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Together We Live is an unusual post-apocalyptic endeavour. The sombre plot is juxtaposed by a haunting but equally touching pair of protagonists. The heroes evolve and grow together as they explore a dank and often humbling world. Moreover, they lean on one another as they learn and survive as one.
This tough and often slow visual novel was developed by Water Phoenix and published by KEMCO. Moreover, it has warnings for disturbing and uncomfortable gameplay elements. I can state that the warnings are necessary and the plot is often tough to read. However, the developer has steered away from typical gruesome imagery and the game benefits as a consequence.
Together We Live tells a gripping but arduous tale.
If you love your visual novels to flow like a river, Together We Live won’t be for you. At times, the plot is stodgy and painfully slow. Yet, this is a deliberate move as the characters explore each other’s personalities and the surrounding world. Moreover, the snail’s pace gameplay allows you to “enjoy” every melancholy and cold moment.
You play the part of Kyoya. She is an innocent girl who awakens in a poorly lit room. In front of her is a monster who wishes her no harm. This “monster” is a girl named Asagiri. The pair work together as they move through the world. As the story unfolds, you understand the sacrifice of Asagiri and both girls’ purpose in this strange limbo world.
Excellent storytelling.
Though the pace of Together We Live is occasionally testing, I loved the dialogue and the emotionally laced elements. Both protagonists must endure torture and pain in different ways. Asagiri suffers the deaths of every animal to atone for humanity’s sins. In contrast, Kyoya must understand her place in the world and why she exists.
The pair assist one another as their relationship builds. Their emotional frailties are exposed as each chapter unfolds. Yet, it is their unique insight and perspective on the world that makes this a fascinating game to play. Though I enjoyed the slow-burning plot, there were some repetitive elements and this was disappointing. Repetitive dialogue could and should have been avoided, but sadly, it wasn’t.
Together We Live is understated.
A post-apocalyptic setting can be a tough sell for a visual novel. Sadly, Together We Live doesn’t quite get it right. The backdrops are often understated and dare I say it, bland. Though the idea of an empty existence is well explored and presented nicely, it is a slog to spend hours looking at familiar imagery. This issue to one side, there were some nicely detailed elements. The imagery of fire and pain was cruel but great to look at.
The impressive audio supports the imagery. The simple sound effects and unusual soundtrack trickle away in the background. Consequently, you rarely notice the repetitive music or the dramatic tones. However, moments of genius make you sit back and pay attention. This subtle approach was great and I applaud the developers’ work.
Simple controls.
Visual novels are not challenging to play. Yet, Together We Live is easier than most. There are no branching storylines and no QTEs to master. Additionally, you may auto-play the text or skip it altogether. As such, you can sit back and enjoy the story unfolding with a drink and a snack.
Sadly, this is lacking both replay value and longevity. The game took me around 6 hours to complete and there is no reason to return. Once you finish your first playthrough, you have completed every achievement and exhausted the linear storyline.
Together We Live is a good visual novel.
Despite the lack of replay value, Together We Live is a good visual novel. The strange setting and interesting protagonists keep you hooked from beginning to end. Furthermore, the story is bizarre and touching in equal measure. Accordingly, I enjoyed its melancholy ways and I recommend buying it here! Can you understand your purpose? Explore your surroundings, learn from each other, and discover what it is to be alive.
