HENPRI
HENPRI
Game
Game2021
A YEAR OF SPRINGS
Developer npckc
Experience the stories of Haru, Erika, and Manami, a trio of friends navigating their feelings of love, connection, and just wanting to belong. From the Steam store page
255 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Nov 2, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
98
LovedLoved
189 positive · 3 negative
95% range 96–99%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 189 | 3 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 21 | 0 | 34 |
| Mastodon * | 2 | 0 | 6 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Overwhelmingly Positive
728 of 733 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
99% recommend · 187 yes, 2 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 189 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (997 of 1,013 positive).
Players praise the game as a heartwarming and relatable queer visual novel. [1][2][3] Many reviewers highlight its honest depiction of trans experiences and struggles. [4][5][6] Some players find the writing too simplistic or propagandistic. [7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [4]
Very cute little game, that i, as a trans woman, could relate very heavily too. Its a visual novel with a few different endings to see, very light hearted but the dialogue often made me pause for a moment and made me think about our world and myself. if you're LGBTQ+ in any way this game will delight you and if you don't know much about transgender people it will explain who we are quite well, it also does a really …
- [5]
if you're trans, get it- if you're not trans, get it also this game has been a real source of comfort for me through quite a dark episode ! i would recommend this title to anyone; however, *especially* if you are transgender, i cannot urge you to give this title a try enough ! a hopeful and comforting depiction of trans people living loved and full lives can feel incredibly rare and, in an increasingly dark and …
- [12]
By far the best queer representative game on steam, I cried a lot while playing. As a trans girl I've experienced all those struggles myself and it just made it all the more painful. Really emotional, really cute and really comforting. Headpats for all the transfems reading this (つ｡˃ ᵕ ˂)つ ⸝♡
- [1]
This is probably one of the best games for learning about how being Trans, and Aroace can effect someone. Although there are some things for being a Lesbian. This game handles everything so well, and showcases the more difficult parts and the discrimination that usually comes with being trans, but also shows that the world can be a super nice place too, and how supportive people can really be with all that stuff. …
- [2]
one of the greatest most heartwarming queer stories in gaming, I will never forget it
Summarised from 34 of the 252 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
A YEAR OF SPRINGS sits at 98% positive across 192 opinionated reactions from 3 sources. Fresh or rotten — where do you land?
Reactions
60 of 255 · most liked firstA YEAR OF SPRINGS is on sale for pride on steam, itch & google play! (sorry the length of the sale varies for every platform so just check the platform of your choice! 💦) 🎮 ayearofsprings.npckc.net
neutral · AI labelView post →hello, it's my birthday today 🎂 i've put up 33 free community copies of A YEAR OF SPRINGS on @itch.io to celebrate! i hope the game creates good memories for anyone who plays 💜 🎮 npckc.itch.io/a-year-of-sp...
neutral · AI labelView post →hey it's #AceWeek! i'm an ace game dev making queer games like A YEAR OF SPRINGS & A TAVERN FOR TEA (among many others) 💜 right now i'm working on Marron's Day, a gameboy adventure where you're a bunny! 🐰 check out my games here: 🔄 store.steampowered.com/publisher/np...
neutral · AI labelView post →hello, it's my birthday today! to celebrate, i've put up 32 free community copies of A YEAR OF SPRINGS on @itch.io. i hope the game creates good memories for whoever plays it 💜 🎮 npckc.itch.io/a-year-of-sp...
neutral · AI labelView post →🎮📢 ANNOUNCEMENT! 📢🎮 the A YEAR OF SPRINGS fan pack & LINE stickers are out NOW for the game's fifth anniversary! get them here 👇 fan pack: store.steampowered.com/app/4654570/ line: store.line.me/stickershop/... thank you to everyone who's enjoyed & connected to haru, erika & manami's stories 💐
neutral · AI labelView post →just designed a new business card so i'm going to reintroduce myself 📣 hi new people, i'm kc! i make cute story games like A YEAR OF SPRINGS, a pet shop after dark & A TAVERN FOR TEA. right now, i'm making Marron's Day, a silly adventure for game boy 🎮 i also do j-e translation! 📖 npckc.net
neutral · AI labelView post →so A YEAR OF SPRINGS is in google play's 2025 pride collection as a game with trans/nonbinary rep but i also think there are more than SIX GAMES on google play that fit these criteria....................... 🎮 play.google.com/store/apps/e...
