D.C. II ~Da Capo II~
Encyclopedia
is an adult
Japanese visual novel
developed by Circus
which was released as a limited edition version on May 26, 2006 playable on the PC
as a DVD
; a regular edition followed on June 23, 2006. Da Capo II is a part of the ongoing Da Capo series of games by Circus, and is the direct sequel to Circus' previous title Da Capo released in 2002. Da Capo II is self-described as a , according to Circus. A fandisc, Da Capo II: Spring Celebration, was released on April 27, 2007 and features springtime stories set after the endings for each of the six Da Capo II heroines. The simplified gameplay in the fandisc allows the player to select the story they would like to see from the onset. An all-ages consumer port entitled Da Capo II: Plus Situation containing additional scenarios was released for the PlayStation 2
in May 2008. The PlayStation 2 version was later re-released for the PC, entitled Da Capo II: Plus Communication and containing the hentai
scenes found in the original release, in December 2008.
Similar to its predecessor, the story takes place on the same island, Hatsunejima, in Japan, and set fifty-three years after the original game. The Asakura sisters are the granddaughters of Junichi Asakura and Nemu Asakura from the first Da Capo. Sakura Yoshino and Junichi are the only returning characters, and Nemu is the only other character to be mentioned by name. Moe, Mako, Kotori, Miharu, and Yoriko are also mentioned, but indirectly. Yume, Nanaka, Minatsu, and Sakura's themes are remixes of themes from previous Circus games. Yume, Minatsu, and Sakura's are remixes of Nemu, Miharu, and Sakura's from Da Capo, and Nanaka's is a remix of Sayaka's from Suika
.
There have been many drama CDs, and two separate sets of novels and manga
created based on the original game. An anime
adaptation aired in Japan between October and December 2007 on TV Aichi, and was also broadcast on other networks as well. A second season of the anime aired between April and June 2008; each anime season contained thirteen episodes and were produced by Feel.
in Da Capo II utilizes the same system used in Da Capo, in which little interaction is required from the player as most of the duration of the game is spent on simply reading the text that will appear on the screen; this text represents either dialogue
between the various characters, or the inner thoughts of the protagonist. Every so often, the player will come to a "decision point" where he or she is given the chance to choose from options that are displayed on the screen, typically two to three at a time. During these times, gameplay pauses until a choice is made that furthers the plot in a specific direction, depending on which choice the player makes. The consequences of these decisions varies, in which they may either affect the protagonist, Yoshiyuki's action, or his location. At the beginning of the gameplay, the player will mostly be given choices based on the protagonist's actions, but is soon introduced to choices based on locations and the alarm clock. Choices based on locations are accompanied by an image of a heroine, to allow the choices to be easier. The player may also adjust the protagonist's alarm clock, determining the events which occurs the following morning in the game.
There are six main plot lines that the player will have the chance to experience, one for each of the heroines in the story. In order to view the six plot lines to their entirety, the player will have to replay the game multiple times and choose different choices during the decision points in order to further the plot in an alternate direction. The game is split into three main parts: the first story arc
revolves around an upcoming Christmas
party, the second arc takes place during the winter holiday break, and the last arc is back at school in the new year.
and their fourth title Da Capo. The game's production was headed by Tororo, president of Circus, who also worked on the game's music with Comet Nekono who worked on the game's background music
. The scenario in the game was divided between five people who worked on the different stories for the heroines who include Kōta Takeuchi who mainly worked on Minatsu's and Anzu's stories, the director of the project Chihare Ameno who wrote most of Otome's and Yume's scenarios, Mochizuki JET who wrote Nanaka's and Koko's stories, Nonoka Maihama as a scenario assistant, and Mori no Me. Initial character design was mainly created by Natsuki Tanihara, but GotoP
designed Sakura's pet dog Harimao. Using Tanihara's designs, five more artists in addition to Tanihara illustrated the characters and settings used in the game; these artists include Mochi Chinochi, Mitsumamu, Yuka Kayura, Eko, and Meikai. Tanihara designed Yume, Minatsu, and Sakura; Chinochi designed Nanaka, Koko, and the supporting cast; Mitsumamu designed Anzu; and Kayura designed Otome.
of Da Capo II entitled became available for download at Da Capo IIs official website. The demo was a prologue to the story in Da Capo II. The full game was first introduced to the public in Japan as a limited edition version on May 26, 2006 as a DVD
playable on a Microsoft Windows
PC
. The regular edition followed on June 23, 2006. A limited edition CD-ROM
version of the game was released on July 7, 2006 A version compatible with the Windows Vista
operating system
for the PC was released on June 29, 2007. A "gratitude pack" edition of Da Capo II was released on January 25, 2008.
