White Album: Memories like Falling Snow review

Thinking being the boyfriend of an up-and-coming music idol is easy?

Relationships are minor miracles White Album: Memories like Falling Snow reminds us. Susceptible to a myriad of misunderstandings and even misdeeds, moments of interpersonal harmony are just as common as conflict in Leaf’s 1998 visual novel. Thanks to a capable localization from DMM Games and Shiravune, English-language audiences are finally able to witness the tension on a relationship when one partner experiences fame.  Let’s hope that means that the well-liked sequel will make its way West, since White Album explores some sentiments that aren’t commonplace in most visual novels.

Memories like Falling Snow’s introductory moments reflect on protagonist Fujii Touya and Morikawa Yuki’s high school involvement. Although the former is reluctant to express it, Touya has a bit of regret over the time he spent with Yuki. Sure, she’s attractive, has a sunny disposition, and a singing voice that has catapulted her into the musical idol world. But Touya also has a few other female acquaintances and seemingly, a relationship with one of them might not be quite as exhausting. When your girlfriend is a rising star, being tenaciously supportive can be fatiguing.

A Harem is Born

Of course, identification with Touya’s character is expected. He’s the lead and makes daily decisions that influence which of White Album’s character routes you’ll see. But it’s also difficult to not empathize with Yuki, who’s juggling newfound fame, a muted rivalry with a fellow idol, a scheming manager, the advances of other girls on her boyfriend- all while attempting to maintain a strained relationship. Memories like Falling Snow shows that success is often accompanied by sacrifice. At the very least, relationships can be asymmetrical, with one person putting more effort in.

For some, Touya won’t be a relatable lead. Although Yuki is his girlfriend, there are six other routes that range from good-natured to uncontestably sexual. This remaster lacks most of the risqué CGs from the original. While these kinds of omissions are always disappointing, at least the editing isn’t so heavy-handed that the liaison is overlooked. And that’s important as Touya’s relations are with some of the women in Yuki’s life.

For many, White Album will be a moral exercise- and generally, the writing is good enough to generate some ethical dissonance. Several times, I became uncomfortable by the repercussions of my decisions- and that’s not something that happens to me with most visual novels.

Watching a Rising Star from Afar

But that’s not to imply that all of White Album’s routes are equally gratifying. Undoubtedly, some might be displeased by some of the conclusions. At least one is a bit too ambiguous while at least two others are rather predictable. Given White Album’s quarter-century age, it’s not surprising to find that much of the cast is rooted in traditional tropes.

From the twin-tailed tsundere, the tomboy that’s been a lifelong friend, and the older woman who can be rather aloof, Memories like Falling Snow might make you reminisce about other slice-of-life media. Seasoned players might even see White Album as an amalgam of anime archetypes. But unless you’re hopelessly burned out on these conventions, it’s remarkable how Leaf’s writing staff is able to engineer your emotions.

More than Idol Worship

Another of White Album’s merits is a rather candid exploration of the idol industry.  In the real world, idols have to protect to private lives, which is growing increasingly challenging given the ubiquity of social media. Sporadically, the reveal of a boyfriend has damped careers or pushed idols toward ‘graduation’.

Although it takes place before technologies like the internet or even mobile phones became widely adopted, the novel depicts its stars facing many real-life stressors. Despite her success, fellow idol Rina repeatedly wonders about a life without the pressure to perform while the attractive Sayoko has insecurities about her vocal talent. Although White Album doesn’t offer an unsparing reading of the music industry, there’s just enough criticism to keep the novel compelling.

White Album: Memories like Falling Snow was played
on PC with review code provided by the publisher.