The Crown of Leaves
The Crown of Leaves is a hybrid of non-kinetic visual novel and point-n-click adventure, that will tell you a story about mysticism, riddles, constellations, anthro, beasts and ghosts! Three chapters are planned for release; The first chapter has already been released – and it's here. Roui, a resilient city dandy, a half-educated jeweler and the author of scientific magic articles, dealt with a colossal failure and had to return to his homeland: Latori. Science isn't a thing here, and local shoddy mystical beliefs are really irritating and dejecting to Roui. He dreams to return to his old life… But how can it be possible if you have no money? One day, a prosperous local baron commissioned him for a bracelet, a gift for his lovely bride. Roui, in need of the extra coin, graciously accepted the order… But not long afterward he faced a new problem – the Mad Rook, a legendary and mysterious spirit, began to meddle in the lives of the locals, including Roui's. This spirit, an entity that plays tricks on mortals once a year, is possessed with strange magic and a dark sense of humor. Despite all the strangeness of the story, everyone can find something parallel to their everyday life and see themselves in one of the characters. This story will capture you and won't let you go until the very end.
Game Discussion
Steam User 11
The Crown of Leaves is not just "another furry VN", that is for sure. This visual novel has it's own soul, something you've hardly seen in other works. Definitely underrated, this visual novel deserves a so much greater attention and players.
Being a visual novel, this game obviously has to satisfy it's customers in 3 main points (imo): History, Arts and Characters. TCL exceeds itself in all three aspects. The game's plot and general history is amazing, with new findings and interesting mysteries. Oh and the art. This game not only provides amazing static and "wallpapers" arts, but smooth and delightful animations too. Not only in CGs but even during common chatting with characters, you can see the characters blink, move their tails or even blow out smoke when smoking. It shows such attention to details and provides much better immersion in the universe.
But I can definitely say: character development is a great point of this game, specially regarding the MC. You can deeply sympathize with the MC's emotions and failures, even his dreams and fears. Oh god all characters are enjoyable and have such differences in communication or personality.
And the world building? This VN doesn't lack in any of it. Both chapters gives different and interesting informations about the world! Like the local culture, view of the world on soul and after life, even the differences between humans and "furries. It's peak world building and THERE'S STILL SO MUCH TO FIND OUT.
I hope the development team keeps ongoing. If you like this game and can afford it, you should definitely support them on Patreon. This VN was clearly made with love and passion and I will anxiously wait for the next chapter!
Steam User 12
I so badly wish more people knew and played this game. I tried showing it to all my friends an they all laughed it off as "another furry VN" And it pissed me off. The story is so gorgeous and the art is ughh so heccin cool. Cant wait for chapter 3
One day ill make a proper vid on the game since doing gameplays feels awkward cuz its a lotta reading haha
9/10 only cuz i need chapter 3 NOW WRAGGHHH
Steam User 4
Beautiful and highly stylized game with in-depth lore...but I often found myself asking "What is happening?" and if you find yourself doing the same, rest assured you simply missed something which another play-through or choice or side quest should be able to answer.
My only complaint is how long it is taking for the chapters to be released. Horribly long. Chapter 2 was released March 29, 2021. It is 2025. The last update was in November of 2023 which said nothing about the state of the game. At this point, I am even wondering if they are still working on the game with intention to release the next chapter or if they have simply scrapped it. I still have hope so for now I will recommend it
Steam User 3
This is one of only about 4 games I've ever actually 100% completed. I picked up this game because I thought the art style and the character's designs looked neat and it was on sale for very cheap. But really I got into the world of this game and the narrative as well. For the first time, I read all the lore that was in the games, which I usually just take a passing glance at. I also found all the characters and interactions memorable and I actively explored all dialogue paths, which I also don’t usually do. I found the main character you play as, Roui and his commentary very engaging and fun to read. I say this game is up there with some of my favorite narrative-type games and maybe just stories too. I genuinely think this game is a great experience and full of such cool and fun ideas for world-building and moments between characters. Can’t wait for chapter 3 to come out and see what else awaits. This game also inspired me to want to try writing something myself again. I’d easily recommend the game to anyone even if they’re not particularly into this type of genre, like I was. I think it’s exceptionally unique and one-of-a-kind.
Steam User 8
Never thought, that visual novel will impress me that much.
I'm standing and applauding right now! (I'm serious).
I was heavily impressed with the story and expecially characters and their design.
A fairytale with endless spiritual vibe.
Unfortunately there is one huge drawback:
It's short. It could be cool if 2 chapters could be a bit longer.
Steam User 3
A lovely visual novel full of admirable characters, and environments, along with the soundtrack! The world building encapsulated me. I Would definitely recommend this game if you're into tales of folk lore, and the adventure genre.
But be warned the most saddening part of this game is the lack of a 3rd chapter. Chapter 2 ends hinting towards a 3rd chapter, and the in the chapter select does have a third selection option locked. I would say there's much potential with how the 2nd chapter set up a good possibility for a 3rd chapter. Playing the first two chapters, and coming to the conclusion that a 3rd may never get published is unfortunate, and that's possibly the only negative I'd give to this product.
Steam User 2
It's captivating. It has the great characters and world-building of a top-tier VN, but with a point&click gameplay loop to hold your attention. I can't describe the story. It's nothing like anything I've read before.