A version for the PlayStation 2
under the title was released on May 29, 2008 in limited and regular editions. The PS2 version promoted three of the former supporting characters—Maya Sawai, Akane Hanasaki, and Mayuki Kōsaka—to become obtainable heroines, along with the introduction of three original heroines—Erika Murasaki, Mahiru Takanashi, and Aishia. An adult fandisc entitled was released by Circus for the PC as a limited edition DVD on December 22, 2006, and as a regular edition on January 1, 2007. A sequel to Christmas Days for the PC entitled was released on July 25, 2008. The PlayStation 2 version was later re-released for the PC, entitled Da Capo II: Plus Communication and containing the hentai
scenes found in the original release, on December 26, 2008. Bundled with Da Capo, the game was released as a PlayStation Portable
version titled on October 28, 2010.
Another adult fandisc based on the Da Capo II visual novel entitled was released by Circus on April 27, 2007 playable as a DVD
on the PC
in limited and regular editions. Spring Celebration features springtime stories set after the endings for each of the six Da Capo II heroines. The simplified gameplay in the sequel allows the player to select which of the heroines' stories will be played through from the onset. An adult spin-off title called was released by Circus on February 29, 2008 as a limited edition DVD, and on March 28, 2008 as a regular edition. Two DVD Players Game
versions will be released separately covering the heroines Otome and Nanaka on July 25, 2008 and September 26, 2008. Yet another release is Da Capo II: To You, released in June 2009, which largely consists of prequel stories to the Da Capo II main story, such as Otome's and Yume's younger years, including the times when their mother, Yuki, was still alive, and Mahiru's backstory of when she was still alive. An English adult version of the original visual novel is available for download online by European-based company MangaGamer and was released on December 24, 2010.
.
show for Da Capo II called . The show, produced by Lantis Web Radio
, had a pre-broadcast on March 27, 2006, and officially aired between April 3, 2006 and September 24, 2007. The program aired every Monday at midnight featuring Ai Hinaki, Hijiri Kinomi, and Aya Tachibana who voiced Otome, Yume, and Koko in the original game, respectively. A second Internet radio show began on October 1, 2007 called D.C.toEF Radio produced by Onsen. The show airs every Monday and is hosted by Hinaki, Kinomi, and Tachibana. A third Internet radio show entitled started on November 2, 2007 produced by Animate
. The show is aired every Friday and is for the first twenty-seven broadcasts was hosted by Shintarō Asanuma
and Yoshino Nanjō who voiced Yoshiyuki and Koko in the anime, but starting with the twenty-sixth broadcast on May 2, 2008, Ayahi Takagaki
who voices Otome in the anime joined Asanuma as his co-host.
. The first series contained two novels that were written by Circus staff members; the first was released on May 12, 2006, and the second on June 25, 2007. The second series is written by Tasuku Saika and seven volumes were produced between November 24, 2006 and October 11, 2007. Each of the novels covers the story for one of the six heroines, except for the last two volumes which both cover Otome's story.
series created based on Da Capo II. The first, illustrated by Syo Ryuga, started serialization in the December 2006 issue of Kadokawa Shoten
's Comptiq
magazine sold on November 10, 2006. As of June 10, 2009, four bound volumes
of the first manga will have been published under Kadokawa Shoten's Kadokawa Comics Ace imprint. The second manga series, illustrated by Tsukasa Uhaha, was serialized in ASCII Media Works
' Dengeki G's Magazine
between the March 2007 and May 2009 issues under the title . The fifth and final bound volumes will be published for Da Capo II: Imaginary Future under ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Comics
imprint on June 27, 2009. A special chapter of Da Capo II: Imaginary Future was serialized in the July 2008 issue of Comptiq sold on June 10, 2008.
