Harmony: The Fall of Reverie Review (Em)
Harmony is a very good game, let's get this out of the way. It has a VERY strong focus on choices. Choices are used as the main gameplay element and I think it's fair to say that this makes Harmony a visual novel first and foremost.
Harmony convinces with breathtaking visuals, bright colors and an interesting plot. It's a smart mix of mystery and science fiction, some metaphysical questions are raised early on but over time the plot becomes much more relationship-focused. You could say your job is to manage relationships, not only your own relationship towards NPCs but also on many occasions their relationships they have towards each other. The voice acting is one of Harmony's strengths for sure and carries the plot. That goes both for the main cast and supporting characters. Would I have completed this as an audiobook? Quite possibly.
What made me a bit sad is that some important scenes are extremely well animated, with cartoony sequences and beautiful art while others are merely explained with words. Can't really give an example without spoiling the plot so I'll just leave it like that. Missed opportunity though.
Also, due to the overwhelming number of choices it's sometimes difficult to tell whether you did good or not. But there is no game over screen, every decision carries you forward. So even if you mess up, the game will find a way to make it work in a different way. Sometimes that makes scenes feel a bit arbitrary, as if your choice is more of an illusion but only another playthrough could prove if that suspicion is warranted.
For me that's not a big deal anyway. Harmony offers a thrilling plot with high stakes and relationships you have to manage as you walk a path of chaos or collaboration, of authority or love. Ultimately it's not about game overs, relentless antagonists or the classical hero journey. The main character is already a strong woman, her personality never really changes during the plot. What you get here is mainly a fascinating, colorful adventure where you meet beautiful people and solve mysteries with them. The mystery surrounding your family, but also that of the fate of the world and the meaning and purpose of Reverie and the Aspirations that live there.