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Platform: Sony Playstation 2

Region: NTSC-J

Country: Japan

Developer(s): Starfish

Publishers(s): Starfish

ReleaseDate: 2005-03-31

Players: 1

Co-op: No

A visual novel is an interactive fiction game, featuring mostly static graphics, most often using anime-style art or occasionally live-action stills (and sometimes video footage). As the name might suggest, they resemble mixed-media novels. In Japanese terminology, a distinction is often made between visual novels proper (abbreviated NVL), which consist predominantly of narration and have very few interactive elements, and adventure games (abbreviated AVG or ADV), which may incorporate problem-solving and other types of gameplay. This distinction is normally lost outside Japan, where both NVLs and ADVs are commonly referred to as "visual novels" by international fans. Visual novels and ADVs are especially prevalent in Japan, where they made up nearly 70% of the PC game titles released in 2006. Visual novels are distinguished from other game types by their extremely minimal gameplay. Typically the majority of player interaction is limited to clicking to keep the text, graphics and sound moving (most recent games offer "play" or "fast-forward" toggles that make even this unnecessary). Most visual novels have multiple storylines and many endings; the gameplay mechanic in these cases typically consists of intermittent multiple-choice decision points, where the player selects a direction in which to take the game. PS2 love simulation game, called Kono Hareta Sora no Shita De - in English, this name becomes Beneath the Clear Sky. The game takes place in the near future where so-called "Mimic" robots work in place of humans. Playing as Reichi Kuroha, a member of a government investigation team, your job is to investigate the mysterious suicide of a Mimic -- a strange occurrence, since Mimics are not supposed to kill themselves. The game includes a number of heroines, both Mimic and human, with whom you'll get involved as the story progresses. Starfish has put together a standard 7,140 yen package along with an 8,190 Limited Edition yen package that includes an artbook and a DVD with making-of footage.

ESRB Rating: M - Mature 17+

Genre(s): Adventure