revealed that a Da Capo II anime
adaptation would be produced. The anime aired in Japan between October 1, 2007 and December 24, 2007 on TV Aichi, and was broadcasted on other networks soon after, including Chiba TV
and TV Kanagawa. A second season aired in Japan between April 5, 2008 and June 28, 2008 on the same networks as the first season. Each season was produced by the animation studio Feel, and contains thirteen episodes.
containing the main opening and ending themes of Da Capo II was released on June 7, 2006 by Lantis
. The main opening theme, , was sung by Yozuca*, and the main ending theme, "Spring has come", was sung by Rino
. There were two other opening themes: "Beautiful flower" was sung by Aki Misato
, which was also used as an insert song, and "Especially" was sung by Miyuki Hashimoto
. Additionally, there were four other ending themes. was sung by Yozuca*, which was also used as another insert song, was used as the ending theme for Nanaka's route. "Little Distance" was sung by Seiko Modaka was used as the ending theme for both Anzu's and Koko's route. The third ending theme, "If...I wish", was sung by Aki Misato and was used as the ending theme for Otome's and Yume's routes. The last ending theme, , was sung by twenty of the cast from the game and was used as the ending theme for Minatsu's route. The final theme song used in the game was "Time will shine" sung by Alchemy+, and was used as an insert song.
An album entitled VocalAlbum Songs From D.C.II containing the theme songs was released on July 26, 2006 by Lantis. Da Capo IIs original soundtrack was released on August 23, 2006 by Lantis. A single containing the theme song for the first Internet radio
show entitled was released on October 25, 2006. A character song album featuring songs sung by voice actors
from the game was released on December 13, 2006 by Lantis. A maxi single
containing the opening theme of Spring Celebration called "Happy my life: Thank you for everything!!" was released on May 9, 2007. A mini album for Spring Celebration containing five of the game's theme songs was released on May 23, 2007 by Lantis. A vocal album for Plus Situation was released by Lantis on June 4, 2008.
For the anime's first season, the opening theme of season one is sung by Yozuca*, and the ending theme is by CooRie
. Both singles were released on October 24, 2007 by Lantis. The song sung by Minori Chihara
was used as the ending theme for the thirteenth episode of season one, and the single containing the song was released by Lantis on January 23, 2008. A best of
album containing songs from the games and the anime seasons of Da Capo entitled was released by Lantis on November 21, 2007. A vocal album containing songs sung by Yozuca* and CooRie entitled Dolce3 was released by Lantis on July 9, 2008. Six image song
singles were released for the six main heroines featured in Da Capo II. The first two for Koko and Minatsu were released on December 26, 2007. The next two singles for Nanaka and Anzu were released on February 27, 2008. The final two singles for Yume and Otome were released on April 9, 2008 by Lantis. For the second season, the opening theme is sung by Yozuca*, and the ending theme is sung by CooRie. Both singles were released on April 23, 2008 by Lantis.
, poll results for the fifty best bishōjo games were released. Out of 249 titles, Da Capo II ranked seventh with forty-seven votes. Da Capo II was the most widely sold game of 2006 on Getchu.com. Da Capo II: Spring Celebration was the second most widely sold game for the first half of 2007 on Getchu.com, just behind Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
. Furthermore, Da Capo II: Spring Celebration was the sixth most widely sold game of 2007 on Getchu.com.
Eroge
An or Ero-ga is a Japanese video or computer game that features erotic content, usually in the form of anime-style artwork. Eroge originated from galge, but unlike galge, they feature erotic/pornographic content.-History:...
Japanese visual novel
Visual novel
A is an interactive fiction game featuring mostly static graphics, usually with anime-style art, or occasionally live-action stills or video footage...
developed by Circus
Circus (company)
Circus is a Japanese visual novel studio known for creating adult-oriented bishōjo games. In addition to the normal Circus brand name, there are other brand divisions including Circus Northern, Circus Fetish, Circus Metal, and Sanctuary...
which was released as a limited edition version on May 26, 2006 playable on the PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
as a DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
; a regular edition followed on June 23, 2006. Da Capo II is a part of the ongoing Da Capo series of games by Circus, and is the direct sequel to Circus' previous title Da Capo released in 2002. Da Capo II is self-described as a , according to Circus. A fandisc, Da Capo II: Spring Celebration, was released on April 27, 2007 and features springtime stories set after the endings for each of the six Da Capo II heroines. The simplified gameplay in the fandisc allows the player to select the story they would like to see from the onset. An all-ages consumer port entitled Da Capo II: Plus Situation containing additional scenarios was released for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
in May 2008. The PlayStation 2 version was later re-released for the PC, entitled Da Capo II: Plus Communication and containing the hentai
Hentai
is a Japanese word that, in the West, is used when referring to sexually explicit or pornographic comics and animation, particularly those of Japanese origin such as anime, manga, and computer games. The word hentai is a kanji compound of 変 and 態...
scenes found in the original release, in December 2008.
