Out of the Ocean
Out of the Ocean is a non-explicit yuri visual novel featuring a cast of warm, wholesome characters whose sweet and uplifting interactions are bound to bring a smile to your face.
The story centers on Asuka, a shy teenage girl who must temporarily live with her aunt in a different town. Shortly after moving in, Asuka finds herself unexpectedly caught in a love triangle between two very different girls: Nerine, a mermaid she rescues after finding her unconscious on the beach at night and who she invites to live in the large bathtub of her aunt’s inn, and Misuzu, a schoolmate she meets after enrolling at the local school.
Nerine is endlessly enthusiastic about discovering the human world. She’s curious about everything, from going to school or shopping to reading manga, tasting new food, or even trying to cook on her own. Her bubbly personality brings lightness to every scene, often lifting the mood of those around her through her innate optimism and genuine kindness.
In contrast, Misuzu is the opposite of Nerine’s cheerful and energetic presence. She’s a coquettish, yet reserved girl who stands out with her refined, graceful demeanor. As Asuka grows closer to her, she begins to see past Misuzu’s “Miss Perfect” façade, discovering someone just as flawed and vulnerable as anyone else.
The story takes place in the seaside town of Omorishima, a setting that ebi-hime uses for several of her works. While there are brief crossover scenes and references to characters from other visual novels, the story of Out of the Ocean is entirely independent and requires no prior knowledge of this universe. The shared setting simply allows characters from different stories to occasionally cross paths, unaware of each other. For readers familiar with ebi-hime’s other visual novels, these brief encounters feel especially comforting, like unexpectedly running into familiar faces you once got attached to.
The game features multiple branching paths and endings, shaped by your choices. You can pursue a romance with either of the two main heroines, or both simultaneously. There is also an additional route that explores the backstory of a secondary character, someone who has a strong, wholesome presence at key points in the narration.
Visually, Out of the Ocean offers charming anime-style artwork together with an original soundtrack that fits right into its relaxed atmosphere. It’s a nice game to try if you enjoy calm reading, LGBTQ+ themes, and non-explicit romance. While there are a few chaste kissing scenes (some no more than pecks on the cheek), the focus remains mainly on the emotional connection between the characters and secondarily on the joy of learning about one another’s worlds.