Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: Black Pencil
Item: Black Pencil
Author: Retro Replay

Black Pencil unfolds as a classic visual novel, relying heavily on narrative-driven choices rather than action sequences or minigames. Players navigate through 14 branching story paths by selecting dialogue options and decisions that influence the protagonist’s investigation. Each choice carries weight, as there is no save feature or back function—every decision feels final and heightens the tension with each playthrough.

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The absence of a save system forces players to approach each segment with care, encouraging close attention to text and subtle clues. While some may find repeated playthroughs tedious—especially given the novel’s short length—the design also amplifies the stakes. Knowing that you can’t simply reload a checkpoint makes every dialogue choice feel more consequential, aligning with the story’s theme of fate and inevitability.

With 14 distinct paths and five unique endings, replay value comes from uncovering all possible outcomes. Although the narrative structure means you’ll revisit the same locations and dialogue trees, each new branch reveals fresh insights into character motivations and plot details. For dedicated visual novel fans, this branching complexity offers a satisfying puzzle: piece together the right sequence of choices to save the girl before January 15, 2006.

However, the game’s brevity means that discovering all endings can be accomplished in just a few hours—potentially less if you use a walkthrough. This design balances accessibility for newcomers against potential frustration for completionists. Ultimately, the gameplay loop is straightforward but deeply tied to the narrative stakes, making Black Pencil an intriguing, if occasionally repetitive, experience.

Graphics

Black Pencil was crafted using Multimedia Builder, resulting in a minimalist visual presentation. Character portraits appear as static images with subtle expressions, while backgrounds remain simple and uncluttered. This simplicity places the focus squarely on the story and dialogue, though players accustomed to highly detailed anime-style art may find the visuals somewhat dated.

Despite the modest production values, the art style carries a certain charm. The grayscale palette—punctuated by occasional splashes of red—mirrors the novel’s dark themes and recurring nightmares. Scenes depicting the ominous dream sequences employ stark silhouettes and abstract shapes, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere without requiring elaborate animation.

Transitions between backgrounds and character sprites are clean and immediate, with no distracting flashy effects. While some players might lament the lack of dynamic movement or voice acting, the game’s graphics remain coherent and purposeful. In many ways, the stripped-down presentation reinforces the mystery and suspense at the heart of Black Pencil’s narrative.

Overall, the visual design serves the story effectively, even if it doesn’t push technical boundaries. Fans of indie visual novels will appreciate the clarity and thematic consistency, while those seeking high-resolution artwork or animated cutscenes may need to adjust expectations. The graphics excel in mood-setting more than in flash, aligning with the game’s modest scope and ambitious storytelling.

Story

The central premise of Black Pencil revolves around a recurring nightmare: the haunting vision of a girl dying on January 15, 2006. As the date draws near, the protagonist’s determination to prevent this tragedy intensifies. Early sequences lay out the dream’s details, offering cryptic clues that later inform critical choices—an effective hook that sustains curiosity through multiple playthroughs.

Players assume the role of an ordinary individual who, three months before the foretold date, takes a job as a cleaner at the girl’s workplace. This setting grounds the supernatural elements in a familiar environment, and mundane tasks such as sweeping floors become moments of quiet tension as you scour for hidden information. The blending of everyday life with paranormal prescience is handled deftly, lending credibility to the unfolding mystery.

Character development occurs mainly through dialogue and brief interactions with co-workers and acquaintances. While the cast is relatively small, each character carries potential significance—some may offer helpful tips, others conceal vital secrets. Over 14 story paths, relationships shift dramatically depending on how you engage with them, making each narrative branch feel distinct.

The five possible endings range from tragic to hopeful, rewarding patient exploration of the branching choices. Some outcomes hinge on minor details discovered in earlier chapters, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation. Though the story’s core beats remain consistent, the permutations of dialogue and revelation ensure that no two conclusions feel identical, providing a satisfying sense of narrative discovery.

Overall Experience

Black Pencil delivers a compact yet immersive visual novel experience that hinges on atmospheric storytelling and player agency. Its brevity makes it accessible to those new to the genre, while the multiple endings and hidden paths offer depth for dedicated players. Expect to spend a few hours on a single full playthrough, with further time invested in uncovering all 14 routes.

The main challenge—and appeal—lies in navigating choices without the safety net of saves or rewinds. This design decision can be divisive: some will relish the heightened tension, while others may balk at replaying entire sections to explore alternative options. Patience and attention to detail are rewarded, making the journey feel more personal and engaging.

While the graphics and production values are modest, they serve the narrative’s brooding tone admirably. The minimalist art style and restrained use of color enhance the mystery without distracting from the text. Combined with the nightly nightmare sequences and real-world setting, Black Pencil establishes a cohesive mood that pulls players into its ominous world.

Overall, Black Pencil stands out as an ambitious indie visual novel that punches above its weight in storytelling and branching design. Its limited length and lack of conveniences may deter some, but for fans of narrative-driven games seeking an atmospheric, choice-heavy experience, it offers a memorable and haunting journey. Immerse yourself in the mystery, make each decision count, and discover whether you can rewrite fate before January 15, 2006.