Release Date: June 27, 2024 (North America)
Developers:  Otomate
Publishers:  Aksys Games
Platforms:  Nintendo Switch
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

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SYNOPSIS

An unlikely group of performers makes a last-ditch effort to reform a failing circus: a crazy dragon, a somber clown, a hesitant magician, an acrobat who can’t entertain, and a reluctant ringleader. Radiant Tale introduced Tifalia, a bright new producer who does her best to turn this dysfunctional troupe around and make them stars.

Radiant Tale -Fanfare!- is the fandisk of Radiant Tale. It contains three all-new play modes with fresh stories and new routes with two side characters, enhancing the complete adventure!

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This fandisc comprises three different sections:

• After Story – are stories that happen after the happy endings of the main character routes from the previous game, Radiant Tale.
• If Story – are stories that continue after the common route ending of the first game. These stories are mainly Jinnia and Liyan’s routes.
• Interlude – A set of unrevealed mini-episodes taking place behind the scenes during the original game, providing new perspectives, fun, and insight into the fantastic world of CIRCUS.

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ART AND MUSIC

Director: Mizuki Mugino

Artist/Illustrators: Usuba Kageroo, miko, Shuki

Scenario Writers: Shinobu Iwata, Nao Kojima, Nerika Hazuki, Shiho Kitayumi

OST: ikasumicco, saya (Vocals) Himi Izutsu (Lyrics), Tota Fujiwara, Keita Miyoshi (Composition)

BGM: Genic Pallet, Marie Akita

Voice Acting

Junya Enoki as “Zafora” – Ryuki (Cupid Parasite), Kunihiro Horikawa (Touken Ranbu), Chisato Tachibana (Collar x Malice Unlimited), Dill (Nekopara Catboys Paradise), Luka Clemence (IkeRev), Mihaya Araki (Paradigm Paradox)

Yuichiro Umehara as “Paschalia” – Kohei Minato (Sympathy Kiss), Benkei (Birushana), Canus Espada (Café Enchanté), Enishi (Jack Jeanne), Demento (Period Cube), Shingen Takeda (IkeSen), Sage (Nekopara Catboys Paradise), Rain (Shiro to Kuro no Alice), Oochidori (Touken Ranbu)

Yohei Azakami as “Ion” – Rinne Amagi (Ensemble Stars!), Sakyou (Tokyo Onmyouji), Kagesumi (Ayakashi Gohan), Ryo Tominaga (Digimon Survive), Kou Haoren (Money Parasite), Koharu (9R.I.P), Shizukagata Naginata (Touken Ranbu), Tsuwabuki (Utakata Uchronia)

Nobuhiko Okamoto as “Radie” – Hansel (Code Realize), Manabu Souda (Collar x Malice), Taiga (Variable Barricade), Hizamaru (Touken Ranbu), Yang (Piofiore), Hiroya (Period Cube), Peter Flage (Cupid Parasite), Haiji (Charade Maniacs) Iris (Iris School of Wizardry), Bakugo (MHA)

Yuma Uchida as “Vilio” – Suzu Orimaki (Jack Jeanne), Yosuga (Olympia Soiree), Kyo (Fruit Basket), Yves (Ikemen Prince), Ootori (Utapri), Souma Kuze (Sweet Clown), Aoi (Toraware no Palm), Rindo (TWEWY), Nagi Karman (Scarlet Nexus), Masato (Sasaki and Miyano), Justin Blade (Danganropa)

Takashi Kondo as “Jinnia” – ♡Kogitsunemaru (Touken Ranbu), Majima (Chou no Doku), ♡Tsugunobu (Birushana), Shiba (EPHEMERAL), Subaru (Diabolik Lovers), Miki Saburo (Hakuoki), Kuro Usagi (ALICE=ALICE)

Hiroshi Watanabe as “Liyan” – Karino (Muv-Luv), Lorenz (Fire Emblem 3H), Sea Again (Disgea 7), Tenjian (Azure Striker), Yasumasa Fujiwasa (Furue, Yurayura to), Judar Schwarka (Fuukan no Grasesta), Schwarld Hight (Meteor World Actor: Badge & Dagger)

Kazuhiro Yoshimura as “Alest” – Minegeshi (Collar x Malice), Pepe (Bustafellows), Ten (Cafe Enchante), Maki (Side Kicks!), Souji Kamishiro (Suika Niritsu)

Makoto Koichi as 👶 “Colivus” – Mion Sonozaki (Higurashi), Minika (7 Deadly Sins), Lavian Winslet (The Legend of Heroes)
Chiharu Shigematsu as 👨“Colivus” – Mayoi Ayase (Ensemble Stars!) Talia (Another Prince), Kwon Ma (Monster Strike), Suzuki Hiroto (Kamisama ni Natta Hi)

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MAIN CHARACTERS, AFTER STORIES & ROUTES

It’s a fandisc, so there are no recommended play orders! The after-stories in this game are pretty much self-contained and they were easy to follow as well. Jinnia and Liyan’s routes can be found in the “If Story” section, and their story picks up from the final event of the common route’s ending in the first game.

