Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Figures of Happiness unfolds as a classic visual novel, placing you directly in the shoes of Ryo, an ordinary teenager whose life is abruptly transformed by supernatural intervention. The core gameplay revolves around making pivotal choices at key narrative junctures. Each decision sends ripples through the story, determining which character routes you explore and which endings you unlock. Whether you decide to trust Minamo with your lifeforce or yield to the darker consequences of her request, the game responds with immediate feedback via unique dialogue and event scenes.

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The body-swapping mechanic adds an intriguing twist to the typical visual novel formula. As Ryo becomes a spirit, you’ll navigate both the physical world through Mio’s perspective and the ethereal plane through Minamo’s. This dual viewpoint fosters a sense of discovery: one moment you’re eavesdropping on Satoru’s heartfelt confession to Minamo, the next you’re guiding Mio through whispers of ghostly secrets. It’s a clever device that deepens player engagement by offering fresh insight into each character’s motivations.

Adult-only content features prominently but is presented tactfully in line with the story’s emotional stakes. Sex scenes occur at natural story beats rather than gratuitous interludes, reinforcing themes of love, jealousy, and mortality. For players who enjoy branching narratives with mature themes, Figures of Happiness offers a balanced mix of heartfelt drama, romantic tension, and the occasional chilling reminder that the soul collector Ms. Death is always lurking.

Graphics

Figures of Happiness sports richly detailed 2D artwork that captures both the mundane beauty of everyday life and the eerie glow of the spirit world. Character portraits are expressive, with nuanced facial animations that reflect shifting emotions—surprise, sorrow, longing—bringing each scene to life. Mio’s warm smile contrasts sharply with Minamo’s translucent, otherworldly glow, visually communicating the divide between the living and the spirit realm.

Background illustrations are soft and atmospheric, ranging from sunlit parks where teenage romance blossoms to shadowy stairwells where Minamo’s soul lingers. Every CG moment—whether a tender embrace between Ryo and Mio or Minamo’s desperate plea in ghostly form—is framed with careful attention to color and composition. The transitions between real and spirit sequences are smoothly animated, using light flares and subtle fades that enhance immersion without distracting from the narrative.

Sound design complements the visuals with a delicate, emotive soundtrack that swells in moments of romance and hushes to a tense whisper as Ms. Death draws near. Background noises—rustling leaves, distant footsteps, the soft hum of the world—add texture to each scene. Overall, the game’s presentation strikes an effective balance between beauty and melancholy, perfectly matching the story’s dual themes of love and mortality.

Story

The narrative of Figures of Happiness hinges on a powerful premise: lending your lifeforce to a recently deceased friend just to help her confess her love. This unusual request from Minamo immediately raises questions about loyalty, sacrifice, and the true meaning of happiness. As Ryo, you must grapple with the moral weight of your decision, knowing that failure to reclaim your soul will summon the fearsome Ms. Death.

Minamo’s arc is heartbreakingly relatable—her accidental death leaves her stranded between worlds, desperate to express feelings she never voiced in life. Meanwhile, Mio’s perspective grounds the story in real-world stakes: your bond with her is tested by your growing spiritual entanglement. Satoru, the “handsome boy-toy,” serves as both confidant and romantic foil, his gentle sincerity contrasting with the ethereal longing that drives Minamo. The interplay among these three leads creates a compelling love triangle rich in emotional complexity.

Branching routes ensure that player choice carries meaningful narrative weight. Whether you prioritize Mio’s steadfast devotion or take pity on Minamo’s restless soul, each path reveals hidden layers of backstory and new variations on key scenes. Multiple endings range from bittersweet reconciliations to darker fates in which the soul collector claims her due. This branching structure promotes replayability, encouraging exploration of every outcome to fully appreciate the story’s thematic depth.

Overall Experience

Figures of Happiness delivers a multifaceted experience that will appeal to fans of heartfelt romance, supernatural drama, and mature visual novels. The combination of decision-driven gameplay, evocative artwork, and an emotionally charged soundtrack creates a cohesive atmosphere that immerses you in Ryo’s world and the shadowy realm beyond. While the adult-only content may not suit all tastes, it is integrated into the story in a meaningful way, enhancing rather than overshadowing the core narrative.

Replay value is high thanks to the game’s branching narrative and multiple endings. Each playthrough offers new revelations about Minamo’s accident, Ryo’s true feelings, and the ultimate cost of tampering with life and death. The soul collector Ms. Death remains a constant reminder of the stakes, injecting tension into even the most tender scenes. The result is a visual novel that balances bittersweet romance with supernatural suspense in equal measure.

For prospective buyers, Figures of Happiness shines as an engrossing, artfully crafted title that explores love’s power to transcend life and death. It is best experienced in a quiet setting where you can savor each decision, revel in the beautifully rendered CGs, and fully absorb the lyrical prose. If you’re in search of a visual novel that combines emotional resonance with compelling gameplay mechanics, this journey into the spirit world is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

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