With a Metacritic score of 96, this game tells one of the most touching love stories of all time.

In the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, the world seems to turn different shades of red and pink. Shop windows feature roses and teddy bears, and romantic ideals seem to permeate the air itself. The gaming world is not immune to this annual festival of hearts and cupid's arrows, with countless love stories from past titles popping into fans' minds every February 14th. Yuna and Tidus, Geralt and Yennefer, Shepard and Garrus, and the list of (mostly) happy couples goes on. But one bizarre game often flies under the radar when it comes to its love story, despite boasting very high ratings overall. Fata Morgana's House.

Developed by Novectacle Fata Morgana's House It's been the highest-rated game on the Nintendo Switch for some time, surprising fans of the console and drawing people into its unique romance-focused visual novel. These specific types of games aren't always easy sellers, but those who decided to give them a try found themselves completely captivated by the game's artwork and story. The latter was by no means simple. To say that love and heartache are at the heart of the mystery title is an understatement, and those who make it to the end and unravel all the strings will never forget it.

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The house of Fata Morgana is an emotional tour de force perfect for Valentine's Day.

plot Fata Morgana's House isn't so easily summarized and you'll need to play the title in its entirety to fully understand its depth, but certain interesting stories may pique your curiosity this Valentine's Day. One day, a soul with no memory wakes up in a mysterious mansion and desperately tries to regain his lost memories. To this end, a strange maid appears and wants to share her memories of the house with the ghost. The maid worked at the manor for hundreds of years and later shared her impressions as she plunged into the lives of several residents who lived in the house from 1099 to 1869. This was done in the hope that this story would spark something in the spirit, and if this is eventually proven to be true, it becomes the full truth that no one is ready to face.

Over the course of the game, several love stories are told, from young puppy love to mature love, with the main relationship maintaining the one thread that ties each story together. It's only in the second half of the title that everything comes together, with a series of sharp and shocking twists and turns landing with ease. Fata Morgana's House It's at the top rung of the visual novel ladder. It's unpredictable, and its brooding atmosphere is only enhanced by the unexpectedly powerful soundtrack. Five composers contributed to the game's influential music, many of which featured vocals, giving the game a more theatrical feel and making the beginning of each chapter feel like the raising of a new curtain.

The House at Fata Morgana received a score of 93 on OpenCritic and overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam.

Visual novels often feature an anime aesthetic, which is what most people would have expected, considering their Japanese roots. Fata Morgana To do the same thing. Instead, realism was the key to creating a story strong enough to stand the test of time, and Moyataro's impressionistic work, along with strong writing, is unusual and makes each character and historical setting feel truly alive on screen.

feedback The House at Fata Morgana The Metacritic score of 96 was so positive that it was just the tip of the iceberg. Critics have called it everything from “one of the best stories in gaming” to “an experience that is both beautiful and painful.” One writer had a hard time explaining “how deeply the game affected their psyche” without spoiling its many secrets. It's rare for a niche visual novel to receive such critical acclaim, but this title currently ranks higher on OpenCritic than several recent blockbuster hits, including: Hollow Knight: Silksong (91), Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (90), and even Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 (92).

While love plays a central role, The House of Fata Morgana also deals with many dark and heavy themes.

The main love story is unforgettable for positive reasons, but especially for the longevity and the couple's undying devotion to each other. Fata Morgana's House Not all are created equal and that is certainly not healthy. As the dark and somewhat creepy art suggests, the game doesn't deal with many troubling themes, and sometimes love turns in twisted ways. From incestuous relationships to pure obsession that destroys a person's mental health, the visual novel addresses not only the concept of a happy ending, but also what can happen when passion goes too far and attachment becomes unhealthy and destructive.

Fit 9 games into the grid.

Addicted romance isn't the only heavy topic the game deals with. Some chapters tell stories of slavery and discrimination, while others show the devastating effects of self-sacrifice, not only on those who make the sacrifice, but also on those who care for them. maybe what Fata Morgana's House What it does best is deal with the concept of a nuanced character, many of whom are clearly good or evil. Circumstances drive them, and while some choices lead to positive outcomes, others lead to destruction and the need for salvation. It's easy for players to find themselves among one or several of the game's characters, making it an easy recommendation for visual novel fans and skeptics alike.

Fans of The House in Fata Morgana may want to pick up The House in Fata Morgana: A Requiem for Innocence, which comes with the main game. While the original game will take most players 30 to 40 hours to complete, A Requiem for Innocence will take around 10 hours, or 15 hours for completionists.

Strangely enough, the story Fata Morgana's House Maybe it's not over yet. In early 2025, a live-action adaptation of the game was confirmed to be in development, thanks to a particularly passionate North American film director. It's unclear when this will actually happen, but fans are still hopeful. This Valentine's Day may be the best time to explore this supernatural title, but we should mention that most people who make it to the end will have to be prepared to shed tears.