros:
- Solid Visuals - The renders and visuals are pretty much what you’d expect from a good visual novel. They’re clean, polished, and well-done. While it doesn’t blow your mind, it definitely holds up, and you can tell effort went into making the characters and scenes look nice. Every now and then, there’s a moment where the lighting or composition really stands out. The developer also add some background visuals to some scenes that adds another layer of storytelling as well which is nice to see.
- Music Fits Perfect - Okay, so the music isn’t something you’ll find yourself humming later, but it fits so well with the mood of the game. Whether it’s a relaxed time at home or a deep moment of heartbreak, the soundtrack knows exactly what the scene needs. It’s subtle but effective, which is honestly a win in my book.
- Fascinating Character - The characters are probably the best part of Origin Story. What really hooked me was the contrast between their hero identities and their “normal” lives. Seeing how they've been portrayed to the public versus how they actually are behind the scenes makes for some super interesting dynamics. Each character feels like they have depth, and you can’t help but want to learn more about them.
- Surprisingly Thoughtful Story - I went into this thinking it might just be an excuse to throw superheroes into some steamy situations, but nope! The story is actually really well-thought-out and takes itself seriously in the best way. It’s got twists, emotional moments, and a good amount of world-building. It's also fun to see that your character isn't the only one with a weirdly sexual superpower. It seems to be more commonplace than you being the only one in the world with something like that which you see in most superhero visual novels. It’s clear the writers wanted to tell a genuine superhero tale, not just slap some capes on for fun.
Cons:
- Nothing New Or Groundbreaking Visually - While the visuals are solid, they’re not going to blow anyone away. If you’re expecting cutting-edge renders or super dynamic animations, you might be a little underwhelmed. They’re good, but not standout.
- Music Doesn't Leave an Impression - Even though the music works well for the game, it’s not particularly memorable. It’s more functional than anything, and you probably won’t remember it much after you’re done playing.
- Pacing Can Feel Slow at Times - Some parts of the game feel like they drag a bit, especially early on when the story is setting up. It’s worth pushing through, though, because once it picks up, it really grabs you.
Conclusion:
Origin Story is a visual novel that doesn’t need flashy gimmicks or over-the-top production to win you over. Its strength lies in its characters and the surprisingly thoughtful way it handles its superhero narrative. While it’s not perfect, the good far outweighs the bad. If you’re into the superhero genre or just looking for a visual novel with more depth than the usual fare, you should definitely give this one a shot. It’s not just about "laying" the world—it’s about understanding the people behind the masks.