| Quick Verdict: Earnestly rough-around-the-edges and eager to show you the heart on its sleeve, Cardamom: A Musical Visual Novel will delight players with its eclectic cast of characters, adorable albino protagonist, and undeniable Theatre Kid Energy. |
| Game: | Cardamom: A Musical Visual Novel |
| Developer(s): | Box of Black Spiders |
| Publisher: | Box of Black Spiders |
| Review Score: | 10 |
| Cozy Score: | 10 |
| Price: | $12.99 |
| Pros: | The game is a musical feast with multiple endings for players to enjoy. I loved the songs, found the characters realistic, and I was actually emotionally invested in what happened to them. I wanted to see the human characters live out their dreams, but even more than that, I was so impressed with the multiple endings. It was an absolutely delightful experience. |
| Cons: | The game warns you that you’ll lose your progress if you try to return to the main menu mid-chapter, but it would still be nice to manually save. |
| Platforms: | PC |
| Genres: | Visual novel, point & click, choose your own adventure |
If you’ve been looking for a game that embraces your Inner Theatre Kid, look no further! Cardamom: A Musical Visual Novel takes players through the cues of a Broadway musical.
Our main character, Cardamom, is an albino cat who’s just been abandoned in a New York alleyway. Cardamom is an inquisitive kitty– her curiosity leads her to three residents in a nearby apartment building. Each resident she meets is an aspiring artist: a workaholic writer, a depressive musician, or a lonely dancer.
Cardamom helps the humans chase their dreams!
As Cardamom, players will have the opportunity to get to know each of the three tenants, and even the stray cat that lives in the alley. You’ll be able to choose which residents to help (or hinder) as they navigate their own big dreams.
The closer you get to the humans, the more detailed their story arcs become. They’ll rely on Cardamom for comfort and companionship.
More importantly, you’ll be working as the driving force behind the bigger story decisions, too. These humans need help to achieve their dreams, and Cardamom has the keys to make that happen (sometimes literally).
While the characters sing about their dreams, fears, and the relationships that are taking centre stage in their own life, Cardamom acts as a silent witness. Sometimes you’ll nurture their fledgling romances, sometimes you’ll slam the book shut on a toxic relationship.
But no matter what you decide to do, it’s always a treat for the ears (my biggest question is: when does the soundtrack release? Kent and Sarah’s breakup song is going to be stuck in my brain for days).
But it’s not all fun and games (yes, it is, obviously).
Each choice you make affects the ending you get – whether Cardamom ends up an alleycat or a cherished fur-baby is entirely dependent on the choices you make.
It’s practically purr-fect
I loved everything about Cardamom, and that took me by surprise. While it’s not the most polished musical visual novel out there – its characters and backgrounds look like hand-drawn Nicktoons from the early 2000s – the home-spun art project ”look” only enhances its appeal.
The characters themselves have so much heart and relatability – each is on their own, pursuing art, and trying to navigate young adulthood while they reach for a dream bigger than they are. It’s all very messy and very human, and, ultimately, incredibly charming.
Part of that charm, of course, is that everyone can play. There are no accessibility barriers, as everything is done via pointing and clicking. There are also quite a few fonts to choose from in the settings menu.
Plus, the game is family-friendly. So, if you have a lil’ gamer at home who’s ready to sing their heart out, this may be the next big hit in your household.
I really don’t have anything to complain about when it comes to Cardamom: A Musical Visual Novel. The game delivers exactly what it promises.
Since the choices you make impact how long or short your individual playthrough is, you’ll have a lot to consider. Keep in mind that if you don’t form a bond with anyone, even the other stray cat, you’ll find yourself alone. Bonding with the people around you makes the game last longer.
There are multiple endings, so if you don’t like the ending you get or accidentally make the wrong choice, you can always restart from the last chapter and try again.
Watch the trailer for Cardamom: A Musical Visual Novel!
If you’re a fan of visual novels, Cardamom: A Musical Visual Novel blends endearingly rough-around-the-edges with heartfelt charm and catchy lyrics. If you want to check it out yourself, it’s available on Steam for $12.99. Looking for more coziness? Check out our review of Lan Party Adventures!
