After literally 3 years since its conclusion, here I am, finally playing Code Realize Hakugin no Kiseki (or Wintertide Miracles, if you’re more familiar with the english title) and completing the Code Realize series.

When a localisation is announced, if I already own the Japanese copy of the game, I usually rush to play it, so I can avoid spoilers when the english version is released: you know, no matter how much you mute words or people, inconsiderate players will always spoil something on a social media.

But this wasn’t the case.

I’ll be honest: Shukufuku no mirai (or Future Blessings, if you prefer) was a huge disappointment and I had no excitement to play the 3rd game, so I just waited without caring at all.

But when December started, since around the city there wasn’t a Christmas feeling at all for obvious reasons, I felt the desire for something which reminded me of “normal” Christmas holidays and happy moments. That’s why, after 3 years, I’ve started Hakugin no Kiseki.

The “triangle date” section allowed me to have nice dates with 2 boys at the same time: it’s an original idea, I enjoyed the different vibes you feel depending on the pairing you choose.

My favorite was probably the couple Lupin-Fran, but it’s really impossible to pick just one scene!

Then, there’s an “if story” section, which follows a similar pattern in every route: it’s almost Christmas, the group is separated because they went for different paths after the events of the first game. The guy you choose to play thinks about Cardia, so he decides to hold a Christmas party inviting all the friends.

My favorite was Saint Germain: Omnibus gave him a long vacation from Idea, which was absolutely deserved; he felt lonely (as usual, poor guy), so he wrote a letter hoping to rejoice the group. I can’t help it, I know I’m biased, but after all these years I still think he’s the best match for Cardia, they are so adorable together!

Anyway, I admit that Fran got the most beautiful CGs, the kiss was breathtaking, I was literally screaming inside at that scene!

Sholmes’ After Story was my favorite, it was very romantic and I completely fell for him, he’s such a prince charming! I know, I’m easy to please, but his proposal made me fangirl even too hard.

He ended up being my 2nd favorite character of the series (after Saint Germain), so I’m glad he got some recognition at least in this game; now there’s nothing more I need, I’m completely satisfied.

Finis’ route was great too, the last scene made me emotional!

After I was done with individual routes, I went for the new story, Cantarella.

At first I thought it was some kind of adaptation of the Phantom of the Opera, since there’s a creepy masked guy who goes around kidnapping young singers, just to make them sing for him.

The story turned up being way deeper, since it involves Cardia’s past and Isaac’s experiments.

It was sad and weird at the same time, some scenes were actually hilarious too, so it’s a mix of contrasting feelings; what I can say for sure, is that I’d definitely play a game with Cantarella as the heroine. This girl has been through a lot of struggle, she’s delicate but strong at the same time, her attitude is really something!

When all the routes are completed, some After Stories with the main guys unlock: it was emotional, seeing the classical wedding scene or their married life; it was my favorite part of the game, it felt like the last goodbye of this great journey.

So, would I recommend Code Realize Hakugin no kiseki (or wintertide miracles, as you prefer)?

Absolutely, yes! This game had everything I needed, there’s not much more I could ask for (unless it becomes CeroD, but I guess it’s not the case).

I recommend it to everyone who enjoyed the first game, and even to people like me who were disappointed by Future Blessings. This is how a fandisk should be!

It’s time to say goodbye to this series and amazing characters without regrets.