Similar to its predecessor, the story takes place on the same island, Hatsunejima, in Japan, and set fifty-three years after the original game. The Asakura sisters are the granddaughters of Junichi Asakura and Nemu Asakura from the first Da Capo. Sakura Yoshino and Junichi are the only returning characters, and Nemu is the only other character to be mentioned by name. Moe, Mako, Kotori, Miharu, and Yoriko are also mentioned, but indirectly. Yume, Nanaka, Minatsu, and Sakura's themes are remixes of themes from previous Circus games. Yume, Minatsu, and Sakura's are remixes of Nemu, Miharu, and Sakura's from Da Capo, and Nanaka's is a remix of Sayaka's from Suika
Suika (visual novel)
is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Circus and was first released on July 27, 2001 for the PC as a CD-ROM, followed by a DVD-ROM release on August 31, 2001...
.
There have been many drama CDs, and two separate sets of novels and manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
created based on the original game. An anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
adaptation aired in Japan between October and December 2007 on TV Aichi, and was also broadcast on other networks as well. A second season of the anime aired between April and June 2008; each anime season contained thirteen episodes and were produced by Feel.
Gameplay
The gameplayGameplay
Gameplay is the specific way in which players interact with a game, and in particular with video games. Gameplay is the pattern defined through the game rules, connection between player and the game, challenges and overcoming them, plot and player's connection with it...
in Da Capo II utilizes the same system used in Da Capo, in which little interaction is required from the player as most of the duration of the game is spent on simply reading the text that will appear on the screen; this text represents either dialogue
Dialogue
Dialogue is a literary and theatrical form consisting of a written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more people....
between the various characters, or the inner thoughts of the protagonist. Every so often, the player will come to a "decision point" where he or she is given the chance to choose from options that are displayed on the screen, typically two to three at a time. During these times, gameplay pauses until a choice is made that furthers the plot in a specific direction, depending on which choice the player makes. The consequences of these decisions varies, in which they may either affect the protagonist, Yoshiyuki's action, or his location. At the beginning of the gameplay, the player will mostly be given choices based on the protagonist's actions, but is soon introduced to choices based on locations and the alarm clock. Choices based on locations are accompanied by an image of a heroine, to allow the choices to be easier. The player may also adjust the protagonist's alarm clock, determining the events which occurs the following morning in the game.
There are six main plot lines that the player will have the chance to experience, one for each of the heroines in the story. In order to view the six plot lines to their entirety, the player will have to replay the game multiple times and choose different choices during the decision points in order to further the plot in an alternate direction. The game is split into three main parts: the first story arc
Story arc
A story arc is an extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strips, boardgames, video games, and in some cases, films. On a television program, for example, the story would unfold over many episodes. In television, the use of the story...
revolves around an upcoming Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
party, the second arc takes place during the winter holiday break, and the last arc is back at school in the new year.
Plot
The protagonist, Yoshiyuki Sakurai, was born when Sakura Yoshino, weary of being alone for so long, wished upon a prototype artificial wish-granting magical sakura tree for a family. Years later, though, the tree starts malfunctioning, granting all wishes, regardless of how impure. Sakura and Otome Asakura at first try to handle all the problems caused by it, but the situation gradually worsens and they have to choose whether or not to save —the island in Japan where the story takes place—by deactivating the tree which would erase Yoshiyuki's existence in the process. Sakura makes a last-ditch effort to stop the tree by entering it directly, but fails. Yoshiyuki eventually manages to persuade Otome to choose the island over him, and she has the tree wither, revoking all the granted wishes, including Sakura's.Development
Da Capo II was Circus' twenty-ninth game, but was the eleventh game developed by the development group Circus Northern who had also produced their second title SuikaSuika (visual novel)
is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Circus and was first released on July 27, 2001 for the PC as a CD-ROM, followed by a DVD-ROM release on August 31, 2001...
and their fourth title Da Capo. The game's production was headed by Tororo, president of Circus, who also worked on the game's music with Comet Nekono who worked on the game's background music
Background music
Although background music was by the end of the 20th century generally identified with Muzak or elevator music, there are several stages in the development of this concept.-Antecedents:...
