2004 · PrincessSoft · Visual novel

Final Approach (visual novel)

PlayStation exclusive

2004 video game

Released: 2004
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Genres: Visual novel
Developers: PrincessSoft
Publishers: Princess Soft
Modes: Single-player
Country: Japan
Languages: Japanese

About

Final Approach (Φなる·あぷろーち, Fuainaru Apurōchi) is a Japanese visual novel developed by PrincessSoft which was released on October 7, 2004. It has been adapted into an anime television series animated by Zexcs and aired from October to December 2004 with original character designs by Aoi Nishimata. The title uses the Greek letter Φ (phi) to represent to the "fi" (ふぁい, fai) in the Japanese transliteration of the English word "final". The series of half-length episodes aired in Japan in October 2004 (back-to-back with W~Wish, a separate series), with the last episode ending a few months later.

A PS2 adaptation of the series was exclusively released in Japan during October 2004. A sequel with different characters, called Finalist, was released a year later, in which each of the female characters was designed by different character artists.

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Story

The situation of Final Approach involves an experimental government operation (dubbed the "R.T.P." by Japanese Congress) to oppose the declining birthrates of Japan, circa this period in time. The primary decision (which is implied to be without the Japanese citizens' representation and approval) was to arrange a national project in which young citizens of opposite sexes are to be paired together in marriage, and therefore in parenthood. This, in theory of the story and in today's world, would produce an astonishing net increase in childbirth, if young couples were to begin having children during an early relationship.

While the economical and political gains are great, the social and emotional aspects of the "subjects" in the project are easily assumed adamant in defending the previous method of marriage. Thus, the Japanese government decided to test the project on an experimental level, i.e. with one couple at a time.