NEKOPARA Vol. 1

NEKOPARA Vol. 1, developed by NEKO WORKs and published by Sekai Project, was released on December 29, 2014. It is the first installment in a series of visual novels set in a world where humans coexist with catgirls, who are able to be kept as pets. The game introduces players to Kashou Minaduki, the protagonist who hails from a long line of Japanese confection makers. He decides to move away from home to open his own patisserie called "La Soleil". The central plot is put into motion when Kashou discovers that two of his family's catgirls, the cheerful and energetic Chocola and the more reserved and clever Vanilla, have stowed away in his moving boxes. Initially, Kashou intends to send them back, but he relents after their begging and pleading. The three of them then begin to work together to get "La Soleil" up and running. The narrative that unfolds is a heartwarming and comedic slice-of-life story, focusing on their daily interactions and occasional mishaps. Throughout the game, Kashou's younger sister, Shigure, who has a clear and strong affection for him, makes appearances along with the other four catgirls owned by the Minaduki family. As a visual novel, NEKOPARA Vol. 1's gameplay is minimal, classifying it as a "kinetic novel." This means there are no dialogue choices or branching story paths for the player to navigate. The primary mode of interaction is clicking to advance the text and enjoy the unfolding story. A unique feature of the game is the "E-mote System," which allows for smooth, animated character sprites. This system brings the characters to life, enabling them to change expressions and poses in a dynamic way. There is also a feature that allows players to "pet" the characters. The game was released in two versions: a censored, all-ages version available on platforms like Steam, and an uncensored adult version which includes explicit scenes. The Steam version's mature content description mentions "lewd jokes & dialog" and "nudity," though bath scene nudity is covered by steam. NEKOPARA Vol. 1 has been generally well-received by its target audience, who appreciate its cute and heartwarming tone. The art style by Sayori is a significant draw, with vibrant backgrounds and appealing character designs. The voice acting and light-hearted soundtrack also contribute to the game's charming atmosphere. While some critics point to a lack of a deep or compelling story, the game succeeds in its goal of being a "moege," a game designed to evoke feelings of affection for its cute characters. It's a lighthearted experience that focuses on the comedic and endearing interactions between the main characters. The series has since grown, with multiple volumes and a fan disc being released in the years following the original.