【Summer Pockets】The Anime Adaptation Has Begun Airing! Play the Game to Enjoy Each Character’s Route and Stories Not Covered in the Anime! Summer Pockets is Now Available!

Summer memories have a strange way of staying vivid even as time passes. The blazing sun, the scent of the sea breeze, the sound of insects, and...... love. There’s a game that packs those “one special summer memories” everyone holds deep in their heart into a treasure chest-like experience. That is Key’s latest work, “Summer Pockets.” A summer story that blends nostalgia and freshness, brought to you by Key, known for creating numerous masterpieces. Being able to enjoy it easily on the Nintendo Switch is also a nice bonus.

The story is set on the quiet island of Torishirojima, far removed from the hustle and bustle. The protagonist, Hairi, visits this island to sort through the belongings of his late grandmother. Encounters with nature he had forgotten in the city, and a daily life where time flows gently. Amidst that, he meets four girls and gradually forms bonds with them. The fleeting encounters and emotions of summer quietly stir the hearts of players.

Most striking of all are the beautiful visuals and the soothing background music. The scenery is so vivid you can almost smell the ocean, and the sound design makes you feel like you can hear cicadas and waves if you just listen closely. The word “immersion” truly fits. Moreover, each of the characters is not just cute, but also has a well-developed inner theme, making it impossible not to empathize with them.

As someone playing a Key title again after a long time, I was deeply moved to find that it truly lives up to its name as a “crying game.” The story structure gradually stimulates your tear ducts, and the evolution in character expressions and gestures grabs the player’s heart. Of course, I won’t say the scenario is entirely without flaws. But there are so many emotionally moving scenes that make it an experience you’ll truly be glad you purchased.

“Summer Pockets” masterfully portrays the excitement of summer vacation, the warmth of time spent with someone, and the sorrow of parting. This game offers a strange feeling that is both nostalgic and new, and it will surely leave “that summer” in your heart. When you finish playing, you’ll surely think, “I wish this summer would never end.”