Solstice
" Immersive indie adventure visual novel with rich storytelling but slow pacing and technical issues "
Solstice Review
Solstice is a visually stunning visual novel set in a mysterious city called the Jewel of the North, blending fantasy and sci-fi elements. Players control two protagonists, Galen and Yani, navigating a complex narrative filled with secrets, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. The game is praised for its rich world-building, diverse and nuanced characters, and a compelling story that explores themes of choice, free will, and societal control.
While the game offers multiple endings and branching paths, some players felt the choices lacked meaningful impact, with many decisions only slightly altering dialogue rather than the story’s outcome. The dual-protagonist mechanic received mixed feedback, as switching perspectives sometimes disrupted narrative flow. Technical issues like crashes and UI quirks were reported, and pacing was considered slow by some. Overall, Solstice is recommended especially for fans of narrative-driven games and visual novels, with a note that it is best experienced with novel-reading expectations rather than traditional RPG gameplay.
Highlights
Solstice's most praised aspects include its gorgeous artwork and detailed character designs, which create an immersive and atmospheric experience. The storyline is intriguing, with well-written dialogue and complex, believable characters that add depth to the mystery and fantasy setting.
The dual-protagonist gameplay offers unique perspectives and adds layers to the narrative. The game’s music and interface complement the story effectively, enhancing the overall mood. Players also appreciated the representation of diverse characters, including queer and people of color protagonists.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the limited meaningfulness of player choices, with many decisions having minimal impact and some feeling arbitrary or contradictory. The pacing can be slow, with large blocks of dialogue and infrequent choices, which some found tedious.
The dual-character mechanic sometimes caused narrative confusion and repetition. Technical issues such as crashes and UI glitches (e.g., text display problems, limited scrollback) detracted from the experience. Some players felt the story’s mystery elements were underdeveloped or that the endings were unsatisfying or bleak. Romance options were seen as limited and forced by some reviewers.
Pros
- • Beautiful, detailed artwork and character design create an immersive world.
- • Intriguing, complex storyline with rich world-building and atmosphere.
- • Well-written, nuanced characters with diverse backgrounds and personalities.
- • Unique dual-protagonist gameplay offering multiple perspectives.
- • Engaging mystery with moral ambiguity and philosophical themes.
- • Effective, fitting music and stylish, user-friendly interface.
- • Multiple endings and branching paths encourage replayability.
Cons
- • Many player choices feel arbitrary with limited impact on story outcome.
- • Pacing is slow with large blocks of dialogue and infrequent decisions.
- • Switching between two protagonists can cause confusion and narrative repetition.
- • Technical issues include crashes and text display glitches.
- • Limited skip/fast-forward options make replaying tedious.
- • Some endings feel bleak, unsatisfying, or too similar to each other.
- • Romance options are minimal and sometimes feel forced or unengaging.
Rating Criteria
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Solstice released?
Solstice was released on March 23, 2016.
Who developed Solstice?
Solstice was developed by MoaCube.
Is Solstice available on Mac?
Yes, Solstice is available on Mac.
Is Solstice available on Linux?
No, Solstice is not currently available on Linux according to our data.
Where can I buy Solstice?
You can buy Solstice on Steam.
Game Details
Solstice is a dystopian mystery visual novel about small personal disasters that turn into great catastrophes.