Island (video game)

Frontwing

Company type	Private
Industry	Video games
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Island (visual novel)

Island (presented as ISLAND) is a Japanese mystery romance visual novel created by Frontwing, initially launched on 28 April 2016 for the Windows platform. Subsequently, the game was adapted for PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, with Prototype handling the publishing. An English localization became available on Steam in August 2018. Notably, unlike most titles from Frontwing, Island does not belong to their eroge lineup.

Gameplay

As a romance-focused visual novel, Island places players in the role of Setsuna Sanzenkai. The gameplay centers on reading story segments and dialogue, complemented by character sprites and scenic backgrounds. Critical moments in the narrative are highlighted with exclusive CG illustrations. The storyline unfolds through multiple branches, leading to various endings determined by player choices.

Set against the backdrop of the fictional Urashima Island—drawing inspiration from the Japanese legend Urashima Tarō—the plot focuses on three prominent families whose influence has diminished due to a fictional illness known as Soot Blight Syndrome. The protagonist, who claims to have traveled through time, works alongside three heroines representing these families to confront and challenge the island's customs. The game incorporates a flowchart feature that assists players in navigating different story branches.

Players engage with three principal narrative arcs—each corresponding to one of the heroines—and an additional "Re:" conclusion. The overall story is segmented into five chapters named after the heroines Karen, Sara, Rinne, alongside Midsummer and Winter. Decisions made throughout influence the storyline's direction and can result in early endings, encouraging repeated playthroughs to uncover all possible outcomes.

Main characters

A man who arrives on the island with no recollection of his past. He is employed by the influential Ohara family and, following Rinne's demise, utilizes a "cold sleep" device created by Karen's mother to journey into the future.

The primary heroine affiliated with the powerful Ohara family. Due to a traumatic incident, she tends to remain within the family estate until her encounter with Setsuna.

The mayor's daughter on the island, she was abandoned by her scientist mother who later passed away under mysterious circumstances. Her childhood trips to the mainland sparked a deep interest in it.

The island's miko. Initially under the impression that her parents perished in a fire, she later discovers that her mother is alive and employed as a nurse. A distinctive mark on her body, once believed to be connected to time travel, is revealed as part of a family tradition.

Creation and launch

The visual novel studio Frontwing developed Island, with production overseen by Ryuichiro Yamakawa and the scenario crafted by G.O. The art direction and character designs were managed by Yōsai Kūchū, while background visuals were created by Magnum and Cre-p. Hijiri Anze composed the music. Designed for players of all ages, the development team characterizes the title as a .

Island initially launched on Windows on 28 April 2016 through Frontwing. Prototype handled releases for PlayStation Vita on 23 February 2017 and for PlayStation 4 on 28 June 2018. An English localization became available via Steam on 24 August 2018, with Frontwing contemplating further platform adaptations. Subsequently, a Nintendo Switch version was released in Japan on 8 April 2021, including an English language option for physical edition purchasers.

The soundtrack includes three main theme songs: the opening track "Traveler's Tale" performed by Riya of Eufonius, along with two ending themes—"Present" () sung by Chata, and "Kimi ga Ita" () by Eufonius.

Manga

A two-chapter four-panel manga crossover titled , created by NyaroMelon in collaboration with Front Wing, was published on Akita Shoten's Champion Tappu! website from 7 to 21 April 2016. Additionally, Naoya Yao authored a two-chapter manga adaptation serialized within Simsum Media's Cosplay Channel magazine between 21 April and 11 July 2016.

Anime

The anime adaptation consists of twelve episodes directed by Keiichiro Kawaguchi at studio Feel, broadcast from 1 July to 16 September 2018 on Tokyo MX and other networks. The series was streamed by Crunchyroll, with an English dub produced by Funimation. Series composition was handled by Naruhisa Arakawa, music composed by Akiyuki Tateyama, and character designs crafted by Kousuke Kawamura. The initial opening theme was performed by Yukari Tamura, titled , while the first ending theme "Eternal Star" was sung by Asaka. The second opening featured "Closing Tears" also by Tamura, and the second ending was "Marine Snow" performed by Asaka. Four insert songs delivered by principal characters further enriched the musical experience.

Originally, Rie Murakawa was cast in the role of Sara, but following disagreements between her agency Haikyo and the production committee regarding script alterations that impacted animation quality and character portrayal, she was replaced with Hibiku Yamamura. Haikyo suggested alternative voice actresses, resulting in this casting change.

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No.	Title	Original air date