Basic Information
- **Official English Name**: Stop The Earth, I’m Getting Off: Crystal City
- **Developer & Publisher**: Enjoy Games / Nutaku
- **Release Date**: March 16, 2017 (PC)
- **Platforms**: PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- **Genres**: Visual Novel, Eroge, Sci-Fi, Adventure
- **Social Media**:
- Twitter: @Nutaku
- Steam: Crystal City Steam Page
In-Depth Review
Stop The Earth, I’m Getting Off: Crystal City is a kinetic visual novel by Enjoy Games, released in 2017, that blends science fiction, adult content, and surreal storytelling. The game follows Honore, a socially reclusive protagonist who discovers a unique method of interdimensional travel—teleportation through sexual encounters. This premise sets the stage for a narrative that oscillates between humor, philosophical musings, and explicit adult themes.
The gameplay is straightforward, with minimal player interaction typical of a kinetic novel. However, the story’s ambition often outpaces its execution. While the concept of a utopian society with advanced technology and promiscuous inhabitants is intriguing, the narrative struggles with coherence. Critics point out that the translation from Russian to English is riddled with grammatical errors, which detracts from the experience. For instance, Natalie.TF noted: “The script is littered with countless grammatical, syntax, and typographical errors to the point where I was genuinely amazed that anybody thought it was okay to put this game out.”
Visually, the game features anime-inspired character art with detailed sprites and varied backgrounds, though there’s a noticeable disparity in artistic consistency between different scenes. The soundtrack, while forgettable, complements the futuristic setting. The game’s adult content is integral to its mechanics, as sexual encounters drive the protagonist’s ability to traverse dimensions. This design choice polarizes players, appealing to fans of eroge while alienating those seeking a more traditional visual novel experience.
Reception has been mixed. Some players praise the game’s originality and willingness to explore unconventional themes, such as artificial intelligence ethics and societal norms. Others criticize its lack of player agency, poor translation quality, and abrupt ending that leaves key plot threads unresolved. A user on Metacritic summarized: “Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this,” highlighting the divide in opinions.
Available on Nutaku and Steam, Crystal City is the first installment in the Stop The Earth, I’m Getting Off series, followed by Totem City. While it shows potential, its technical shortcomings and narrative inconsistencies make it a niche choice for fans of adult visual novels willing to overlook flaws for creative storytelling.
Recommendation
For enthusiasts of adult-oriented visual novels and those intrigued by experimental narratives, Crystal City offers a unique albeit flawed experience. Players seeking polished translations or traditional gameplay may find it underwhelming, but its bold premise ensures it stands out in the eroge genre.
