The visual novel genre has seen limited representation on mobile platforms, with notable exceptions like the Methods series. This scarcity might be due to a bias against the genre among Western gamers or a lack of interest from publishers who traditionally focus on PC releases. However, Seedsow Lullaby is poised to challenge these trends with its upcoming release on May 1st for iOS and Android devices.
At first glance, Seedsow Lullaby might seem perplexing as it markets itself as a visual novel devoid of choices or branching paths. You might wonder, "Isn't that the essence of a visual novel?" While that's partly true, the game's unique premise could well compensate for the lack of interactive elements.
In Seedsow Lullaby, the protagonist, Misuzu, who lost her mother at a young age, encounters a surprising twist on her sixteenth birthday. A woman, claiming to be her mother at the age of sixteen, appears before her. Misuzu's mission is to conduct the Seedsow Ceremony, a ritual to usher in the rebirth of the gods. To achieve this, she must collaborate with not only this younger version of her deceased mother but also her own future daughter, creating a fascinating dynamic across different timelines.
Time travel within visual novels isn't new; iconic titles like Steins;Gate have set benchmarks with their use of alternative timelines and branching narratives. However, Seedsow Lullaby promises a more linear approach to time manipulation. This might deter some fans of the genre who crave interactivity, but the exploration of life, death, and the inevitability of the future promises a compelling narrative.
Keep an eye out for the international release of Seedsow Lullaby. In the meantime, if you're looking for something to keep you engaged, don't miss our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week.