Nekopara Vol.2 is the third installment of the Nekopara series developed by Japanese company, Neko Works. The Steam version of Nekopara depicts the everyday life of six catgirls and their two masters, Kashou and Shigure.
Nekopara is not so much a game as it is a visual novel. Its gameplay in its entirety is best compared to reading a picture book. The player reads lines of dialogue accompanied with anime styled art while listening to Japanese actors voicing the lines of the six catgirls and Shigure. Kashou isn’t voiced since the player takes on the role and perspective of Kashou.
Nekopara is a game you would want to hide from friends and family. It’s a game where you would want to play with your door locked, blinds shut, and headphones on unless you enjoy being stripped of your dignity. The ongoing gag is to recommend this game to those who enjoy disappointing their parents. From the constant yet expected unrealistic depiction of women to the high pitched Japanese voice actors, Nekopara is the pinnacle of Otaku culture.
Nekopara has several redeeming features such as: being able to play the entire game with only one hand, a chest bounciness setting, being able to pet your cat girls, a hotkey to make your catgirls jump, and most important of all, easy Steam achievements.
Climax points in the plot give an illusion of drama and emotion. This is due to the rest of the story being bland dialogue that provides little character development. Thus, rather than raising the ceiling of empathy, the game lowers the floor. Players don’t get emotionally attached to the characters. Though each catgirl has their own personality, the lack of real lore or kinetic events make the characters seem monotonous.
Another concern is Nekopara’s price tag. Currently at it’s retail price, Vol.2 stands at $9.99 which doesn't seem like much compared to big triple A titles. However, when compared to other story driven games like The Walking Dead and Life is Strange (who only charge $4.99 an episode), $9.99 seems to be asking for a bit much. This is especially true when you take into account that these titles are infinitely more interactive and actually have a captivating storyline.
Nekopara is a game that you buy just for the sake of owning it. The inimitable joy of receiving private messages from friends telling you to reevaluate your life and to seek help is the sole source of motivation to progress in the game.
Neko Works understands its target demographic and does not attempt to appeal to a wider audience. Only purchase this game if the sound of Japanese voice actors impersonating young catgirls is music to your ears.