First things first, I have owned this game on my phone for around 2.5 years but I wanted to show additional support by buying it here on Steam as well, so that’s why there is like 50 or so min of the time spent on it. I think I spent hours upon hours on end in this game (I have like 5 characters for this IF and explored so much of this game I think there is not a route untouched on my CoG app), and I’ll still do it over here on Steam.
This can give you an idea of how invested I became in the world of [b][i]The Fernweh Saga[/i] by Aelsa Travelyan[/b]. I usually don’t write reviews and just leave ratings, but I’ve been addicted to this IF far more than any other IF I’ve played in the past and I got to say: I’m obsessed, if you couldn’t understand it by my ramblings at this point.
I want to praise Aelsa for creating such a strong Book 1 (yes, please, keep this in mind: it’s JUST Book 1) as an entrance to the TFS Saga. I believe it’s essential to build a solid base for the future enjoyment of the story and Book 1 provides exactly that: a strong base, an expectation of what to come, and a chilling understanding that you are indeed a part of a horror themed book. Not many IFs have pulled the mystery as well as TFS and I’ve played a lot of demos, stories, IFs, VNs, you name it. I love reading, but horror takes a specific approach to reading, especially when you have no images or sound to surprise you with.
Personally, I put TFS’ set up and story on the same level as I would put a visual novel like The House in Fata Morgana. The reason for that is simple: strong setup/strong base. It got me to re-read this story not once, not twice, but around seven times AT LEAST. Five characters with certain characters branching out to different routes. Yes, it is that deep if you actually play it and engage with it.
[h2]Book 1 of The Fernweh Saga is [b]NOT[/b] a game you can play once and call it a day! By only playing one route/one character, you are losing 80% of the game’s uniqueness and fascination.[/h2]
Here, the branches and choices actually do matter and each route can expand your understanding of the game, story, and hints. [i]TFS story is a mystery,[/i] and Book 1 utilizes EVERYTHING in its code to make you actually be a PART of the mystery. What do I mean by everything? Click around, reader, check out those stats, pages, and more while you travel through the town of Fernweh. Maybe you’ll find a hidden Easter Egg or thirteen. This game is for THEORISTS, and I mean the fans of Game Theory would find this game to be fun and engaging while diving into choices, stats, nicknames, and character’s behaviors.
The author wants you, and yes, I mean it, to engage with this story in a meaningful way. You have to put on a cap and take out that Sherlock Holmes persona to start checking out meanings, flavor text (aka text based on your stats, because it does matter), and what each character may share with you (or your RV/MC/OC) throughout their route or general discussion. [b]The importance of Book 1 is to give you the precedent of what to expect of future books for the series[/b]: mystery, intrigue, and ‘something is not as it seems’ feeling because just check out the first opening pages.
[i]You were dearly missed, did you know that?[/i] Pay attention to how others refer to you, friend. Maybe it’s time to mess around and find out.
Aside from the utilization of the IF UI to make you actually wonder and realize you’re just as part of the game as your character (even if your self insert/original character do not know this info but you do!). The second beauty of TFS lies in its characters and the set up surrounding them. All characters’ genders are customizable, allowing for a great deal of inclusion and personal takes. It feels seamless, allowing everyone to have the best time while reading the book. The characters fit specific archetypes (while still stepping out of it and becoming all too real on the pages of the book) that may lead certain people towards a specific route/feel of the character.
Interested in a flirtatious rivalry dynamic since childhood? You’ve got your R-ival (play the game, you’ll understand what I mean). Want to have a childhood best friend reunion? J has your back. Interested in spending time with your artsy neighbor? S got you covered. Or do you want to feel connected to your best friend you’ve made with an ‘outsider’? Then, you’ve got to hold B’s hand while traversing the grounds of your childhood town! But, hey, maybe you really love committing to mystery and want to check out something else? That’s also possible with a Secret RO lurking around. You might miss them if you don’t pay close attention.
Just play around and find out! THAT is the core of The Fernweh Saga: explore, have fun, and be just a nosy detective because this is the story that wants to be found out and solved.
As for cons? I believe this IF is not for people who want an easy read or want to just have a romantic experience right away. Book 1 is a great set up for future investments and emotional ties, but it lacks the expected ‘romance routes’ that some readers may be hoping for. Additionally, B1 may feel shorter if you only commit to one route because you are not going to get the fun details just from playing once. This is a game that you should play multiple times to find more flavor text, explore the town of Fernweh, and to learn its hidden stories. Sure, it is a commitment, but it pays off for people who want to stick with it.
Additionally, certain choices may not ‘feel’ like choices for some players. There are a couple of moments that lead to a moment where you may question ‘did it even matter?’ and, in some cases, not really but in others? Very damn much. Not every person will be happy about it and it is understandable why certain reviews would mention the choices being ‘false’. I did not feel that way when playing aside 1 specific choice where it did feel like ‘why was I even offered that?’, but the rest of the story builds up on your (character’s) internal world, shaping the view of the town and the people occupying it.
Always remember: Book 1 is the BASE for the future unraveling story. It is a SETUP. I cannot wait for Book 2 and for continuation of this story.
[spoiler]Secret RO, the ???, the MC’s powers, the history of the town, the unseen locations, the townsfolk, the mystery, the supernatural.|| You are just getting started.[/spoiler]
My advice with choices in this book is to remember ‘it is not what I do, it is HOW I approach the situation’ in some instances. Create a couple of Returning Visitors and explore Fernweh in different appearances. Follow different paths and explore to your heart’s content.
And never, never forget to check those stats. ;)
Have fun in The Fernweh Saga, readers, and good luck out there. I hope you’ll loop back in here every time. 🙂↕️💖
