A Charming yet Predictable Coming-of-Age Tale: 'High School Dreams' Game Review

In this enchanting character-driven adventure, players are transported into the whimsical world of adolescence through the eyes of protagonist Tomohiro, a wide-eyed high school student navigating the trials and tribulations of young love. Developed by HyperSloth, an independent studio consisting of three university students from Hudderselshire (or so it seems), 'High School Dreams' promises to deliver an engaging experience that will capture your heart.

Upon initial impressions, this charming tale does indeed live up to its promise. Set against a vibrant backdrop of 90s-era Japan, the game presents itself as a light-hearted coming-of-age story about first love and self-discovery - think 'Clueless' meets 'Danganronpa.' However, beneath its endearing façade lies something more complex.

As Tomohiro navigates his high school days, he finds himself entangled in an all-consuming crush with none other than his English teacher. Yes, you read that right; this isn't your typical tale of forbidden love between a student and their educator - although there are certainly elements of truth woven throughout the narrative. Instead, 'High School Dreams' takes a more unexpected turn as it delves deeper into the world of Tomohiro's dreams.

Through a series of surreal dream sequences, we gain insight into our protagonist's innermost thoughts and desires. These vivid worlds are brought to life through an enchanting original soundtrack composed by Norman Legies - each note perfectly capturing the emotions that drive this young man forward.

However, despite its initial promise, 'High School Dreams' ultimately falls short of expectations. While it may charm with its quirky characters and engaging storyline, there lies a certain lack of depth missing from what could have been something truly special.

Perhaps the greatest misstep made by HyperSloth is in their marketing approach - advertising this game as an authentic coming-of-age tale about first love when in reality it's actually much more than that. Don't get me wrong; I'm not suggesting there isn't any truth to be found within these pages (or screens, rather). It simply feels like a missed opportunity for something truly unique and memorable.

Despite this minor quibble, 'High School Dreams' remains an enjoyable experience worth checking out if you're looking for something light-hearted yet engaging. With its charming characters, catchy soundtrack, and intriguing narrative twists and turns - even if it doesn't quite live up to the promise of its title - there's definitely enough here to keep players entertained until the very end.

So why not take a chance on this delightful little gem? Who knows; you might just find yourself falling head over heels in love with 'High School Dreams' too.

High school dreams game free