Review of Shanghai Summer

Translation and time appear to be functioning strangely.

Shanghai Summer
Platform: PC, also on PlayStation 4/5 and Switch
Developer: FUTU Studio
Publisher: Astrolabe Games
Release date: February 7th, 2024
Price: $12.99 via digital download
Availability: Steam

Shanghai Summer by FUTU Studio serves as an example of the value of meticulous localization. Of course, the game looks amazing. While there aren’t many distinct backdrops, every location you visit evokes the visual charm of Vanillaware’s 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Whether it’s the shadow of a window frame on a sunny corridor or the piles of books relaxing on shelves, interiors look unmistakably lived-in and welcoming. Character portraits are all painstakingly drawn, but they don’t have any animation.

Shanghai Summer stands out in terms of background since it presents a parallel reality reminiscent of China’s biggest metropolis in the year 2003. Here, the main character Tu Buaichan notices a number of strange things, such as a talking black cat and his inability to recall his ex-girlfriend Quiyu, who left to pursue an education overseas. Since Fengyi, a childhood buddy, can still recall her, Quiyu’s memories cannot be fabricated.

Investigate a Fuzzy Parallel Universe

The vagueness of memory lies at the heart of Shanghai Summer. The game’s central theme explores memory’s fallibility as Buaichan works to fill in several alarming information gaps. It should come as no surprise that Summer also discusses finding closure after the main character experiences regret. Aficionados of movies may notice similarities to Lou Ye’s 2000 picture Suzhou River, which has a similar dreamlike atmosphere and the same setting.

The game’s universe, in which seemingly insignificant choices can have unanticipated repercussions, is the most intriguing. For FUTU Studio, ambiguity and uncertainty are fundamental characteristics of our reality. Throughout the journey, you will have to make a number of important choices. The results provoke contemplation and consistently defy expectations.

Indeed, there are numerous non-canonical endings in this game that are more compelling than the official one. One trip around Shanghai lasts about six hours, which is rather short. Thankfully, though, the creators have included a method to go back and review certain plot points, making it simple to see how the game can turn out.

Errors in Grammar, Spelling, and Clarity

If Shanghai Summer had been localized more effectively, this time-traveling journey could have been genuinely captivating. However, having to constantly deduce what is intended by a piece of poorly translated dialogue breaks immersion routinely. Although summer isn’t very long, I had to take mental vacations from time to time to finish the localization.

Character speech patterns frequently convey a character’s personality and mood. However, Summer’s haphazard localization makes it often difficult to gauge the cast of the game. The script appears to have been machine-translated as of right now. Shanghai’s emotional impact is lessened by this approach due to some of the subtleties in the tale.

Every now and again, the writing in the game can make progress difficult. The visual novel-style narration in the game is complemented by adventure game sequences in which you have to navigate a character about and interact with important things. Summer usually leaves hints for you to follow. However, the game’s indications were too vague, so at least twice I had to employ the in-game solution mechanism, which places the protagonist in the right place automatically.

In summary

Although it’s wonderful to see independent films like Shanghai Summer expand, the film is not very strong as it stands. While there are moments when the game stands out, most of its positive aspects are obscured by a translation that frequently fails to communicate its meaning. Considering how important it is to any narrative-focused game, you might want to postpone your Summer plans until after a modification is made.

The review code for Shanghai Summer was obtained from the publisher and used on a PC.

Review Overview

Gameplay – 65%

Storytelling – 65%

Aesthetics – 80%

Content – 75%

Accessibility – 55%

Value – 40%

63%

DISAPPOINTING

Summary : Buaichan’s shortcomings provide for an engaging character study, but the game’s poor localization ruins what could have been an exciting journey. Yes, Shanghai Summer has a fantastic appearance, and the storyline has promise. However, playing becomes tedious when one must deduce the meaning from most dialog lines.