National Park Girls - Episode 2: Happy Trails serves as the second chapter in an episodic visual novel series that blends supernatural elements with environmental themes. In this installment, you follow park ranger Eve Aadams through her reluctant adventures in a remote cabin, where she encounters personified versions of famous national parks. The story explores her burnout from ranger duties and her interactions with these unique characters, leading to revelations about their origins and broader implications for civilization.
Gameplay
The core experience revolves around reading dialogue and narrative text, accompanied by character art and occasional CG illustrations. You progress through the story by advancing scenes, with full English voice acting bringing the characters to life. Interactions involve observing Eve's relationships with the park girls, uncovering lore about their supernatural nature, and dealing with themes of preservation and personal growth. Mature elements include coarse language and a brief instance of violence with limited blood, adding depth to the emotional moments.
Game Modes
As a visual novel, this episode emphasizes a single-player narrative progression without separate competitive or multiplayer options. The focus remains on following the episodic storyline, where each chapter builds on the previous one, requiring the base game to access.
Story and Features
Eve's journey picks up after her transfer to isolation, where Zion, Yellowstone, and Yosemite appear as lively girls with distinct personalities. Yellowstone's volcano head and the group's claims challenge Eve's skepticism, leading to hikes and discoveries that tie into real-world park histories. The game includes a gallery for viewing unlocked art, an original soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, and guest illustrations that expand the visual appeal.
Is It Worth Playing?
For those who enjoy story-heavy visual novels with charming character designs and a mix of humor and introspection, this episode offers a compelling continuation. It has received positive feedback from a small number of players, with all nine reviews highlighting its engaging narrative and adorable art style. However, keep in mind that the game is no longer available for purchase on major platforms, which might limit access unless you already own it. If you appreciate unique takes on anthropomorphic concepts and light supernatural drama, tracking down the series could provide worthwhile entertainment, especially alongside the other episodes.
