The Counter Gambit

Editorial Worth it

The Counter Gambit is a revenge-themed visual novel inspired by a real 2023 Chinese university scandal. It follows a falsely accused student who is imprisoned, then emerges transformed and plots to expose his accusers. The narrative is straightforward and deliberately cathartic—described by players as "brainless" wish-fulfillment in the best sense—with solid pacing (3–4 hours) and generally positive reception for its story. However, opinion splits sharply on execution: many praise it as competent, character-driven revenge fiction with good production values; others find the dialogue dry, the investigation glossed over, and the emotional beats hollow—lacking the dramatic tension of films like Miss Sloane or Fracture it appears to reference. The adult content is sparse (6–7 scenes, all animated but brief) and secondary to the plot; some players feel it's thin for a game marketed with that focus, while others appreciate the restraint. The larger consensus: a solid short-form visual novel with a compelling premise and serviceable craft, but unambitious in scope and not a breakthrough work.