Lovers of Aether

When you have a game that sparks a lot of success, you can go in two directions: you can either make a sequel, or you can make a spin-off that delves deeper into certain aspects of the original title. Lovers of Aether is a testimony of what it means to make a spin-off after a successful fighting game, thus shedding new light on the characters you are so used to see fighting each other.

Unlike the Rivals of Aether premise, no one is in the mood for fighting, as you are a student as Aether High and all of your class-mates are the elemental spirits you're used to seeing in the fighting titles. Each character embodies different archetypes you're probably used to seeing in teen movies, from the cocky jock to the spiteful nerd. You have the chance to interact with everyone, but your main goal is to find a date for the homecoming ball that is taking place that very evening.

The game prides itself with few words to read, as they are just enough for you to get to know the characters better, while still getting the occasional laugh here and there.  Whenever you talk to someone, other characters may intervene and make the conversation all the more funnier, and it also gives the story a more complex feel.

Unlike other visual novels that double as dating sims, this game doesn't explore too much of the drama that comes with love, limiting itself to short rejects, jokes, and a happy ending (hopefully). This title never loses its identity, as it features an art-style that will seem familiar to everyone, as well as a soundtrack that will maybe get you in the mood for trying the fighting game as well.

While Lovers of Aether may not be the most serious visual novel out there, it doesn't even have to, as it is a great way of getting to know the characters you'd normally see fighting each other, and maybe have a few good laughs along the way.