Kindred Spirits on the Roof explained

Kindred Spirits on the Roof
Ja Kanji:屋上の百合霊さん
Ja Romaji:Okujō no Yurirei-san
Genre:Romance, yuri
Developer:Liar-soft
Publisher:MangaGamer
Genre:Visual novel
Platforms:Microsoft Windows
Released:Full Chorus
First:January 24, 2014
Last:January 30, 2015
Episodes:4
Episode List:
  1. Drama CDs
Type:manga
Author:Hachi Itō, Toi Tentsu
Illustrator:Hachi Itō, Aya Fumio
Publisher:Hirari Comics
Published:April 30, 2015
Volumes:2

is an adult yuri visual novel developed by Liar-soft, originally released in Japan on March 30, 2012. The game was licensed by MangaGamer and released in English on February 12, 2016.[1] An updated version featuring fully voiced dialogue was released in Japan on January 26, 2018.

Gameplay

Kindred Spirits on the Roof is a fairly linear visual novel where players read through the story, accompanied with visual graphics and occasionally voiced dialogue (fully voiced in the Full Chorus version). The story is split into several chunks, which each take part during a single day on a planner ranging from April to November and can be replayed at any time. These are divided up into main story scenes, told from the perspective of the main characters, and couple story scenes, which are told from the perspective of the side characters. While the game does not feature alternative routes and endings like other visual novels, some dialogue choices that offer minor differences can unlock extra scenes which can be viewed upon completing the main story. The planner can also be used to view CG images and listen to music tracks that the player has encountered throughout the game.[2]

Plot

While on the rooftop of one day, second year student Yuna Toomi encounters two ghosts, Sachi Enoki and Megumi Nagatani, who are bound to the school. Having fallen in love with each other, Sachi and Megumi explain that they want to experience their first time together so they may pass on, but don't know how to do so. Having noticed several other students who are harboring romantic feelings for other girls, Sachi and Megumi ask Yuna to help these girls realize their love and create a "yuritopia" so that they can gain the necessary knowledge they need.

As Yuna and the so-called "kindred spirits" work together to help each of these couples find love with each other, Yuna soon comes to realize that she is developing feelings for her childhood friend, Hina Komano. When Hina suddenly confesses to her, Yuna is worried about how she should answer her, but is eventually encouraged to come to an answer and begin dating her. With both Yuna and Hina agreeing to let them possess their bodies, Sachi and Megumi finally have their first time together, allowing them to pass on peacefully.[3]

Characters

Main characters

The main protagonist. A second year student who is able to see and communicate with Sachi and Megumi and begrudgingly helps them in creating their "yuritopia". She is a skilled cook, although an incident during middle school has slightly traumatised her.
  • A tall ghost who wears a black uniform. She died eighty years ago after falling from a rooftop while saving a girl she had unrequited feelings for. While seemingly refined and polite, she tries to hide how cowardly she feels herself to be.
  • A cheerful ghost who wears a white uniform. Thirty years ago, she fell in love with Sachi's ghost before dying from pneumonia, immediately confessing to Sachi upon becoming a ghost herself. She often gets jealous of Yuna acting so closely to Sachi.
  • A first year student on the track and field team, who is often soft-spoken. She is Yuna's neighbor and childhood friend who regularly enjoys her cooking.
  • Other characters

    One of Yuna's friends who helps her whenever she can, although usually forgets something every time she comes to school. She is an avid fan of yuri, but can't picture herself in an actual relationship.
  • A first year student who falls in love at first sight with her senior Miki. She is very strong, despite her small size.
  • A kind third year student and vice president of the school beautification committee. She is always helping to people, but she is often taken advantage of and given more tasks than necessary.
  • A second year student in the broadcasting club. She is very honest, and enjoys nothing more than spending time with her friends Nena and Sasa.
  • A second year student in the broadcasting club. A somewhat goth girl who outwardly appears cold, but deep down does cherish her friends a great deal. She is in love with Umi.
  • A second year student in the broadcasting club. She is always tired and wanting to sleep, but often gets dragged around by her friends to do various things anyway.
  • A second year student, and the only member of the math club. She is in love with Tsukuyo, who she lovingly calls "Tsukuyo-chan."
  • A classical literature teacher, and also the adviser of the math club. She is very popular among students due to her kindness and cute appearance.
  • A second year student and rock musician in a band, who was Yuna's friend in middle school. She falls in love with Aki and becomes determined to write a song confessing her feelings to her.
  • A second year student on the disciplinary committee. While she takes tardiness very seriously, she becomes entranced by Youka's lively personality.
  • A third year student and captain of the track and field team. She has been in a relationship with Miyu for several years. She is the more spontaneous of the two.
  • A third year student and vice captain of the track and field team. Unlike Matsuri, she is more serious, and always plans ahead, making Matsuri adhere to several promises to make sure their relationship isn't discovered.
  • Release history

