Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense is a science fiction turn-based collectible card game interlaced with a visual novel both developed and published by Winter Wolves. Set in the distant future you take on the role of either the male or female Nelson sibling both of whom have been put in joint command of the Planet Stronghold colony. Follow the story as they attempt to put an end to the ever increasing conflicts that arise between the indigenous races and bring much needed order back to the settlement. Menacing man-eating aliens, sentient rock people and hostile synthetics running amok on a foreign world...can you restore the peace AND make time to find love?


Visually this title is quite impressive and the novel has an aspect that I've not yet encountered before in any V.N. which I've read to date on Steam. It offers two distinct styles of artwork to choose from. You can opt for the more realistic illustrations or the anime/manga inspired style of art. The fact that the developers give you the reader a choice as to what type of art style you would prefer to enjoy the visual novel with gives quite a boon to the overall presentation of this V.N. in my opinion. But no matter which type of illustrations that you decide to pick they both look fantastic with wonderful colors and terrific shading on not only the characters themselves but the backgrounds and locations that you visit as well. The characters also change facial expressions depending on the dialogue so that really helps with immersion. Also, the games U.I. is quite eye catching and has a very futuristic flair which makes complete sense given the science fiction theme of the story.

Moving on, the card game could be...fun...once you learn how to play it that is as the included tutorial just doesn't explain things very well at all. I myself found the card game very forgettable and decided to focus more of my attention on the narrative which is where this title truly shines. Luckily there is an option to experience the storyline without playing the included card game so after an hour or so into my first read of the V.N. I chose to start over in visual novel mode which is minus the card game. Other people may enjoy it but sadly I did not. The audio quality is fair but would have been much better with some ambient or background sound effects to increase immersion. Also, the title is not voiced but I typically prefer my visual novels without voiced dialog anyhow so that's a plus for me. With that said, no matter how you choose to approach this V.N. you definitely won't be disappointed with the visual presentation which is very well done.


I really enjoyed Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense...the turn-based card game not so much but the interesting science fiction laced narrative was quite entertaining. There are also plenty of pop-culture references peppered throughout the narrative which I also found appealing. Replayability is very high because of the number of choices to make throughout the storyline which will have long lasting effects on current events as well as the stories ending depending on the decisions that you make. Also, don't forget about the two different sets of illustrations available so that alone increases the replay value immensely. Length-wise, this is a fairly long visual novel as it took me about 14 hours to complete but that was without the card battles so for someone playing them it would definitely take a little longer.

Technically, I didn't have many issues other than a few typos which is very typical for a visual novel and the title froze up on me once during a card battle. One other problem is that sometimes there could be as many as five or six different characters talking to you at the same time but only up to four would appear on screen. Therefore, during the conversation, dialogue could get a little convoluted and confusing because various people are speaking to you but it's none of the four or so that you're looking at which I found frustrating at times.

As for extras, the novel itself has the basic V.N. options for sound/music volume and text speed as well as a C.G. gallery that unlocks as the story progresses. Also, there are a number of Steam Achievements to hunt down and Steam Trading Cards to collect. Last but certainly not least, is D.L.C. in the form of a soundtrack, a set of wallpapers and some "free" D.L.C. which adds four new romances to the game and a "Quick Play Mode" that allows you to card battle at your leisure outside of the main campaign. In conclusion, although I did not find the card game enjoyable I did however find the sci-fi storyline and light dating sim aspects quite appealing so Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to visual novel, science fiction and otome fans only.

Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense is a science fiction turn-based collectible card game interlaced with a visual novel both developed and published by Winter Wolves. Set in the distant future you take on the role of either the male or female Nelson sibling both of whom have been put in joint command of the Planet Stronghold colony. Follow the story as they attempt to put an end to the ever increasing conflicts that arise between the indigenous races and bring much needed order back to the settlement. Menacing man-eating aliens, sentient rock people and hostile synthetics running amok on a foreign world...can you restore the peace AND make time to find love? [h1]PRESENTATION[/h1] Visually this title is quite impressive and the novel has an aspect that I've not yet encountered before in any V.N. which I've read to date on Steam. It offers two distinct styles of artwork to choose from. You can opt for the more realistic illustrations or the anime/manga inspired style of art. The fact that the developers give you the reader a choice as to what type of art style you would prefer to enjoy the visual novel with gives quite a boon to the overall presentation of this V.N. in my opinion. But no matter which type of illustrations that you decide to pick they both look fantastic with wonderful colors and terrific shading on not only the characters themselves but the backgrounds and locations that you visit as well. The characters also change facial expressions depending on the dialogue so that really helps with immersion. Also, the games U.I. is quite eye catching and has a very futuristic flair which makes complete sense given the science fiction theme of the story. Moving on, the card game could be...fun...once you learn how to play it that is as the included tutorial just doesn't explain things very well at all. I myself found the card game very forgettable and decided to focus more of my attention on the narrative which is where this title truly shines. Luckily there is an option to experience the storyline without playing the included card game so after an hour or so into my first read of the V.N. I chose to start over in visual novel mode which is minus the card game. Other people may enjoy it but sadly I did not. The audio quality is fair but would have been much better with some ambient or background sound effects to increase immersion. Also, the title is not voiced but I typically prefer my visual novels without voiced dialog anyhow so that's a plus for me. With that said, no matter how you choose to approach this V.N. you definitely won't be disappointed with the visual presentation which is very well done. [h1]CONCLUSION[/h1] I really enjoyed Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense...the turn-based card game not so much but the interesting science fiction laced narrative was quite entertaining. There are also plenty of pop-culture references peppered throughout the narrative which I also found appealing. Replayability is very high because of the number of choices to make throughout the storyline which will have long lasting effects on current events as well as the stories ending depending on the decisions that you make. Also, don't forget about the two different sets of illustrations available so that alone increases the replay value immensely. Length-wise, this is a fairly long visual novel as it took me about 14 hours to complete but that was without the card battles so for someone playing them it would definitely take a little longer. Technically, I didn't have many issues other than a few typos which is very typical for a visual novel and the title froze up on me once during a card battle. One other problem is that sometimes there could be as many as five or six different characters talking to you at the same time but only up to four would appear on screen. Therefore, during the conversation, dialogue could get a little convoluted and confusing because various people are speaking to you but it's none of the four or so that you're looking at which I found frustrating at times. As for extras, the novel itself has the basic V.N. options for sound/music volume and text speed as well as a C.G. gallery that unlocks as the story progresses. Also, there are a number of Steam Achievements to hunt down and Steam Trading Cards to collect. Last but certainly not least, is D.L.C. in the form of a soundtrack, a set of wallpapers and some "free" D.L.C. which adds four new romances to the game and a "Quick Play Mode" that allows you to card battle at your leisure outside of the main campaign. In conclusion, although I did not find the card game enjoyable I did however find the sci-fi storyline and light dating sim aspects quite appealing so Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to visual novel, science fiction and otome fans only.