neutral · AI labelView post →haru's plush shows off one of her outfits from one night, hot springs, the first game in the A YEAR OF SPRINGS trilogy. this is where it all begins... ♨️ preorder her plush here! → plushwonderland.com/products/pre...
neutral · AI labelView post →i think about how different things would've been if A YEAR OF SPRINGS hadn't been in the event. the game itself never changed, but being in the event let people find out about it - & that's what reviews do. they let other players know a game is worth giving a chance.
neutral · AI labelView post →I can’t recommend this game enough. A Year of Springs is a visual novel video game which follows three women as they grow to better understand each other and themselves over the span of a year. This game taught me to be more open with my queerness and to live more authentically
positive · AI labelView post →i guess this automatically happened since it's already verified on steam deck but apparently A YEAR OF SPRINGS is also verified for steam machine! (i do not have a steam machine so i can't check if it shows on the store haha)
neutral · AI labelView post →hello, it's my birthday today, so i've put up 31 free community copies of A YEAR OF SPRINGS on itch. i hope they'll create good memories for whoever plays 💜 npckc.itch.io/a-year-of-sp...
neutral · AI labelView post →A Year of Springs is about finding yourself in a world still learning to be kind "I ended up making One Night, Hot Springs, a game about how I'd like the world to become—one that isn't perfect but still tries to be kind." www.gamedeveloper.com/design/-i-a-...
neutral · AI labelView post →manami's plush actually has her outfit from the 2nd game in the A YEAR OF SPRINGS trilogy rather than the 3rd! reason is i think her dress in the 2nd game is the cutest outfit she wears 💜👗 preorder her plush here! → plushwonderland.com/products/pre...
neutral · AI labelView post →youtu.be/aAOIz89X6jI Happy Trans Awareness Week everybody. My Dad was Transmasc and died 2 years ago, I cover games he didn't get to play/finish. For today I have done A Year of Springs, the best queer game I think I've ever played. I hope that you all have the best day that you can. ❤️🏳️🌈❤️
positive · AI labelView post →A Year of Springs is my favorite game I have ever played ever. It's a kind of visual novel in four chapters, each one takes maybe 30 minutes to complete? It is perfection. I love this game with all my heart. <3
positive · AI labelView post →I highly recommend the game A YEAR OF SPRINGS—if you play it and you can afford it, support this plushie campaign ^u^
positive · AI labelView post →my game A YEAR OF SPRINGS is included in BRUTUS's 2023 game stylebook which just released today! 🎮 lots of cool indie games are introduced in it & the cover also looks incredible ✨ pick it up in your local japanese bookshop!
neutral · AI labelView post →chatted with @joelcouture.bsky.social for an interview about A YEAR OF SPRINGS. the questions were very thoughtful & i'm grateful for the opportunity to talk frankly about the game & my dev process. check it out! 📖
neutral · AI labelView post →This is probably one of the best games for learning about how being Trans, and Aroace can effect someone. Although there are some things for being a Lesbian. This game handles everything so well, and showcases the more difficult parts and the discrimination that usually comes with being trans, but also shows that the world can be a super nice place too, and how supportive people can really be with all that stuff. Overall a really good game, and would reccomend to those who are a bit…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A really cute story about being LGBT and navigating the world as people who are shunned by society. Also Haru is literally me :3
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →erika's plush has her outfit from last day of spring, the second game in the A YEAR OF SPRINGS trilogy. keen observers will notice this is her outside outfit (with boots on! 👢) preorder her plush here! → plushwonderland.com/products/pre...
neutral · AI labelView post →Very cute little game, that i, as a trans woman, could relate very heavily too. Its a visual novel with a few different endings to see, very light hearted but the dialogue often made me pause for a moment and made me think about our world and myself. if you're LGBTQ+ in any way this game will delight you and if you don't know much about transgender people it will explain who we are quite well, it also does a really good job explaining trans related issues and hardships. The first chapter of…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I decided to play 'A Year of Springs' on a brain that was tired, bored and craved for some stimulation, anything really, just needed something that was different than what I was doing almost every day, and oh boy, am I glad I decided to play this VN because of my boredom! I had read the description before playing, so I kind of knew what I was getting into, and I was right, but not completely, and I am happy that I was not correct all the way, lemme explain in detail. 'A Year of Springs' is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →one of the greatest most heartwarming queer stories in gaming, I will never forget it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →if you're trans, get it- if you're not trans, get it also this game has been a real source of comfort for me through quite a dark episode ! i would recommend this title to anyone; however, *especially* if you are transgender, i cannot urge you to give this title a try enough ! a hopeful and comforting depiction of trans people living loved and full lives can feel incredibly rare and, in an increasingly dark and disheartening time, is incredibly precious :3 writing the writing in A Year of…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hey everyone! Here is the Stream Schedule for this month! Patreon Art Stream: Sun Jan 21 3:00 pm EDT Public Art Stream: Sun Jan 28 3:00 pm EDT "A Year of Springs" Game Stream: Wed Jan 31 6:00 pm EDT Hope to see you there! picarto.tv/TheTransform... www.patreon.com/thetransform...
