The Summer That Changed Everything: Full Game (Gay Romance Visual Novel)

"The Summer That Changed Everything" is a visual novel based on the novel of the same title by Tina Isabel Leung. Originally released in seven episodes from October 2024 to February 2025, it is now available as a standalone full game. However, you can still purchase it in episodes if you prefer (please note that the episodes may have a different GUI look, and there might be small differences compared to this full game version).

"The Summer That Changed Everything" is a captivating 43,000-word visual novel that blends drama, slice of life, and gay romance.

The story traces the transformative journey of Markus and Karsten, former classmates, through an unforgettable summer following high school.

As they navigate the challenges of adulthood, address emotional struggles, stand by their friends, and embark on a path of self-discovery, their deepening bond gradually blossoms into undeniable romantic love.

"The Summer That Changed Everything" follows Markus, a half-German, half-Italian high schooler grappling with academic pressures, bullying, and unrequited love in the bustling city of Berlin.

His world teeters on the edge of despair until a fateful encounter on the school's rooftop with his classmate Karsten, who saves him from a suicide attempt. This sparks an unexpected and deep friendship.

As they graduate, Markus and Karsten craft a bucket list to transform their summer into an adventure, marking the beginning of Markus's journey towards happiness and self-discovery.

However, the question lingers: Is Markus overcoming his depression, or is he falling for Karsten?

Karsten, meanwhile, wrestles with his own turmoil—secret feelings for Markus, family upheavals, and the responsibility of caring for his anorexic sister after his mother moves to Australia.

Supported by his quirky friends Ilse, Tariq, and Lukas, Karsten strives to balance personal challenges with his desire to help those he loves.

As the summer unfolds, Markus is forced to acknowledge his feelings for Karsten. But can he sustain his newfound happiness, and will Karsten resolve his family issues?

Disclaimer: This game is rated for adults due to mentions of a suicide attempt, self-harm, anorexia, and strong language. However, it does not contain explicit adult content.

• Expansive Narrative: Dive into over 43,000 words of a complete visual novel based on Tina Isabel Leung's book, "The Summer that Changed Everything." Experience the slow-burn romance between Markus and his high school classmate Karsten as they navigate the challenges of depression recovery and help their friends navigate young adulthood. This game 

• Dual Perspectives: The narrative offers the differing viewpoints of Markus and Karsten, giving you a unique insight into their emotions and thoughts. This dual POV setup sets our game apart in the genre of gay romances.

• Meaningful Choices: Influence the story with 20 impactful decisions. Help Markus and Karsten express their views on social issues, decide when to share secrets, and navigate romantic situations.

• Happy Ending Guaranteed: At Hasalynx, sad endings just aren’t our thing—we’re all about those uplifting finales. Watch as Markus’ feelings for Karsten deepen, while Karsten struggles, thinking his love is unrequited. See Markus grapple with despair, mistakenly believing Karsten is interested in someone else—a misunderstanding born from a lie Karsten tells to protect his own heart. But through it all, watch their friendship blossom, intensifying into a breathtaking romance that promises a joyful resolution.

• 14 Characters: Meet the dynamic cast of 14 characters, starting with Markus and Karsten. Next, explore Markus' family, including his fashionable mother, his cheerful father, and his pragmatic grandmother. Delve into his intricate past with former love, Susanna, and ex-best friend turned chief hater, Uwe. But that's not everything! In this game you get to know Karsten's circle, as well, featuring his sister Judith and her boyfriend Benedikt, and Karsten's friends Ilse (chess queen), Tariq (gay Turk) and Lukas (a family-oriented lumberjack). And don't overlook Hannelore (Ilse’s eccentric grandmother), and Ilse's chess buddy, Jan. Each character adds richness and complexity to the narrative, akin to a captivating TV series!

• Not only do the 14 characters evolve throughout the story, but their wardrobes change too! Markus leads with 15 different outfits, followed by Karsten with 12. Judith sports 6 looks, and Ilse has 5, while some secondary characters showcase 2 distinct styles, too.

• 6 Romantic Artworks: Enjoy 6 stunning romantic scenes, including two versions of a pivotal kissing scene, beautifully illustrated by Rachel Chen. These artworks capture key moments from their first motorbike ride to their climactic kisses.

• 110+ Backgrounds: Explore over 110+ detailed images that bring nostalgic Berlin to life, along with scenes from Dresden and Portofino. Experience everything from green spaces and cozy cafes to the intimate settings of Markus and Karsten’s homes and high school.

• 38+ Music Tracks: Immerse yourself in the indie acoustic vibes of the game’s soundtrack, enhanced by occasional tunes suited for various scenes. Featuring artists like Jason Shaw, Kevin MacLeod, Sascha Ende, and more, the soundtrack adds a rich auditory layer to the gaming experience.

This game was developed by a human and incorporates AI-generated resources. Read here how Hasalynx Games responsibly uses AI in its creations.

The game is controlled by mouse and keyboard. Beyond you can find information about keyboard shortcuts:

• Esc - Menu Screen
• Space - Progress the Game
• A - Auto Mode
• F - Skip / Fast forward
• B - Backlog (Check it out for a hidden artwork!)
• L - Load game screen
• S - Save game screen

It's one of our best games ever, and we're confident you'll fall in love with the captivating story and unforgettable characters. Don't miss out on an experience that's sure to be a highlight in your gaming collection!

And after buying, don't forget to check out our other gay visual novel collections, too: 8 Gay Romance Visual Novels, 8 Short Ancient World Gay Romance Visual Novels, and 5 Asian Gay Romance Visual Novels. Don’t miss your chance to experience these fantastic stories! Explore our offerings today and discover your next favorite game!

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∙∙·▫▫๑✭๑ Mermaid Princess Amelia and the Lost symphony: Episode 1 ๑✭๑▫▫·∙∙