Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE
" Emotional adventure with deep storytelling, new routes, and a flawed UI design "
Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE Review
Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE is a visual novel by Visual Arts/Key that expands upon the original Summer Pockets with new routes, characters, and an enhanced soundtrack. Many players praise its deeply emotional storytelling and memorable characters, highlighting the added routes as enriching the overall narrative. The music and artwork receive high acclaim, contributing to an immersive experience that resonates strongly with fans of the genre.
However, the Steam release has drawn significant criticism due to its use of a new engine and UI design that many find uninspired and a downgrade from the original. Additionally, players report censorship of certain CG scenes and dialogue alterations, which detract from the game's authenticity and emotional impact. These changes have caused disappointment, especially among fans who expected a faithful port. Despite these issues, the core story and gameplay remain compelling, making it worthwhile for fans willing to overlook the flaws.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's emotional and well-written storylines across all routes, with strong character development and impactful themes.
The soundtrack and vocal tracks are frequently highlighted as exceptional, enhancing the atmosphere and emotional depth.
The new routes and additional content are appreciated for expanding the lore and providing satisfying conclusions.
Gameplay mechanics, including the innovative table tennis minigame, receive positive remarks for being fun and engaging.
Criticisms
The Steam version's UI is widely regarded as flat, uninspired, and a downgrade from the original, negatively affecting immersion.
Censorship of CGs and modification of dialogue have disappointed many players who expected an uncensored experience.
Some players report bugs, typos, and a lack of polish associated with the port from the console version.
The price point is considered high by some, especially given the perceived reduction in quality and content cuts.
Localization quality, particularly in Chinese, has been criticized as subpar compared to fan translations.
Pros
- • Deep, emotional storytelling across multiple well-developed routes and characters.
- • Exceptional soundtrack and vocal tracks that enhance the narrative experience.
- • New routes add meaningful lore and improve the original story's conclusion.
- • Engaging and innovative table tennis minigame adds gameplay variety.
- • Beautifully drawn backgrounds and character designs.
- • Strong voice acting in select parts enhances immersion.
- • Consistent quality across all story routes with impactful themes.
Cons
- • UI design is uninspired and considered a downgrade from the original.
- • Censorship of CGs and dialogue reduces authenticity and emotional impact.
- • Ported from console version with associated bugs and typos.
- • Localization quality is uneven and sometimes subpar.
- • High price point relative to content and quality concerns.
- • Dialogue modifications neutralize some of the original's emotional depth.
- • Save slot limitation with only 10 pages available.
Rating Criteria
No matter how much times passes... I remember that blue, blue summer. Summer Pockets, the midsummer story brought to you by Key, has been powered-up with even more to play, including new heroines and routes, in Summer Pockets REFLECTION BLUE, now available on Steam!