Release Date: June 15, 2023 (North America)
Developers: Sui Ishida, Broccoli
Publishers: Aksys Games
Platforms:  Nintendo Switch
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

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SYNOPSIS

Kisa is about to give up on her dream of having a career in theater when she is given a surprising opportunity to attend the prestigious, all-male Univeil Drama School where her brother was once the star pupil. She is granted admission with the following conditions: be chosen as the lead in the final performance, earn the trust of her class, and hide her identity as a girl!

Competition at the school is fierce and the rivalries are real! Will Kisa be able to forge powerful bonds with her male classmates while competing against them?

Will she be cast in the lead role in the final performance at the end of the year all while keeping her secret?

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ART AND MUSIC

Producer, Scenario: Sui Ishida, Shin Towada

Character Design: Sui Ishida

Assisting Artists/Illustrators: Lownine, Maki Toyama (Chibi)

Composer: Akira Kosemura

This game is the creation of Sui Ishida, world-renowned manga artist best known as the creator of the popular dark fantasy series Tokyo Ghoul, which took the world by storm in 2011 and later adapted into an anime series in early 2015. Sui Ishida spearheaded the overall character design of Jack Jeanne, including the creation of all the game’s stunning CGs. Honestly, I still can’t believe that I can gaze profusely at an otome game CG and say, “Hey, Ishida-sensei drew this!” 😭 It’s feels surreal! 🙏🏻 Since this is his original story, the CGs undeniably packed a punch of his imagination and interpretation of the characters. I also wanted to add that there are sprite variations for every character, including the side characters, for each season and performance. To be honest, I couldn’t even count how many variations there are (there are quite a LOT), and they are all superb! *cough* especially the summer beach sprites! *cough*🥵.

As for the music, my god! The entire soundtrack simply took my breath away! I mean, every lyric, every tune, every melody, and every rhythm of each and every song was absolutely soul-stirring. I highly recommend getting the game’s complete soundtrack as it’s truly one of the finest Otome Game OSTs available. I purchased the Japanese Limited Edition back in 2021, and the LE set came with the game’s complete soundtrack. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the North American Limited Edition sets for Jack Jeanne. So, if you desire a physical copy of this incredible OST, your best option would be to purchase from Japanese online stores like Amazon Japan or CDJapan.

FUN FACT: Also, did you know that Sui Ishida took part in writing the lyrics of Jack Jeanne’s songs as well?

Voice Acting:

The voice actors for Jack Jeanne are pretty stacked! And they were all so good! From the main to the supporting ones. Everyone did a marvelous job carrying their characters down to a T! I created these dedicated slides to honor the talented seiyuus of this game because I felt it would be unfair to leave out the side characters, and listing them all would practically fill up this entire review post (laughs).

***The fact when you have Ayumu Murase and Natsuki Hanae tag-teaming as villains, you know something’s about to go down! (cackles)

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~MAIN CHARACTERS AND ROUTES~

Jack Jeanne offers seven character routes (mainly the six love interest + Kisa’s route). There are no route orders implemented by the developers for this game, it’s pretty much ‘choose whichever boy you want to start first’. I played in this order: Suzu → Soshiro → Mitsuki → Fumi → Kai → Neji → Kisa, and thoroughly enjoyed this sequence, hence, I included this as a soft-recommended route order in the guides I created. However, since the game is quite lengthy, it’s advisable to allocate your playtime according to the character you’re most interested in, based on your current mood. Without spoiling any details, let me convey the unique vibes and atmosphere I experienced while playing each route using emojis!

I also want to stress that Suzu’s route serves as a solid and good introductory experience for Jack Jeanne. So if you wish to start the game in a cozy-immersive manner, Suzu’s route is the perfect choice. On the other hand, Kai and Neji’s routes delve into deeper themes among the six love interests. Kai’s route carries a sense of angst, while Neji’s story tackles a weighty topic. That’s why I recommend saving their routes for later (if you want to save these specific themes for last, that is). Again, these are all up to your preferences, so go with whatever your heart tells you!

