Description

"Refrain Love: Anata ni Aitai" is a dating simulation game developed by Riverhillsoft and released exclusively in Japan for the Sega Saturn console in 1997. Set against the backdrop of a high school, the game unfolds from the perspective of a male student who has arrived in a small, coastal town. Players navigate through a variety of scenarios that primarily involve interacting with female characters, aiming to develop relationships and ultimately win their affection. The gameplay revolves around managing a schedule to balance time spent on building relationships, studying, and other activities, similar to other games in the dating sim genre.

Notably, "Refrain Love: Anata ni Aitai" integrates full-motion video (FMV) and voice acting, a technological feat at the time that added depth to character interactions and storytelling. This use of FMV was intended to create a more immersive experience, allowing players to see and hear the characters as if interacting with them in real life. Despite its popularity in Japan, the game never saw an international release, likely due to cultural differences and the niche market appeal of dating simulations outside of Japan. The game remains a fascinating example of mid-90s video game romance simulation, and it showcases how developers were beginning to explore the use of multimedia elements to enhance narrative video gaming.