neutral · AI labelView post →This is just a queer (and especially trans) propaganda visual novel for kids that only exist to spit out the lgbt definitions "trans" "bi" "asexual" "aromantic" and make you feel good about being lgbt "A year of springs" meant "a year of coming out" AH Story 1 - Trans woman goes to hot springs and other girl said she's bi and vegetarian Story 2 - Trans woman goes to the spa... wait not she can't because she's trans and they won't let her in... The japanese law about not be able to legally…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sweet little game, definitely worth a couple of bucks. I wish there was good trans representation in media like this; and just overall more LGBTQ+ representation in general. I know there is a bunch more nowadays, but in 2025 it doesn't feel like things are getting better for us whenever you look at what's happening in the world. So finding something endearing like this, makes me feel happy :]
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →By far the best queer representative game on steam, I cried a lot while playing. As a trans girl I've experienced all those struggles myself and it just made it all the more painful. Really emotional, really cute and really comforting. Headpats for all the transfems reading this (つ｡˃ ᵕ ˂)つ ⸝♡
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game 78: A Year of Springs This is so cute, its a visual novel about a trans woman who enters a lesbian relationship with a cis woman. And they have a aroace friend It handles the topics well and was a standout in visual novels, we really recommend this one 10/10
positive · AI labelView post →Really cute relaxing comforting game. As someone who is trans it was really nice to see something that is a part of who i am get represented this honest, the highs and the lows. The soft calming art style and sweet story is really nice with multiple endings. Its very short but has a great story to be revisited if you need to calm down or relax when stressed. Its a wonderful game, with wonderful representation, themes, and messages. :3c
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i really loved this game !!! there's a 4 chapters long version, tho, A Year Of Springs, and it talks about additional stuff about being trans, and discovery as an aroace person !!! It's very sweet throughout and I would absolutely say, play the full version !! It's only 5$ on steam and switch !!
positive · AI labelView post →i just composed the song for fun but it ended up fitting perfectly in onhs which i first made for a jam in 2018 so i guess it's happy 1 year fulltime dev to me & happy 8 years to the very first seed that bloomed into A YEAR OF SPRINGS 💐 on soundcloud ➡ soundcloud.com/npckc/april-...
neutral · AI labelView post →A very cute game about girls figuring out who they are. Haru my baby Haru my skrungly Haru my blorbo
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A Year of Springs is a lighter read that introduces the concepts of transgender, bisexuality, and asexual/aromantic themes in Japan. It keeps things airy and hopeful as we enjoy a slice of life with friends becoming more comfortable with themselves as well as with each other. It is a gentle digestible and I appreciate the softness personally. Thumb's up!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game review? Ramble? Yeah ramble. A YEAR OF SPRINGS
neutral · AI labelView post →I was on the verge of tears if not crying the entire game, it just hit so close to home for me... An amazing story of friendship and acceptance and I will remember it forever
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's sweet! (Mild spoilers ahead) For whatever reason, playing from the perspective of Erika helped me get more perspective into myself than playing as Haru did. I think that seeing things from a cis perspective is something I hadn't really thought much about before, and I feel like it helped me gain a little empathy for them, as well as for myself. When Haru talked about how 'some people get angry' it made me cry because I felt like I was looking at my opposite.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I’m so glad I bought this game! Although it’s short, it’s such a heartwarming visual novel with wonderful LGBTQ+ representation. The characters are well written and I was completely immersed in the story and all its possible endings. It’s a truly beautiful experience that I’d highly recommend to everyone!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TRANS RIGHTS <3 🏳️⚧️
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This visual novel was so cute and an exploration of what it means to be LGBTQ+ in Japan. I loved it though I did wish it was longer. I always want more of the story when I play these types of games. Bonus: The emoticons you get from the Steam Trading Cards / points shop are absolutely adorable and might be among my favorites I have in my collection. 😍 For more reviews and recommendations check out the [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45071674-Under-Starry-Skies/] Under Starry…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm so glad I bought this game. It's cute, sensible and gives a good example of what's like growing up as a queer person. Totally worth it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i ehm im not trans myself in anyway but my partner is, and i honestly respect that so thats never been a problem, i bought this to understand him much better, more then i do now and i know ive didnt play much yet i got today but ehm it likes made me cry a lil couse well i didnt know it was this difficultt, i never knew, and im sorry for the ones out there who are not respected by society becouse of it, so ill deff finish the game but i hope trans people or any other people like yn gay or other…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i'll have the honour of talking in the goethe-institut's Female Protagonists event as part of the international woman game makers week in taipei this november! A YEAR OF SPRINGS will also be available to play alongside many other incredible games ✨ www.goethe.de/ins/tw/en/ku...