Walkthroughs:

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SUZU ORIMAKI

• best genki!
• kimi wa sunshine-boy

As mentioned earlier, Suzu’s route sets the tone for the game, and I believe it was the perfect introductory route for Jack Jeanne.. It’s no surprise, as genki characters always make for an awesome starting point in any otome game (laughs). Suzu is the resident sunshine boy of Jack Jeanne, the happy virus of the team. When I say Suzu is the epitome of genki, I truly mean it. The boy is just exceptional in all-things-genki!

I also adored witnessing the development of Suzu’s relationship with Kisa, how their interactions transformed from being great comrades to something deeper than mere theater partners. The way this route went full circle, from being paired up with Kisa in the first play to their pairing up in the last, was truly the icing on the cake! Throughout his route, Suzu’s theater skills, which were initially considered subpar by his fellow Quartz students, noticeably improved with every play in each season. I also enjoyed seeing him boosting everyone’s morale when everyone was feeling downtrodden. How he truly believes and places his trust in his comrades and in return does his best for them was so genuinely pure. Suzu is just the embodiment of kindness, and by the end of his route, I found myself moved to tears by the sheer goodness it exuded (no angst, just pure Suzu-warmth, yet I cried nonetheless).

SOSHIRO YONAGA

• a good boy but…
• Y A B A I
• 🥺 *holds dearly*

Sou-chan is Kisa’s childhood friend. While I’m not the biggest fan of the childhood friend trope, I have to admit Sou’s route insanely took me by surprise! Everything about it, and how the portrayal of Sou’s character was written, hit very close to home. I suppose Sou is someone I can personally relate to from my own experiences while growing up. Playing his route, witnessing his struggles, and the intense journey he went through to find himself and develop his unmatched protentional left me an emotional wreck! (his route was undeniably painful at the start).

I also believe that Sou-chan had the most remarkable character growth among the love interests. I deeply appreciate how the writers delved into exploring the depths of Sou’s character, exposing his flaws and depicting his gradual acceptance of them. It was truly the pinnacle event of his story. On a lighter note, his adorable confession scenes and interactions with Kisa added a soft delightful touch to the dark aspect of this route.

Sou’s onstage pairing with Kisa during their performances was also my personal favorite. They just have this natural chemistry together on stage. By the end of Sou’s route, I found myself yet again crying under the blankets just from how good his finale was! This boy deserves boundless happiness!😭 I’m calling it now, this blog is a Sou-chan safe space and I will not tolerate any Sou-slander!😤

MITSUKI SHIROTA

• tsun tsun
• soft

Mitsuki, the renowned “tresor” in Quartz who happens to be a precious tsundere! I started this route without any particular expectations, except to be utterly amazed by Gakuto Kajiwara’s beautiful vocals (which he delivered with flying colours!). Little did I expect to be astounded by the heartwarming portrayal of Mitsuki’s relationship with Kisa.🥺 Mitsuki went through a heap of emotional turmoil as far as trying to express and conceal at the same time his growing feelings for Kisa.🥺 They have such cute moments together, and I can truly see how much Mistuki wholeheartedly cherishes the heroine with his all. Their relationship exudes a sense of wholesomeness, and while in western lens, this may seem lukewarm in terms of romance, I personally thought it was incredibly endearing.🥺

The peak of Mitsuki’s route for me, was during the winter performance, for better or worse, seeing him take the stage alongside Kisa and their captivating duet was honestly very moving. On a side note, since Mitsuki is the only second-year LI, I loved the interactions that they throw in with the other second-years from other classes, mainly Sugachi (Onyx) and Minorikawa (Rhodonite).😆

SARAFUMI TAKASHINA

• 💃💃💃
• not android 18

Fumi is Quart’z renowned Al Jeanne! Immediately, after starting this route, you will no doubt be captivated by Fumi’s irresistible allure. Just from Fumi’s cool and exuberant charm alone, it’s impossible not to be drawn to him at first glance. I mean, what’s not to like about a beautiful man who can elegantly play a beautiful woman on stage all at the same time? (& with such grace and finesse, at that)😳👉👈

Fumi possesses an outwardly free-spirited demeanor, yet behind that facade lies a person burdened with numerous responsibilities, tethered to his family, Quartz, and various other obligations. I really loved how Fumi’s route explored a lot of his backstory. It’s a very different path from the previous three routes I’ve played which was a nice change of pace. I also couldn’t help but notice the mature ambiance that enveloped Fumi and Kisa’s relationship during his story. It made me appreciate more how the game succeeds in conveying various types of romantic relationships with different sets of individuals in each route.

