The visually novel praised as "extremely well-received" on Steam is coming to Switch. Trial report for "A Summer of Love That Begins With a Lie" [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/949/G094930/20250929001/
Editorial Department: Sagan | 2025/09/29 06:10 (UTC)
“Love in Summer, Born from a Lie” is a long-form yuri visual novel that portrays the pain of youth and the sparkle of romance. The PC version was released in 2023 and has earned “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam. Many players expressed interest in trying it if a Switch version were ever released. At TGS 2025, attendees had the chance to actually try out the upcoming Switch version.
This time, inspired by the announcement and playable demo of the Switch edition, we’d like to share what makes this story so compelling—revealed through playing its prologue.
The prototype booth at TGS 2025 featured a playable demo.
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The protagonist, Tachibana Kaori, is a second-year student at Municipal Aonami First High School. She has an elusive personality and often makes ambiguous remarks—leaving others unsure whether she’s joking or serious—but deep down, her heart is pure. Her past includes falling in love with her homeroom teacher during middle school, Shimosuke Shinrei, a feeling that still casts a long shadow over her life.
A universally liked person, yet her heart remains tied to her first love—her former teacher.
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It’s her classmate, Mina Natsuki, who approaches Kaori. She’s strikingly beautiful and academically excellent—every bit the model student—but has kept her true feelings hidden from everyone around her throughout life. Though they’re in the same class, they’ve never had a chance to talk until an event brings them closer.
Natsuki appears flawless on the surface, yet her heartfelt emotions are not easily spoken aloud.
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Also involved in the story is Inohara Riku, Natsuki’s childhood friend. She’s cheerful and energetic, often playing the role of comic relief—but secretly harbors deep feelings for Natsuki. As Kaori and Natsuki grow closer, Riku feels conflicted.
Riku, a close friend who carries feelings beyond friendship, watches over their relationship with mixed emotions.
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Additionally, Shimosuke Shinrei, Kaori’s first love and her former middle school homeroom teacher, looms in the background of this story.
Calm on the outside, yet secretly fond of alcohol and cigarettes—this carefree ex-teacher.
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The demo offered players a chance to experience the story’s prologue. Kaori is on a date with her first love, Shinrei—but suddenly learns that “we should end this relationship.” The ambiguous time between friendship and romance has come to an end, leaving behind only unbearable pain.
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Standing alone on the way home, Kaori finally lets out her pent-up emotions in a cry. Natsuki sees her and approaches.
At first, they exchange gentle words of concern. But as their conversation continues, Kaori eventually opens up—confessing that she now has extra time since she no longer sees her teacher. She wonders how to spend it.
To this, Natsuki quietly asks: “Do you think you can overwrite the memory of someone important?”
Kaori replies hesitantly, “I don’t know if I can—but I feel like I have to.”
In response, Natsuki makes an unexpected request:
“—Please help me forget my older brother.”
Natsuki, who once visited certain places with her brother, now wishes to revisit them—with Kaori. She hopes their new shared memories will overwrite the old ones. By walking through beaches, mountains, shopping centers, and aquariums together—retracing the steps of past emotions—she wants to change how she feels about her own history.
There’s a deep sincerity in this wish—a clear sign that the story between these two girls is finally beginning to unfold.
The characters’ facial expressions and gestures feel natural, and the voice acting enhances this—conveying emotional depth with clarity. Kaori’s pain, Natsuki’s hidden emotions—their delicate inner turmoil deeply moved us, even in just a short demo session. We were left wanting to know what happens next.
Character designs by Shioji are stunning, and attention to detail is evident in the way outfits change according to each scene. Furthermore, the static illustrations incorporate Spine animation techniques—resulting in smooth motion for blinking, hair movement, shoulder shifts, and more. This level of fluidity surpasses traditional image swaps, making the characters feel truly present.
Even just experiencing the prologue, we were left with a lasting impression of Kaori and Natsuki’s pain, emotional unrest, and the beauty that glimmers through their sorrow. From this brief experience alone, one can begin to understand why the PC version has earned “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam. With the Switch release coming soon, more people will have the chance to discover this story. We can’t wait.
Also, the PC version’s demo is available on Steam—allowing players to easily try out the opening. With a sale currently underway, those eager for the Switch release may want to take this opportunity to get a taste.