Thank you Aksys Games for sending us a review code!

Winter’s Wish: Spirits of Edo is an otome (reverse harem) visual novel where the main female character, Suzuno, will meet several good looking bachelors and will be able to date most of them. The game begins with Suzuno living in a snow-covered shrine in the mountains all by herself. Her basic needs are covered by the nearby villagers who exiled her there. The villagers are fearful of Suzuno because she has the power to see their emotions in the form of colorful threads around their necks.

Suzuno has been able to predict death and can see demon-like creatures call blightfall which can appear when there is a lot of negative emotional energy. She thinks that her ability is a curse, but the shogun of Japan needs her help to rid Edo of blightfall. Two samurai meet Suzuno on top of the mountain to escort her back to meet the Shogun. She is then invited to join his secret group called the Oniwaban who are tasked with eliminating blightfall.

Like many visual novels, the choices you select impact the ending that you will get. The first decision you make is choosing where you will help patrol and your choice will narrow down the eligible bachelors down to two. While most of the routes are available from the start, not all of them are. If you play them in the wrong order, you may get an abrupt ending. Fortunately, you can skip past previously read chapters and select your desired affection level. If you want to unlock all of the character art, you’ll have to experience the tragic and happy endings.

All of the eligible bachelors have one thing in common: they have their hearts and memories sealed away so they can eliminate blightfall effectively. If they regain their emotions or memories, these vessels are in danger of being exterminated because they are no longer useful. Vessels are not technically human since they are created from a beloved object. Many villagers are created this way and are referred to as formfolk. If the source item is destroyed, they cease to exist. Formfolk have emotions and memories. They also are immune to most sicknesses and are sought after in the red light district for that reason.

In one of the routes, Suzano goes undercover at a brothel as an apprentice companion. While opportunities are present, I only saw one alluded love scene in one of the bad endings. All of the other routes don’t go past kissing or hugging.

Foul language and using the Lord’s name in vain is commonplace throughout the story. Drunkenness, gambling, and smoking is also depicted. Multiple gods are interacted with as part of the story. Blood and violence is shown with some grisly murder scenes.

As to be expected with games made by Idea Factory, the sound and visuals are well done. The Japanese voice acting is expressive and I love how the characters’ faces animate appropriately, as they are talking. The background music is pleasant to listen to and fits the story’s theme nicely.

If you enjoy otome visual novels, Winter’s Wish: Spirits of Edo is certainly worth looking into if you don’t mind the moral issues. The asking price is $49.99, but you’ll get at least thirty hours or more of gameplay depending on how much of a completionist you are.