Gahkthun is a very good visual novel. It is fairly long and contains great artwork and voice acting. It has a lot of Slice-of-Life scenes and chunni elements.
The characters are very interesting and fun, especially the main 2 characters, Neon and Tesla.
The story happens in an Academia, which is a huge city-school, run by the students themselves. Neon, the protagonist, is a first year student in the school, and Tesla is the transfer student who just arrived and will attempt to take down the governing council and save the 100,000 student.

Pros -
- Great artwork.
- Great soundtrack. (though it is a bit small)
- Great characters.
- Really good voice acting.
- A very well built and interesting world.
- The writing style is really good and pretty unique. Personally, I love it.
- The translation quality is really high.

Cons -
- Some of the fight scenes can get a bit repetitive.
- Some of the charactes sadly do not get enough screen time and feel underdeveloped.
- There are some pacing issues.

Overall, Gahkthun is a great visual novel. It has good story, writing, art, voices and music. It's high quality, and definitly worth it. I give it 8.5/10

Also, another visual novel from the same series, call "Sona-Nyl of the Violet Shadows" will come out on steam soon and you should check it out.

This VN is very lengthy compared to most of the current VNs on Steam and I believe that it is worth the price. (10-30 hour category on VNDB but it personally took me 20 and I consider myself a fast reader.) I purchased this back in December when it came out on Mangagamers website. This steam version is uncut and retains all the original scenes. This VN has a very slice of life episodic feel to it, going from chapter to chapter covering the two main characters dealing with different people in the steampunk themed academy. The narration has a very 'prosey' feel to it.

If you don't feel like you're enjoying the VN by the time you get to the first swap to Teslas perspective (With the dog) this is probably not the VN for you as I had been sold on it by then.

Let me start by saying that I played the download version of Gahkthun before the Steam version was released, hence the lack of play time.

Gahkthun is one of the absolute best Visual novels on Steam, and the Steam version is completely uncensored (the sex scenes are more part of the story rather than being pure smut like many adult VNs). However, if you go in expecting a typical school romance story, you'll probably be somewhat disappointed.

Gahkthun is part of a series of games that all take place within the same universe that are loosely based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. They are (roughly translated) Celenaria of the Blue Sky, Inganock of the Brightest Flame, Sharnoth of the Deepest Black, Valusia of the Shining Light, and Sona-Nyl of the Violet Shadow. Gahkthun does make references to many of the former games, but it's not a direct sequel to any one of them. In addition, Gahkthun has an in-game encyclopedia that explains some of the lore and the world the story takes place in. Gahkthun does make a lot of direct references to Inganock and Sona-Nyl, so it might be wise to play those first if you care about continuity and are able (the former is fan-translated; the latter is not). However, the encyclopedia makes Gahkthun a good starting point and no prior knowledge of the series is required to understand the story.

For returning readers, Gahkthun is exactly what you'd expect from the series, although as someone who has read the two fan-translated titles (Sharnoth and Inganock), I'd say that in terms of quality it fits comfortably between the two. It's less meandering than Sharnoth is while still telling a similarly compelling love story, but it's no masterpiece like Inganock was either. However, the many references to Inganock are wonderfully done.

The series and its author, Hikaru Sakurai, are known for a particular writing style that could be described as poetic prose. As such, there is a lot of use of repetition in certain scenes (which can be off-putting to readers expecting detailed shounen-style fight scenes) and a focus on each chapter as an individual story. The latter point also causes contention with some readers, as many major characters are only focused on for a single chapter until their arc is finished, then mostly disappear from the story afterward. The cast is still well-written, fleshed out, and likable and the style of storytelling makes Gahkthun and the rest of its series quite unique, but if you're the kind who doesn't like characters exiting the story once they're not longer relevant, you might want to give it a pass. For those looking for a very atypical VN with a focus on believable characters and romance in an alternate history fantasy setting, Gahkthun is a must-read.

The soundtrack, while very short for the length of the game, is one of the best in the medium. The music perfectly captures the feel of the setting and the atmosphere of the story in spite of the frequent re-use of many tracks.

As a final point, the localization is quite stellar. Unlike the fan translations of previous titles, the translation work for Gahkthun captures Sakurai's style quite magnificently, to the point where it only very rarely feels like a translation rather than an original work.

