Familiar Travels – Volume One
You were in a situation that many post-graduates found themselves in, degree on wall, parent’s house, everywhere seem to think your degree is just as useless as you do. The uniquely disparaging Quarter Life Crisis has came to you in full force, and you have been left with nothing to do..
And when university has set us up for unreal expectations of the future, there’s only one thing left to do..
Grad School.
Through insane luck or divine magic, you’ve received your acceptance letter to Vanaheim
Home of the Vanaheim Institute of Magic and Technology
There’s only one problem, you’re distinctly lacking in the magic department. In fact, this is the first time you’ve become aware of magic’s existence.
The internet as a whole was a huge inspiration for this game, We tried to set out to do something new that hasn’t been done in visual novels before by giving people an open world and focusing on character types and personalities that people really see in the modern day, instead of typical archetypes.
We aren’t afraid to talk about issues like mental health, toxic masculinity, issues of self-identity and discovery, and the more complicated nuances of relationships. The candid and straightforward nature of the game is part of the reason I decided to reach out to you.
The people who play the game really connect with it, and I want to have more people take a look and hopefully get the same impact from the game that the game and the community around it had on us.
If you have any questions about the game, we have Steam Discussion page.
FEATURES
- 300,000 word+ Story
- A true open world with free travel, leading to a different play through every time.
- Seven complete character arcs with over 20 endings
- Complete soundtrack with over 30 unique compositions
- Over 100 unique illustrations.
Game Discussion
Steam User 0
"A tender tapestry of emotion, connection, and unexpected magic."
Familiar Travels is one of those rare visual novels that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you into someone else’s heart. You play as a mid‑twenty‑something grappling with imposter syndrome and fledgling magic at Vanaheim Institute, trying to make sense of belonging, relationships, and your place in a world that feels both alien and familiar
What makes it shine:
Emotional authenticity: The characters feel alive. Their conversations—about fandom, identity, heartbreak, and joy—hit like real life in cozy dim-lit rooms .
Open‑world choice: Walk where you will. Whether spending time in the art studio, the café, or the library, each choice weaves into your relationships, shaping conversations and outcomes .
Beautiful artistry and music: Over 100 detailed illustrations and a 30+ track soundtrack paint Vanaheim with texture and warmth. Each route glows with subtle animation and emotional beats that linger
Depth and replayability: Two volumes, 300k+ words, and multiple character arcs with 20+ endings—this is a journey you’ll revisit with fresh eyes and different hearts
Yes, the Steam version keeps things SFW through chapter one, but the emotional core hits hard long before anything steams up and while the NSFW scenes arrive later, the early volume is perfect for diving into the soul of the story at a gentle pace
Final Verdict: 9/10
Familiar Travels is a love letter to fandom and friendship, a warm hug in digital form, and a meditation on how we find connection—both online and in heart. Whether you're healing, curious, or simply in need of a good conversation, Vanaheim awaits.
Highly recommended for lovers of character-driven stories, emotional authenticity, and beautifully wrought art.
Steam User 0
I like it.
Steam User 1
ㅤ