Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Zoku Hatsukoi Monogatari: Shūgaku Ryokō blends adventure elements with love simulation mechanics to deliver a uniquely paced experience. As the male protagonist, you’ll navigate through multiple educational stages—from middle school all the way to university—each offering a set of four potential love interests. This branching path structure encourages replayability, as relationships and story beats vary depending on your chosen heroine.

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The core loop revolves around scheduling daily activities during class trips across various Japanese locales. You must strategize your itinerary—deciding when to visit temples, beaches, or roadside markets—to cross paths with your chosen girl at opportune moments. The calendar-based system requires careful time management, as missing a key event can close off romance routes or special scenes.

Financial management adds an extra layer of depth: you earn pocket money through part-time tasks or mini-games, then decide how to allocate funds on transportation, souvenirs, or gifts. Thoughtfully chosen presents can boost affection levels, unlocking hidden dialogue options and special cutscenes. These choices feel meaningful, as they directly influence which story branches become available and how quickly you forge a bond.

Graphics

Visually, Zoku Hatsukoi Monogatari captures the charm of early-2000s dating sims with colorful, expressive character art and detailed backgrounds. Each travel destination—from Kyoto’s lantern-lit streets to Okinawa’s sun-drenched beaches—is presented with warm, inviting colors that enhance the lighthearted tone. Character sprites are animated with subtle gestures, giving life to emotions ranging from shy smiles to earnest confessions.

The game’s menu interfaces are clean and intuitive, with calendar views and relationship meters clearly displayed. While some assets show their age—such as slightly pixelated textures or simple transitions—the overall presentation remains cohesive and nostalgic. Background music complements each setting, with soft piano motifs in temples or upbeat pop tunes on bustling city tours.

Cutscenes are sparingly animated but feature distinctive illustration work, often zooming in on characters’ faces to heighten emotional impact. These illustrations, combined with occasional visual novel–style text overlays, deliver key story moments with flair. Although not pushing hardware limits, the aesthetic style effectively conveys the warmth and innocence of first love.

Story

The narrative in Zoku Hatsukoi Monogatari centers on the timeless theme of first love, exploring how youthful innocence and personal growth intertwine. Each school year trip offers a fresh scenario: one year might focus on playful summer festivals, while another delves into reflective mountain retreats. This structure keeps the storyline engaging, as every setting brings new challenges and heartfelt moments.

Dialogue writing strikes a balance between light humor and genuine emotion. You’ll share laughter over local delicacies, feel the tension of a missed rendezvous, and experience the butterflies of a secluded beach confession. The branching narrative ensures that decisions—be they small talk choices or grand romantic gestures—have tangible consequences, making each playthrough feel personal.

Character development is a highlight: each heroine has distinct dreams, fears, and growth arcs. Whether it’s the shy artist sketching temple scenery or the outgoing athlete chasing fireworks, you’ll witness authentic reactions as your bond deepens. The payoff comes in heartfelt endings that reflect the cumulative effect of your scheduling, gift-giving, and conversational choices.

Overall Experience

Zoku Hatsukoi Monogatari: Shūgaku Ryokō delivers a leisurely yet rewarding dating sim adventure, perfect for players who appreciate thoughtful time management and branching romance paths. The combination of scheduling strategy and heartfelt storytelling creates a consistent sense of purpose as you chase that perfect moment with your chosen heroine.

Although the graphics and presentation lean into nostalgia rather than cutting-edge detail, the warm art style and melodic soundtrack foster an inviting atmosphere. The user interface remains accessible, helping newcomers to the genre quickly grasp scheduling mechanics and relationship meters. For veterans, the multiple time periods and love routes provide plenty of depth and replay value.

Ultimately, the game’s charm lies in its celebration of first love—the excitement of a shared sunset, the rush of a concealed gift, and the bittersweet goodbyes at trip’s end. If you’re looking for a romantic adventure that balances planning and emotion, Zoku Hatsukoi Monogatari: Shūgaku Ryokō offers a memorable journey through the landscapes of youth and the heart.

Retro Replay Score

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