Seventh Heart Studios’ Eternal Hour: Golden Hour is a visual novel that delves into the origins of its predecessor, Eternal Hour. Released on November 27, 2017, and developed with support from Sekai Project, this title offers players a glimpse into the backstories of key characters through two interconnected prequels: Strings of Fate and The Lost Date.
Story and Structure
The narrative unfolds across two distinct yet thematically linked tales. In Strings of Fate, players assume the role of Rin, Yasu’s aunt, eleven years before the events of the main game. This segment explores Rin’s past, her move to Tokya, and her evolving relationship with Megumi, culminating in a tender yuri romance. The Lost Date shifts focus to Yasu, ten months prior to the main storyline, as he embarks on a seemingly ordinary beach trip with friends that spirals into a supernatural adventure.
Both narratives are concise, each offering approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of gameplay. While this brevity allows for a focused experience, some players may find the character development and plot progression somewhat rushed.
Visuals and Animation
The game’s art style is characterized by its vibrant anime-inspired visuals. Character designs are appealing, and backgrounds are detailed, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Notably, the inclusion of animated CG scenes enhances key moments, adding emotional depth to the storytelling.
However, some critiques have been directed at occasional inconsistencies in character proportions and anatomy, particularly during intimate scenes. Additionally, the use of time skips in the narrative has been noted, which may affect the pacing and emotional buildup of relationships.
Audio and Voice Acting
Eternal Hour: Golden Hour features full English voice acting, which significantly enriches the player’s experience. The voice cast delivers performances that align well with their characters, bringing added life to the dialogue. The background music complements the tone of the game, though some may find the soundtrack to be standard for the genre.
Gameplay and Features
The visual novel offers a straightforward gameplay experience, focusing on narrative choices that influence the direction of the story. Players can explore different outcomes based on their decisions, enhancing replayability. The inclusion of a “Music Room” allows players to listen to the game’s soundtrack, and the “Extras” menu provides access to additional content, including animated scenes .
For those seeking a more mature experience, an 18+ DLC is available, introducing explicit content that expands upon the game’s themes.
Reception and Final Thoughts
Upon release, Eternal Hour: Golden Hour received positive feedback from players, with many praising its engaging story, charming characters, and high-quality production values. The game’s free-to-play model made it accessible to a wide audience, contributing to its popularity.
In conclusion, Eternal Hour: Golden Hour serves as a compelling prequel that enriches the lore of the Eternal Hour universe. While its concise storytelling and occasional pacing issues may not appeal to all, it offers a heartfelt and visually appealing experience for fans of narrative-driven visual novels. The game’s blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements provides a solid foundation for the main series, leaving players eager to explore the full story in Eternal Hour.