<aside> 🟡 In Progress
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🟢 Completed
March 5, 2023 Sam and Michelle’s day off and out!
Playing as Michelle
In my playthrough I noticed some of the choices made in the game didn’t feel as though the choice changed later lines of dialogue. Which is okay! But prompted me to instead make decisions based on what I believe Michelle would make in the moment versus what I would personally choose.
I believe some of the biggest strengths this title has is the atmosphere really puts VISUAL in visual novel. Throughout the playthrough I kept BEGGING for this to be a movie! The references to contemporary Chinese film, movies, and media throughout pulled together an amazing and layered experience.
Themes & Thoughts
The Spoiled Princess & Tales
Michelle begins her story by bringing us up to speed on her home life and how she was raised. Along with giving the reader context as to why Michelle has a hyper-fixation with tracking time, we’re also told how her family gave her everything she’s ever wanted. She tells us she was a spoiled “princess” our first reference to fairytale like elements in the game! I enjoyed this parallel because later we find how this fairytale dynamic continues to inform Michelle’s subconscious. After a traumatic incident involving her father, she tells us that she now rejects the naivete and spoiled attitude that comes from being a princess growing up. However, when she meets Sam, a “shoe cobbler’s daughter”, we constantly see all of the ways she actually perpetuates her “royal” status and defines their worlds to be different, despite feeling connected.
Other tales that are referenced in the game include:
Accidents & Miracles
When your life can change in an instant you can find yours elf trying to control every minute you can, or you can find your
Post-war Rebuild
Parental Relationships and Generational Trauma
Escape & Freedom
Immigrant narratives
Hyper-Independence, Guilt, and Shame
Losing Track of Time
Separation and Intimacy/Closeness
FISH??
Goldfish, Fishballs, Favorite Meals, Oceans! as a Pisces I love it lmfao
Jelly’s Highlights
THE GAME UI IS SO DOPE!!!! To implement video
Sound design was great!! The blend between 80s city pop beats and cycles of classic visual novel/arcade tunes.
Game Summary:
A Summer’s End - Hong Kong 1986 is a visual novel game. Follow the story of Michelle and Sam, and how their chance meeting evolves into a deeper relationship. Set in vibrant Hong Kong in the year 1986, it is an original story about love, family, and culture.
A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986 is about seeking identity and meaning in a rapidly changing world where conflicting worldviews and cultures collide. Inspired by Hong Kong cinema, 80s anime, city pop, and contemporary Asian literature, A Summer’s End - Hong Kong 1986 is an homage to the past and a visual delight for fans of retro art and fashion.
Our Jam Review
Steam link:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1111370/A_Summers_End__Hong_Kong_1986/
In-Game References (Spoilers!!)
All the references to Chinese Literature and Media added layers to the visual novel experience in the best way.
Some of my favorite references included:
Deanie Ip
Game Guide (Spoilers!!)