Indie powerhouse Ratalaika Games and developer ds-sans have locked in a release date for their upcoming visual novel, Chemically Bonded. Scheduled to drop on 13th October 2023, the game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. The title aims to strike a chord with western fans of anime and manga.
Diving Deep into a Tale of High School Bonds
Chemically Bonded thrusts players into the life of an average Japanese high schooler caught up in a feud between two female students, Kiyoko and Naomi. As players progress through the story, they’ll uncover layers about each girl’s past and what severed their friendship. Gamers will make pivotal choices that could result in rebuilding the Science club or taking up athletic challenges, all while developing a unique relationship with either girl.
Character Spotlight: Kiyoko and Naomi
Kiyoko Ishikawa, an 18-year-old science enthusiast, prides herself on emotional control through logical thinking. Despite this, her emotional side often comes to the surface, challenging her own beliefs. Known for her intellect, she’s the founder and only member of the school’s science club.
On the other side, Naomi Satou, also 18, is an extroverted sports buff with a wide-reaching popularity. Captain of the athletics team, she has a say in virtually every sports-related matter in school. While she comes off as a tomboy, her close friends know the quirky girl that lies beneath.
Striving for Authenticity
According to ds-sans, Chemically Bonded focuses on modern relationships and the emotional intricacies of early adulthood. It incorporates the concept of ‘facades’ into its narrative, highlighting the internal battles people face when trying to fit in with society’s expectations.
Gameplay and Features
- Dynamic outfits and poses based on scenes and settings
- Interactive phone system for deeper gameplay
- Realistic representations of Japanese high school life and urban locales
- Multiple endings for high replayability
- Original soundtrack with 14 unique tracks
- Fully voiced characters
- Estimated playtime ranges between 6 to 9 hours
Graphics and Presentation
The game boasts high-quality graphical presentation. Artists have meticulously crafted character designs and 3D backgrounds to mirror real Japanese locales. This attention to detail provides an authentic experience for fans of anime and manga aesthetics.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
