The Mermaid of Zennor Review

Jumping into a dark and borderline depressing visual novel isn’t my idea of a great evening. However, The Mermaid of Zennor was a captivating and touching game that kept me coming back for more. The up to 3-hour reading marathon flies by. I rarely stopped and the only interruption was a 1 time split choice to conclude the action. This lack of interaction should have been tedious, but it wasn’t. The dialogue is superb and the plot, characters, and deep dive into mental health issues were spectacular.

If you’ve experienced an Ebi-Hime title, you will know what to expect. However, if you are fresh to the genre, you’ll endure some truly sombre moments that touch your soul. Furthermore, it is visually stunning and you gasp and gawp as the characters shift and fade with the most simple animation.

The Mermaid of Zennor is a story of unrequited love!

Unrequited love is a horrific feeling. You pour your heart and soul into 1 person and they don’t know you exist. This sense of invisibility and low self-worth eats away at your confidence. As such, you have to be a strong person if you wish to survive. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Lilac, is troubled. The Mermaid of Zennor explores her ever-changing mindset and a love that can never be.

The heroine is a 13-year-old girl who loves her older brother, Jesse. Her infatuation with her sibling is uncomfortable to witness. Yet, it is the constant bullying and the hints of autism that push things closer to the edge. Moreover, when Jesse returns from London with a new girlfriend, Lilac’s mental health falls off a cliff, and her instability makes it a fascinating read.

Beautifully written.

The melancholy plot and juxtaposing characters could have been tough to swallow. Yet, the developer has done an amazing job of combining a stunning location, well-delivered and considered dialogue, and an awe-inspiring aesthetic. The Mermaid of Zennor wanders down a rabbit hole of doom as Lilac flits from a confused and angry teenager, to mature beyond her years. She is sharp, cruel, and cold one minute, and soft, understanding, and upbeat the next.

These twists and turns flow with seamless ease. Additionally, the backdrop and backstory work together to create a sombre atmosphere that is unforgettable! The Cornish setting is breathtaking and the folk tale is mentioned several times. However, it is the essence of that story that sets this apart from other visual novels. What’s more, the incredible audio brings the game to life. I love the dramatic soundtrack and the brilliant ambient sounds. The howling of the wind and the crash of waves represent the loneliness and sorrow of the desperate protagonist.

An unforgettable visual novel.

Visual novels won’t be for everyone. The simple gameplay and refined controls can be a turnoff. Additionally, the slow action may lead to boredom. However, The Mermaid of Zennor is such a phenomenal read that you will not regret playing it. The visuals are dark, alluring, and truly special. Moreover, the audio is great, and the blend of characters was great to witness. I loved playing it and if you are into visual novels, you will too. If this article has taken your fancy, click here to buy your copy from the Xbox store!