I don’t think this matters too much, but I believe Vilio’s after-story was designed to be played last. If you want to end the game with a “grand finale” feeling, it might be best to finish the game with this route.

Walkthroughs:

• Radie
• Zafora
• Ion
• Paschalia
• Vilio
• Jinnia
• Liyan

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The contents below contain spoilers for the first game, Radiant Tale.

ZAFORA

Story Enjoyment: 8/10
Fan Service: 7.5/10

Zafora’s after-story continues after his “Happy Ending” in the first game, where he becomes Cultura’s new sentinel after defeating and overthrowing his corrupt uncle, Balto. After rebuilding the city and being inducted as the new leader of Cultura, he went to fetch Tifalia a year later.

Zafora’s after-story gave me exactly what I was looking for from his route in the first game: more fluff and romantic moments with Tifalia. I mean, this is a fandisc after all, so lovey-dovey scenes between the couple are surely a must, no?😂 If you weren’t satisfied with how his route ended in the first game in terms of romance, this route should fulfill your Zafora x Tifalia ship to the brim. And if you love tsun-tsuns, Zafora will not disappoint you.

I have to say, this after-story’s romance was still a bit of a slow burn compared to the rest of the guys, but I have personally enjoyed it, especially the parts/scenes where Vilio and Liyan were involved.🤭

RADIE

Story Enjoyment: 6.5/10
Fan Service: 7.5/10

Radie, the official mascot of CIRCUS, whose real name is Ralida, was discovered by the group to be the actual other half of the Caritas Wand, the core item of the city of Calida. With the power of the Earth’s spirit guardian, Celius, he was granted to live as a person alongside his beloved Tifalia. After their adventure with CIRCUS, they are now happily residing back in Liber.

This after-story begins with Ralida and Tifalia’s wedding, and my goodness does this game endow you with a multitude of breathtaking CGs! 🥺This route started off really cute too, showing Tifalia and Radie’s strong bond as a family and as a couple. It also highlighted their unique dynamic as a pair. Unfortunately, I found this after-story kind of boring.😭 _{(Read spoilers if you’re curious why).} Radie’s route was my least favorite in the first game so that probably contributed to my lack of investment in the events here. If you loved Radie, though, there’s plenty of fanservice content here for you to enjoy!

ION

Story Enjoyment: 8.5/10
Fan Service: 9/10

Ion, who had endured life as a gladiator slave in the city of Ferus for a long time, cursed with the Intaglio ring, now enjoys freedom living with his beloved Tifalia in Liber. He also currently serves as one of Prince Colivus’s trusted royal guards in the castle.

Knowing what actually went down in Ion’s route in the previous game, I started tearing up when Tifialia mentioned at the beginning of this after-story that they now live a normal, peaceful, mundane life. My heart breaks because THIS was the simple, happy life Ion had always wished for, and now he finally has the chance to fulfill it.😭 This man deserves all the happiness in the world, truly!😭 The romance in this after-story was also the simplest and easiest to follow. If you enjoy the “happy couple doing happy couple things” trope, you’ll definitely love this one for sure! I’m obsessed with seeing heartwarming scenes of Ion and Tifalia’s healthy, happy relationship; it’s too adorable! It gave me diabetes!

Also, I was not expecting to see this other side of Ion…Who knew the man could be so bold and affectionate!😳 Seriously though, what a man!🥵

PASCHALIA

Story Enjoyment: 8/10
Fan Service: 9.5/10

Paschalia, the ethereal, princely-looking young man born with an incurable illness called Vastitas, had long given up on living until he met CIRCUS and Tifalia. By overcoming the trial of Leve, the spirit guardian of Oriens, he was granted a second chance at life. Now residing with his wife, Tifalia, in Liber, he also devotes himself to helping his fellow humans better understand the spirits residing in the kingdom of Escholtia.