    Kindred Spirits on the Roof was initially released in Japan on March 30, 2012. An English version published by MangaGamer was released on February 12, 2016, and was one of the first adult visual novels to be released uncensored on the Steam store.[4] The game's opening song is, and the ending song is A new day. Both are composed by Blueberry&Yogurt, and performed by Rita.[5]

    In March 2017, Liar-soft announced the production of an enhanced edition of Kindred Spirits on the Roof featuring full voice acting, and additional CGs.[6] Titled Kindred Spirits on the Roof Full Chorus, it was released in Japan on January 26, 2018.[7] MangaGamer released the updated version in English on January 17, 2019 as both a standalone release and as downloadable content for the original version.[8] [9]

    Adaptations

    Drama CDs

    A four-part drama CD sequel was published after the game's release. The CDs are set after the events of the visual novel, and tell after stories for the characters. The drama CDs were also licensed by MangaGamer who released them with English subtitles in 2016.[10] The fourth drama CD includes the game's soundtrack.[11]

    Vol Title Japanese release date English release date
    1 January 24, 2014[12] April 26, 2016[13]
    2 April 25, 2014[14] May 27, 2016[15]
    3 August 15, 2014[16] June 17, 2016[17]
    4 / January 30, 2015[18] August 5, 2016[19]

    Manga

    A 2-volume manga spin-off published by Hirari Comics was released on April 30, 2015. The first volume, was written and illustrated by Hachi Itō, while the second volume,, was written by Toi Tentsu and illustrated by Aya Fumio. The manga was licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment who released it in English as a single omnibus volume on January 31, 2017.[20] The manga takes place after the events of the game and focus on new characters who were not in the original visual novel, alongside returning characters.

    Reception

    Prior to its English release, Kindred Spirits on the Roof received positive media attention when MangaGamer announced that it would be released on Steam with no content censored or removed.[21] [22] [23] Previously, Steam would require all games with adult content to be censored,[24] [25] which makes Kindred Spirits on the Roof potentially the first adult title to be released on Steam with no censorship whatsoever.[26] Anime News Network quoted MangaGamer's head translator saying, "This is monumental news for the industry as a whole...Seeing frank depictions of same-sex relationships welcomed on such a major gaming platform is a true testament to the open-mindedness of our society and the growing desire for mature entertainment that people of all walks of life can enjoy."[27] PC Gamer commented that "It may also indicate the 'guns good/boobs bad' thinking that's guided game ratings for decades is finally starting to change."[28]

    Kindred Spirits on the Roof has been well received by critics. Marcus Estrada from Hardcore Gamer gave it a 4/5 rating saying, "Kindred Spirits on the Roof is an excellent visual novel, yuri romance focused or otherwise. Every character is imbued with a fantastic personality and the story is both light and heavy in proper measure. Reading through the main storyline — and the 'extra' scenes — is an absolute joy."[29] Erica Friedman gave the game a 9/10 rating, citing the game's likable characters and how, "In every single scenario, the characters go through actual development...when crises pop up and are resolved, the characters change and grow."[30]

