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Which game is this?
The title refers to Liar-soft’s Japanese visual novel Shiei no Sona-Nyl: What a Beautiful Memories (紫影のソナーニル), first released for Windows in Japan on November 26, 2010. The English PC release is titled Sona-Nyl of the Violet Shadows Refrain. Steam lists Liar-soft as developer, MangaGamer as publisher, and December 7, 2023 as the English release date. Steam’s store listing uses the English release name.
The word “Refrain” matters: it identifies the non-adult version associated with later console releases, rather than a wholly separate story. MobyGames describes the English release as a hybrid that includes the original game and its non-adult console port, with a menu option to select between them. MobyGames’ release entry provides that version detail.
What is the story about?
The narrative follows two women. One explores the ruins of a steampunk New York after an unexplained disaster. Lily, a girl with no memories, travels through a strangely transformed city deep underground beneath a violet sky, accompanied by an enigmatic young man known as A. Steam describes the journey in terms of the vanished city, New York’s destruction, and the relationship between the two women. The central appeal is the unfolding character-driven story and its surreal setting, rather than a conventional account of everyday life in New York.
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- 1. Ultra-Portable Mini Design Weighing only 30g and measuring 72×40×14mm, the ShanWan Q36XSP fits in your pocket or hangs on a keychain. Take it anywhere for gaming on the go — perfect for travel, commutes, and impromptu multiplayer sessions.
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Steam describes the visual novel as a “30+ hour tale.” That is the store’s stated duration, not an independently measured estimate; an individual player’s time may differ.
Original or Refrain: which version should you choose?
| Version | Content distinction | Release context |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Adult content; the Japanese Windows original is listed as R18+. | Japanese Windows release, November 26, 2010. |
| Refrain | Non-adult version. | Japanese Xbox 360 and PSP versions were released February 27, 2014; the English PC release includes this version alongside the original, according to MobyGames. |
If you want the original adult content, select the original mode in the English PC release. If you prefer a non-adult presentation, choose Refrain. The available sources establish this content distinction, but do not establish detailed differences in translation, image editing, or compatibility between versions.
Rank #2
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A Steam community walkthrough also describes switching between Original and Refrain in the Steam release. Community guidance is secondary, so rely on the game’s own menu and the publisher’s current instructions for any access or installation questions. The guide does not, by itself, establish current patch procedures. Steam community walkthrough.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you get the English release?
The documented English release is a digital PC game on Steam, published by MangaGamer. See the Steam listing for current availability and purchase details. The English release date listed there is December 7, 2023. The evidence here does not establish a title-specific boxed edition or other physical product, so a digital storefront is the confirmed route.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Wide Compatibility – Compatible with Nintendo Switch (Switch 1 only), Windows PC, Mac OS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, Recalbox and more. Perfect for retro gaming, emulators, and classic game systems. Not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
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- Classic Retro Design with Precision Controls Features a familiar SNES-style layout with super-sensitive buttons for accurate, responsive control. Ideal for NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, RetroArch, BSNES, OpenEmu, and more.
- Rechargeable Battery with Long Life Built-in 240mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 3 hours of continuous gameplay. Fully charges in about 1 hour. Includes battery level indicator for convenient monitoring.
Rank #3
- [Light Up Memory Game] This Skywin controller game lights up to create a visually stimulating and engaging experience. It's an electronic memory game that challenges your cognitive skills and keeps you on your toes.
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What to know before starting
- Check the version setting: the English PC release includes Original and Refrain modes, with adult content in the original and a non-adult Refrain version.
- Expect a long visual novel: Steam calls it a “30+ hour tale”; treat that as the store’s estimate, not a guaranteed completion time.
- Expect a surreal, character-led story: the premise combines a devastated New York, an underground violet-sky setting, Lily’s missing memories, and the relationship between two women.
- Use publisher guidance for patches: a community walkthrough discusses access, but current patch availability and instructions are not established here.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
