Lake of Reflection 鏡の湖

This game is absolutely beautiful in every facet - the story, the relationships between the characters, the prose, the illustrations, the GUI, the thought put into all of the small details...it's simply stunning! 

I love how everything is designed as if this is a "story" being told. The game is bookended by a mysterious narrator presenting the story as a "tale being told to the player." The use of the quasi NVL-style format really makes the game look like pages in a storybook. The paper-like texture of the UI behind the background and the use of paper scroll-style mini CGs all evoke this "storybook" theme as well. The prose is also beautifully woven, with rich descriptions told from a close to omniscient third person perspective, really making you feel like you're sitting next to a crackling fire, listening to someone read you a story. 

The UI is simply beautiful, and I liked the melding of both the Japanese-style elements with Celtic(?) ones. It really represents the meeting of Laedra and Zeroi's cultures. The illustrations are BEYOND gorgeous, and they have a painterly feel to the strokes that would put them right at home in an illustrated storybook. I especially liked the use of the mini CGs, which seemed to mimic Japanese sumi-e style paintings. The VAs all did fantastic, and I loved how they had different accents suitable for their cultural backgrounds. 

The story took me by surprise! I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Although you start the game from Laedra's point of view, partway through the story it becomes clear that this is really about Zeroi's journey. You don't know very much about him at first, but as you are introduced to his POV, you learn more about him - his pain, grief, and struggles. I loved the messages of this story. Laedra doesn't just care for Zeroi's injuries; she also helps him recover mentally, listens to him, and teaches him how to be stronger and thrive. It's also emphasized that Laedra doesn't heal Zeroi on her own; he receives the help of the townspeople as well. Those new relationships help Zeroi to heal from the suffering that he has endured.

The characters are all lovely. Zeroi is sweet and gentle, with hidden vulnerabilities. Laedra is kind but strong as well, and though she has her own insecurities she does a good job of hiding them. The cast of side characters are all very colorful and memorable, and I enjoyed replaying the game and playing through all of their "routes." My favorite was probably Ivy!

*Spoilers for the end of the game* The conclusion is beautifully handled. When Zeroi is given the choice to receive answers from an omnipotent Oracle for any question he desires, he first chooses the people who have helped him. It was heartwarming seeing Zeroi help those who have helped him. Finally, when he returns to the Oracle for one final question - he asks not about himself, but about Laedra. (The "storyteller" does do a bit of nudging you in this direction, haha!) I think that the final conclusion - that Laedra can always see her reflection in Zeroi's eyes - is a fitting one for the story: you can find your value in your loved ones. Zeroi never asks the question that he really wanted to ask - but that didn't really matter, in the end, as he found the answer that he was searching for.

From what I gather, this is a prequel/side story to the Closet Door, which has yet to be released when I played. Although I don't know very much about the world of TCD, I didn't feel confused, and I liked gradually learning about this world, rich with different cultures, history, and fantasy creatures. I thought that the story revealed enough about the worldbuilding for you to understand the characters and the plot without overwhelming you with information, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the world of TCD in subsequent installments. 

Overall, this game was absolutely gorgeous, and it had me tearing up by the end! Fantastic work!

Lake of Reflections is such a peaceful, uplifting story. I love the heartfelt journey through overcoming grief, letting go of sorrows and finding happiness again.

I really enjoyed it! All the character designs are so beautiful and I love the writing style. (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)

What a lovely game! I enjoyed spending my time within this beautiful, melancholy tale, which has such a soft, sad, wistful, but ultimately hopeful tone that really is conveyed so well not only through the writing but also the lovely and wistful watercolor-style art and scroll-paintings, as well as the delicate GUI. I really felt for both Laedra and Zeroi, as well as their slow budding connection and the grief that they both had to overcome together. Lovely work and such a sweet, sad, reflective ending!