neutral · AI labelView post →Such a sweet and cozy story about friendship and self-acceptance. I really loved it!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've been out to my friends and family as transfem for over a year. So reading this now does hit me in a very sensitive spot, but in a good way. This VN deals with the many trivial but at the same time also overwhelming issues you face, often daily, as a transgender person. It also goes into discussing the more personal issues with self-worth (the lack there of), no sense of belonging, always feeling like the problem, the list goes on. Phenomenal game. I would've cried already on multiple…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just read that in Japan trans people might not have to be sterilized anymore to be recognized, that's a big leap forward. I had learned about that from the game A Year of Springs, which is still one of the most emotionally meaningful games I've covered on the channel.
positive · AI labelView post →this game is so cute... I thought it would just be a visual novel about cute girls, but then I discovered it's about acceptance and insecurities... really sweet, I loved it a lovely friend gave me this game too <3
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Appreciate what the game is going for, but was not a fan of the writing, for instance the fact that being open with Haru about the issues booking the spa leads to a bad end , kind of made it look like you need to treat lgtb+ people with kid's gloves, instead of, you know, treating them like regular people
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game 78: A Year of Springs This is so cute, its a visual novel about a trans woman who enters a lesbian relationship with a cis woman. And they have a aroace friend It handles the topics well and was a standout in visual novels, we really recommend this one 10/10
positive · AI labelView post →I will overthrow the entire galaxy for these three. On a serious note, the three main characters are quite honestly the most relatable people I could ever find. Haru is quite honestly a 1:1 on the trans experience and the emotions and feelings that go behind it. When playing through One Night, Hot Springs it killed me on the inside. Erika is the most relatable for me personality wise. If there is ever a person I strive to be, it is her. While Manami at first I thought would be the least…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I will 100% not forget this little cutesy visual novel that I simply could not close until I finished all the games in one sitting. It took 4.9 hours and I don't regret a thing! :3
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A Year of Springs is a cute game about three different people from different parts of the LGBTQ+ community finding both themselves AND a community even if small to live in. The art style is cute and so is the story, I had a good time reading through it and came out the other way hopeful. In a world where despairing over the general state of living as queer people is easy (because the suffering rarely ceases), finding a game where the ending for the first episode is titled "The world can…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is so sweet The characters' relationships feel real and genuine, as does the dialogue, even when it comes to defining terms. My real life experience is not 1:1 with the game but there's enough overlap for me to say I feel like it really nails the stories it's telling :>
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sweet game, a bit short for my taste though it helps on figuring out my identity more
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This was a very short but heartwarming queer visual novel that I think everyone should read on a cozy day. A Year of Springs is one of the best queer visual novels I've read recently, it really tackled a lot of the hardships LGBTQ+ people face in Japan and I think many all over can relate. The music and art in this visual novel was so cute especially the characters. The characters were also well written, especially Haru and Erika. Their development in each story was very nice to read and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cuts deep, but leaves a gentle scar
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Tonight I played A YEAR OF SPRINGS by @npckc.net and it made me feel things. Hard to verbalize exactly how I feel about it right now but I suspect this game is going to be important to me for a while. Highly recommended. Very worth the hour or so it takes to play.
positive · AI labelView post →ifmgonna fking sscream
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
Posts are quoted from public profiles with links to the original. Want yours removed? Contact us.
