Asphyxia

ebi-hime

Rank: #6 / 7
Released: 2015
Studio: ebi-hime
Genre: visual novel

At a glance

Asphyxia is a gloomy yuri visual novel by ebi-hime, released in 2015 for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its cast reimagines Romantic poets including Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and Lord Byron as anime characters. The story follows Samantha Coleridge, who has struggled with depression and is still turning over the end of her close friendship with Lillian Wordsworth. A school trip to the Lake District gives Samantha a chance to spend time with Lillian again and consider whether their relationship can be repaired. The game is built around choices and has four different endings. Its roughly 70,000 words offer an estimated three to six hours of reading. Character and background artwork accompany the story. Steam features include single-player, achievements, trading cards, and Family Sharing.

Who it is for

Suits readers looking for a choice-driven yuri visual novel with a literary cast and a story about a damaged friendship. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What is good

Four different endings and several choices
Approximately 70,000 words of story
Character and background artwork
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux

What to know first

Estimated three to six hours of reading
Single-player only

Verdict

Asphyxia centers on Samantha and Lillian's fractured friendship, framed by a cast inspired by Romantic poets. Its choices, four endings, and short estimated reading time make its scope clear.