“Goodbye Volcano High,” developed and published by KO_OP, the same team behind the 2017 puzzle game “GNOG,” caught my attention way back in 2020 when it was announced during Sony’s summer presentation. Since then, the game has faced numerous challenges, from dealing with the pandemic to ensuring their employees avoided crunch. They even underwent a significant story rework with a new writing team. Despite these obstacles, the game has finally arrived and I was eager to dive into this very unique (and at first off-putting) looking world.
In this imaginative universe populated by anthropomorphic dinosaur characters, the narrative centers on the band VVorm Drama, featuring the non-binary lead vocalist Fang (superbly voiced by non-binary actor Lachlan Watson), guitarist Trish, and drummer Reed. Their final year as seniors at Volcano High unfolds before us, overshadowed by the looming threat of graduation and an approaching asteroid that threatens extinction. Alongside them, we meet the school’s student council president, Naomi, and Fang’s brother, Naser, all navigating the tumultuous highs and lows of this pivotal year.
One aspect of the game that immediately struck me was its poignant portrayal of the strong role social media plays in our modern lives, especially within a high school setting. It skillfully illustrates the challenges teenagers face in this age of social media, capturing the dynamics of group chat conversations among friends. The impending asteroid crisis only intensifies the social media frenzy, the game’s ingenious utilization of AI and pop-up text boxes completely immersed me in the frenzied reality of our overly busy society, offering a glimpse into how a significant catastrophe would be reported by the mainstream media and absorbed by the masses. “Goodbye Volcano High” stands out with its innovative approach, presenting itself as a visual novel that places a strong emphasis on character animations rather than static frames during conversations, it’s almost like watching an animated series. The main protagonist, Fang, is a compelling lead character who, despite their strong demeanor, begins to unravel and show off more of their vulnerabilities amidst the social chaos. The story kicks off with a mysterious text message from a secret admirer of Fang’s, triggered by the impending asteroid, setting the plot in motion and adding a compelling mystery to the narrative.
Music plays a significant role in the game, given Fang’s involvement in a band. You’ll find yourself frequently performing or rehearsing with your bandmates. These sections of the game transform the experience from a traditional visual novel into a rhythm-based game, requiring precise button inputs akin to quick-time events. The story delves into deep and meaningful themes, with the talented cast delivering exceptional performances. “Goodbye Volcano High” doesn’t hold back in tugging at your heartstrings, addressing issues that many high schoolers can undoubtedly relate to, including my own experiences during those years. With a runtime of approximately six or so hours, I appreciate that the game accomplishes what it sets out to do without overstaying its welcome. The overall idea of anthropomorphic dinosaurs navigating high school drama didn’t excite me at first, I merely had a morbid curiosity of this game, given that it was a PlayStation console exclusive I knew I’d have to check it out, but I must say, there was a lot of heart in this game that won me over mostly. Although, if this concept doesn’t pique your interest, it’s likely this game won’t be for you, I could just be the outlier here. While I am not the target audience for this game, I don’t regret checking it out, and I believe that there could be a lot of young gamers out there who check this out and really click with it on multiple levels.
7.5/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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