Petit Novel Series – Harvest December
Developer: Talestune
Publisher: CIRCLE Entertainment
Platform(s): 3DS
Release Date: December 10th 2015
Links: Nintendo UK Site
Reviewed by Oliver Jameson (@MinusWorld)
When you consider the critical acclaim of the likes of the Zero Escape and Ace Attorney series on Nintendo’s handheld systems, it’s a surprise that there aren’t more visual novel offerings available on the 3DS. A genre that focuses on storytelling, often blended in with puzzle or decision-making elements, is right at home on a portable system, but as of yet the 3DS’ library of VNs has paled in comparison to that of its ‘competitor’ the Vita, or even its predecessor the DS.
However, Japanese dōjin game development circle Talestune seek to fill this gap with the release of their portable visual novel series Harvest December, finally making its way to the west. Originally released as thirteen standalone chapters at a price of 100 yen each, but now available in the form of a complete downloadable package, the series tells the story of Masaki Konno, a boy who has relocated to the rural town of Tagami from Tokyo. As the plot develops, you’ll discover more about the peculiar supernatural elements that surround this town, as well as get to meet many of its residents that fit into the bizarre love triangle that takes centre stage throughout the story.
The way the story is told is rather interesting. Firstly, it’s important to make it clear that this is a ‘kinetic’ visual novel, the type of VN where the player doesn’t interact with the story; in Harvest December, you’re reading a story accompanied with art – no influences on the way the plot goes, nor gameplay sections of any kind – this isn’t a bad thing as such, but it’s definitely worth knowing when going in. The primary overarching plot focuses on Konno and his two love interests, the daughter of a wealthy family who control the town and, in a rather bizarre turn of events, the local goddess who watches over the land. As you’d imagine, this leads to some rather unique romantic situations, both confrontational and comedic, with the story doing a good job at throwing the unexpected at you and taking turns that you simply wouldn’t be able to foresee. However, the occasional chapter instead puts you in the perspective of one of Konno’s friends, allowing you to view what’s going on from a different perspective in a refreshing and natural manner that helps to give the whole cast a well-rounded development. However, on separate occasions when a scene cuts between two different locations, the transition feels a little forced; the game makes use of various styles of execution, some of which work more than others, which does create a bit of inconsistency in the presentation.
Minus World 
