#7scarlet visual novel

[ame-tsuchi]

Shintō elements/easter eggs in 7'scarlet

Charakter names:

Hanamaki (花蒔) -> Konohana Sakuyabime (木花之佐久夜毗売)

Kagutsuchi Hino (迦具土 ヒノ) -> Hino Kagutsuchi no Kami (火之迦具土神)

Amari (甘梨) -> Kamo no kimi (甘茂君)

Kushinada (櫛奈雫) -> Kushinadahime (櫛名田比売)

Tatehira (建比良) -> Takehiratori no mikoto (建比良鳥命)

Murakumo (叢雲) -> Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi (天叢雲剣) (other name for imperial regalia Kusanagi)

Hirasaka (比良坂) -> Yomotsu Hirasaka (黄泉比良坂)

Susano (須沙野) -> Takehaya Susanowo no Mikoto (建速須佐之男命)

Kukuri (久々利) -> Kukunochi no Kami (久々能智神)

Tsukuyomi Kagura (月読 カグラ) -> Tsukuyomi no mikoto (月読命); kagura (神楽)

Karasuma Chikage (烏丸 チカゲ) -> Yatagarasu (八咫烏)

Yatsukami Hanate (夜刀神 ハナテ) -> Yatsugatake Mountains (八ヶ岳連峰; myth-related to Konohana Sakuyabime); Konohana Sakuyabime (木花之佐久夜毗売); Futotama no mikoto (布刀玉命)

Other:

Iwanagahime myth -> Iwanagahime (石長比売), sister of Konohana Sakuyabime

[otomeverything]

NOTE: This review is SPOILER FREE.

7’SCARLET

Release Date: May 25, 2018 (North America) Developers:  Toybox Inc, Otomate Publishers:  Idea Factory, Aksys Games Platforms:  PS Vita ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

As the second title released by Aksys Games for their Summer Mystery Bundle, 7’scarlet offers one gripping mystery-solving game play amplified with a cute touch of romance.

Walkthroughs:

Hino Kagutsuchi Isora Amari Toa Kushinada Sosuke Tatehira Yuzuki Murakumo True Route & Final Character

  Read the game’s synopsis here.

  FIRST IMPRESSIONS Otome Visual Novels are either a hit or a miss when it comes to it’s story narratives. Just like Collar x Malice, 7’scarlet did one hell of a job foregoing a very intriguing mystery-type plot line while having a few romantic events as an additive to its overarching deep story. Like a really good book or a TV series, it was so hard to brush off the game’s story build-up as it became curiously engaging in each chapter you progress.

With the help of it’s unique visuals and animations, playing 7’scarlet was close to watching your favorite anime series.

  ART One of the things I really enjoyed while playing 7’scarlet was seeing its astonishing BG images. It’s just so pretty, it’s like wallpaper material, no kidding! (giggle)

. The game’s artist was non other than, Kurahana Chinatsu an illustrator who’s also famous for her other popular works such as the character designs for Uta no Prince-Sama, Lamento (Beyond the Void), and Togainu no Chi.

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Looking at these lovely BG images reminded me of browsing through expensive art catalogs!

  SOUNDTRACK AND VOICE ACTING There are two opening themes, “World’s End Syndrome” and “LOVESICK”, you can unlock the latter after finishing a certain route in the game. The BGMs are good too, some are rather simple but very fitting for the game’s setting and story transitions. Heck, I ended up buying the whole 7’scarlet soundtrack in iTunes.

And like any other game, there will always be that one song you’ll end up getting stuck with, even after completing  the game. Dat-one-song that gave you so much FEELS. In 7’scarlet, mine would have to be the song “Starry”.

