EMIT Vol.1, also known as Lost Child of Time, is the first entry in the English Dream series by Koei. It’s an adventure game focused on a high school girl named Yuri, who encounters a mysterious elderly man asking for directions. This seemingly innocuous meeting soon sweeps Yuri up into a fantastical tale involving time travel, aging in reverse, and helping the old man find his way home. I found the story premise immediately intriguing, and the characters endearing. Though light on gameplay, EMIT Vol.1 succeeds in crafting a magical atmosphere and touching narrative.
After her odd encounter with the elderly gentleman who mysteriously murmurs “Emit”, Yuri is approached by a handsome man who claims to be that same elderly person, just one month further along in his rapid reverse aging. He explains he is from another world where people age in reverse, and the tunnel back to his world is broken. Needing help to locate a new portal before he ages too far and dies, he asks Yuri for assistance. Though skeptical at first, after witnessing the man age into a frail young boy, Yuri is convinced and skips school to aid him. Together they discover the portal back to his world. Before departing, the boy reveals Yuri reminds him of his mother. https://www.game24hours.com/2023/08/emerald-dragon-heartfelt-90s-anime.html
The Heartwarming Core of an Unlikely Friendship
This unlikely friendship between Yuri and the reverse-aging man forms the emotional core of EMIT Vol.1’s story. Their interactions evolve from puzzling, to tense, to affectionate as Yuri moves from disbelief to trust. The man’s impending mortality imbues their time together with poignancy. I found myself genuinely invested in seeing him return home safely, and moved by the implied connection between Yuri and his mother. Their brief but meaningful relationship provides the game an element of sincere heart.
A Sparse but Elegant Presentation
EMIT Vol.1 originated on the SNES, so its visuals are simple sprites and backgrounds. But they remain aesthetically pleasing thanks to the talented art of Mutsumi Inomata. Character portraits are particularly lovely. The game uses text over character art rather than animated scenes, but impactful writing makes the pivotal moments land. The music sets fittingly wistful or tense tones for each scene. Overall the presentation achieves a minimalist elegance befitting the game’s dreamlike ambience.
Light on Gameplay, Heavy on Atmosphere
As an adventure game, EMIT Vol.1 focuses on advancing the story rather than challenging gameplay. Players mostly read dialogue and make the occasional key story decision. So those seeking puzzles or combat should look elsewhere. But players who appreciate immersive storytelling and a transportive atmosphere will find it satisfies. I felt fully absorbed in its melancholy, mysterious world. For me, the lack of gameplay distraction heightened the emotional impact.
Score: 8/10
In the end, EMIT Vol.1 succeeds primarily as an imaginative, poignant story rather than a gameplay-focused adventure. Its emotional core and immersive atmosphere engaged me thoroughly. Fans of narrative games who don’t mind minimal interactivity should find this first English Dream entry fills them with warmth and wonder. I eagerly look forward to uncovering the rest of Yuri and her reverse-aging friend’s tender tale.
Pros:
*Heartwarming central friendship
*Lovely, elegant aesthetic
*Dreamy, transportive atmosphere
Cons:
*Light on gameplay elements
*Pacing slow at times
*Story resolution a bit abrupt
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