Karumaruka Circle

About

Karumaruka Circle is a visual novel that blends slice-of-life school drama with a touch of the supernatural. You play as Kaito, a new student drawn into a secretive club at Seikai Academy by a quirky underclassman and her eccentric friends. Each year during Tanabata, the group gathers to unlock a mysterious realm called Karumaruka, hoping to break curses that haunt them. The story unfolds through branching dialogue and narrative choices, balancing everyday interactions with the girls' personal struggles and the stakes of their ritual. The game stands out for its offbeat character dynamics and the way it weaves mundane high school moments with surreal, emotionally charged subplots. While the plot hinges on a slightly niche premise, the writing and voice acting earn praise for bringing depth to each girl’s individual fears and quirks. With a runtime around 20 hours, it’s a low-key but memorable experience for those into character-driven stories. Released in 2017, it remains a cult favorite on PS4, Switch, and Vita.