8Bit/Digi

Save Your School From the Glitch

Sometimes it doesn’t take much for a game to capture my attention. If it draws inspiration from one of my favorite series, that alone is enough to spark my interest. Such is the case with Varlet, whose clear influences from the Persona series immediately stood out to me. But don’t dismiss it as a knock-off too quickly. While the influence is undeniable, what makes it unique is its original approach by using the Persona influence as a foundation to tell its own story.

Varlet is one of those games that doesn’t hide its inspiration, yet fully understands what its fans want. The plot isn’t formulaic, nor is it cliché to the point of being forgettable. It presents a journey that is rich in lore and character development, supported by a solid and engaging gameplay. All this makes it an ideal game for fans of the genre.

Welcome to Kousei Academy

Ayase Tachibana is a transfer student at Kousei Academy, which has become the first school to implement the virtual / augmented reality network known as Johari. During his introduction to Johari, he learns of an urban legend about students vanishing into the “Glitch.” This mysterious realm exists between reality and the digital world, inhabited by dangerous manifestations known as Desires. Although initially dismissed as a rumor, the Student Support Services (SSS) confirmed its existence through an investigation. Armed with newfound abilities to fight the Desires, the SSS must uncover the sinister plot responsible for the Glitch and rescue any victims.

On the surface, the story was clearly written by a team deeply inspired by the Persona series. This influence extends beyond Persona 5, as both the narrative structure and character archetypes also borrow heavily from Persona 3 and Persona 4. But don’t be quick to dismiss it as a knock-off. Beneath that influence lies a unique story about a group venturing into a virtual nightmare to confront demons manifested by the personal desires of their classmates. Each encounter and confrontation is unique, shaped by the individual and the cliques they belong to. This allows the story to have a unique identity that stands out from other such stories.

The takeaway is that while Varlet may resemble Persona narratively, that similarity merely serves to capture your attention while acting as a foundation.

Information Overload

The gameplay is divided between the real world and the events that unfold within the Glitch. In the real world, the focus is on personal development, where you cultivate your character and strengthen bonds with fellow SSS members. You also need to build your reputation by performing various good deeds across campus. This includes posting AR ads for clubs, promoting positive behavior, finding lost items, and contributing to the community. Social responsibilities encourage interaction with other SSS members, helping forge stronger connections and develop your character. Neglecting these relationships can be costly, as growing these bonds is essential for overcoming the challenges within the Glitch.

The Glitch serves as the primary battleground in Varlet. Accessing it occurs through key events in the main story and through pockets that appear across campus. As the leader of the SSS, you guide your team through these surreal and perilous virtual environments. Along the way, you’ll battle Desires, uncover hidden secrets, and face increasingly powerful enemies. Clearing out the pockets will boost the SSS’s reputation while also rewarding players with new items and a boost in stats.

The gameplay features a traditional turn-based system enhanced with a timeline command structure. Players select each party member’s action and choose the target for that action. On the left side of the screen, a timeline displays the order of actions and highlights who will be affected. Once all commands are set, characters will attack, defend, or provide support. Players can also trigger a Link Step between characters by timing the right attack perfectly. Successfully executing these actions rewards the party with experience points and new items.

It should also be noted that Varlet does have the structure of a visual novel. Players must read through the dialogue, as interaction is key. Choices directly affect the player’s self-development, and skipping dialogue can leave you unprepared for crucial decisions. At the same time, bypassing conversations causes you to miss essential story elements.

Finder of Lost Things

Because it follows a familiar setup, Varlet excels at being approachable and easy to enjoy. From its setting to its gameplay, anyone who has played a high school themed JRPG will feel right at home. Personally, I had no difficulty jumping into the story, as this is a genre I enjoy. However, it isn’t just designed for long-time fans. Newcomers will also find it welcoming, thanks to clear instructions that guide players smoothly from the start.

One might be quick to dismiss Varlet if they only focus on its surface level influences, but doing so overlooks its deeper qualities. The game excels at establishing a strong identity, offering a narrative that feels both unique and compelling while being supported by a cast of memorable characters. These elements work together to draw players in emotionally, making them genuinely invested in how the story unfolds. Each character also carries their own distinct traits and motivations, which encourages players to form meaningful connections as events progress. What makes Varlet stand out is that it doesn’t simply rely on its inspirations. Instead, it builds something personal, engaging, that leaves its own mark.

Consume by Desire

Varlet makes no effort to hide its Persona influence, except when it comes to the soundtrack. It’s not a bad soundtrack, but it feels more functional than memorable, setting the moment without leaving a unique impression. It does its job, but you’re unlikely to add any tracks to your Spotify playlist. This has been a recurring issue with Persona-inspired games: they capture so much of the style yet fall flat musically. A killer soundtrack is as much a cornerstone of Persona as its characters or themes. Without one you can vibe with, the experience doesn’t feel quite the same. Still, to be clear, the soundtrack isn’t bad; it just lacks the emotional intensity and lasting impact players might hope for.

Another issue is that the game takes a while to truly get going. Players sit through extended stretches of dialogue before the real action begins. This creates an unfortunate dilemma, especially in a narrative-rich experience: do you skip the slow start and risk confusion later, or push through it? It’s not the worst example of a sluggish opening, but it’s noticeable enough to stand out.

Enter the Gltich

Varlet embraces its familiar genre roots, yet builds on that foundation to deliver a unique story with compelling characters. Its narrative blends urban legend, digital nightmares, and emotional struggles, creating a unique experience. Gameplay balances social interactions and turn-based combat, requiring players to nurture bonds while overcoming surreal challenges within the mysterious Glitch realm.

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.

Varlet (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It uses a familiar setup that makes it easy to get into.
• Despite its obvious influence, it stands out on its own regarding narrative and characters.
• Stronger focus on social bonding.
• Easy to learn gameplay and combat.

Cons

• Soundtrack is ok but could have been stronger.
• Takes sometime for the game to open up.