Please Be Happy (2022)

Please Be Happy is a cozy, slice-of-life visual novel set in a fictionalized version of Wellington, New Zealand. The game follows the journey of Miho, a character who was born as a fox in the forests of Korea but now exists in a form more human than fox. Miho carries the memory of a kind traveler who once showed her compassion and spoke of the concept of home, a memory that has guided her throughout her long search for this person. Her journey leads her to Wellington, a remarkable city located on the floating islands of New Zealand, where she seeks a new life and opportunities to grow.

Despite her long observation of humans, Miho still struggles to fully understand human culture and social norms. To survive, she has relied on her keen senses and agility to work as a thief, making use of situations to her advantage. Through her experiences, she has witnessed both the darkest and most challenging aspects of human behavior. However, her perspective begins to shift when she meets Juliet and Aspen, two individuals who introduce her to the gentler and more generous side of humanity.

Character Profiles

Miho – Miho's earliest recollections are from her life as a fox and the encounter with a compassionate human who left a lasting impact on her. Over the years, she has assumed multiple identities in different countries, previously using names such as Gumi, Migu, and Mimi. Her arrival in Wellington represents the next step in her search for that person and a chance to redefine her life among humans.

Aspen – Aspen is a young human woman with a profound love for literature and storytelling. She works as a barista at the Bellhouse Café while pursuing her dream of becoming a successful novelist. Aspen draws inspiration from everyone she meets and maintains a close relationship with her mother through weekly hour-long phone calls. Her personality and aspirations provide Miho with a model of human kindness and creativity.

Juliet – Juliet is a vampire and one of Wellington’s oldest residents. She owns a small library where she shares the treasures of her life openly with visitors, offering not only books but also guidance, shelter, and wisdom. Despite her age and supernatural traits, Juliet deals with relatable challenges, such as needing to use echolocation to locate her reading glasses. Her presence highlights the positive impact that care and generosity can have on others.

Gameplay and Features

The visual novel contains over 220,000 words, accompanied by character designs and CG artwork created by Kobuta, with additional contributions by adirosa. Players can experience two separate story routes, each featuring two distinct happy endings. The game offers full English voice acting, enhancing the immersive experience of the characters and their interactions. The soundtrack, composed by Sarah Mancuso, is entirely original and complements the narrative’s emotional tones, providing a memorable auditory backdrop to the story.

Throughout the game, players witness Miho’s gradual understanding of kindness, empathy, and human relationships. The interactions with Aspen and Juliet serve as pivotal moments that demonstrate that people are capable of generosity and warmth, challenging the negative experiences Miho has faced. The visual novel emphasizes character development, storytelling, and emotional engagement, offering a narrative-driven experience with multiple paths and outcomes.

Setting and Themes

Wellington, in this narrative, is portrayed as a vibrant floating city on New Zealand’s islands, providing both a fantastical and familiar environment. Themes of personal growth, the search for belonging, and the contrast between human cruelty and compassion are central to the story. Miho’s evolution from a cautious, self-reliant individual into someone capable of trusting and appreciating others forms the emotional core of the game.

The game’s design and storytelling aim to deliver a comforting and reflective experience, making it appealing to players who enjoy contemplative, slice-of-life narratives with deep character exploration. Each route and ending encourages engagement with the choices and relationships Miho develops, creating a sense of immersion in a world that blends fantasy with relatable human experiences.

Overall, Please Be Happy (2022) provides an intricate, heartfelt visual novel experience with richly developed characters, compelling storylines, and a beautiful combination of visuals and music. The narrative focuses on empathy, discovery, and the transformative power of human connection, all set against a unique and imaginative backdrop.