. The scenario in the game was divided between five people who worked on the different stories for the heroines who include Kōta Takeuchi who mainly worked on Minatsu's and Anzu's stories, the director of the project Chihare Ameno who wrote most of Otome's and Yume's scenarios, Mochizuki JET who wrote Nanaka's and Koko's stories, Nonoka Maihama as a scenario assistant, and Mori no Me. Initial character design was mainly created by Natsuki Tanihara, but GotoP
GotoP
is a male Japanese artist from Gifu Prefecture, Gifu, Japan. He did the original character design for Wandaba Style and Close to: Inori no Oka, two visual novels...
designed Sakura's pet dog Harimao. Using Tanihara's designs, five more artists in addition to Tanihara illustrated the characters and settings used in the game; these artists include Mochi Chinochi, Mitsumamu, Yuka Kayura, Eko, and Meikai. Tanihara designed Yume, Minatsu, and Sakura; Chinochi designed Nanaka, Koko, and the supporting cast; Mitsumamu designed Anzu; and Kayura designed Otome.
Release history
On April 15, 2007, a free game demoGame demo
A game demo is a freely distributed demonstration or preview of an upcoming or recently released video game. Demos are typically released by the game's publisher to help consumers get a feel of the game before deciding whether to buy the full version....
of Da Capo II entitled became available for download at Da Capo IIs official website. The demo was a prologue to the story in Da Capo II. The full game was first introduced to the public in Japan as a limited edition version on May 26, 2006 as a DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
playable on a Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
. The regular edition followed on June 23, 2006. A limited edition CD-ROM
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....
version of the game was released on July 7, 2006 A version compatible with the Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
for the PC was released on June 29, 2007. A "gratitude pack" edition of Da Capo II was released on January 25, 2008.
A version for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
under the title was released on May 29, 2008 in limited and regular editions. The PS2 version promoted three of the former supporting characters—Maya Sawai, Akane Hanasaki, and Mayuki Kōsaka—to become obtainable heroines, along with the introduction of three original heroines—Erika Murasaki, Mahiru Takanashi, and Aishia. An adult fandisc entitled was released by Circus for the PC as a limited edition DVD on December 22, 2006, and as a regular edition on January 1, 2007. A sequel to Christmas Days for the PC entitled was released on July 25, 2008. The PlayStation 2 version was later re-released for the PC, entitled Da Capo II: Plus Communication and containing the hentai
Hentai
is a Japanese word that, in the West, is used when referring to sexually explicit or pornographic comics and animation, particularly those of Japanese origin such as anime, manga, and computer games. The word hentai is a kanji compound of 変 and 態...
scenes found in the original release, on December 26, 2008. Bundled with Da Capo, the game was released as a PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
version titled on October 28, 2010.
Another adult fandisc based on the Da Capo II visual novel entitled was released by Circus on April 27, 2007 playable as a DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
on the PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
in limited and regular editions. Spring Celebration features springtime stories set after the endings for each of the six Da Capo II heroines. The simplified gameplay in the sequel allows the player to select which of the heroines' stories will be played through from the onset. An adult spin-off title called was released by Circus on February 29, 2008 as a limited edition DVD, and on March 28, 2008 as a regular edition. Two DVD Players Game
DVD TV game
A DVD TV game is a standalone game that can be played on a set-top DVD player. The game takes advantage of technology built into the DVD format to create an interactive gaming environment compatible with most DVD players without requiring additional hardware...
versions will be released separately covering the heroines Otome and Nanaka on July 25, 2008 and September 26, 2008. Yet another release is Da Capo II: To You, released in June 2009, which largely consists of prequel stories to the Da Capo II main story, such as Otome's and Yume's younger years, including the times when their mother, Yuki, was still alive, and Mahiru's backstory of when she was still alive. An English adult version of the original visual novel is available for download online by European-based company MangaGamer and was released on December 24, 2010.
