Basic Information
- Official English Name: NinNinDays (SFW version)
- Developer & Publisher: Developed by qureate and iMel Inc., published by MediBang and localized by JAST USA
- Release Dates:
- PC (Global): August 8, 2019
- Nintendo Switch (NA/EU): March 2020
- Supported Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG), Nintendo Switch
- Game Tags: Visual Novel, Romantic Comedy, Slice-of-Life, Ninja Adventure
- Social Media & Links:
- Twitter: @qureate_inc (Developer)
- Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1075980
- Official Site: Available via Nutaku (SFW version)
In-Depth Review
NinNinDays (SFW version) offers a lighthearted romantic comedy experience centered around the unlikely pairing of a modern-day slacker and a naive yet skilled ninja girl, Sumire. Set in Akihabara, the game blends cultural contrasts between traditional ninja values and contemporary urban life, creating a narrative that balances humor with themes of self-growth and acceptance.
Artistic Strength: The visual design, crafted by artist AkasaAi, stands out with vibrant character sprites and dynamic event illustrations. Sumire’s exaggerated ninja aesthetic, complete with impractical yet visually appealing outfits, serves as both a fan-service element and a narrative device to explore her fish-out-of-water journey in the city. The use of E-Mote animation technology adds fluidity to character expressions, though it lacks the polish seen in titles like Nekopara.
Localization Challenges: While the SFW version avoids explicit adult content, the English translation occasionally falters with awkward phrasing and literal translations that diminish character chemistry. For instance, dialogue lines like “fragile male ego” in similar titles highlight the risks of poorly adapted localization, though NinNinDays fares marginally better in maintaining readability.
Gameplay Mechanics: As a visual novel, player agency is limited to binary choices that influence relationship dynamics and multiple endings. The narrative’s pacing is brisk, with a runtime of approximately 10-12 hours, making it accessible for casual players. However, the lack of substantial branching paths or meaningful player impact on the story may deter enthusiasts seeking deeper interactivity.
Platform Performance: The Switch port maintains smooth performance, with crisp visuals and responsive controls. However, the game’s reliance on static backgrounds and limited animation during non-event scenes feels budget-constrained compared to PC versions. The inclusion of a gallery mode for unlocked artwork and CGs adds replay value, though the lack of voice acting in the SFW version is notable.
Community Reception: Reviews highlight the game’s niche appeal, praising its affordability ($12.99 on PC) and artistic charm while criticizing its brevity and narrative predictability. Fans of slice-of-life visual novels may find it a pleasant diversion, though it struggles to compete with more ambitious titles like Fate/stay night or The House in Fata Morgana in depth.
Ultimately, NinNinDays (SFW) serves as an entry-level visual novel for newcomers, offering a whimsical ninja-themed romance with eye-catching visuals. While it doesn’t redefine the genre, its accessible price and lighthearted tone make it a viable choice for casual players seeking a low-commitment experience.
Game Link: NinNinDays (SFW version)
