Developer Paochanz, known for Rainbow Sea, has announced Waiting for Reply, a pixel art visual novel that lets players shape a heartfelt story through smartphone interactions. The game is set to launch on PC via Steam, though a release date has not been revealed.
In Waiting for Reply, you experience a short but emotional narrative centered on Ritsuka, who arrives at Tokyo Station on a Saturday morning to meet her friend Sakurako. When Sakurako doesn’t appear at the agreed time, Ritsuka sends a message and boards their reserved train, only to find a stranger named Aoi sitting in Sakurako’s seat. Confused by Aoi’s striking resemblance to Sakurako and her tears, Ritsuka is swept into an unexpected journey with Aoi as the train departs.
The game’s unique mechanic allows you to interact with the world through a smartphone interface, using in-game apps to send messages, check emails, take photos, and monitor weather forecasts. These actions drive the story forward, with choices like sending messages or capturing moments shaping the narrative’s direction. Additionally, the pixel art style enhances the emotional tone, creating a nostalgic yet immersive experience.