Furthermore, I really loved how Kisa liberated Fumi from the constraints imposed by Quartz on him. The way his route came full circle, with his final lines of being an “Al Jeanne at the beginning of his term and Jack Ace at the end” -how it beautifully connected to Kisa lives in my head rent-free!

KAI MUTSUMI

• animal loving mountain man
• prepare tissues 🤧
• ^ I mean it!

I’ll get straight to the point and say that Kai’s route completely ruined me! I already love the name KAI, and had been eagerly anticipating his route since the game’s release in Japan two years ago. But man oh man, getting to play his route finally was the REAL DEAL! Kai, the kindhearted and compassionate Jack Ace of Quartz, who always puts himself last for the sake of others. His persona was a very complex one, yet so captivating that I can’t even explain it without breaking down into tears. [I’ve enclosed my thoughts for Kai’s route below due to spoilers].

Click to view spoilers for Kai’s route

Behind Kai’s reliable semblance lies complicated emotions and deep-rooted insecurities. Also, just like Kisa, he’s a lonely and isolated person, so right from the jump, you can already see a connection and similarity between the two. When he slowly gets involved with Kisa, he gradually falls for her and while this wasn’t explicitly portrayed in the common route, the intensity whenever these two interact with each other completely captured it. The moment Kai realizes his feelings for Kisa, jealousy consumes him, wanting her to only look at him. And again, while this wasn’t blatantly portrayed, there will be subtle scenes during his route where he shows this side of himself. It’s likely a reaction to the love he should have received but never fully experienced during his childhood.

The events in Kai’s route during 12/25 was a turning point for both him and Kisa. I loved how Kisa was able to save Kai in his deep-seated desires of longing for a reciprocated love, rather than merely being a vessel for others. Witnessing his emotional breakdown completely gripped and shattered me to pieces and I’m not even sure if I can recover from this. (LOL)

The last part where he calls Kisa his Al Jeanne and tells her “I can make you beautiful than anyone else” was too much for me to handle! Let me just lay in this puddle of tears while I’m at it! 😭😭😭

Furthermore, I absolutely love the fact that Kai and Kisa had a similar essence. They are both genuine with their exceptional desire to help others. This route was totally an experience and I loved every minute of it. By the end of this route, I found myself lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling, no thoughts while asking myself: How am I suppose to move on after this?

KOKUTO NEJI

• troll genius
• also Y A B A I 😨

I was very hesitant to start Neji’s route after the slowburn gut-punch, a.k.a. the Mister Mutsumi Kai experience, but alas, I have deadlines,😂 So I started Neji’s route on a whim. All be damned! What could possibly go wrong? (cackles)

Neji’s eccentricity, which we’ve witnessed in the previous five routes, is taken to even greater extremes in his own story. He’s chaotic as heck and I absolutely loved it! Right from the beginning, his route sets a completely different tone from the previous five love interests. As I progressed through the common route and unlocked Neji’s affection scenes, I found myself laughing and cackling uncontrollably. 😂Initially, I found them amusing, but as I gradually unlocked more and more of his affection scenes, I began to realize how the humor had shifted into something …eerie.😨 Again, this is another route I never expected to turn out how it did. Color me impressed, the game really kept surprising me every chance it gets!😅

His route may have tackled a heavy topic but I love Neji, and everything that makes him his genius flawed self. This route showcased an interesting character development to witness, and because of it I couldn’t put the game down. His best ending made me realize how both he and Kisa make such a great power couple together!