A great UNCENSORED visual novel by the makers of Sekien no Inganock and Shikkoku no Sharnoth. In terms of story and choice, this game is basically a kinetic novel with bad ends and one true ending. Getting the true end is relatively easy and the game itself should take roughly 10-15 hours depending on how fast you read and how much of a completionist you want to be. While the length certainly can't match with Grisaia and G-senjou despite being in the same price tier, this game does have a more focused central plot with a builty in encyclopedia!

The main character is Nikola Tesla who transfers into the class of the female protagonist and proclaims that he will save them this time around. The plot contains a steam-punk setting, mecha battles, a healthy amount of sex and a quasi love-triangle. Art-style is reminiscent of the other Liar Soft games with sharp faces and slim/tall bodies. Music is top-notch along with a couple notable seiyuu's in the cast.

If you like quality VN's and want to support the fledging industry on Steam then definitely give it a buy.

Note: the hours recorded on steam aren't indicative of my total playtime of this VN. Due to a performance glitch with Steam's compatability for it, i've had to play it directly through the program. I've completed the story in I would think about 15-20 hours.

While this statement isn't meaningful to those that aren't my friends, i'll say this; i'm not particularly fond of Visual Novels, even though I have a few. I find the statement that they're games is a bit farfetched, I think that Steam is LITTERED with them by people who want to make a quick buck, and despite looking for one, I have yet to find a visual novel that truly gripped me to the end......until now, anyway. This could very well be the VN that I absolutely adore. Let's go into detail, shall we?

Setting: The game is set in an alternate 1900's France, in which steampunk technology is on the rise. While that's not something really new anymore to games (or VNs, for that matter), this game certainly takes some liberties by putting in some fantasy elements that, well....work. The comination of elements really give it that 'anime' feeling, especially during battles. That's a touch that I particularly like, and on VN levels the visuals to this are actually REALLY good. I was honestly surprised by what I saw, from shots of both contemporary and grandiose buildings to barren wastelands, this vn has beautiful art of all.

Art: Despite a few odd angles here and there that I think were unintentional (not going to mention the body proportions, those were intentional of the artist so I won't give a complaint there), the art is fantastic. This point may be a bit superfluous since I stated the visuals were good in the setting category, but the art goes for characters and specific events as well. For VN and anime lovers, this VN is definitely eye candy.

Voice Acting: Yes, this VN has voice acting (Japanese specifically), and it is great. Every character is made all the more believable and likeable (or unlikeable in some cases) by the voice acting. This is probably due to the fact that many of the characters are voiced by professional voice actors. The main character Neon, for example, is voiced by Isshiki Hikaru (who, might I add, must have an IMPRESSIVE resume given how much she voice acts). It would certainly be hard to hear an offpoint with this game's voice actors.

Music: Yes, this game has good music....no, great music. Like I said, this game is set in 1900's France, and the music reflects that BEAUTIFULLY. Most of it is done through piano and violin, both really adding to the setting of an old world city. It also really goes well with the events in the vn, whether they be tragic, comical, tense, frightening, etc.
(on a small note, Tesla's transformation music....MY GOD)

Characters: While other readers found a few of the characters forgettable, I personally enjoyed each and every one for what they were worth. This VN is by no means an amateur story; every single character here has a PURPOSE. For those who can't stand the fact that some characters are introduced in stories and are immediately forgotten, you'll enjoy these characters. Each and every one has their own depth and their own contribution to the story. THe two main characters are especially notable here (that goes without saying, but I just want to gush a bit here). I ADORE both of them, from Neon's timid, cute and kind personality to Tesla's standoffish, out-of-place personality. The personalities clashed, yet melded together just perfectly. I have no complaints about their chemistry.

Story: I won't give too much detail here since I see this as the game's true strength and that it should only be viewed to be admired, but I will say this; in the grand scheme of things, this is several little stories with an overarching story. Like I said earlier, also, is that this is no amateur's story either. All of the smaller stories are intertwined with the larger story in a very clever way. I was invested in every single one, down to the smallest plotpoint. Once you get into this story, you'll be absorbing every little detail and won't be able to pull away.

