“It was supposed to be just a regular ring......”――This work called “Sorayume” is a story that sets off into big motion from such a casual trigger. Satsuki Morinaga, the daughter of an antique shop owner, accidentally finds a ring, and by holding it, she summons a man named Luen=Eglantine, a self-proclaimed devil. This introduction feels oddly natural despite being somewhat unrealistic. There is a sensation of the extraordinary slipping into the extension of daily life, and you will find yourself reading along while wondering, “Is this a dream, or is it reality?” As the story progresses, Satsuki's world changes bit by bit. What seemed at first to be just a strange occurrence eventually blurs the boundary between reality and dreams, leaving her unsure of which is the real world. The charm of this work lies in that “sensation of being slowly encroached upon,” and its composition, which quietly shakes the heart rather than relying on flashy developments, is impressive. The anxiety that “by the time I notice, I might have come to a point of no return” gives a unique sense of tension to the entire story.

The character Luen=Eglantine is an indispensable presence when talking about this work. While calling himself a devil, there is a certain human-likeness to his behavior and speech, throwing out words that are sometimes lighthearted and sometimes full of deep meaning. Once you start thinking, “Is he really a devil, or is he something else?” you cannot help but become intensely curious about his true identity. Watching his interactions with Satsuki, it feels as though something more than a mere contractual relationship is budding, and this change in their distance gives depth to the story. In this game, the ending of the story changes depending on which characters Satsuki interacts with and what choices she makes. Even though “returning to reality” is supposed to be the goal, the relationships and emotions built during that process make that choice difficult. Since the view you see changes completely depending on whom you solve problems with or what you prioritize, there is a depth that cannot be fully told by clearing it just once.

The character voices feature a lineup of talented voice actors, and their acting greatly elevates the charm of the work. They convey a natural warmth in calm daily interactions, and you can enjoy quick-witted banter in comical scenes. Furthermore, in scenes where emotions shift heavily, you are drawn in all at once by the vocal expression, creating a sense of realism that cannot be experienced through text alone. Moments where you feel, “Does this single word resonate so heavily?” are bound to come many times. “Sorayume” is a title that has been released across multiple platforms until now, with touch-ups piled on each time. Since the Nintendo Switch version includes all of those elements, it is designed so that those who are touching it for the first time can enjoy it in its most polished form. Furthermore, the opening and ending movies have been completely renewed, providing content that even those who have already played it can approach with a fresh feeling.

The charm of this work lies not only in special events but also in the fact that casual, everyday moments are firmly depicted. Precisely because there are calm conversations and brief interactions, the weight of the events that follow stands out. The composition, which makes you realize that “the days taken for granted were actually irreplaceable,” gives depth to the entire story. “Sorayume” is a work that makes you think after you finish playing, “Was that a dream in the end?” Instead of presenting a clear answer, it leaves a lingering aftertaste within the player, allowing you to experience a sensation as if that world continues even after the story ends. Whether those summer days were reality or a temporary dream――holding onto that question makes you want to look back from the very beginning once more; it is a work with such a mysterious charm.