I'm going to kick off this review by stating: I would only recommend Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles for fans of the previous titles in the Code :Realize series.
In Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles, the story picks up after the events of Code: Realize ~ Future Blessings. It is now nearly Christmas and whoever's story you have picked to play through, is dwelling on their separation from Cardia. What ensues is how they have to confront and reconcile their feelings, as well as reunite with their loved one in time for the festive celebrations. These stories won't make as much sense or have as much pay off for anyone who hasn't played the first two games but for anyone who wants to spend more time with their favourite characters, then Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles will have some appeal.
So why have I rated the game just above a 5? Well, Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles feels a bit of a cash grab. It does have a bit more interactivity than Future Blessings, which if I'm being honest isn't hard to beat, but it is still quite a short experience for the price tag. Also, if I am being honest, I only really enjoyed Van Helsing's and Saint-Germian's stories, along with some of the 'secret' stories. The other main stories were OK, I just didn't have the same interest in the characters they were focusing on.
I did like the art style, especially revisiting familiar locations that have been given the festive treament. I guess for a visual novel, the visuals are crucial part of it so it is good that Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles has some great images to go with the story.
Overall, Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles was not a terrible experience and there was certain aspects of it that I enjoyed however it doesn't even come close to surpassing the first game, Code: Realize ~ Guardians of Rebirth. This is definitely a game I would only recommend to fans of the series who are looking for a festive themed story. If you are new to the visual novel genre, I would recommend you go and play Code: Realize ~ Guardians of Rebirth.
In Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles, the story picks up after the events of Code: Realize ~ Future Blessings. It is now nearly Christmas and whoever's story you have picked to play through, is dwelling on their separation from Cardia. What ensues is how they have to confront and reconcile their feelings, as well as reunite with their loved one in time for the festive celebrations. These stories won't make as much sense or have as much pay off for anyone who hasn't played the first two games but for anyone who wants to spend more time with their favourite characters, then Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles will have some appeal.
So why have I rated the game just above a 5? Well, Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles feels a bit of a cash grab. It does have a bit more interactivity than Future Blessings, which if I'm being honest isn't hard to beat, but it is still quite a short experience for the price tag. Also, if I am being honest, I only really enjoyed Van Helsing's and Saint-Germian's stories, along with some of the 'secret' stories. The other main stories were OK, I just didn't have the same interest in the characters they were focusing on.
I did like the art style, especially revisiting familiar locations that have been given the festive treament. I guess for a visual novel, the visuals are crucial part of it so it is good that Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles has some great images to go with the story.
Overall, Code: Realize ~ Wintertide Miracles was not a terrible experience and there was certain aspects of it that I enjoyed however it doesn't even come close to surpassing the first game, Code: Realize ~ Guardians of Rebirth. This is definitely a game I would only recommend to fans of the series who are looking for a festive themed story. If you are new to the visual novel genre, I would recommend you go and play Code: Realize ~ Guardians of Rebirth.