I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw and read the description of this game. After playing two previous that were rather mellow, I was intrigued by the premise of something darker and more mysterious. As the main character, you inhabit a small, sleepy town where everyone knows everyone else. This makes it all the more horrifying when a little girl vanishes suddenly. People look around everywhere for her, yet no traces of her are ever found. If the hairs on the back of your neck aren't standing up yet, consider this: the main character starts to find items belonging to her scattered in the snow, and his mental capabilities seem to be degrading by the minute.

Much like Atelier Sentô's previous games, The Doll Shop blends storytelling with an exploration adventure. You can click around to maneuver your character, visiting different places like the local restaurant (aka, Ramen shop), public bath house, and even the shrine. The story takes an unexpected turn when the normally quiet village is greeted by the arrival of a stranger. It's been so long since you, the main character, have seen her that it nearly slips your mind that she is not any stranger, but a childhood friend! Even more so, you have the opportunity to repair a doll for one of her family members, a trusted family and cultural treasure in the Japanese village culture. This is your once chance, and she'll only be in town for a few days. Can you earn her trust and be together forever?

Aside from a couple of minor hiccups, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the game, and the aura was also perfectly done. There was a glitch I encountered that can prevent you from progressing in the game if you enter back into your house at the wrong time of day. Some of the main character's reactions also felt like a bit too much of a caricature at times, but maybe he had his reasons after all.

To play, use your mouse to move around, as well as choose options. Beware that after a certain point, your choice will have a critical impact upon the ending of the story, so choose wisely! There is also the capability to save and load your game, just in case you are too spooked to finish.

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Linux:
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