Drama CDs
There have been many drama CDs for Da Capo II. The first, entitled D.C.II prestorys entrata, was written by Chihare Ameno, the director and one of the main scenario writers from the original game, and was released on February 24, 2006. A second drama CD, called , was written by Kōta Takeuchi, another one of the scenario writers for the original game, and was released almost a year later on February 10, 2007. A third drama CD, under the name , was not released in stores, but instead given out to those who had already signed previously signed up for the Circus fan club in mid 2007. Two more CDs, entitled and were also released. A CD entitled was released for the anime's second season on May 21, 2008 by LantisLantis (company)
is a Japanese company that specializes as a music publisher label for Japanese musicians, anime soundtracks and video game soundtracks. It was established on November 26, 1999, and in May 2006, it was bought by, and became a subsidiary of, Bandai Visual...
.
Internet radio shows
An Internet radioInternet radio
Internet radio is an audio service transmitted via the Internet...
show for Da Capo II called . The show, produced by Lantis Web Radio
Lantis (company)
is a Japanese company that specializes as a music publisher label for Japanese musicians, anime soundtracks and video game soundtracks. It was established on November 26, 1999, and in May 2006, it was bought by, and became a subsidiary of, Bandai Visual...
, had a pre-broadcast on March 27, 2006, and officially aired between April 3, 2006 and September 24, 2007. The program aired every Monday at midnight featuring Ai Hinaki, Hijiri Kinomi, and Aya Tachibana who voiced Otome, Yume, and Koko in the original game, respectively. A second Internet radio show began on October 1, 2007 called D.C.toEF Radio produced by Onsen. The show airs every Monday and is hosted by Hinaki, Kinomi, and Tachibana. A third Internet radio show entitled started on November 2, 2007 produced by Animate
Animate
is the retailing arm of MOVIC and is the largest retailer of anime, games, and manga in Japan. The first and headquarters store of Animate opened in 1983 and is located in Ikebukuro, a district in Tokyo, Japan. Currently, there are 38 Animate stores in Japan, and two in Taipei, Taiwan...
. The show is aired every Friday and is for the first twenty-seven broadcasts was hosted by Shintarō Asanuma
Shintaro Asanuma
is a Japanese male seiyū from Iwate Prefecture, Japan. He is affiliated with Office Osawa.-Anime:*Asu no Yoichi *Bokurano *D.C. II: Da Capo II *D.C.II S.S...
and Yoshino Nanjō who voiced Yoshiyuki and Koko in the anime, but starting with the twenty-sixth broadcast on May 2, 2008, Ayahi Takagaki
Ayahi Takagaki
is a Japanese voice actress and singer. She had her first major voice acting roles in 2007, voicing Jasmine in Deltora Quest and Lucia Nahashi in Venus Versus Virus....
who voices Otome in the anime joined Asanuma as his co-host.
Novels
There have been two separate novel series written based on Da Capo II, both published by ParadigmParadigm (publisher)
is a Japanese publishing company headquartered in Suginami, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. The company mainly publishes novels based on adult visual novel video games....
. The first series contained two novels that were written by Circus staff members; the first was released on May 12, 2006, and the second on June 25, 2007. The second series is written by Tasuku Saika and seven volumes were produced between November 24, 2006 and October 11, 2007. Each of the novels covers the story for one of the six heroines, except for the last two volumes which both cover Otome's story.
Manga
There have been two separate mangaManga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
series created based on Da Capo II. The first, illustrated by Syo Ryuga, started serialization in the December 2006 issue of Kadokawa Shoten
Kadokawa Shoten
is a well-known Japanese publishing company based in Tokyo, Japan. Kadokawa has published both manga novels and magazines, such as Newtype magazine...
's Comptiq
Comptiq
is a Japanese computer game magazine, first published in 1983, by Kadokawa Shoten. The name "Comptiq" came from combining the words "computer" and "boutique". Originally a PC magazine, its focus shifted from computers to computer games. As of September 2003, it has been known as a "MediaMix Game...
magazine sold on November 10, 2006. As of June 10, 2009, four bound volumes
Tankobon
, with a literal meaning close to "independently appearing book", is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself and is not part of a series , though the manga industry uses it for volumes which may be in a series...
of the first manga will have been published under Kadokawa Shoten's Kadokawa Comics Ace imprint. The second manga series, illustrated by Tsukasa Uhaha, was serialized in ASCII Media Works
ASCII Media Works
is a Japanese publishing company in the Kadokawa Group which formed on April 1, 2008 as a result of a merger between ASCII and MediaWorks where MediaWorks legally absorbed ASCII. Despite this, the former president of ASCII, Kiyoshi Takano, became the president of ASCII Media Works. The company...
