Kindred Spirits on the Roof
Gameplay. "Kindred Spirits on the Roof" is a fairly linear visual novel where players read through the story, accompanied with visual graphics and occasionally voiced dialogue (fully voiced in the "Full Chorus" version). The story is split into several chunks, which each take part during a single day on a planner ranging from April to November and can be replayed at any time. These are divided up into the Main story scenes, told from the perspective of the main characters, and Couple story scenes, which are told from the perspective of the side characters. While  the game does not feature alternative routes and endings like other visual novels, some dialogue choices that offer minor differences can unlock Extra scenes which can be viewed upon completing the main story. The planner can also be used to view CG stills and listen to music tracks that the player has encountered throughout the game. Plot. While on the rooftop of one day, second year student Yuna Toomi encounters two ghosts, Sachi Enoki and Megumi Nagatani, who are bound to the school. Having fallen in love with each other, Sachi and Megumi explain that they want to experience their  first time together so they may pass on, but don't know how to do so. Having noticed several other students who are harboring romantic feelings for other girls, Sachi and Megumi ask Yuna to help these girls realize their love and create a "yuritopia" so that they can gain the necessary knowledge they need. As Yuna and the so-called "kindred spirits" work together to help each of these couples find love with each other, Yuna soon comes to realize that she is developing feelings for her childhood friend, Hina Komano. When Hina suddenly confesses to her, Yuna is  worried about how she should answer her, but is eventually encouraged to come to an answer and begin dating her. With both Yuna and Hina agreeing to let them possess their bodies, Sachi and Megumi finally have their first time together, allowing them to pass on peacefully. Release history. "Kindred Spirits on the Roof" was initially released in Japan on March 30, 2012. An English version published by MangaGamer was released on February 12, 2016, and was one of the first adult visual novels to be released uncensored on the Steam store. The game's opening song is , and the  ending song is "A new day". Both are composed by Blueberry&Yogurt, and performed by Rita. In March 2017, Liar-soft announced the production of an enhanced edition of "Kindred Spirits on the Roof" featuring full voice acting, and additional CGs. Titled "Kindred Spirits on the Roof Full Chorus", it was released in Japan on January 26, 2018. MangaGamer released the updated version in English on January 17, 2019 as both a standalone release and as downloadable content for the original version. Adaptations. Drama CDs. A four-part drama CD sequel was published after the game's release. The CDs are  set after the events of the visual novel, and tell after stories for the characters. The drama CDs were also licensed by MangaGamer who released them with English subtitles in 2016. The fourth drama CD includes the game's soundtrack. Manga. A 2-volume manga spin-off published by Hirari Comics was released on April 30, 2015. The first volume, was written and illustrated by Hachi Itō, while the second volume, , was written by Toi Tentsu and illustrated by Aya Fumio. The manga was licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment who released it in English as a single omnibus volume on  January 31, 2017. The manga takes place after the events of the game and focus on new characters who were not in the original visual novel, alongside returning characters. Reception. Prior to its English release, "Kindred Spirits on the Roof" received positive media attention when MangaGamer announced that it would be released on Steam with no content censored or removed. Previously, Steam would require all games with adult content to be censored, which makes "Kindred Spirits on the Roof" potentially the first adult title to be released on Steam with no censorship whatsoever. Anime News Network quoted MangaGamer's head  translator saying, "This is monumental news for the industry as a whole...Seeing frank depictions of same-sex relationships welcomed on such a major gaming platform is a true testament to the open-mindedness of our society and the growing desire for mature entertainment that people of all walks of life can enjoy." PC Gamer commented that "It may also indicate the 'guns good/boobs bad' thinking that's guided game ratings for decades is finally starting to change." "Kindred Spirits on the Roof" has been well received by critics. Marcus Estrada from Hardcore Gamer gave it a 4/5 rating  saying, "Kindred Spirits on the Roof is an excellent visual novel, yuri romance focused or otherwise. Every character is imbued with a fantastic personality and the story is both light and heavy in proper measure. Reading through the main storyline — and the 'extra' scenes — is an absolute joy." Erica Friedman gave the game a 9/10 rating, citing the game's likable characters and how, "In every single scenario, the characters go through actual development...when crises pop up and are resolved, the characters change and grow."