Length: This VN is lengthy, and I mean lengthy. Like I said, it took me between 15-20 hours to read the whole thing, but others stated that it took them longer to read. While that is impressive, there is one complaint that I have to note with the game; it tends to repeat itself. Not in plot elements or anything crucial, no. There are just times where it repeats lines for the sake of being poetic. Sometimes it works, othertimes no. Even if you skip them, though, you have a pretty lengthy read, so in that respect, you would certainly have something to do on your spare time.

Price: Probably one of only two negative points I can give this VN. By a VN's standpoint (or any game's standpoint for that matter) this game's price is pretty steep at 40 dollars. I got it on sale (about 45% off) and felt that that price was a lot more generous, personally. Though if I were more accurate with my assumption, i'd say that the game would probably be better priced at 30, given the fact that it sometimes repeated lines which inflated the runtime somewhat. While I would definitely say that getting it at 40 is a bit much, you'd definitely be getting a great experience as far as VNs go. Still, as I would recommend, keep it on your wishlist and wait for a sale.

In summation:

Pros:
+A setting that has some very interesting liberties taken with it
+Great art direction for both the setting and the characters
+Voice acting is superb
+Characters are all likeable in their own ways while the main characters are completely lovable
+Music is really breathtaking at times, adding to the story
+Story will draw you in and never let go
+Impressive length, even by VN standards

Cons:
-A bit of repetition with some lines which only serve to inflate the story slightly
-The price point is a bit much

Conclusion: While the price point is something for the potential buyer to consider, I would definitely say that any adult (18+, sorry kids) who loves anime and good story should definitely have this in their library.

*this Review contain some early story plot spoilers. You has been warned*

This is an alternate earth. Steam development in early 1900 went out of control and grow past our own earth's industrial revolution. This is a world controlled by steam power and ART (special power).

There is a shadow loom over the civilized western world of Europe and greatly feared even by the monarchy that rules the world. They built a whole island at the coast of France and then build a grand school call academia on that island. On the surface that school offers the highest academic achievement in the entire world with highest standards but shadow is never that simple. As you proceed you will find out more and more layers of darkness and evil lurking and consuming young life.

A young lady that lost everything… Her family, her home, her everything was taken away from her and though sorrow and desperation she sneaked onto this island illegally and try to turn her life around by enduring years of tough life to try to attain success academically. She study during the day... works illegally at night both as waitress and mechanic. 2 hours sleep is all she got every day and her only sunshine of the day is when she can meet her friends during lunch break.

2 weeks has pasted and she was about to break apart and lost her life and virginity she finally had enough and called out for help! Out came a lighting... Nicolas Tesla. Yes... Our world’s best mad scientist and man of mystery appears and brought her from slavery and saved her from the bell.

Shadow do not give up and in this school it’s in the form of the student council which contain 3 male and 3 female students that have great powers. Will Tesla save our poor little girl from them? Will Telsa able to save all the young souls of this school?

Amazing story writing… Great Graphic… Piano Music in the background… Nice Animation… One of the very best VN on Steam right now.

Everything was done quite perfectly with a few flaws.
1. Slow and yet a bit confusing start… the bell vs Tesla scene at beginning is way too long and confusing.
2. Graphic is great but some of the characters could be done better. Like our main girl’s best friend. Everything about her supposed to scream out cute but if you look closer. Her face is a bit creepy.
3. The engine of this visual novel might be a bit out dated. We don’t get as many split screen graphics to show multiple things happen at once.

Though 25 hours of play I was able to complete this VN once. (Some offline hours) but I will no doubt go back to try some of the other story choices of this VN.

9.4/10 would be my final rating. A must get for animation and VN fans.

I admit, the first thing that caught my eye were the words, "Nikola Tesla". Then I noticed a Lovecraftian Tag, followed by images of a man standing like a boss with lightning swords. The more I dug, it was just a heaping list of things I generally love, all wrapped up into a Japanese visual novel set in an alternate universe of steampunk and the supernatural. After playing I came away with an overall positive impression, even if I didn't get quite what I hoped for.

First of all, lets talk characters. They're generally well designed, though 90% of the female cast takes the words, "Hourglass Figure" to whole new level. The male task is all Bishounen (Pretty boys, for the uninitiated) though the beach scene will surprise you. I've never seen Bishounen looking THAT ripped before.

