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Where It All Began review
Discover the origins, romance, and empire-building in this captivating visual novel
Ever wondered where your next epic adventure in adult gaming truly kicks off? ‘Where It All Began’ is that gateway—a thrilling interactive visual novel blending dating sim elements with deep storytelling. As a male exchange student in Norway’s University of Bergen, you dive into six months of romance, drama, and unexpected twists living with three captivating women: the Chinese student Luo Xue’er, enigmatic landlady Laya, and Norwegian learner Inora. This game isn’t just play; it’s a personal journey of reconnection and triumph. I’ve spent hours weaving my own love stories here, and let me tell you, the choices hit different when they shape an entire criminal empire rising from past traumas. Ready to explore its origins and secrets?
Unveiling Where It All Began: Core Story and Setting
I remember stumbling upon “Where It All Began” late one evening, expecting just another cute story to pass the time. Several hours later, with the dawn light creeping in, I was utterly captivated. 🕰️ This wasn’t just another visual novel dating sim; it was a rich, emotional, and surprisingly deep experience that blended heartfelt connection with thrilling ambition. What starts as a simple tale of an exchange student romance unfolds into so much more, and this setup hooked me instantly.
So, what is the “where it all began game” exactly? At its core, you step into the shoes of a young man on a life-changing six-month exchange program. Your new home? A shared house in the picturesque, rain-kissed city of Bergen, Norway. Your new life? A delicate balance between navigating Bergen university life, forging profound relationships with the three fascinating women you live with, and secretly building a criminal empire from the ground up. It’s this daring fusion of cozy intimacy and high-stakes strategy that sets it apart in the world of interactive storytelling.
What Makes This Visual Novel Stand Out?
Most dating sims focus on choosing who to take to the festival. Where It All Began asks that too, but then also asks how you’ll launder your nightclub’s profits that same week. 😉 The genius of this visual novel dating sim lies in its dual-narrative engine. On one track, you’re living a relatable slice-of-life drama, healing from past wounds and opening your heart. On the other, you’re a shrewd tactician making ruthless business decisions that affect the entire city.
The game masterfully intertwines these threads. A tender moment with a character can provide a crucial insight for your next business move. Conversely, the stress and moral ambiguity of your empire can strain your hard-won relationships. Your choices carry immense weight, leading to wildly different story branches and endings. It creates a uniquely personal experience where no two playthroughs feel the same, pushing the boundaries of what a visual novel dating sim can be.
Your Life as an Exchange Student in Bergen
From the moment you arrive, the game immerses you in the authentic, melancholic beauty of Norway. 🏔️ The Bergen university life isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character itself. You’ll attend lectures (sometimes), explore the vibrant student culture, and wander the iconic Bryggen wharf, all rendered in a gorgeous art style that captures the city’s unique atmosphere. The sense of being an outsider, finding your footing in a new country, is palpable and adds a layer of realism to your journey.
Your home is where the story truly comes alive. You share it with three women, each carrying their own stories, secrets, and complexities:
* Luo Xue’er: Your cheerful and energetic fellow Chinese exchange student, whose bright exterior might be masking deeper feelings and a past connection to you.
* Laya: Your enigmatic, somewhat intimidating landlady, who owns the house and has a presence that commands both respect and curiosity.
* Inora: A local Norwegian woman who is intensely studying Chinese, creating an immediate and interesting cultural bridge between you all.
This shared living situation is the perfect catalyst for organic relationship-building, conflict, and unexpected alliances, forming the heart of the exchange student romance and beyond.
Building Relationships from Day One
The key to loving Where It All Began is to lean into the role-playing. You’re not just clicking options; you’re living this new life. Here’s my practical advice for starting a new game:
Save often, and in multiple slots! This is non-negotiable. The branching paths are significant, and you’ll want to explore how different choices affect your Luo Xue’er romance, unravel the Laya landlady story, or follow an Inora character guide down a unique path. Treat each save file as a different timeline of your adventure.
Let me paint a picture of a potential first week. You might start by bonding with Xue’er over shared homesickness, leading to a cooking session that feels wonderfully familiar. 😌 The next day, a tense but intriguing conversation with Laya about house rules might reveal a sliver of her guarded history. Later, you could help Inora with her Chinese pronunciation, resulting in a hilariously awkward yet endearing language exchange. Meanwhile, on your laptop, you’re making your first clandestine business deal, the thrill of it buzzing beneath your ordinary student facade.
Every interaction is a building block. Do you pursue the warm, nostalgic connection with Xue’er? Do you try to pierce the mysterious veil surrounding Laya? Or do you connect with Inora over your mutual status as learners in a foreign environment? Your early choices gently steer the narrative river in a new direction.
To help you navigate these crucial first impressions, here’s a guide to your new housemates:
| Name | Background | Key Traits | First Interaction Tip | Romance Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luo Xue’er | Chinese exchange student, potentially a past acquaintance. | Energetic, cheerful, nurturing, possibly hiding deeper emotions. | Engage with her proactively. Shared cultural experiences are a fast track to connection. | High. A romance path focused on reconnection, comfort, and exploring unresolved history. |
| Laya | Mysterious landlady and owner of the house you live in. | Guarded, authoritative, perceptive, with a compelling aura of mystery. | Be respectful and observant. Prying too hard early on can shut down conversation. | Complex. Unlocking her **Laya landlady story** requires patience and peeling back many layers, but is deeply rewarding. |
| Inora | Norwegian local seriously studying the Chinese language. | Intelligent, curious, slightly awkward, genuinely eager to connect across cultures. | Offer help with her studies. Patience and encouragement will be greatly appreciated. | Moderate to High. A sweet path built on mutual learning, cultural exchange, and gentle friendship blossoming into more. |
This is just the foundation. The true magic of the “where it all began game” is how these relationships evolve, intersect, and are tested by the other life you’re leading. Will your empire be a source of power or destruction? Can love and ambition coexist? Your six months in Bergen are about to become the most defining period of your life, and every choice writes your legacy. In the next chapter, we’ll dive into the mechanics of your rising empire and how it tangles with your heart. The real challenge is just beginning. 💼❤️🔥
From the snowy streets of Bergen to forging unbreakable bonds and shadowy empires, ‘Where It All Began’ delivers a raw, choice-driven adventure that lingers long after the credits. My own playthroughs taught me how one decision can rewrite everything—reconnection feels real here. Whether chasing heartfelt romances with Luo Xue’er, unraveling Laya’s mysteries, or sparking sparks with Inora, this visual novel redefines immersive gaming. Dive in today, experiment with paths, and share your triumphs in the comments. Your story awaits—where will it all begin for you?
