Genre: Visual Novel
Developer: OVERDRIVE
Publisher: MangaGamer
Release Date: November 11th, 2016
When it comes to games like Go Go Nippon ~My First Trip to Japan~ (GGN), many can be skeptical. After all, it’s a visual novel. Why does a VN need expacs or DLC? Well, my friend, GGN isn’t the typical VN. Yes, it’s a typical VN storyline, but the game is virtually a travel guide of Japan. New locations, a slight story expansion, and new CGs definitely make the 2016 DLC for GGN worth it for someone who hasn’t really experienced the game. Developed by OVERDRIVE and published by MangaGamer, GGN2016 definitely leaves me wanting more out of it. Many thanks to the fine folks at MangaGamer for the review key.
For starters, the new locations make up the bulk of the DLC. With six new locations, there’s plenty to discover with Akira and Makoto. With the story expansion, the CGs also expanded. However, if I’m honest with myself, I’m feeling a bit tired of the scenario. Yes, I’ll happily follow Akira everywhere in Japan with a jaunty “YOROKONDE” in my voice. And sometimes Makoto. However, for the most part, I’m growing tired of starting anew as if I had never met either of them and dating them again.
Don’t get me wrong. I honestly do think the game is worth buying in its present state. However, for someone who has played over and over, while the new scenes with Akira or Makoto may give them that temporary joy for a day, I personally think that it’s time to go further than this game’s current timeline. I would love a 2017 expac, definitely. However, I’d enjoy an entirely new game starting from a return trip to Japan even more. Mind you, this is coming from a guy who has spent nearly 120 hours of playtime in this game through various expacs. For a newer player, there’s a lot for you to explore and find. However, I personally found that I just couldn’t find it in myself to hype up the game in this review.
So, is it worth buying? I’m a huge fan of the series. Seriously, I love me some Go Go Nippon. It has funny stories, informative sightseeing trips, and Akir- erm… two love interests. If a 2017 expac comes along, I’m going to want it. I absolutely love and adore all of Akira’s stuff and Makoto’s isn’t half-bad, either. Both are cute and both have their quirks. The story is done well enough. So, in the end, would I buy the entire series for a friend? Yes. If I were a first time reader, I think I’d absolutely fall in love with this expac and game. Sadly, as someone who has dated Akira wayyy too much in this game, I can’t say that I’d recommend it with a whole heart. I just want to continue the story and (re-)visit (old)new locations with my female-of-choice. Maybe even the choice to visit places with Akira that Makoto would take you and vice versa for fans of the other sister.
Pros:
– Akira
– Kay… a Makoto is fine, too.
– Intense sightseeing and plenty new locations
– Ravishingly beautiful artwork
– Amazing OST
Cons:
– I’d rather just continue the storyline already, to be honest.
Lolinia gives Go Go Nippon ~My First Trip to Japan~ 2016 DLC a Drastik Measure 6.9 out of 10.0 (69).
PS. Akira is WAIFU for LAIFU.
