NEKOPARA Vol. 0

NEKOPARA Vol. 0, developed by NEKO WORKs and published by Sekai Project, was released on Steam on August 17, 2015. This title serves as a prequel, or more accurately a fandisc, to the popular visual novel series *NEKOPARA*. It offers fans a glimpse into the daily lives of the Minaduki family's six catgirls and their human sister, Shigure, before the events of *NEKOPARA Vol. 1*. The game is designed as a short, charming experience for those already familiar with the series and its characters. The narrative of *NEKOPARA Vol. 0* is a lighthearted slice-of-life story that unfolds over a single day in the Minaduki household. With the main protagonist of the series, Kashou, absent, the game focuses on the charming and often comical interactions between the catgirls and Shigure as they go about their daily routines. The story is presented in a "kinetic novel" format, meaning it is a linear experience with no player choices or branching paths. The plot is minimal, consisting of a series of vignettes that showcase the characters' personalities and their relationships with one another. These scenes include waking up their master, preparing meals, cleaning the house, and taking a bath. The central appeal of *NEKOPARA Vol. 0* lies in its cast of characters. The six catgirls each have distinct personalities. Chocola is cheerful and energetic, often acting before she thinks. Her twin sister, Vanilla, is calm, quiet, and rarely expresses her emotions. Azuki, the eldest, is feisty and often clashes with the easygoing and sometimes clumsy Coconut. Maple is mature and independent, while Cinnamon is gentle and caring. Overseeing them is Shigure, Kashou's younger sister, who is depicted as an elegant and intelligent young lady with a deep affection for her brother. The gameplay of *NEKOPARA Vol. 0* is straightforward, consistent with its visual novel format. The majority of the experience involves reading the story and enjoying the character interactions. A notable feature of the *NEKOPARA* series, also present in this installment, is the "E-mote" system. This technology brings the 2D character sprites to life with smooth animations, allowing for expressive movements, blinking, and breathing, which enhances the visual appeal and character immersion. A new mechanic introduced in this volume is the ability to "pet" the characters at any time by clicking on them. This feature, while not impacting the story, provides an additional layer of interaction and fan service. The reception for *NEKOPARA Vol. 0* has been generally positive, particularly among fans of the series. Many praise the game for its cute and charming presentation, polished art style, and the lively character animations brought to life by the E-mote system. The upbeat music and high-quality Japanese voice acting also receive frequent commendations. However, a common point of criticism is the game's short length, with most players able to complete it in under an hour. Some reviewers have also noted the lack of a substantial plot and the heavy reliance on fan service, suggesting that it may not be as appealing to newcomers to the series. Ultimately, *NEKOPARA Vol. 0* is viewed as a delightful, albeit brief, addition to the franchise, offering a concentrated dose of the cute and fluffy moments that fans have come to love.