KISA TACHIBANA

• best girl!😤

Kisa Tachibana, a girl who wishes to attend Univeil Academy, perform on stage and have a career in theater. A desire to tread the same path as her older brother Tsuki Tachibana, the former illustrious “treasure” of the school. It never occurred to me how such a simple story brings about such an intricately crafted protagonist whose charm captivates individuals of all genders.

Jack Jeanne is Kisa’s story, the entire game is her personal journey. She stands as the sole driving force that propels the narrative forward, and I truly appreciate how every event in the plot revolves around her, just as it should. The game does so well in showcasing Kisa’s character development. From her highs and lows, her cherished dreams and aspirations to her growth as a performer, as well as her internal struggles mentally and emotionally. It was remarkable how all these facets are laid bare and eloquently portrayed in each route, especially her own. I thoroughly enjoyed Kisa’s “truth route,” where she took center stage as a performer who transcends traditional notions of gender. Kisa, undeniably deserves all the happiness in the world.😭

If I had to state one gripe, it was how we never got to see more of her family’s backstory or delve into her relationship with her brother Tsuki. I’m genuinely intrigued about Tsuki and want to see and learn more about him beyond mere hearsay and flashback scenes, but oh well!

On another note, her bad ending was another favorite of mine. The scenes that lead me to unlock it gave me goosebumps!👀 Don’t dare miss it!

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SYSTEM AND LOCALIZATION

In case you don’t know, I wrote an entire informative guide for Jack Jeanne which you can check out on this page. There you’ll be able to find all the information you need from the stat-raising aspect of the game to the rhythm games and how each segment of performances are played out.

If you’re worried and feeling overwhelmed regarding the stat-raising elements in the gameplay, don’t fret! The stat raiser is very straightforward. It’s mainly just:
➤Pick a guy
➤ Focus on their Parameters
➤ Make sure to max their parameters before December 25
➤ Enter their routes.

Simple as day right?
As for the rhythm games, it’s honestly super easy, (and this is coming from someone whose only experience in rhythm games are Hypmic, Shining Live and Love Live!)😂 With repetitive gameplays and having to play the songs multiple times as you go through each routes you’d be strutting through expert mode flipping your hair like champ in no time!

The rest of the game’s system was pretty comfortable and I love the history, stage scripts, and other added bonuses that you can access in the Menu’s Gallery section. I do have one honest-to-god gripe about this game, and that is it only offers 50 measly save file slots. Like what gives? As someone who creates guides, I need at least a hundred of them! 🤓😂 (cackles).

Regarding the game’s localization, it was honestly pretty good. I only noticed a few typos and errors. They were mostly menial and rather few and far in between. Considering the game’s extensive length, you’d barely notice them.

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TRAILER

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OVERALL THOUGHTS

I believe I logged around 130 hours on my Switch to complete my entire gameplay of Jack Jeanne. 😅 I didn’t bother going for 100% completion of the “Rhythm Action” section in the gallery, though I might revisit it someday! The game is incredibly lengthy and a beast on its own to finish. But, honestly, all the hours invested, the sleep sacrificed, and the missed meals were worth it for this game. (Just kidding about the meals part!)😂

Jack Jeanne is a coming-of-age story centered around our protagonist, Kisa Tachibana, as she dives right into concealing her gender to pursue her theatrical aspirations within the confines of an all-male school. While the premise appears deceptively straightforward, the narrative of the game unfolds into an intricate tale, weaving together layers of captivating storytelling that surpassed my initial expectations. I was taken aback by the raw and bold writing in Jack Jeanne. It’s really difficult to sum it up in just one word or sentence. Playing the game stirred up a range of emotions within me. I found myself smiling, laughing, and crying alongside the characters. I watched their moments of vulnerability, and their incredible resilience as they picked themselves back on their feet after every challenge and gave their all. I witnessed them grow. It was an unforgettable feat of a story and a gameplay experience I will forever cherish.