I know I said I liked Vilio’s route the most in the first game, but Paschalia was actually my favorite LI in Radiant Tale (at least for the first installment, *cough before the side characters had their own routes cough*). I also found his chemistry with Tifalia so genuine and raw, and this fandisc only solidified why I was so hung up on their romance! Honestly, in terms of romance, this after-story embodies what a classic otome game fandisc would have: pure fluff, no fights nor misunderstandings; everything was serene. It didn’t help that Paschalia was also just ethereally beautiful; all of his CGs had me gasping in awe. (I firmly believe he’s one of the most beautiful LIs in otome games of all time; change my mind!)

He’s also the only LI in this FD who gets to be intimate with the heroine. It’s no wonder he became the most favored love interest in Japan for this fandisc; the fact that his character earned its own [with sweets] standee in BS’Log is pretty telling. 😂😏

VILIO

Story Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Fan Service: 7.5/10

As the arch dragon, Vilio was bound by his role as the only one capable of saving the world from the fiends surrounding it. Thanks to Tifalia and their companions from CIRCUS, he was able to be saved from this fate and is now happily spending his precious life with his beloved dragon bride in the kingdom of Escholtia. Vilio’s after-story takes place, two years after their happily-ever-after in the first game.

I feel like this after-story was more of a culmination of everything in Radiant Tale rather than a standalone story. While Vilio and Tifalia’s romance was clearly apparent, it wasn’t the primary focus of this route. Ngl, I was a little disappointed in that aspect. However, this really didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment, so all is good!

I think this after-story aimed to showcase more of the emotional weight developed in the first game, which was quite poignant. 🥺 In a general sense, it serves as a nice finale to conclude the series, but if you were looking for more lighthearted, romantic scenarios that would make you giggle and give you butterflies in your stomach, this route might be lacking on that front.

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~IF STORIES (Jinnia and Liyan)~

JINNIA

• best boy (accdg to chlo)😂
• skincare hot daddy

Story Enjoyment: 9.5/10
Fan Service: 10/10

Jinnia is the flamboyant nobleman who serves as the leader of CIRCUS. By royal decree, he spearheaded the creation of CIRCUS and gathered individuals with diverse personalities from different backgrounds to be its members. He is very smart and shrewd, able to easily read the room and sometimes 20 steps ahead of everyone else. However, he is ultimately lazy and often chooses to delegate his work to others so he can do whatever he wants in his free time, like indulging in high-end beauty products and expensive wine.

Jinnia was my favorite in the first game, and honestly, one of my all-time top fav characters in Otome Games (he’s right up there with Lord Douma, lol).😂That said, please keep that in mind, as this section of the review might be a lil too biased. (laughs). Anyway, I made a huge mistake by playing Jinnia’s route first, but can you blame me? This route really struck a chord with me!🥺 I screamed at the reveal of that first CG and was completely disarmed in every facet imaginable! _{Play his route and you’ll understand what I’m talking about} 😂

My fangirling aside, the key point I’ve taken away from this route is that Jinnia is a free spirit. He is a shrewd, self-centered, and selfish man who indulges in whatever pleases him. It’s a character arc that falls into the lukewarm red flag category, and if you aren’t fond of chasing after stubborn, beautiful men, you may not enjoy this route as much as I have. In hindsight, I am glad that they kept Jinnia as carefree as he is throughout this route because this is his character.

Takashi Kondo, his seiyuu, commented about his portrayal of Jinnia in Fanfare saying: “He falls in love, but he really is the same Jinnia as ever!” And that to me, kind of hints at the intentions of the writers maintaining Jinnia’s core essence throughout the story. Falling in love means you’re willing to grow with your partner, but it doesn’t mean you have to completely change yourself to match societal norms and certain expectations.

Anyway, if you are interested in Jinnia’s complex personality, I have largely (and deliberately)😅 written an essay below, deep-diving into his character. 😂 I swear I am not obsessed!

LIYAN

• also, best boy
• Impey but make it purple

Story Enjoyment: 10/10
Fan Service: 10/10

Liyan is the owner of Cheers, a chain restaurant/bar with locations across Escholtia. He is an open book as far as expressing his affection towards the heroine, Tifalia, often declaring his love for her publicly, unprovoked. However, due to the ambiguity and silliness of his romantic gestures, it was difficult for the heroine to discern whether his playful declarations were serious or not.

There’s a reason why Liyan was picked as one of the most popular characters in Radiant Tale to get a [with sweets] standee along with Paschalia in B’sLog. This route was it!