' Dengeki G's Magazine
Dengeki G's Magazine
is a Japanese magazine published by ASCII Media Works and sold monthly on the thirtieth that primarily contains information on bishōjo games, but also includes an entire section on anime based on bishōjo games, and serializes manga and light novels based on such games. The "G's" in the title...
between the March 2007 and May 2009 issues under the title . The fifth and final bound volumes will be published for Da Capo II: Imaginary Future under ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Comics
Dengeki Comics
is a manga publishing label affiliated with the Japanese publishing company ASCII Media Works and is aimed at a male audience. Aside from the main Dengeki Comics label, there is the related Dengeki Comics EX label which publishes a lesser number of manga volumes...
imprint on June 27, 2009. A special chapter of Da Capo II: Imaginary Future was serialized in the July 2008 issue of Comptiq sold on June 10, 2008.
Anime
On May 10, 2007, the magazine ComptiqComptiq
is a Japanese computer game magazine, first published in 1983, by Kadokawa Shoten. The name "Comptiq" came from combining the words "computer" and "boutique". Originally a PC magazine, its focus shifted from computers to computer games. As of September 2003, it has been known as a "MediaMix Game...
revealed that a Da Capo II anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
adaptation would be produced. The anime aired in Japan between October 1, 2007 and December 24, 2007 on TV Aichi, and was broadcasted on other networks soon after, including Chiba TV
Chiba TV
, doing business as , is a Japanese commercial terrestrial television broadcasting company headquartered at 11-25 Miyako-chō 1-chōme, Chūō-ku, Chiba serving Chiba Prefecture but spill-over is received in the neibouring prefectures. It is a member of the Japanese Association of Independent...
and TV Kanagawa. A second season aired in Japan between April 5, 2008 and June 28, 2008 on the same networks as the first season. Each season was produced by the animation studio Feel, and contains thirteen episodes.
Music
A CD singleCD single
A CD single is a music single in the form of a standard size Compact Disc, not to be confused with the 3-inch CD single, which uses a smaller form factor. The format was introduced in the mid-1980s, but did not gain its place in the market until the early 1990s...
containing the main opening and ending themes of Da Capo II was released on June 7, 2006 by Lantis
Lantis (company)
is a Japanese company that specializes as a music publisher label for Japanese musicians, anime soundtracks and video game soundtracks. It was established on November 26, 1999, and in May 2006, it was bought by, and became a subsidiary of, Bandai Visual...
. The main opening theme, , was sung by Yozuca*, and the main ending theme, "Spring has come", was sung by Rino
CooRie
CooRie is a self-produced Japanese music unit by singer-songwriter Rino that performs songs for anime and games. CooRie used to be a two-persons unit when it debuted in 2003, with Rino doing the lyrics and vocals and doing the music compositions and arrangements...
. There were two other opening themes: "Beautiful flower" was sung by Aki Misato
Aki Misato
is a female Japanese J-pop singer from Saitama, Japan. Most of her songs are theme songs for anime and video games. She made her debut in 2004 with her first single Kimi ga Sora Datta , which was featured as the ending theme of the anime Mai-HiME...
, which was also used as an insert song, and "Especially" was sung by Miyuki Hashimoto
Miyuki Hashimoto
is a Japanese female singer from Saitama Prefecture. She is signed to Lantis, a label which contribute songs to anime and video games.- Singles :* Koko ni Iru kara... # Koko ni Iru kara.....
. Additionally, there were four other ending themes. was sung by Yozuca*, which was also used as another insert song, was used as the ending theme for Nanaka's route. "Little Distance" was sung by Seiko Modaka was used as the ending theme for both Anzu's and Koko's route. The third ending theme, "If...I wish", was sung by Aki Misato and was used as the ending theme for Otome's and Yume's routes. The last ending theme, , was sung by twenty of the cast from the game and was used as the ending theme for Minatsu's route. The final theme song used in the game was "Time will shine" sung by Alchemy+, and was used as an insert song.
