Most of you probably have played Code realize a long time ago, but someone asked me to write my opinion about it anyway, so here we go!
It took me almost 2 years until I finally decided to start it: I’ve read so many different reviews and I thought it was just not my kind of game, so I didn’t feel that hyped and I prefered to play something else instead.
But then the anime was announced, and the FD too, so I decided to finally give it a try and see for myself if it’s really worth it or not.
First of all: the art is really amazing, and the setting too. I was really impressed! I just think the choice of some CGs was not always perfect, but it was not a great problem.
Let’s talk about the charas now.
So many people described Impey as “annoying” or “boring”, so I wanted to start from him, just to get it done faster. And it was a good idea, because I immediately understood how my opinion is really different from everything I’ve read anywhere else: I really liked him! He’s not perfect, and that’s good! Maybe he’s a bit too clingy, but I love when a character is really honest with his feelings. The route itself may not be that interesting, but I think Impey’s personality and funny scenes made up for it.
I’ve played Saint Germain next, and it was no doubt the best! I love creepy characters, so the scenes at the beginning of his route were really flawless to me, I swear I couldn’t stop playing, I was really absorbed! I was so fascinated, that I had to search online for some news about the true Saint Germain (sorry, I’m an ignorant person, I’ve never heard of him before) and I spent a lot of time reading about the mysteries surrounding his life.(the fact that someone says he can still be seen in Rome now, is exciting and creepy tbh…like any other legend). I also really loved how Hirakawa voiced him, it fits the character perfectly.
After those great routes, I thought Code:realize was a really good game, and I didn’t understand why I’ve read so many reviews of people getting bored and complaining… well, everything was clear in Van Helsing’s route. I have no problems with the character itself, his cold attitude depends on his sad past and I think he’s really well explained, but….. I admit it, I got bored. Like, really bored, I was interested only when there were great revelations about his family, but for the rest of the time I was almost falling asleep. My main problem is not the lack of kiss CG, I just wished to see a bit more interaction between him and Cardia! I really have no idea of when and why they fell in love with each other, I’m sorry. Obviously people say “the FD will make up for it!” and I hope it’s true, but I’m here talking about this game and I have to judge what I’ve played, as it is.
I have a similar opinion about Fran. His love for Cardia seems more like repent for his past, I can’t see in his route a boy in love with a girl, but more a scientist who is trying to redeem himself for his mistakes! (no spoilers but people who played already know what I’m talking about) In the end, he didn’t grew on me. No kidding, I was far more interested in the revelations about Cardia and Isaac than their relationship.
Obviously I’ve played Lupin last, since his route is locked. Everyone loved him and I was really curious… well, he’s the main guy, all the game seems created just to make him look the coolest! it’s normal that most of the players loved him, he’s really a perfect boyfriend material, nothing more to say. (but I prefer mysterious and creepy man, so Saint is still the winner for me). Everything came to an end in Lupin’s route, every other character I’ve played before solved his problems and faced his demons again for the last time… so it’s quite clear that the anime will just follow this route, every other story can be unveiled and settled even without trying to mixup terribly all the routes. That’s why I really have great expectations for this, I don’t think it can’t turn out bad!
Finis is supposed to be the main bad character probably, but I ended up really loving him and I’m happy I can see him again in the FD. He was obviously crazy, but also sad… I think he deserves happiness and freedom just like everyone else, in the end.
Holmes is really interesting too, I’m glad to know he’s going to have his own route.
Cardia is a great heroine: she’s not just there waiting to be rescued, she stands for herself and even saves her boys! It was really cool, I wish more heroines were like her!
In the end, I’m glad I finally decided to play it: the overall plot is interesting and also the characters were quite good; I would have changed some parts, adding more romance or cute scenes, just because… you know, it’s a otoge after all! I appreciate serious parts, sad pasts, action scenes… but I need something else too! I’m going to buy the FD for sure, because I was not satisfied with some of the endings and I need to see more about them.