Unfortunately, outside of a few exceptions the cast is a bit bland. You've seen these archtypes before but many take it to a new extreme I haven't seen before. I mean rigid adherence to that archetype, it wasn't a positive remark. Those characters who are interesting don't get nearly the amount of attention I want, including Tesla. Know that Tesla is not the primary character of this story.

Instead, for the first 6 chapters (there are twelve in total I think) you have to suffer through experiencing the world as Neon Scalar Smilje. Interesting name aside, she is by far the worst VN protag I've ever seen. She gets a little better after 6, enough to be called "tolerable" but oh my god. She is a stuttering, easily flustered wallflower who lacks the ability to take any form of agency and with the deductive skills of a squirrel. If you handed her two baby building blocks she'd stare at them for a full thirty minutes before putting it together. With a fifty-fifty shot at success. Thankfully the point of view jumps around, something like a breath of fresh air before you get to returned to your primary narrative.

The fact that nobody in this cast seems to be able to talk without being cryptic and melodramatic doesn't help. There are also a number of references which make me think this was the third or fourth game in a series, as Nikola Tesla seems to have had some serious adventures under his belt. The kind that are way too eventful to be just a background. The encyclopedia is heavy with mentions to significant events that Tesla was implied to have been involved in.

Now the overall chapters themselves are good. The stories are interesting and it feels very episodic. I wouldn't be surprised to find out the original script was written with a 12 episode series in mind, and its pacing is actually pretty good and I could see a successful show here. Minus Neon Smilja anyway.

This is a dark story folks. Though it does have its moments of light-heartedness and comedy, it is primarly a dark drama. Sinister machinations are everywhere and bad things happen to good people. Prepare for a few disturbing scenes described in graphic detail to accompany some dark images.

There isn't nearly enough Lovecraft to warrant a tag. There's reference to one of my personal favorites, "The colour from outer space" but there isn't anything else. Mentions of grimoires do exist but they get no play at all so Lovecraft fans, prepare to be disappoint.

Music gets a double thumbs up from me. Its a pretty strong soundtrack with a good opening theme. More BGM's appear as you play the game, though two of my favorites don't appear until the end of the game. As for the end, its pretty satisfying actually, despite feeling rushed as hell. Or edited at the last second without anyone giving it a once over.

To answer the questions about erotica, I'll say that they are tastefully written. Its the quivalent of James Bond PG-13 sex in prose, except a whole lot darker. Outside of ONE sex scene, none of the others are happy, pleasurable affairs. They're dramatic and occur between broken or disturbed people. They're an erotic equivalent depression and cry for help.

I actually enjoyed these, because it was something I hadn't seen before in a VN. They actually revealed a lot about the characters and their mindsets, which makes them more interesting and less bland as stated earlier.

Now after all this why do I give the game a positive rating? It still has a lot of the themes I love, it finishes strongly albeit hastily, the music and art are both good and the plot is good overall. Not a lot of games, VN or otherwise finish strong, making them forgettable. I'll remember Gahkthun and the world its from. I highly recommend reading the encyclopedia and I hope we see any other games from this series. Who doesnt want to see more Nikola Tesla with lightning powers?

tesla literally сums electricity. im not even joking he really does this please im serious

I played this from start until finish, and I can’t recommend it. The pacing is slow, preparing food and how it tastes covers basically 90% of the dialog. The main character is so boring and over powered that not once do you even feel mildly concerned for his or anyone’s safety, which creates such a boring tone for what could have been epic battle scenes.
If you like reading for 16 hours about what dish to prepare and following around an insecure female protagonist who gets embarrassed at the drop of a hat, I guess this is for you, otherwise avoid this.

This has to be one of the best story on Steam. It have everything: Real action, Romance, Steampunk background, an rich world. It took me 26 hours to read and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would rate it next to master pieces like Tsukihime, Fate Night and other action/mystery/Shounen VNs.

The voice acting/translation is also great. I can almost mentally picture actor/actress making speaking Japanese sound European.

10/10 must buy.

It would be unfair to discuss anything without noting at least some cons.

1) In certain action scenes, the VN lags. It can be fixed with a save/reboot. An minor inconvience but it exists.

2) The music selection is limited, so after listening to the same thing after 26 hours, your ears begin to grate.

3) Some part of the story were never explained, like Izumi's.