Hey, what image comes to mind when you hear “Theater Club”?

Sparkling youth? An intense stage performance? Or perhaps a slightly plain, culture-oriented vibe?

All of those are correct. But “Sono Hi no Kemono ni wa,” adds one more thing—by mixing in strange presences like “curses” and “ghosts,” it depicts a world that is not just a school drama, but one that is slightly bitter and mysterious.

The setting is a prestigious theater school. This academy, attended by the protagonist Ritsuki, his sister Runa, and his childhood friend Mayu, overflows with the passion of students dreaming of becoming future actors and scriptwriters. Amidst this, they inadvertently step onto a stage haunted by a ghost known as “Kurogane.” The sweet yet terrifying rumor that this stage will grant “any wish” related to theater is what begins to greatly shake their destiny.

The core of the story is the daily routine of club activities. Days are spent immersed in practice, opinions clash, and relationships with comrades change. The realistic wavering of these emotions is, I believe, the game's biggest highlight.

Ritsuki and the others are still first-year students with little acting experience. But their passion is second to none. That's why, even when ignored by the upperclassmen, they desperately try to seize the chance to showcase their acting. Their earnestness and recklessness are truly endearing to watch.

Furthermore, all the characters harbor some kind of worry or past. These surface during practice, sometimes causing clashes, and sometimes bringing them closer. This meticulous depiction is captivating, as you can clearly feel the characters' growth no matter which route you choose.

You might think, “Ah, is this just another typical coming-of-age ensemble drama?” But “Sono Hi no Kemono ni wa,” doesn't stop there. The existence of the ghost, Kurogane, instantly draws this story into another world.

A presence haunting the stage, reminiscent of “The Phantom of the Opera.” He (or she?) is not just a terrifying ghost, but one that subtly creeps into the characters' hearts, sometimes gently, sometimes eerily. Starting with the scene where Mayu first encounters him, the story slowly but surely advances into an inexplicable and fascinating realm.

A point worth noting is that this work is fundamentally a story “rooted in reality.” Precisely because the setting is the very ordinary theater club, the presence of the ghost sneaking in stands out more and remains in the player's mind. Another key point is that there is no specialized worldview or complex terminology, making it easy for anyone to immediately immerse themselves.

Furthermore, the writing is simply easy to read. The pacing is good, it's not too long, but the narrative rhythm and the characters' inner feelings are clearly depicted, allowing you to proceed without getting bored. Above all, since each chosen route has a solid drama, the replay value is high.

In the end, what does “Sono Hi no Kemono ni wa,” want to convey? I think it must be the question of, “What are you willing to sacrifice to realize your dream?”

The price of the “wish” offered by the ghost, Kurogane. Friendship and dreams, past and future, and even oneself. What do you choose, and what do you give up? That choice leaves a heavy weight on the player's heart. Don't you think there aren't many games like that?