Basic Information
- Official English Title: NinNinDays
- Developer & Publisher: qureate, iMel Inc., DLsite
- Release Dates:
- PC (Steam): August 8, 2019
- Nintendo Switch: March 12, 2020
- Supported Platforms: PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch
- Genre Tags: Adventure, Visual Novel, Narrative, Erotic Content
- Social Media Presence:
- Twitter: @qureate
- Steam Page: NinNinDays
In-Depth Review
NinNinDays, developed and published by qureate and iMel Inc., stands as a controversial yet visually striking entry in the visual novel genre. This adult-oriented narrative follows Sumire, a naive ninja from a secluded village, as she navigates modern city life under the guidance of a reluctant protagonist. The game’s core appeal lies in its striking anime-style artwork, particularly the character designs by AkasaAi, which blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with hyper-stylized fan service.
Art and Character Design
The visual presentation is NinNinDays’ strongest aspect. Sumire’s character sprites utilize the E-Mote system, offering fluid animations that, while not as polished as genre leaders like Nekopara, still elevate the experience. Key event scenes are richly detailed, emphasizing Sumire’s physicality in a way that targets fans of ecchi content. However, the frequent focus on suggestive poses and attire may alienate players seeking deeper narrative engagement.
Narrative and Themes
The story explores themes of self-acceptance and cultural clash, though these are often overshadowed by its explicit fan service. Sumire’s journey from innocence to self-awareness is undermined by a lack of narrative ambition and poorly localized dialogue. While the English script is readable, it suffers from grammatical errors and an overly literal translation that flattens character depth. Players seeking meaningful storytelling may find the experience lacking compared to titles like Doki Doki Literature Club!.
Technical Aspects and Audience Appeal
Available on both PC and Nintendo Switch, the game’s Switch version is notable for its censored content, removing explicit elements available in the PC’s R18+ patch. This divergence highlights the platform’s content restrictions, making it a less appealing option for fans of adult visual novels. The game’s short runtime (5-8 hours) and arbitrary choice system further limit its replay value, though its budget-friendly price point may justify a purchase for die-hard genre enthusiasts.
Ultimately, NinNinDays serves niche audiences who prioritize visual appeal over narrative depth. While its artistic merits are undeniable, the game’s technical and storytelling shortcomings prevent it from standing alongside genre-defining titles. For fans of ecchi visual novels, it remains a competent but unambitious addition to the Switch library.
Game Link: NinNinDays