I was really mad at myself for choosing his route (along with Jinnia’s) to play first in this fandisk because, dayum cuz, I was not the same after it ended. This route was so good that it was very hard to move on to the after-stories knowing I would see Liyan as a side character there, and I couldn’t think of him the same way, after going through this route. 😭

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SYSTEM AND LOCALIZATION

Just like the first game, Radiant Tale Fanfare’s user interface maintains its “circus” aesthetics, aligning with the original game’s UI. The entire system follows Otomate’s basic functional commands. The features I found particularly helpful were:

• Chapter Jump
• Love catch system
• Skip to the next choice

The localization for the game was also pretty well done. I didn’t encounter any glaring errors or typos that distracted me from my gameplay. I particularly liked the translation tone used here; it really amplified the humor in a couple of scenes that hit hard (for me), especially in Jinnia and Liyan’s route. There were some instances where the game used English slang like “bruh” or idiomatic expressions like “be still, my heart,” and ngl, these made me cackle loudly!😂

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TRAILER

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OVERALL THOUGHTS

This fandisc turned out to be surprisingly short. It only took me 20-25 hours to complete everything, and this was me, trying to prolong my gameplay by playing some of the routes twice in a row (Jinnia and Liyan’s).😂 So, if you’re someone who speedruns visual novels in one sitting, you could probably finish this in less than 20 hours tops!

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Side Character Syndrome Fulfilled!

Speaking of replaying routes, I, for one, never replay routes in a single run. So, I was quite shocked to find myself repeating Jinnia and Liyan’s routes right after finishing the after-stories. My gameplay structure ended up being: starting with these two routes and finishing with them. 😂😂😂Obsessed much? (laughs) In all honesty, while I love all of the main LIs in Radiant Tale, these two new routes really sold me on the entire fandisk. They were such great additions to the main roster of LIs in the series!

Jinnia was already a personal fav in the first game, so I knew I was going to devour his route in this fandisk (and I certainly did). What surprised me was Liyan! I didn’t expect to enjoy his route so much that I made it a point to replay it as the finale of my gameplay when initially, I was only planning to replay Jinnia’s. Best of luck to everyone hunting for Liyan’s merch! You’re gonna need it!😝

On a different note, it’s unfortunate that the after-stories for the original cast were pretty short. I finished them quickly, in around two and a half hours, in auto-mode. They were so brief that they felt like a fever dream!

Even so, I still enjoyed all of the after-stories! They all focused on romance and enhanced the bond between Tifalia and her chosen love interest, which is exactly what I expect when playing a fandisk. I appreciate that none of the stories broke character; each maintained a cohesive and authentic portrayal that stayed faithful to the main game. I think it’s just the lack of content that left me a little disappointed in this FD. I wished the two new LI routes were longer, and I wanted the after-stories to be lengthier than your mere four chapters. While the game delivers perfectly good fluffy scenarios (plus gorgeous CGs accompanying it) that are sure to appease the fans, I feel like it wasn’t enough! 😭 Most stories left me squeaking, “Wait, that was it?” after being jump-startled when the credits started rolling out too soon. So, yeah, if you’re as greedy for content as I am, you’ll definitely find yourself craving more once you finish the game.

Regarding romance, the game stays true to its modest theme from the first installment (it’s rated Cero C in Japan, so that’s to be expected). There are plenty of endearing scenarios that will give you butterflies (and maybe even a toothache or two). However, don’t expect a lot of spice or extensive physical intimacy; only one LI really gets to be intimate with the heroine in this FD. So, I wouldn’t hold your breath if you’re someone who’s always up for steamy scenes in your fandisks.

What I enjoyed the most was how the found family trope never lost its spark in this FD. Despite each route being mostly self-contained, the sense of familiarity, closeness, and camaraderie among the characters was consistently portrayed, and very much apparent. I love seeing everyone so comfortable with each other. They all had such a genuine rapport, and as a player, it was infectious! I was pleased that the game retained this aspect because it was one of the reasons why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

Do I recommend this game? YES.
When you finish way too many games in a year, it’s easy to forget the gems you’ve played. It’s easy to lose track of which titles stood out to you and why they did. So, when you revisit a series, it’s nice to be reminded again of how much you loved it; its setting and lore, its characters, and to be flooded with the nostalgic fondness you felt when you first experienced the title. This is the exact sentiment I seek whenever I play an otome game fandisk, and Radiant Tale Fanfare, to me, delivered that rather well. While it’s a short gameplay, I thought it was worth playing to the end. If you’re a fan and loved the first installment, this fandisk is definitely worth picking up!😃

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