The visual novel video game Kimi ga Nozomu Eien is getting a new version soon according to aNCHOR, Inc.
Per Anime News Network, the Japanese software development company announced in a press release that it is set to begin the initial crowdfunding phase for a new version of the game that will feature a full English translation and a slew of other new features. According to the company, the campaign seeks to earn at least 30 million yen, or just over US$200,000, by the end of December in order to fund a full rerelease of the game on modern platforms.
Kimi ga Nozomu Eien first released in 2001 for the PC before later receiving a port on the PlayStation 2 and SEGA Dreamcast with expanded content and new features subtitled Latest Edition. The story, presented in visual novel format with character stills and full voice acting, revolves around a group of high school students struck by tragedy as one of them falls into a coma following a love confession. When she wakes up years later, she must come to terms with all of her friends and loved ones having moved on from that point in her life.
While not a direct sequel, the game has some connections to the visual novel Kimi ga Ita Kisetsu, as well as the game following it, Muv-Luv, with several character elements and references within the storyline, though the three do not share any distinct common plot threads. A television anime based on the game released in 2003 from Funimation under the title Rumbling Hearts, which had a follow-up season in 2007.
The previous version of the game, Latest Edition, launched in Japan in 2008 on PC, and while a Kickstarter to remake the game was launched in 2016, it has not seen a significant rerelease since 2008. Another edition of the game would mark the first release of the game in English with a fully voiced story, although aNCHOR has not confirmed what other changes may appear.
Kimi ga Nozomu Eien‘s official Kickstarter campaign begins later this month on Oct. 21, allowing fans to donate money to fund the game’s potential development and earn accolades and rewards from the developers. aNCHOR has not revealed what the possible rewards for patrons may be, but Kickstarter typically allows for multiple donation tiers, granting rewards for specific amounts reached by individuals.
Source: Press release via Anime News Network
