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In the world of visual novels, the Infinity series has always maintained a dedicated following. While it hasn’t achieved mainstream success like the Science Adventure or Danganronpa series, it boasts a strong cult fanbase. Despite its legacy, only one entry has ever been officially released outside Japan. This makes the remaster of Never 7 – The End of Infinity a welcome addition for fans.

Never 7: The End of Infinity is a remaster of the first game in the Infinity series, giving players the chance to experience the origins of the franchise. This entry lays the foundation for the games that follow, establishing key themes and narrative elements. At its core, it’s an emotionally driven journey, as players relive a cycle of hardships in a desperate attempt to save someone special.

The remaster of Never 7 – The End of Infinity was released alongside the remaster of Ever 17 – The Out of Infinity. The games can be purchased separately or as part of a double pack.

This Cage of Infinity

Makoto Ishihara, a college student, attends a seminar camp on an island with three classmates. One morning, he wakes from a nightmare of a girl dying, but it feels unsettlingly real. As the week progresses, he experiences premonitions—all of which come true. He grows close to a classmate who dies on April 6th, exactly like the girl in his dream. Suddenly, Makoto wakes up, realizing he has traveled back in time, retaining memories of the past six days. Trapped in an endless loop, he vows to save her and break free. To do so, he rebuilds their relationship while helping her overcome the emotional struggles weighing her down.

Never 7 – The End of Infinity allows fans to experience the defining elements of the Infinity series from the start. From its romantic elements to its science fiction tone and overall environment, they are all front and center in this entry. You have the elements of an emotional story with characters you care about and want to ensure they survive at the end. Fans will also experience the series in its infancy. Such an experience is also a double-edged sword, as fans will also encounter the narrative flaws present in this first entry. From its slow pacing to its limited story branches, these flaws become evident throughout the experience.

This Mornings Nightmare

From a visual perspective, Never 7 – The End of Infinity stays true to the aesthetics of 2000s visual novels. While the remaster enhances the details, some rough edges remain. However, this isn’t a drawback—it helps preserve the nostalgic charm of a classic visual novel from that era. This enables players who grew up during that era to connect with the experience not just through its story but through its nostalgic presentation. It serves as a reminder of a beloved time in gaming—one that many strive to recapture or recreate.

The core gameplay follows the standard visual novel format, requiring players to read through dialogue. However, don’t expect to breeze through by skipping everything. Interaction is key—players must engage with characters and make choices that directly impact the story’s outcome. Skipping dialogue may leave you unprepared when faced with crucial decisions. Choices range from how you respond to specific questions to shaping your relationships with key characters. Every decision influences your path and the overall narrative of your playthrough.

Remember that Never 7 – The End of Infinity came out in 2000, so don’t expect much from the overall gameplay. Its engagement mostly comes from the story.

It’s April 6th Again

One of the most notable aspects fans will appreciate is the chance to experience Never 7: The End of Infinity through an official release. While this may not be an issue for PC gamers, those who prefer the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation will find it especially appealing. It’s always exciting when a beloved series receives an official launch, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

As a visual novel, its strength lies in its narrative choices and direction. While the concept of being trapped in a time loop isn’t new to the genre, it’s executed in an engaging way here. This is thanks to its roster of memorable characters and an emotionally driven story that keeps players invested in the journey. Additionally, its branching narrative ensures a unique experience with each playthrough, making the game rich in replay value.

However, Never 7: The End of Infinity falls short in several areas, largely due to its origins as a game first released in 2000. There’s only so much that can be done to remaster a title that’s nearly 25 years old. Its shortcomings primarily stem from narrative flaws and the rough edges in the design of its pre-rendered backgrounds. This should not be an issue for fans and those new to the series will not be distracted by these shortcomings.

Save Her at All Cost

The remaster allows fans to experience Never 7 – The End of Infinity for the first time in an official release. Experience the iconic visual novel series in its infancy. It takes the concept of the time loop and adds a layer of emotional investment and a rich story. At the same time, it preserves the aesthetics of a visual novel from the 2000s.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Never 7 - The End of Infinity (PC)

8

Excellent

8.0/10

Pros

• Fans get to play the first game in the Infinity series.
• A visual novel with plenty of choices and several branching paths.
• Its take on the time loop setup is one that is rich in emotions.
• Improved visuals that also preserve its 2000s aesthetics.

Cons

• Shortcomings that stem from being a remaster of a visual novel originally released in the 2000s.