Each of the plays/performances was outstanding, and they keep getting better and better every season. While I have a soft spot for “O Rama Havenna“, I believe my favorite performance was The Fall Performance, “Mary Jane”. This one gave me goosebumps all around and I never skip it even after countless repetitions. Every time the characters take the stage, I just can’t help but be on edge, and be moved to tears as I watch them do so well. And when they win awards I just can’t stop myself from cheering “Those are my kids!” 🥹 (sniffle)

While our main cast is in Quartz, I would like to go over the other classes in Univeil as well. We have Onyx, which primarily focuses on dancing and features Jack-centered students. Rhodonite a class that highly focuses on singing with Jeanne-centered students. And then we have Amber, a class of eccentric geniuses who excels in pretty much everything. The students in every class (a.k.a the supporting characters) were ALL very likable, even the Amber first years Kamiya and Momonashi, who always causes trouble for Kisa, I love these two hateful gremlins so much!🖤 Though my fav sub-charas would have to be Kaido-senpai, Jack Ace of Onyx a.k.a Mister conglomerate heir, ….sir do you need wife?👠🤭 and Chui Tanakamigi, who’s literally revered as a god in Univeil due to his unmatched talent and skill in his craft. Plus he is voiced by one of my fav seiyuu so there’s that edge!😚

Since we are on the topic of Amber, let me just say how much I loved the myriad interpretations of the play “I am Death” across different routes. Just like how the Quartz’s finale performances are switched up differently in each LI’s story, I also thoroughly enjoyed the varied portrayals of Chui Tanakamigi’s Gashadokuro in Amber’s showcase of “I am Death”.

What’s fascinating was knowing that this play was actually inspired by an “ukiyo-e” called 相馬の古内裏 妖怪がしゃどくろと戦う大宅太郎光圀 (Translates to: Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre) made by Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861). The ukiyo-e was inspired by the story of Princess Takiyasha, the daughter of a warlord in the Heian period who was decapitated after rebelling against the emperor of that time.

Anyway, enough historical discussions (I tend to get geeky when it comes to these things so my apologies for getting sidetracked)😄

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Does this game have any ounce of romance?

Romance is no doubt subjective and can vary from person to person. However, I must strongly disagree with anyone who argues that Jack Jeanne is not a romantic game. I didn’t just gushed and write a whole plethora of character reviews above if I don’t think the game didn’t have a lick of romance in it, no?😂 I stand by my initial statement that Jack Jeanne indeed possesses a modest romantic aspect. Romance is apparent in each route, with some routes taking it up a notch more prominently than others. However, it is important to note that it is not the sole focus of the story as a whole.

Speaking of romance, the love interests and the themes explored in their respective routes were incredibly well done. Kai obviously became my oshi, I was completely floored by his route. Though Sou-chan definitely was a contender as far as taking the title of best boy material – earning him a well-deserved second place in my personal character rankings for Jack Jeanne!

I think I’ve already praised this game too much so I’d like to state my gripes of it next. To be honest, my only regret was binging the game in a span of four weeks. In hindsight, I don’t think this game is meant to be binged. It’ll start to feel like a chore when you do, and it diminishes the sense of curiosity and excitement that awaits you in each new route. So, if you’re planning on doing multiple routes of Jack Jeanne in a short period of time, my advice would be to take breaks and pace yourself in between.

Do I recommend this game? YES!!
Jack Jeanne was an experience I will never forget. It transported me back to the days of my youth, pursuing dreams with unwavering passion day after day. Through playing this game, I’ve rekindled the warmth and freedom of my free-spirited younger self, a feeling that has been overshadowed by the excesses and pressures of adulthood.

…And I want everyone to experience this warmth. ❤️

Jack Jeanne is honestly one of the best visual novels I have played, hands down boots! It’s rare to come across a work that is so lavishly crafted, immersing you in the essence of youth and inspiration, as if you were experiencing it firsthand. It’s packed with the kind of charm that makes you want to passionately discuss it, after playing. Thank you Sui Ishida for creating this masterpiece!🥹

To the devoted otome fans and avid visual novel enthusiasts who may be overlooking this game due to its “school setting,” you are making a HUGE mistake by not giving this one out a try! I genuinely hope that this review can sway your perception even just a little. You deserve this warmth. You deserve Jack Jeanne! Anyway, with that said my rating for this game is…

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