#145

Ultramarine Orphanage ~Innocent Girl Who Falls Into Lust~
By Cominami

[Summary]

Fire Emblem inspired SRPG in which an innocent girl must fall into lust in order to save the orphanage.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Review:

What a time to be alive: the world first FIRE EMBLEM(ish) H game!!
And it's GOOD one!!

⚠️ Before I go any further, full disclosure that I've only played the Japanese version.

I was so intrigued by the concept, that even with the language barrier it was STILL very enjoyable. (not to mention the beautiful artwork...)

After the short dark intro about a mysterious woman getting assaulted by bandits, we're thrown straight into action in the first tutorial map controlling the main two heroines: Niina (Nina?) and Amilia who share a sister-like bond.

Thankfully I've had my share of Fire Emblem experience, and after thorough testing of every single option, I can safely say that there are very minor differences.

?️ For those who aren't familiar with FE gameplay, here's a short introduction of the battle system:

•  Control pre-determined units in each map, based on story.
•  Movement is grid based, with each unit's travel distance determined by their mobility stat.
•  Each type of weapon has its own attack range. Move your units close to enemy targets to engage in combat.
• Cast buffs unique to each unit for tactical advantage. (limited casts)
• During combat: Interact between your own or NPC units to unravel special dialogues and scenes.
• Non-basic weapons and items have durability, so use them wisely!
• Units deaths are permanent, so save often!

The first chapter focuses at introduction of the universe and the different features, mainly the corruption system which plays a major role in the unfolding of events that will eventually lead to one of the six possible endings.

After each mission you're given a selection between a number of options:

- Events that reflect the relationship between the cast. Some will grant you rewards, materialistic or lewd.

* Special events will open up another option at the menu to clear an optional map, where you'll be awarded a special ability or item.
Although optional, beating these maps will certainly make the main progression easier.

- A shop will also become available to purchase limited supply of weapons and consumables.

- Individual characters storage management, self explanatory. 

When you're done with the above you'll get sent into town - a small map that consists of scattered NPCs to interact with. Other than gathering intel, here you will make choices to increase your lust corruption, or take the path of virginity that will lead to its own special ending.

Head back into the guild's yellow magic circle to progress to the next mission.

That's the gist of the game's loop, which does keep things fresh to find out new interactions after each mission clear.

As mentioned earlier, the corruption system plays a big role that will determine the story's path: From chapter 2 Niina finds an artifact called the "Stone Cocoon of Desire" - It fulfills your wishes according to the "desire" you have poured into it. 

In order to save her ultramarine orphanage, Niina vowed to collect "desire souls":
Your lust meter will increase Every time you perform a lewd action.
In order to protect what is important to her, Niina gathers many desires from men...

You can exchange the "desire soul" you have with a "key", each key will help you proceed through the "corridor of time".
A new piece of truth will be revealed every time you open the doors one by one. Open all the doors to unravel the fate and mystery imposed on Ultramarine.

? There's a total of 70 HCG (multi-phase) and 100 H events that also include defeat scenes that share the same pixel art combat screen when engaging an enemy.

Speaking of, that's the one feature that have sold me into playing Ultramarine in the first place...

It is one thing to create an SRPG with basic sprites and a bunch of lewd CG, but taking it to the next level and creating individual pixel animations for EVERY single unit, PLUS their different weapons, PLUS lewd defeats? YES PLEASE!!

All of the lewd scenes are beautifully drawn, and can be viewed at ANY time through the pause menu gallery option.

Now, as much as I love some sweet legit and competent gameplay in my H games, there are those that don't, and there's nothing I respect more in a dev that understands their target audience.

You can set the game on casual mode, or use the yellow magic circle in each stage for an instant clear.
In the dev's own words: "Beginners are safe. No problem even if you're IQ level is 2!"

Do mind that you'll still need to perform specific interactions to fully unlock everything. So skipping isn't advised if you're after a 100% save file.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Normally I wouldn't cover these type of games before we see a fully translated project. However, it is not the first time the blog made an exception when coming across an incredibly well made game that you have to know about its existence.

It took Cominami four years to fully develop Ultramarine, and the results show.
I find it incredible and awe inspiring every time a new developer with no background in the industry setting a new bar of quality and competency.

Ultramarine is absolutely a game I'll come back to a second time around for context once the translation hits the shelfs.

Ultramarine Orphanage is available on DLsite.

❤️ For relevant H content of this title you may contact me in DM for referrals.