Romance Visual Novel “BLACK BOX LSS – The Shining Eternal” Receives Rave Reviews on Steam
Last weekend, the highly anticipated pixel-style love visual novel “BLACK BOX LSS – The Shining Eternal” was released for free on the popular gaming platform, Steam, and has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from players. Developed by indie game developer “BLACK BOX LSS,” this release marks the precursor to a series of games that have captivated the gaming community. In addition, the Steam store page for another work in the series, “BLACK BOX LSS – Loving Rescuer,” has also been opened, further exciting fans.
“The Shining Eternal” follows the story of the male protagonist, Ronnie, who works as a technical staff member in the renowned technology company, “3456.” Ronnie joined the company in pursuit of his childhood dream, which was inspired by a promise made by the company’s TD technical chief, Miss “3456.” Miss “3456” is a prosthetic whose entire body has been transformed into a human body, leaving only her brain intact. The game begins with an elevator accident that finally gives Ronnie the opportunity to meet Miss 3456, leading to a blossoming friendship between the two.
The game features a general visual novel format, where players are presented with choice options during dialogues that may lead to different endings. However, these choices are not crucial in the early stages, as players have the option to rewind to the last choice and continue the story. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is its presentation of the story screen, with dialogues and narratives that seamlessly intertwine with pictures and text, creating a captivating and immersive experience. The characters’ portraits also change according to the story’s mood, adding an extra layer of depth and dynamism to the visuals. Small pictures are interspersed throughout the game, enhancing the vividness of the reading experience.
The central plot revolves around Ronnie’s desire to get closer to Miss 3456 while battling his fear of being disliked by her. Slowly, their shared past and Ronnie’s admiration for Miss 3456 are brought to light. It’s worth noting that Ronnie is now 24 years old, while Miss 3456 is an astounding 197 years old, creating a significant age gap of 173 years. This love story between old and young is a core element of the game’s narrative.
The romance visual novel “BLACK BOX LSS – The Shining Eternal,” drawn by Chinese game developer fif, was released for free on Steam on October 20. The game delves into Luo Ni’s journey, reflecting on his heartfelt admiration for Miss 3456. The story takes place in a high-tech future with a cyberpunk setting, where Luo Ni has become a skilled scientific and technical expert specializing in the transformation of enhanced human interfaces.
The heroine of the story, Miss 3456, is an enhanced individual who has lived for centuries. Almost her entire body has been replaced with enhanced prosthetics, leaving only her brain human. Her life’s work revolves around researching and developing brain transplants, driven by her fear of death and the loss of loved ones. As the story progresses, the ethical dilemmas and complexities surrounding this topic are gradually explored.
The early stages of the game focus on Luo Ni’s unrequited love for Miss 3456. Despite the age difference and their contrasting appearances, Luo Ni finds himself deeply attracted to her accomplishments and mature demeanor. As their paths intertwine, Luo Ni’s admiration evolves into desire, leading to an internal conflict between rationality and emotion.
One of the intriguing incidents in the story is the infamous “haunting on the 15th floor” incident that circulates among the employees of 3456. The disappearance of an employee who had a dispute with Miss 3456 sparks rumors of suicide and ghostly presence on the 15th floor. However, it is eventually revealed that Luo Ni himself kidnapped the employee out of his love for Miss 3456 and a desire to protect her from harm.
“The Shining Eternal” trial version consists of three chapters, which can be completed within an hour. While the game presents itself as a romantic comedy, it tackles profound human issues ripe for contemplation. Will Luo Ni’s twisted actions truly grant him what he desires? Players eager to discover the conclusion of the story are encouraged to play the game multiple times to unlock different endings.
“The Shining Eternal” is set to be fully released online on October 20. Fans of visual novels and indie games alike are eagerly looking forward to this unique experience.