Sci-Fi Visual Novels (FVNs) might be a rarer gem in the gaming world, but when you find a good one, it truly stands out. Distant Travels isn’t just good; it’s an immersive experience that prioritizes a grounded narrative and character development. The game begins at a deliberate pace, which some might perceive as slow. However, this initial phase is crucial for establishing the setting and deeply developing the characters, making it all the more impactful as the story unfolds. As the game’s description suggests, you step into the shoes of Alex, your average protagonist. Yet, unlike many self-insert characters, Alex’s life and circumstances are remarkably relatable, resonating with a wide audience even if their personal experiences differ. This relatability, combined with a stellar supporting cast, creates a sense of belonging, making you feel genuinely at home within the game’s universe in a remarkably natural way.
Adding to the game’s appeal is its exceptional presentation. The entire soundtrack, crafted by Camazule, perfectly encapsulates the Sci-Fi atmosphere while subtly highlighting the romantic undertones of the story. Moreover, Distant Travels boasts one of the most polished user interfaces and seamless transitions in the visual novel sphere. While UI might seem like a minor detail to praise, it significantly contributes to the overall immersion. These thoughtful touches throughout the game are a testament to the passion poured into this project.
With the presentation aspects covered, let’s delve into the narrative of Distant Travels. Be warned, minor spoilers are ahead, and a significant one is reserved for John’s character analysis later.
The central plot revolves around a familiar, yet engaging concept: aliens seeking human assistance to resolve a pressing issue. While the “aliens needing human help” trope isn’t entirely novel, it’s presented in a niche and refreshing manner. If you’re acquainted with SNES JRPGs like Star Ocean, you might detect thematic parallels, albeit without the time travel element… at least for now (perhaps?). The protagonist, you, isn’t portrayed as exceptionally extraordinary. Your role is vital to the narrative, but not in a cliché “chosen one” savior complex. This approach is refreshing, as many character-driven stories tend to overemphasize the player’s unparalleled importance. Distant Travels instead offers a narrative where you are significant, but not solely indispensable, striking a pleasant balance.
Distant Travels empowers players with numerous choices that shape the protagonist’s personality. This feature encourages exploration of different paths and deepens your understanding of the game’s world and its inhabitants. The game masterfully allows you to feel in control of your decisions, with player input influencing numerous key moments. As mentioned earlier, the story maintains a grounded feel, presenting a logical progression of events, making it easy to follow the narrative’s trajectory from beginning to present and anticipate its future direction.
Now, let’s discuss the three romanceable characters: Charles, Mike, and John. It’s worth noting that having three routes is fewer than typically expected in visual novels, where five routes are often the norm. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. While fewer options exist, the depth and intensity of each route seem amplified. It feels as though the developers opted for fewer, but more substantial and distinct romantic paths. Here’s a brief overview of each character:
Charles (The Tiger): Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Charles’s route is in its early stages, concluding shortly after the route selection. This is a bit disappointing, but the initial glimpses into his character are promising. Charles exudes a romantic and philosophical aura, deeply intertwined with the VN’s world-building and technology. While limited content is currently available, anticipation for his fully developed route remains high.
Mike (The Bear): Mike embodies the quintessential main love interest archetype prevalent in many visual novels. He is consistently likable, lacking any significant flaws or off-putting traits, and treats the player with respect. Some might initially perceive him as somewhat ordinary, but it’s crucial to recognize the hidden depths beneath the surface. Exploring Mike’s route is akin to diving into deep waters – there’s much more to discover than initially meets the eye, making the journey worthwhile.
John (The Badger): Let’s be upfront: John is not only a personal favorite character within this story but also ranks among my all-time favorite characters in any visual novel. Unbiased objectivity will be set aside here; what follows is purely a reflection of my personal feelings towards him. Consider this your spoiler warning, especially if you prefer to experience his route completely fresh.
John is introduced as a flirtatious character, which might raise red flags for some in this genre. However, I urge you to give him a chance. While he can come across as overtly suggestive and even lewd, this is merely John’s way of being upfront with his emotions. His directness can be initially overwhelming, perhaps even resembling love-bombing. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that John is deeply respectful of everyone around him, especially the protagonist. Unlike other characters who might become inappropriately touchy, John never oversteps boundaries. While his humor might occasionally push the envelope, he never initiates physical contact without explicit consent from the MC. This respect is a significant and appreciated aspect of his character, especially considering he could easily fall into the trope of a one-dimensional “horny” character.
Another commendable aspect of John is his attentiveness to your opinions and words. He never dismisses your feelings or dictates your actions. He genuinely strives to be supportive and present for you, which is incredibly endearing. Beyond his flirtatious nature and witty comebacks, John possesses a deeper complexity. This is a personal interpretation, but it seems John struggles with genuine connection and might push people away due to uncertainty about navigating relationships beyond flirtation. He desires companionship but might not currently know how to be a true companion. Perhaps, with your help, he can discover precisely what both of you are seeking.
On a more explicit note, John’s route includes a sex scene, which I consider the most well-written I’ve encountered in a visual novel. It transcends the typical portrayals of sex as solely an act of romantic consummation or lust-driven impulse. Instead, it feels like an intimate encounter between two friends enjoying each other’s company in a physical way. It’s a fun, memorable experience that doesn’t demand profound meaning or commitment. This scene broadened my perspective on how sex can be depicted in VNs, demonstrating that it can be a blend of both affection and enjoyment, leaving a lasting impression without necessarily creating binding expectations.
In conclusion, I am eagerly anticipating the future developments in Distant Travels. It has firmly secured its place among my favorite FVNs. While the development pace might be deliberate, it’s evident that this is a passion project, and the dedication shines through. The fact that Distant Travels is offered for free is truly remarkable, and I sincerely hope the entire DT team can realize their creative aspirations. I wholeheartedly recommend giving Distant Travels a try.
