As I’m approaching the end of Uchi wa Mou, Enki Dekinai (I’ll write another post about it once I finish), I’ve been thinking about what my next visual novel should be. One strong candidate is definitely the fourth entry of the Flowers series.

The Flowers series, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, is a set of four yuri visual novels developed by Innocent Gray (the creators of Kara no Shoujo and Cartagra). All four volumes take place in a girls-only boarding school, with each game featuring a different protagonist and a different set of heroines. Since all the stories happen within the same timeline, you often get small glimpses of other characters pursuing their own lives simultaneously, which makes the world feel wonderfully interconnected.

The atmosphere of Flowers is incredibly nostalgic, that’s the best word I can think of. The soft colors, the delicate artwork, and the gentle soundtrack create a sense of calm that’s rare in visual novels today. Just opening the game, hearing the music, and slowly immersing myself in the writing made me feel at ease every time. In a way, the whole experience feels like something almost timeless, unlike most VNs I’ve read.

In the first visual novel, the story follows Shirahane Suou, who becomes involved with her roommates Hanabishi Rikka and Kousaka Mayuri, creating a complicated relationship as both Rikka and Mayuri gradually grow attracted to her. Alongside the romance, Suou also investigates several school mysteries using a system vaguely reminiscent of Kara no Shoujo.

This first entry sets the foundation for the entire series, and its true route ends with Kousaka Mayuri mysteriously disappearing from the school, a disappearance tied to one of the academy’s old legends. Suou, shaken and determined, resolves to uncover the truth and bring her back.

The second visual novel shifts the spotlight to Yaegaki Erika, who had already appeared in several scenes in the first game. The main heroines for this volume are Dalia Basquiat (a teacher) and Takasaki Chidori (Erika’s roommate, the one carrying her in the first picture).

This entry is a huge step up for the series. Erika is an absolutely fantastic protagonist, witty, sharp, teasing, and occasionally childish, but always magnetic. Because of her illness she cannot walk, yet she more than compensates through her personality and brilliance. She investigates mysteries like Suou, but while Suou pursues the objective truth, Erika focuses more on understanding people and easing tension, often with compassionate white lies. Chidori is a perfect foil: serious, calm, and deadpan, countering Erika’s eccentricity in a way that feels natural and endearing.

The third visual novel centers on Yatsushiro Yuzuriha, Vice President of the Council of Nicaea. The heroines this time are Komikado Nerine (her childhood friend) and Sasaki Ichigo, one of the twins who were friendly to Suou from the beginning.

This chapter delves deeply into the past, specifically into the shared trauma between Yuzuriha and Nerine, and their struggle to move forward into adulthood. While it didn’t strike me quite as strongly as Erika’s story, it was still a notable improvement over the first volume in terms of emotional depth and storytelling. It ends with a major revelation: Suou finally learns crucial information connected to Mayuri’s disappearance, setting up the final chapter.

And that leads to the fourth visual novel, which concludes the entire story. I expect it will focus on Suou investigating Mayuri’s past and trying to bring her back, though I haven’t started it yet, and I’ve been doing my best to avoid any spoilers.

If you have the chance, I genuinely recommend giving the Flowers series a try. It’s available in English, and it’s an experience I think anyone who enjoys heartfelt, atmospheric, character-driven visual novels should go through at least once.