Even if Tempest is one of the more unique Switch otome games, due to its courtroom elements, and fortunately Even if Tempest Dawning Connections continues to live up to the original’s legacy. It maintains all of the elements that made the first story so special, while also devoting more attention to love interests and supporting characters.
In the original Even if Tempest, we saw the harrowing life of Anastasia Lynzel. A young woman with a harrowing beginning, she eventually ended up with the Fatal Rewind ability. This allows her to not only change her destiny, but also that of those around her. Eventually, she even ends up being a critical part of changing the world around her for the better. Even if Tempest Dawning Connections is both the story of what happens next with the love interests Crius, Lucien, Tyril, and Zenn, as well as see a story of what could have been and learn more about major side characters Conrad, Evelina, Ish, and Maya. However, while this is a fan disc, it still doesn’t completely discard some of the more unique properties of the original, such as the supernatural and mystery elements, making it just as strong of a story.
Right off the bat, what I love about Even if Tempest Dawning Connections is the attention to detail. The characters have multiple facial expressions, and in certain cases different outfits. Their portraits move to the foreground and background to help portray a sense of space. The voice acting is fantastic. In general, the presentation is impeccable, and I appreciated the care with which everyone is depicted. It really helps set the tone, create a world, and make these people come to life. Especially since the writing and characterizations remain great, ensuring people come across as strong, realistic individuals.
Even if Tempest Dawning Connections remains a Switch otome game that rewards players for paying attention too. A key feature in the original title involved these trials Anastasia was going through, where you’d be gathering information and uncovering truths in addition to making sure you provided helpful answers to grow closer to love interests. These remain, so it isn’t like you’re just enjoying heartfelt, loving moments with attractive virtual men. (Though there are plenty of those, and they’re well-written, appealing, and in-character.) It means you’ll still go through mysteries, learn more about the world, and feel like you’re taking action while continuing to grow closer to people you established relationships with in the original game.
The only real downside to Even if Tempest Dawning Connections is that it is the sort of otome game that succumbs to the same pitfalls as ones like Norn9: Last Era on the Switch. It involves unlocking. I’m not talking about the typical earning of CGs or progression of chapters in each romance option’s storyline in the Love Stories section. I’m talking about how you can’t immediately jump into the alternate reality story “The Fellowship” and only initially have the Maya tale open in the Side Stories section, with the Conrad, Evelina, and Ish ones locked away. It doesn’t take too much time to go through routes and gain access to these additional elements. Still, it’s a bit frustrating that things that shouldn’t be locked off do require you to potentially go through elements you aren’t interested in first.
Especially since, unlike its predecessor, Even if Tempest Dawning Connections ran perfectly right away. I experienced an array of crashes with the original Switch otome game. Voltage clearly made sure to avoid the same situation, which is appreciated. (To the company’s credit, I did revisit the first game ahead of this review and found it ran much better as well.)
Even if Tempest Dawning Connections is a Switch otome game just as attractive as its predecessor. Anastasia is still a strong, incredible heroine. The four love interests are still well-rounded and appealing characters. Their routes still have the investigation elements from the original game. Plus, the supporting cast members that may have appealed to players also get their moments. Top it all off with lots of CGs and no bugs, and it’s a fantastic follow-up to a fun game.
Even if Tempest Dawning Connections is available for the Nintendo Switch.
She forfeited her own life, killed others and was killed herself, and even sacrificed her loved ones to achieve the best ending.
Even if Tempest Dawning Connections is a great Switch otome game that pays extra attention to its love interests and supporting characters.
- I appreciated some of the refresher images and insight from past routes when going through characters’ Love Stories sections.
- Having songs from both games’ soundtracks in the Music section was a nice perk.
- I ended up liking both Lucien and Tyril more in this follow-up than I did in the original.
