Essence Bloom is a free-to-play strategy game by indie developer Proxy Vision Projects. It is a visual novel game where you play as the main character. The story revolves around a group of young adults trying to navigate everyday life and overcome struggles along the way.

While titles like Doki Doki Literature Club! and Clannad often delve into lighthearted romance or slice-of-life scenarios, Essence Bloom stands out for its emphasis on friendship and adult life. In this single-player game, you have to deal with the ups and downs of adulthood with your circle of friends, each possessing a different personality.

You’ve got a friend

As the protagonist of Essence Bloom, you must make difficult choices as you navigate life with your inner circle. Each character embodies a distinct personality archetype that can influence your decision-making and affect the outcome of the story. There is Hikari, the effervescent Sunshine Girl, whose positive outlook in life borders toxic positivity. Yuna is your go-getter friend who manages to be a top student and a coffee shop owner.

She also takes care of her younger sister, Saeko, who is her total opposite. Although clumsy and dependent, she is the group’s apple of the eye. Completing the gang is Kagome who is ready to defend you with her impressive martial arts skills. While the title features a typical linear storyline that you can finish within four hours, these well-developed characters along with their memorable dialogues make it worthwhile.

Aside from the captivating prose, the striking anime-inspired visuals also deserve attention. The pleasing backgrounds and detailed character sprites capture the essence of the narrative and help set the stage for an emotionally charged journey. Since the story-driven game tackles the chaotic world of adulthood and tries to plumb the psychological depths of young adults, you have to prepare yourself for potentially triggering themes like violence, self-harm, abuse, and suicide.

Worth a shot

Its name may conjure images of blissful and carefree afternoons at the park, but Essence Bloom is far from what you expect. Unlike most titles in the VN genre, it is not afraid to delve into dark themes that many consider taboo. Still, you have to proceed with caution. With its cast of relatable characters designed based on personality archetypes and beautiful graphics, this indie title is a must-try.