If You Could Peer Into the Future…

If you could peer into the future and visualize the most immediate outcomes of your actions, would you be able to make the best decisions, or would the weight of your past choices still hold you back? Harmony: The Fall of Reverie artfully explores this concept by granting players the power of foresight in making conscious choices that shape the story. While it may take some time to fully immerse yourself in the game, the captivating narrative and innovative decision-making mechanics make it a must-play visual novel.

The Unique World of Reverie

In Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, you’ll step into the shoes of Polly and her alter-ego, Harmony, who is referred to as the “Oracle” in a place called Reverie. Reverie is an alternate dimension layered over our own world, where ethereal beings known as Aspirations silently influence human history. The game seamlessly transitions between text-heavy storytelling and visits to the time-bending Augural, where you’ll face pivotal decisions that shape the course of the narrative. With its elegant blend of classic choose-your-own-adventure elements and contemporary themes, Harmony effectively reflects the events of our own reality.

Polly’s Journey and Baggage

As Harmony, Polly gains the ability to see into the future using the Augural. This visionary power, fueled by the dreamy blue essence called Egregore, allows her to perceive the potential outcomes of her decisions. However, Polly is haunted by a complicated past that inhibits her future potential. While it may take some unraveling to truly understand and empathize with Polly’s backstory, it adds depth to the character and enhances the overall experience.

A Narrative Flow

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is divided into five major acts, along with a prologue and an intermission, which can be completed within five to ten hours. The pacing is smooth, allowing for effortless transitions between story segments and visits to the Augural menu for decision-making. The opening cutscenes effectively establish the stakes, despite the initial density of character backstories and interpersonal dynamics. Fortunately, the built-in codex and summary features help in navigating the dialogue-heavy narrative. Once the intricacies are understood, players can fully appreciate the profoundly human story that unfolds before them.

A Visual Treat

Alongside its engaging storytelling, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie offers stunning visual elements. While most of the game relies on text-based storytelling and basic visuals, the exceptional voice acting and meticulous character development still manage to captivate players. The limited visuals leave room for the imagination to fill in the details, while the occasional masterful cutscenes provide a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Reverie.

Contrasting Realities

Polly’s hometown, Atina, is a testament to the stark contrasts found within Harmony. As players venture into the bustling Southern European city, reminiscent of Athens, a sense of apathy permeates the air as people remain engrossed in their devices. However, the warmth of the community center, which serves as Polly’s mother’s home, offers a tangible counterpoint. Harmony excels in portraying conflicts, both subtle and overt, as they surface in unexpected ways throughout the narrative. Particularly striking is the portrayal of collective grief following a significant character’s death, showcasing the game’s ability to delve into the complexities of human emotions.

The Non-Linear Nature of Life

Like life itself, nothing is as simple as it seems in Atina or Reverie. Stories intertwine, and committing to one path inevitably leads to missing out on other perspectives. The power of foresight adds tension, as players must grapple with unintended consequences and unforeseen outcomes. Harmony provides a thought-provoking commentary on the shortsightedness of valuing only a single perspective and beautifully captures the non-linear nature of human existence.

Uncovering Multiple Endings

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie offers replayability through its multiple endings. The game presents players with a clear menu, the Augural, where decisions and their short-term effects are displayed. Additionally, the Heart display tracks progress in collecting crystals that represent each of the six Aspirations. These crystals determine the available endings, with each Aspiration corresponding to a major conclusion. Uncovering secret endings adds an extra layer of replayability, enticing players to explore different paths and outcomes.

Overall, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a gem in the visual novel genre. Its innovative decision-making mechanics, engaging narrative, and expertly crafted world make it a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.