Name: Koi Hime for Windows (47.50% in 8 votes)
Type: ADV
Platform: WINDOWS
Company: Elf
Release date: 1999
Reviewed by: Kyubi Fox
Introduction:
Elf is doing it again. Elf is remaking every old game it can find and putting them on Windows. This has produced some terrible conversions (Aishmai) and some excellent ones (Doukyusei). Fortunately, Koi Hime matches the quality of the good ones and brings some new values into the old game.
Ratings:
Story: 7/10 - The story is about the main character going back to the village he lived at when he was a child. At the village, he meets four beautiful girls who fall in love with him instantly. Little does he know that the girls are actually something much more than what they seem.
Like many old games in general, the story-telling element is not very strong. The emotion development between the main guy and the girls is not quite enough. The most critical story element is presented by the old guy as a story, which does not feel the same as if the main guy experienced that himself. However, if you managed to get into the last part of the game, the endings are sweet and rewarding.
Gameplay: 7/10 - Surprisingly, Koi Hime does have some gameplay. The system has been greatly improved over the old DOS version. The "Move, Look, Talk, Think" commands are replaced with an interactive main guy in the bottom of the screen. When there are several choices to an action, bubbles will appear above his head to let you choose. It is very refreshing to see how an old system can be improved with new technology.
In the later part of the game, there is actually a RPG type fighting system that is quite fun. The save game system is presented as a picture diary with the ability to change the memo.
One sad part about the system renewal is the text presentation. Although it is fun to sometimes have people talk in bubbles, the old unique vertical text is replaced by horizontal text. It would be great to have the uniqueness preserved.
Graphics: 9/10 - Excellent as always from Elf. In every CG, the eyes actually blink (mouths don't move though). Those watery eyes are real killers especially at emotional moments. There is one interesting animation that will wow you.
Somehow the flat coloring style reminds me of console love sims.
Music/Sound: 7/10 - The character voice is very well done and match the characters perfectly. However, the H scenes are not as well done as other parts (except Nami :P).
The music is good, but not excellent. They do enhance the emotions in the game but not quite well done as games like Kanon. Also, the music are not very memorable.
Overall: 7/10 -
Highs: Graphics and the renewed systems are well worth a look. Good endings.
Lows: The story from an old game is not great.
A good game for those looking for classic adventures.
by Kyubi Fox 20 Jan 2001. All pictures copyright by Elf Corporation.
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