Volontes by developer and publisher LocaGames—Nintendo Switch review written by Natasha with a copy provided by the publisher.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Long long ago, high in the clouds, there existed a kingdom where no one ever seemed to get sick. The sun always shined and people lived surrounded by magic. They had the freedom to create and explore the many facets that this kingdom had to offer, without fear.
However... there was one thing they could never do...
They could never save their progress---!!!!!!
*Wakes up in a cool sweat, clutching my Switch*
“Oh, thank heavens! It was all a dream.” I tell myself as I gently cradle my console. “I thought I was reliving my 3DS days. I'll never forgot the time where you couldn't save before a decision. So many handsome lives could've been saved with such a simple solution. So so many...”
~
From Farmer to Mage
Have you ever grown up feeling like you don't belong? For our Heroine, that's the feeling she lives with everyday in her small farming village. But it's not her only secret: she can see the dead, or silhouettes of those who once walked the earth. She has kept this secret even from her family, but her brothers and sisters adore her and the village people have shown her great kindness. Why scare anyone with something as silly as seeing the dead? Everything seems to be going great, until the knights of the kingdom run through your home, bringing the Shadowblight (a plague) with them. Killing everyone in the village, they continue to scream one thing “Find her!” Not wanting to get caught our heroine runs into the forest.
After nearly escaping death, our heroine finds herself being rescued by a mysterious man who came from a floating kingdom in the sky. Dazed and confused, she finds herself being healed by sorcerers who have started to claim her as the legendary Moon Witch. How does one wake up with magic running through their veins, without ever knowing...until now.
Now sporting her new life and status, it's up to her to prophesize the future of everyone around her. Will she be able to educate herself quickly or fall victim to a possible scheme?
A Magical Distillery of Men
A Mysterious Kingdom in the clouds must have some breathtaking bachelors in this newfound land. What's that? The Moon Witch is not allowed to love? Even with these tall glasses of MMmmmMmm? Superstitious traditions will not stop me! Bring on the LIs (Love Interests):
Oliver Paquet (VA: Kazuyuki Okitsu {Olympia Soiree, Piofiore, Jack Jeanne})
Fate Handler
Conniving Bastard
The mage who saved you from death. This long dark haired magician may seem like a hero, but he also seems to be hiding a lot of secrets. Perhaps he'll soften up with your daring personality? Besides, what could be more daring than spending time with someone you are forbidden to love?
Ismail (VA: Souma Yamato {First Otome Roll})
Doctor, Please! Kiss it Better?
Chick Magne
The practitioner to the royal family itself, this soft-spoken dark skinned dreamboat may just take you out for a lovely stroll around the kingdom. Since you are an outsider with the ability to see into the possible future, nothing screams “You can look, but don't touch” more than you. As a healer he has many patients, but it's not everyday he gets to study a Witch up close. You might be TOO tempting.
Emmanuel de Beaumont (VA: Yuichiro Umehara {Birushana, Jack Jeanne, Radiant Tale})
Alpha Vibes Galore
Loyal to a Fault
A noble man, with no magical properties, he makes up for his lack of magic by dedicating his time to domestic affairs within the kingdom. However he does not believe you are who people say you are. Trust is earned, not given and he wastes no time in making sure you know he's all business. A soft approach may not be the best tactic. Maybe he likes someone who can give him a challenge? Don't be afraid to stand your ground!
Melodie (VA: Tatsuhisa Suzuki {Uta no Prince, Diabolok Lovers, Lover Pretend})
Plays with your Heart Strings
a 'Sharp' Tongue... get it?
The palace bard, this minstrel also doubles as a knight. Hard to get along with he keeps everyone at a distance, yet his music alone draws you in. If he plays such beautiful pieces, maybe there is something beautiful inside? Considering you are the inspiration for the kingdoms current tale, you are the centre of most of his musical numbers. If that doesn't scream ROMANCE then what does?
Feels Like a Classic
Funny enough, the feeling I get when I play Volontes reminds me of my days playing Hakuoki and Even if Tempest. The deep story telling, the simple backgrounds and soundtrack, and very little notification on whether or not you're romancing your LI. This makes the game more challenging for those who don't like to feel like the game is holding your hands and saying “Go this way, it's much more rewarding!”
Speaking of similarities to other games, the soundtrack strangely reminded me of a Fire Emblem game. Not sure if it's just me, but I get strong medieval kingdom vibes. Volontes also puts the pressure on since one wrong move will give you a game over. Being a very squishy heroine means you get killed easily, so saving multiple times is highly recommended.
In a Kingdom Far Far Away in the Sky
To conclude, Volontes is an Otome game that sticks to old play styles and gives the player a rich and vibrant story about kingdoms, magic, witches and forbidden romance. Volontes makes sure to keep you on your toes in choosing the right decision or else you may be greeted by death's sweet embrace. Preferably I'd like a man, but to each their own. The headmistress of the college of magic would like to grade you on your performance. A solid 7.5 out of 10. Study harder and you may reach top scores one day. Maybe being a Witch isn't so bad after all.
~
“Alright, seems like the story is about to take a turn for the worse. Better make sure I save---”
[Error] Cartridge is not sitting properly in the system. Please, reconnect.
[Error] Progress lost.
“No...”
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Score: 7.5 / 10
