Parallels: Year One

Parallels: Year One is a visual novel about Ron Harvey and Jessica Wethington, set in a modern city loosely based on the southeastern United States, an arguably unrealistic high school and, at times, alternate universes. Jessica, a cheerleader struggling with schoolwork, uses a few small lies to recruit Ron, the smartest student in her class, as her personal tutor. Although he agrees, Ron is unreasonably miserable about the arrangement. Their tutoring brings them to question the assumptions they make about each other and confront uncomfortable truths about themselves.

Ron and Jessica

Jessica sees Ron as a shy classmate who needs more friendship and fewer edgy jokes. Ron sees her as an airheaded cheer captain, reinforcing his dislike of other people. An unclassifiable reptile watches over them, having seen their tale play out countless times before; the story leaves open whether either of them will get what they want.

The story examines what it means to help someone. Jessica believes she can make Ron happier, though she does not clearly understand what that would involve, while Ron is drawn into helping her study. Year One follows the beginning of their journey.

Supporting characters

The game features a diverse supporting cast, each with stories and problems of their own. Annessa, Bonnie, Dhyana, Edith, Griffin, Irie, Khan, Luke, Mariposa and Rosetta can either help or hinder Ron and Jessica's developing relationship.

Choices and stories

Key choices unlock multiple endings for the characters and Squad Stories, which focus on the supporting cast of cheerleaders and can be enjoyed at the player's leisure. The novel contains over 125,000 words, a cast of 16 characters with unique sprites and over 50 unlockable CGs. Its HD art depicts both quiet, everyday moments and grand, absurd scenes.