Animamundi

• Title: Animamundi
• Type: Otome
• Author: Karin Entertanment
• Genre: Fantasy/Occult (Type: Alchemy)
• Style: Visual Novel (Interactive)
• Engine: Macromedia Flash
• Mac OS Compatible: YES
• Price: $19.95 ($5 shipping)
• Get: Buy from Jbox!!

Animanumdi is a bit dark, and it focuses on the ancient form of Alchemy. The main character's sister is in need of magical help, and the main character dives into the mixed world of science and Alchemy in order to save her. All the while uncovering all sorts of secrets and dangers that threaten Georik's (main character) existence.

GRAPHICS: The game is littered with detailed CGs and individual standing dolls. I really enjoyed the richness of the colors and detail in the costumes each character is adorned with. The CGs are wonderful, and they give the player a sense of awe. There are very few complaints I had about the graphics while I played except for the little bits where a lot of the standing dolls' silhouettes were a little fuzzy, but unless you're (like me XD) a person who obsesses over fine details like that, you won't notice. 9/10

MUSIC/SFX:  It is timed well, there is never moment in the game where you will feel that the music does not match what is going on. There is even moment in the game where I believe Latin lyrics are used in a chorus to add a creepy feel to the player's situation. The ONLY real problems I faced with the music would be that it sounds a bit muffled. Like if you are listening to a radio and you turn the treble down ALL the way. It makes the music less amazing, BUT it doesn't take away THAT much. The SFX are really great, cute and funny. However, they do at times tend to sound like they came straight from the old synth you have buried in your closet. 8/10

STORY: The story is very nice. It's rich and is FILLED with twists and turns and crazy problems. Karin basically stuffed everything they possibly could (evil scientist, problems with royalty, etc.) while STILL making it all work in the end. However, with there being so much going on, it is EXTREMELY difficult to get the really nice ending that you know you want right from the start of the game. Also, being that this game is listed under the "Boy's Love" genre, and I am a hardcore yaoi fan, I was much disappointed because when I'm told I'm getting Boy's Love, I AT LEAST expect a LITTLE hugging or kissing. However... I felt very sad after the game was over. I read around and found that Karin did major unwanted editing to the English game of Animamundi due to worries over sales due to a high maturity rating; so I'm going going to curse Karin with my newly acquired Alchemic powers. Those of you wanting a rich, deep story line, pick this game up! If  you're looking for something a little more hardcore, look for another game. 7/10

SYSTEM/EXTRAS: The main screen is the generic load/start/Config. screen. The crazy part is, unless you know where the choice points are, DO NOT think that you can lean back and relax while playing this game, because your time to answer a choice is limited. The extras aren't really there, you get a gallery of what you've gathered so far and access to CGs that you've already seen. I guess it could be considered a cosplayer's friend and if you're into CG galleries, but I would've liked to see a mini game other than the iffy ones that are present in the game. 2/5

Total Score: 86% -- B