High School Days, developed by El Ciclo, is an adult-oriented visual novel that follows the story of "Andy," a young student navigating life in a new city. Reunited with old friends and meeting new acquaintances, players guide Andy through various scenarios, building relationships and making choices that influence the narrative's direction. The game combines elements of dating simulation with interactive storytelling, offering a blend of humor, drama, and mature themes.
The gameplay centers on decision-making and relationship management. Players interact with a diverse cast of characters, each with unique personalities and storylines. Choices made during dialogues and events affect Andy's relationships and can lead to multiple endings, encouraging replayability.
The game also incorporates mini-games and stat-building mechanics, requiring players to balance their time between studying, socializing, and other activities. However, some players have reported bugs and glitches that can disrupt the experience, such as issues during specific events or inconsistencies in character relationships.
High School Days features hand-drawn 2D artwork with a distinct style. Character designs are detailed, and backgrounds depict various settings within the city and school environment. While the art is appealing, some players have noted that certain scenes could benefit from additional polish.
The soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere, with tracks that suit both the lighthearted and more serious moments. However, the music can become repetitive over extended play sessions, and the game lacks voice acting, which could have added depth to character interactions.
The narrative explores themes of adolescence, relationships, and personal growth, all presented with a mature tone. The writing balances humor and drama, providing an engaging experience as players navigate Andy's journey. The game does contain explicit content, making it suitable only for adult audiences.
The atmosphere captures the essence of high school life, with various locations to explore and events to participate in. The inclusion of seasonal events and updates adds variety to the gameplay, though some players have encountered issues with event triggers and progression.
High School Days offers an engaging narrative with multiple paths and outcomes, appealing to fans of adult visual novels. While the game has its strengths in storytelling and character development, technical issues and occasional lack of polish can hinder the overall experience. Players interested in mature-themed interactive stories may find it worthwhile, but should be prepared for potential bugs and the need for updates.