MangaGamer has this afternoon opened pre-orders for their upcoming English localised release of MUSICUS. Created by the eroge visual novel studio OVERDRIVE, this 2018 title was the Japanese development team’s final release. Players will be able to experience what is being pitched as a “new take on life” on 8 April 2021, with both an 18+ adults-only version available via the MangaGamer website and a new all-ages friendly version via Steam.
At launch, Musicus will be a digital-exclusive visual novel, although a physical version has not been ruled out at a later date. Regardless of which version you pick up, it will be available for $44.95 USD or local equivalent, excluding any pre-order deals that may be run.
Players will follow the story of Kei, a man who had a clear future while growing up. As the son of a long line of doctors he was on the fast track into medical college until everything changed one day. Forced to drop out and struggle to complete night classes to finish his education, he finds himself doubting the rails that had been laid before him. Did he ever truly want to be a doctor? Could there possibly be any other path for him to take in life? What follows an endeavor taken upon a whim leads to a whirlwind of new experiences and an encounter with rock’n roll that strikes a chord with his very soul. Does he dare to do it? To cast aside his former dreams for the chance to pursue something he never imagined before?
You can read more about the visual novel, and take a sneak peek at some of its CG Artwork, by scrolling further down.
About Musicus
Protagonist, Kei Tsushima, a student on the fast track to university, dropped out under sudden circumstances.
While not as smooth as originally planned, he is now at part-time night school to continue his efforts to become a doctor like his father and fulfill his family’s expectations.
But recently he is less trusting of his mandated course: “Is this what’s best for me?”
The various people he meets from all walks of life in his new class environment help broaden his perspective and give him a glimpse of the things he is still unaware of in this world.
“…Can I really go back after this?”
“Do I actually want to be a doctor?”
“Was that the purpose for me, Kei Tsushima, being brought into this life?”
After submitting a short story to a city writing contest on a whim, he soon received a request from the head of a music production company, Yagihara, to write about a certain band on the company’s label, under the condition that he travel with them to one of their live performances.
The band in question was Kacho-Fugetsu, who were formerly signed to a major commercial label.
Korekiyo Hanai, the leader of the band, is a peculiar man, who for some reason professes the meaninglessness of music to Kei on the way to the show.
While at a loss for how to interpret that, Kei sees his first live rock show with Kacho-Fugetsu, and he is instantaneously swept up in the music.
Several days later, with the deep impression the show made still coursing through him, Kei receives news that Kacho-Fugetsu is disbanding.
Kei cannot accept such news lightly and meets Hanai in person to persuade him to continue his craft, but his words ultimately fall on deaf ears.
They begin meeting regularly as friends, with Hanai eventually saying to the persistent Kei:
“Kei-kun, why don’t you play rock in my place?”
The Characters of Musicus!
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| Kei Tsushima | Mikazuki Hanai |
| He was born into a line of doctors beginning with his grandfather, and studies earnestly to meet the expectations that he becomes one himself. His high school was one of the most elite in his region, but due to unforeseen developments, he dropped out. He currently attends part-time school, while studying on his own to enroll into a medical college. The current coursework at school contributes little to his studies he will need to enter college, but he enjoys the non-discriminatory environment of part-time high school. As if dropping out of the usual high school rat race wasn’t enough, he has started to doubt whether he will continue his efforts to be a doctor and worries he will disappoint yet again. While appearing to be a diligent person, deep down he really may not be. A somewhat lost and confused youth. | A student the same age as Kei. Korekiyo Hanai’s younger sister. Vocalist. Albino. She lives in Hokkaido, and after officially dropping out of school after extended truancy, she met Kei when visiting her brother. She gets along well with her brother, and is a talented vocalist, but shows little interest in pursuing music in any way. At first glance her appearance is one of striking beauty, but the more people appraise her, the less ”normal” she looks, which affects her self-esteem. Strange by nature, although in a different way than her brother, her peculiar mannerisms and thought processes make for awkward interactions with others. |
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| Meguru Kosaka | Yako Ozaki |
| Bassist for Kacho-Fugetsu. Bass/chorus. Her skills exceed even her good looks. She loves music, and playing in a band, and picks at her bass whenever she has a free moment. Yet, she’s aloof to almost everything else and tends to doze off unreliably when things get boring or complicated. Little of her past before the band is known. Certain things such as her luxurious condo despite having little income adds an element of mystery to her personal life | One of Kei’s juniors during their time in middle school. Current classmate. She respects Kei and is sure to refer to him as ”Senpai,” her senior. During middle school, sudden family trouble prevented her from attending further. Now, to support herself and her mother, she works day shifts at a supermarket, while attending part-time school at night. In such a day and age, she is a rare example of a hardworking girl with nothing but love for others. She loves her parents, despite them forcing her into such a busy situation. How is it possible to bring up such caring, selfless people in this world? |
