based on a true story
Chulip certainly is not a perfect game. I could imagine it being incredibly draining if played on its original hardware. I could absolutely see it being frustrating to many, even with helpful tools like save states or fast forwards. I am a person easily won over by charm and style, and I do love some form of cruelty in a video game, though, so Chulip completely won me over.
I find Chulip hard to not adore. The music, sound design, art, and town designs are all absolutely stunning. Many of the kiss puzzles were very fun for me, personally. Even more sadistic ones, like the 20-year-old guy, sound terrible on paper, but I did not find them so horrible in practice. Specifically, I think Bell’s kiss was my favorite: the story of Bell and her father, the way that this story chains together with the main story, how it connects with other characters like Julie and Goro, and the gameplay mechanics employed, all made this specific portion of the game a high-point to me.
This may be a personal thing, but I like games that come with a manual that you are meant to use. I found going to my printed-out dinky manual to check off all my kisses very rewarding, and it made it possible for me to strategize where I would go and what I should do to maximize my time and save in-game currency. I think that is another one of Chulip's strongest traits. Yes, there are the on-the-surface puzzles of trying to get kisses, but figuring out your time and where you had to be made every moment of the game a more elaborate and encompassing riddle.
I think at the end of the day, you will love Chulip or you will find it tiring. I found it overwhelmingly charming. The last moments were particularly impressive and heartfelt to me in terms of presentation and how all the elements in the game stacked up for a final challenge. I just really adore how the ending section of the game looks and plays, it will stick with me for a long time. Most of all, I think I am just a sucker for when a game knows when to use gameplay and give the player direct control rather than a cutscene that you can only passively watch.
It is a game that could have been gross and torturous, but Chulip walks away charming and lovable.
I find Chulip hard to not adore. The music, sound design, art, and town designs are all absolutely stunning. Many of the kiss puzzles were very fun for me, personally. Even more sadistic ones, like the 20-year-old guy, sound terrible on paper, but I did not find them so horrible in practice. Specifically, I think Bell’s kiss was my favorite: the story of Bell and her father, the way that this story chains together with the main story, how it connects with other characters like Julie and Goro, and the gameplay mechanics employed, all made this specific portion of the game a high-point to me.
This may be a personal thing, but I like games that come with a manual that you are meant to use. I found going to my printed-out dinky manual to check off all my kisses very rewarding, and it made it possible for me to strategize where I would go and what I should do to maximize my time and save in-game currency. I think that is another one of Chulip's strongest traits. Yes, there are the on-the-surface puzzles of trying to get kisses, but figuring out your time and where you had to be made every moment of the game a more elaborate and encompassing riddle.
I think at the end of the day, you will love Chulip or you will find it tiring. I found it overwhelmingly charming. The last moments were particularly impressive and heartfelt to me in terms of presentation and how all the elements in the game stacked up for a final challenge. I just really adore how the ending section of the game looks and plays, it will stick with me for a long time. Most of all, I think I am just a sucker for when a game knows when to use gameplay and give the player direct control rather than a cutscene that you can only passively watch.
It is a game that could have been gross and torturous, but Chulip walks away charming and lovable.