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof––Now Available!. MangaGamer. February 12, 2016. February 12, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160215020354/http://blog.mangagamer.org/2016/02/12/kindred-spirits-on-sale/. February 15, 2016.
    2. Web site: MangaGamer Announces New Acquisitions at Otakon. Anime News Network. July 27, 2015. September 2, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150909074026/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2015-07-27/mangagamer-announces-new-acquisitions-at-otakon/.90956. September 9, 2015.
    3. Web site: Steam To Get Steamy With an Uncensored Yuri Game. The Escapist. September 3, 2015. September 3, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150905160653/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/142246-Steam-Will-Have-an-Uncensored-Sex-Game. September 5, 2015.
    4. Web site: Yuri Visual Novel Kindred Spirits on the Roof Out Now. Hardcore Gamer. February 12, 2016. March 26, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160407115520/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/02/12/yuri-visual-novel-kindred-spirits-on-the-roof-out-now/192817/. April 7, 2016.
    5. Web site: Kindred Spirits Opening Movie. MangaGamer. July 24, 2015. September 3, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150917073121/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7XNJg2lUJQ. September 17, 2015.
    6. liar_railsoft. 845205907331989505 . March 24, 2017. 【更新情報】「屋上の百合霊さん」フルボイス版の詳細を公開しました! . October 6, 2017. Japanese.
    7. liar_railsoft. 916360295873863680. October 6, 2017. 速報】「屋上の百合霊さん」フルボイス化計画始動!. March 26, 2017. Japanese.
    8. Web site: MangaGamer Adds Steam Prison, Amatarasu Riddle Star Games. Anime News Network. March 31, 2018. March 31, 2018.
    9. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof Full Chorus. Valve. January 12, 2019.
    10. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof Drama CDs on the Way. Hardcore Gamer. March 25, 2016. March 26, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160330223648/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/03/25/kindred-spirits-on-the-roof-drama-cds-on-the-way/199522/. March 30, 2016.
    11. News: Kindred Spirits Drama CD Vol. 1 Available for Pre-order!. Mangagamer Staff Blog . MangaGamer. April 22, 2016. April 23, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160423024901/http://blog.mangagamer.org/2016/04/22/kindred-spirits-drama-cd-vol-1-available-for-pre-order/. April 23, 2016.
    12. Web site: 屋上の百合霊さんドラマCD「恋人ごっこ」再販版. Japanese. Amazon.co.jp. March 31, 2016.
    13. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof Drama CD Vol.1 on Steam. Valve. April 26, 2016. April 27, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160426162225/http://store.steampowered.com/app/463750/. April 26, 2016.
    14. Web site: 屋上の百合霊さんドラマCD「友情プラン」. Japanese. Amazon.co.jp. April 23, 2016.
    15. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof Drama CD Vol.2 on Steam. Valve. May 26, 2016. May 27, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160530031934/http://store.steampowered.com/app/474230. May 30, 2016.
    16. Web site: 屋上の百合霊さんドラマCD第3弾「夕立キック」. Japanese. Amazon.co.jp. April 23, 2016.
    17. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof Drama CD Vol.3 on Steam. Valve. June 9, 2016. June 10, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160613150702/http://store.steampowered.com/app/489910/. June 13, 2016.
    18. Web site: 屋上の百合霊さんドラマCD「九星ラジオ」. Japanese. Amazon.co.jp. February 16, 2016.
    19. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof Drama CD Vol.4 on Steam. Valve. July 29, 2016. July 29, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160801110044/http://store.steampowered.com/app/508280/. August 1, 2016.
    20. Web site: Seven Seas Licenses Kindred Spirits on the Roof Yuri Manga. Anime News Network. June 1, 2016. June 2, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160602052414/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-06-01/seven-seas-licenses-kindred-spirits-on-the-roof-yuri-manga/.102731. June 2, 2016.
    21. Web site: Sexy lesbian ghost game comes to Steam uncensored. Destructoid. September 2, 2015. September 3, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150902191132/http://www.destructoid.com/sexy-lesbian-ghost-game-comes-to-steam-uncensored-308941.phtml. September 2, 2015.
    22. Web site: Sex game Kindred Spirits on the Roof "completely uncensored" on Steam. VG247. September 2, 2015. September 2, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150902164534/http://www.vg247.com/2015/09/02/sex-game-kindred-spirits-on-the-roof-completely-uncensored-on-steam/. September 2, 2015.
    23. Web site: MangaGamer Offers Kindred Spirits Uncensored on Steam. Anime News Network. September 1, 2015. September 2, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150902155522/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-01/mangagamer-offers-kindred-spirits-uncensored-on-steam/.92376. September 2, 2015.
    24. Web site: The Sex Games That Steam Censors. Kotaku. January 21, 2015. April 22, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20161022040403/http://kotaku.com/the-sex-games-that-steam-censors-1680718912. October 22, 2016.
    25. Web site: Uncut Version of 'Kindred Spirits on the Roof' Approved for Steam Release. Hardcore Gamer. September 2, 2015. September 3, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150904043546/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/09/02/uncut-version-of-kindred-spirits-on-the-roof-approved-for-steam-release/165412/. September 4, 2015.
    26. Web site: Steam Is Getting An Uncensored Sex Game. Kotaku. September 1, 2015. September 2, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150901215449/http://kotaku.com/steam-is-getting-an-uncensored-sex-game-1728006494. September 1, 2015.
    27. Web site: Valve and MangaGamer Breaking Down Barriers With The Uncensored Steam Release of Kindred Spirits on the Roof. Anime News Network. September 1, 2015. September 2, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150902215303/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2015-09-01/valve-and-mangagamer.com-breaking-down-barriers-with-the-uncensored-steam-release-of-kindred-spirits-on-the-roof/.92393. September 2, 2015.
    28. Web site: Kindred Spirits on the Roof is bringing "frank depictions" of sex to Steam. PC Gamer. September 1, 2015. September 2, 2015. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150904000352/http://www.pcgamer.com/kindred-spirits-on-the-roof-is-bringing-frank-depictions-of-sex-to-steam/. September 4, 2015.
    29. Web site: Review: Kindred Spirits on the Roof. Hardcore Gamer. February 22, 2016. February 23, 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160223113446/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/02/22/review-kindred-spirits-on-the-roof/194180/. February 23, 2016.
    30. Web site: Yuri Visual Novel: Kindred Spirits. Erica Friedman. February 25, 2016. February 26, 2016. Okazu. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304225958/http://okazu.yuricon.com/2016/02/25/yuri-visual-novel-kindred-spirits/. March 4, 2016.