Thank you Sekai Project for sending us this game to review!

9-nine-: NewEpisode takes place after defeating the nemesis from the previous four episodes. Your job in this entry is to tie up loose ends and collect the remaining artifacts in the parallel universes. Like the other timelines, powerful artifacts have made their way into the hands of students who use their newfound abilities for good or evil. When you first begin this story, you’ll be chatting with Sophie and be given an overworld view of the various timeline branches (Episodes 1-4). It’s highly recommended that you’re familiar with the previous four games before playing this one. You’ll be doing a lot of timeline hopping to see what the best endings are in each of the routes. You may even find a way to stop this mess from happening altogether!

Naturally, all of the love interests from the previous episodes are represented though Miyako Kujo seems to be the ideal match for the main character, Kakeru Niimi. When Kakeru installs the memories from the other routes, Miyako has access to them too and is made aware of his relationships with the other girls in the parallel timelines. She’s a little jealous, but understanding.

In the second episode, Kakeru has to deal with his sister, Sora, and her attraction towards him while saving the world. In this final entry, Kakeru makes attempts to solidify this incestuous relationship. While nothing sexual happens, it seems to be a matter of time before it does. This route tarnishes the series in my opinion and I wish it was avoidable. I’m honestly surprised that Miyako isn’t bothered by this revelation!

The remaining routes are short and mostly focus on a single date. Noa is into cosplay and convinces Kakeru to dress up in a costume for their first date. Haruka’s route is equally short and focuses on an awkward beach date where she’s wearing a distractingly skimpy bikini.

Like many visual novels, there’s a character art gallery that unlocks various character stills as you play through the different routes. Unfortunately, many of the poses are seductive and show a lot of skin. The rest of the artwork is stunning.

The Japanese voice acting is well done and shows a lot of emotion. As far as I can tell, the same voice actors are used throughout the entire series. Like the previous entries, you’ll be hearing many Japanese swear words. Both the sound effects and background music are fitting and pleasant to listen to.

If you enjoyed all of the previous episodes, 9-nine-:NewEpisode will give you the happy ending that you’re longing for. If you were disgusted with the incestuous relationship with Sora, you may want to give this episode a pass. Since your only dialogue options are to install the memories from the previous routes, you have no control over the relationships.