Okay. Stop me if you’ve heard this one. You’re a budding photographer, doing some busy work for your boss/mentor, when a guy in an oni mask comes in and, through a series of vague threats involving producing a sword from a pocket dimension, offers you the job of being the personal photographer of an up-and-coming model. Due to a mixture of fear and ambition, you accept this proposal, beginning a journey of self-discovery for both you and your absurdly endowed model.
Tale as old as time, right?
This is the general premise behind Sonicomi: Communication with Sonico, a game that serves as a mixture between the visual novel, first-person shooter, and dress up genres. You play as a young gravure photographer trying to make a name for himself in a competitive industry and navigating a world populated by talking pandas, a series of clients in bizarre masks, and a suitably pervy yet caring mentor. It’s a madcap world that comes together cohesively enough that you learn not to question it.
The gameplay takes place in two segments. The first is the visual novel aspect, where you receive your briefing for the photography session you’re about to shoot and make some dialogue choices which influence your relationship with the titular Super Sonico. You can be a friend, mentor, or (if you really want to put some time and effort into the game) lover to Sonico based on these choices and how you approach the next phase of the gameplay, the photo shoots.
At the beginning of each photo shoot, you are given the chance to dress Sonico in a variety of costumes and outfits, unlocking more and more as you play the game. These range from sweaters and jeans to cat ears and maid costumes to swimsuits and angel wings. Truly something for everyone. Your choice of costumes and shoot locations will influence how potential clients view Sonico and, as a result, what sort of shoots you’re able to do and the ending you receive.
Once Sonico is all dressed up and ready to go, its time to take some pictures. This is where the FPS aspects come in. Aiming the camera for the rings that appear on the screen as you move Sonico between various poses will increase your score. A high score keeps your client happy and gives you more outfits for future shoots, meaning access to new endings as you go along. These shoots can be difficult at times, but once you master them they don’t pose much of a problem.
Really, the game relies on how much you enjoy your interactions with Sonico, who can be as naïve as she is beautiful. She is clumsy, trusting, and a little bit awkward around people, but the journey she goes on, with her new photographer friend, keeps her from being annoying or frustrating. I found myself rooting for her and enjoying the moments where we built each other’s confidence, both driving toward our goal more than I expected. The heart of the game is as much this dynamic as it is the gameplay.
Also, you get to play dress up with a busty anime idol, so there’s that too.
There is a lot to enjoy from Sonicomi: Communication with Sonico, with enough endings and dialogue choices to give you multiple playthroughs. Whether you’re in it for the story or the dress up, Sonico will keep you coming back again and again.
Sonicomi: Communication with Sonico is available here from the J-List store.
