Vain Riser (2021)

Developer: 弦语蝶梦
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Adventure, Casual, Indie
Rating: 3.7 of 5, 98 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 4.3 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A slow, story-driven visual novel with emotional dramatic twists and philosophical undertones, focused on character relationships and uncovering past secrets.

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What players say

Players praise the UI, music, and live2d animation, but split strongly on the script. Many call it pretentious or badly paced, with several citing a controversial female love interest's background as a dealbreaker. The story is a single linear route with no choices, and the ending is melancholic.

Screenshots

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.