An album entitled VocalAlbum Songs From D.C.II containing the theme songs was released on July 26, 2006 by Lantis. Da Capo IIs original soundtrack was released on August 23, 2006 by Lantis. A single containing the theme song for the first Internet radio
Internet radio
Internet radio is an audio service transmitted via the Internet...
show entitled was released on October 25, 2006. A character song album featuring songs sung by voice actors
Seiyu
Voice acting in Japan has far greater prominence than in most other countries. Japan's large animation industry produces 60% of the animated series in the world; as a result, Japanese voice actors, or , are able to achieve fame on a national and international level.Besides acting as narrators and...
from the game was released on December 13, 2006 by Lantis. A maxi single
Maxi single
A maxi single or maxi-single is a music single release with more than the usual two tracks of an a-side song and a b-side song.-The first maxi singles:...
containing the opening theme of Spring Celebration called "Happy my life: Thank you for everything!!" was released on May 9, 2007. A mini album for Spring Celebration containing five of the game's theme songs was released on May 23, 2007 by Lantis. A vocal album for Plus Situation was released by Lantis on June 4, 2008.
For the anime's first season, the opening theme of season one is sung by Yozuca*, and the ending theme is by CooRie
CooRie
CooRie is a self-produced Japanese music unit by singer-songwriter Rino that performs songs for anime and games. CooRie used to be a two-persons unit when it debuted in 2003, with Rino doing the lyrics and vocals and doing the music compositions and arrangements...
. Both singles were released on October 24, 2007 by Lantis. The song sung by Minori Chihara
Minori Chihara
is a Japanese voice actress who has had roles in several anime series, and a J-pop singer. As a seiyū, she works under the agency Avex Planning & Development, while in her musical career, she has been signed under King Records and is currently with Lantis...
was used as the ending theme for the thirteenth episode of season one, and the single containing the song was released by Lantis on January 23, 2008. A best of
Greatest hits
A greatest hits album is a music compilation album of successful, previously released songs by a particular artist or band...
album containing songs from the games and the anime seasons of Da Capo entitled was released by Lantis on November 21, 2007. A vocal album containing songs sung by Yozuca* and CooRie entitled Dolce3 was released by Lantis on July 9, 2008. Six image song
Image song
An image song or character song is a song on a tie-in single or album for an anime, game or dorama that is usually sung by the seiyū or actor of a character, in character...
singles were released for the six main heroines featured in Da Capo II. The first two for Koko and Minatsu were released on December 26, 2007. The next two singles for Nanaka and Anzu were released on February 27, 2008. The final two singles for Yume and Otome were released on April 9, 2008 by Lantis. For the second season, the opening theme is sung by Yozuca*, and the ending theme is sung by CooRie. Both singles were released on April 23, 2008 by Lantis.
Reception
The original Da Capo II release was positively reviewed at visual-novels.net, commenting: "I know a lot of gamers may not enjoy Da Capo, but whilst I think the story on some arcs was weaker than on others they were still amazing paths to play. On the stronger paths you really start to feel a lot of emotion for these girls, and because they're so closely tied together, someone always gets hurt. That for me bought some realism to the game." In the October 2007 issue of Dengeki G's MagazineDengeki G's Magazine
is a Japanese magazine published by ASCII Media Works and sold monthly on the thirtieth that primarily contains information on bishōjo games, but also includes an entire section on anime based on bishōjo games, and serializes manga and light novels based on such games. The "G's" in the title...
, poll results for the fifty best bishōjo games were released. Out of 249 titles, Da Capo II ranked seventh with forty-seven votes. Da Capo II was the most widely sold game of 2006 on Getchu.com. Da Capo II: Spring Celebration was the second most widely sold game for the first half of 2007 on Getchu.com, just behind Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
, often abbreviated , and also known as They Are My Noble Masters, is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Minato Soft and released on May 25, 2007 for the PC as a DVD. A PlayStation 2 version with adult-content removed was released under the title Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de: Otsukae...
. Furthermore, Da Capo II: Spring Celebration was the sixth most widely sold game of 2007 on Getchu.com.