Maitetsu: Pure Station

The definition of niche visual novels. It's easy to see that there is probably a demographic for this story and its geeky exploration of trains, but the slow pacing feels wrong. The exploitation of its childlike characters, mixed with a lack of a choice system means that this is very hard to recommend, even though the technology and artwork is commendable.

It isn’t the cheapest game in the Switch eShop… especially if you live in Canada (look at that silly-billy conversion rate!!). But I am a firm believer that it is worth it to pay for good art, and those voice actors, animators, and artists deserve to be paid for all their hard work. If you love visual novels, but you’re strapped for cash, I would definitely get this when it goes on sale!

Maitetsu: Pure Station brings the tranquility of a rural japanese city, the strength of its people, the tragedy that shaped its protagonist and the railway premise of the old trying to survive in the modern world, all in a single package.

Fan service aside, it's a beautiful little story, heartfelt and generally well told. It's supported by particularly good production values and a crash course in train terminology that will help you come away with all the more respect for how trains work and are managed. It's such a lovely game for the most part.