Leave a Review planetarian
“Witness the Infinite Splendor of the Cosmos"
"Planetarian" is a visual novel that carries a simple tale with simple characters that find themselves in a fairly straightforward situation. Nothing about it is terribly complexed about it. But the way their drastic perspectives clash and interact is very profound and telling. It creates many layers of depth and a potentially life changing experience.
CONTENT ISSUES:
There is nothing for parents to worry about. This is a clean VN with virtually no questionable material. The main protagonist does say the D---n once or twice (maybe a few more...but as you can tell it was few enough for me not to remember). So, overall, this is a visual novel that anyone can pick up in terms of content issues. However, this is definitely one that requires an older audience to fully understand and appreciate. The themes are mature ones.
BUT BACK TO THE GAME:
For those that aren't familiar with visual novel genres of games, they are essentially games that are like glorified comic books melded with strong visual images, music, and storytelling. If you've ever played "Phoenix Wright", "Lux Pain", or "Symphonica"; then you are actually familiar with the genre. "Planetarian" is a Visual novel that breaks from that norm by having no "player choices" but strictly being a linear tale that the player reads through, page by page.
What amazed me was how this VN turned something so mundanely commonplace (a planetarium) into such a profound symbol (of what? I'll let you discover). The writing was exceptional and poetic, the illustrations were very detailed and beautiful, but not exaggerated or over the top, and the music was simple...but very potent when combined with the other two media (visual and narrative). The tale, itself, is predictable, but that was not it's point. but the point was not in that so much as it was in the interaction and lives of the characters. It is relatively short by visual novel standards (only a few hours long), but by the end I was left speechless as I contemplated many of the themes found therein. There are tons of ideas one can glean and muse over in this one, but suffice it to say I was left hopeful and was reminded of the wonder and miracle of life, living, and ambition. It really was powerful and an experience I would want to share with many people.
Just to be clear about one thing, I played the port of this for the phone...so I'm not sure if it applies to this PC version. But the one key problem was that there were a few grammatical issues (this is a game from Japan...so they had to translate). They were usually more like typos (such as someone hitting "d" instead of "s" for the word "is" because the letter keys are so close). They were minor and not overly common (just common enough to note down, here)...and they definitely did not detract form the tale.
ALL IN ALL:
This is a profoundly beautiful tale that will give you much to think about and leave you more hopeful and determined in life.Show lessHope This is Helpful
Support Great Storytelling
If you enjoy a good story, beautiful atmosphere, and character development, this is for you. Planetarian is one of the shorter visual novels (stories with music, artwork, voice acting, and often branching paths chosen by the player - though this title is fully linear and lacks such choices) by a Japanese company named Key, who has created many great, affecting stories and characters.
All of the text has been translated into English, and the voiced dialogue remains in Japanese, which is great because the actors do a stellar job of conveying inflection and emotion.
I was thrilled to find this translated and available in the App Store, so if this sounds appealing to you, I urge you to buy it and experience it for yourself. You'll be treated to something to something you won't soon forget, and will be supporting the importation of some of Japan's best storytelling. If you like the music, which is also beautiful, you can find it in the iTunes Store under the Key Sounds Label.Show lessrockdisciple
Omg !
This is perfect, too bad it doesn't have an anime adaption, the music just goes along with it all ! One of the best few games imma remember#DontLikeThidVersion
Just like every other Key production; Amazing!!
I bought this as soon as I found out about it! I had no doubt that it would be good, and I didn't even read the description! It is definitely worth the 4 dollars; every emotional and just plain amazing! You fall in love with Yumemi the minute the introduce her :)That monster in your closet
Brilliant Story
This is what Key's stories are known for. They introduce a heroine whom we grow to love throughout the story, and then leave you desperate for more in the ending. It's a tear jerker, but a story definitely worth reading. Key's Visual Arts are brilliant with their stories, have wonderful music and art, and this is definitely worth the $5. I'm just hoping for more English translated novels from this company.Show lessMrFauncy
A Beautiful Tale for All
Visual Art's/Key has once again delivered a gorgeous Visual Novel experience. While obviously being a much smaller work than their other VNs, it still holds their trademark emotional impact and beauty.
One fantastic thing about Planetarian is that it is accessible for all; not only is the language barrier lifted, but it is a story I wouldn't hesitate to introduce my friends to.
A must for Key fans, and definitely worth anyone's time.Show lessbungiejumper117
One of the best visual novel you will ever read.
The storytelling is outstanding and there is native iphone 5 widescreen support.The soundtrack is brilliant as well. Thanks you guys for bring a official translation to this game.
I love to see more translated games from Visual Arts :)Grunt Attack
Amazing!
I love this game! I have been collecting everything Key Visual Arts, and now I have this!
And, If you guys could translate your other apps, like Kanon and Air, that would be amazing and everyone would get it. Seriously. And, make a Clannad port. That will make us all go crazy.
Great game! Keep it up.Show lessThe Secret Knight
Voice too?!
Most impressed with the voice and language option. Wish air Kanon Lb Ss and rewrite extras had voice too. Air and Kanon are all age versions so why not have voice just like the ps versions? The app size seems fine with voice.Altruaer
It's worth the money
As a matter of fact, I have never written a review for any app until I came upon this one. If you have grown tired of playing Candy Crush, Doodle Jump and Temple Run, then I definitely recommend you try this game(it's more like a novel actually).it has great pictures and soundtracks. The story is sad yet it strikes a cord in my heart. Most importantly, the character development is amazing!!! Two hours into the game, I'm already in love with the female protagonist. Last but not least, I rate and comment the game at my own will, not that any one invited or asked me to do it.Show lessGdsyzx
