Game: Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch
Genre: Adventure, Visual Novel
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows) & PS5)
Developer | Publisher: Fragaria | Aksys Games
Age Rating: US T | EU 12+
Price: US $29.99 | UK £26.99 | EU € 29,99
Release Date: August 22nd, 2024
A review code was used, with thanks to Reef Entertainment.
In Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch, in a stroke of misfortune, Hikaru finds himself stranded and homeless on a mysterious island unfamiliar to him. Battling against treacherous pit vipers and enraged senior committee members, he stumbles upon a witch who shares his plight. Determined not just to survive but to flourish in the unforgiving environment of Toyotoki Island, the two kindred souls join forces.
Just Who Is Hikaru in Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch
Hikaru is a young adult who has been sent to live with his Granddad after his Aunt declares that she cannot take care of him any longer. Unfortunately, his parents died when he was very young, and his Aunt had become his legal guardian.
After he learns that his grandfather had left the country months earlier, he realises that his family has essentially left him behind, forcing him to navigate life on a secluded island where the locals already seemed wary of newcomers.
Hikaru encounters a girl about his age called Akari when he sets foot on the island. She seems adamant that she knows him, although Hikaru has no recollection of her.
The First Few Nights
On the first night of his stay on the island, Hikaru searched for a place to spend the night, and he had a chance to encounter a mysterious girl named Lilun in the fields. Despite her flawless Japanese, it was evident she was not from Japan. She cautioned him against lingering near her but seeing his predicament, she reluctantly agreed to assist him for the evening. The next day, feeling he had nothing to lose, Hikaru made the bold decision to break into his grandfather’s deserted home and make it his temporary residence. This choice would have lasting repercussions on his time on the island.
In a surprising turn of events, Lilun reveals a shocking secret: she is a witch from a distant land. This revelation comes to light during a sudden emergency, shedding light on her true origins and purpose for being in the quaint town. It becomes apparent that Lilun’s ability to speak Japanese flawlessly is not a coincidence but a result of her magical abilities. Her unique perspective and understanding of the world stem from her different background, making her stand out in stark contrast to those around her.
Living on the island would be no easy feat, you can’t get by much without a source of income. Hikaru offers to do odd jobs in return for money but struggles because of his age.
Eventually, hearing his plight, Akari (who is also the daughter of a wealthy businessman) offers Hakaru a job that promises a relatively good wage packet for very little work, or so it seems at first.
Coming-Of-Age
Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch is primarily a coming-of-age story but it’s also more than that. It’s a story about people from very different backgrounds coming together, despite their differences, and working together, connecting with each other along the way.
I’m trying not to give too many spoilers in this review because it’s the kind of visual novel that is best viewed through the lens for the first time rather than living it vicariously through someone’s review of it. However, I will say that Hikaru’s being a teenage boy means that he has a fleeting focus on the obvious when interacting with female characters. However, this doesn’t linger or interfere with the enjoyment of the novel.
Japanese Translation to English
Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch was primarily released in Japanese in August 2022, with this English version due to be released on 22nd August 2024.
I am not able to speak Japanese, so I can’t speak for direct translation, but I didn’t notice any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes when going through the story. That’s not to say that they don’t exist, but I didn’t pick up on any.
Originally a Japanese visual novel, the art style is suitably anime but with a slightly more hand-drawn illustration feel.
Conclusion
Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch is a beautiful coming-of-age story in its own right, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a beautiful visual novel that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Unfortunately, so as not to divulge spoilers, I’ve had to leave some parts deliberately vague, but go and check this out. You will not be disappointed. You can purchase Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch here.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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