When Abe arrives in the seemingly idyllic village of Abbotsford, he's immediately struck by its rural backwardness - a quality that fills him with a sense of lingering dread he can't quite shake. The grapes of wrath have fully ripened here, their vines bringing forth an intoxicating fruit that hints at something darker beneath the surface. Yet his fortunes appear to change when Ina, the headstrong editor-in-chief of the school paper, hires him as a delivery boy.
Deluge: Threnody of Crashing Waves presents itself as a mysterious visual novel with psychological and Lovecraftian undertones that gradually reveal themselves. Before long, Abe and Ina begin uncovering unsettling details about the island's past, including the mysterious evacuation of over half its populace. Their investigation pulls them into an intricate web of political corruption, organized crime, and a highly secretive local church that seems to hold the keys to the island's dark secrets.
The game's carefully crafted mystery ensures your choices carry significant weight throughout the narrative. With three distinct ending routes to explore, players can experience a total of six different conclusions - three positive resolutions and three tragic outcomes. The Deluxe Edition sweetens the deal by including the Ina After Story DLC, which features a whole new bonus chapter with re-imagined character sprites available in English.
What truly makes this visual novel stand out is its immersive world-building. The developers have created fleshed-out characters who feel genuinely complex and countless settings that breathe life into this troubled island community. The intuitive user interface keeps the focus on the story rather than mechanics, while the non-repetitive, atmospheric soundtrack spanning multiple hours enhances the eerie atmosphere. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, this is one mystery that will keep you questioning reality long after the final credits roll.
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