  Voice Acting

Nobunaga Shimazaki “Hino“ – Napoleon (Ikevamp), Kurogane Naoto (BlazBlue), Mitsuhide (Sengoku Nightblood)

Tetsuya Kakihara “Isora“ – Shin (Amnesia), Victor Frankenstein (Code Realize), Karasuba (Pyschedelica BB), Toki Tanba (Charming Empire)

Showtaro Morikubo “Toa“ – Impey (Code Realize), Reiji (Uta no Prince-sama), Okita (Hakuoki)

Chiharu Sawashiro “Sosuke“ – Shila (Snow White and the Red hair), Hero (Caligula Effect)

Shinichirou Miki “Yuzuki“ – Hijikata (Hakuoki), Nesso Galland (Black Wolves Saga), Bucket-Sensei (Bad Apple Wars)

Sanae Kobayashi “Yuki“ – Sara Nome (Macross Zero), Nagisa (Maid Sama)

Hiroki Yasumoto “Mr. Karasuma“ – Azrael (BlazBlue), Nidai Nekomaru (Danganropa V3), Hyuga (KLAP)

Hiroki Takahashi “Kagura Tsukuyomi“ – Rayne (Neo Angelique Abyss), Otohiko (Kamisama Kiss), Koujaku (DRAMAtical Murder)

Daisuke Kishio “Yasu“ – Azusa (Diabolik Lovers), Mizushima Arata (Kiniro no Corda: Bluesky), Kuzuryuu (Danganropa V3)

Chiwa Saito “Yua“ – Aoi Asahina (Danganropa V3), Taokaka (BlazBlue), Domina (Period Cube), Fate (Caster)

  MAIN CHARACTERS (SPOILER FREE)

Recommended play order:

1)Hino 2)Isora 3)Toa – only unlocks after finishing Hino and Isora’s good ending 4)Sosuke – only unlocks after finishing Toa’s good ending 5)Yuzuki – only unlocks after finishing all of the character’s good ending

  Hino Kagutsuchi

Childhood friend

Sporty

Dork

Hino’s story was cute. It had very few spoilers regarding the game’s overarching plot but his route did a good job catering as a story build-up for the oncoming routes you’ll get in to after finishing the first two recommended ones (his and Isora’s). I enjoyed the fact that Hino was physically a jock on the outside but covertly the biggest dork on the inside

(the guy fangirls on ‘kawaii’ things! Awww). His romance ventured more into the friendship-type-love rather than a mature one. His route wasn’t my favorite, but it was definitely a good start, nevertheless.

  Isora Amari

Best Chef

Hot tempered

Jealous

Yandere

Just like Hino’s route, Isora’s story offers very few spoilers of the game’s underlying plot but was well written enough to create a very mysterious atmosphere of the town, Okunezato. Isora’s character depth was also deeper than I expected and I wished the writers expounded more on the justification of this character’s actions rather than just throwing it on the spot. Despite this, I love Isora Amari’s story. It had great pacing, enough to give you that creep factor you seek in every mystery-themed visual novel. His romance, on the other hand may or may not suit everyone’s preferences. Although I personally enjoyed it, I can understand how it may not work for some. ┐(︶▽︶)┌

  Toa Kushinada

Cat mom

Clumsy af

Color blind

such a sweet boi!

So my first impression with Toa was: “Really?! I have to romance this clumsy nerd, seriously, game?”. Then I started playing his route just to get it over with and oh my goodness! I did not expected the sudden turn of events! 

As I’ve probably mentioned repeatedly on my previous reviews… I absolutely love it when a game catches you off guard, and this route takes the cake! I was left speechless.  I couldn’t talk more about his story without going into spoiler territory so I’ll leave it at this: Toa was such a great character and he deserves all the love in the world! Best boy (imo), one that’s definitely unforgettable.

  Sosuke Tatehira

Smart

Neat freak!

Best Doctor

OC!

If there was one route that got me at the edge of my seat in 7’scarlet ~ it was definitely Sosuke’s. His story had great pacing where it started off very light and warm then surprisingly escalated into a few bemusing affairs. His route also introduced a more definitive and deeper story regarding the mysteries surrounding the town of Okunezato. While the suspense was a little overwhelming in this route, I wanted to commend on how the romance never took a back seat in Sosuke’s story. His relationship with the heroine felt genuinely real and I love both his and Ichiko’s character development. I also loved the fact that Sosuke was such a neat freak and becomes very obsessive-compulsive about something so simple such as a goldfish scooping game! The perfect husbando, if you ask me! (chuckles)

  Yuzuki Murakumo

Jerk Boss

Hot!!!

Intense

Tsundere

While the suspense was building up in Sosuke’s previous route, Yuzuki’s story on the other hand was a power house of thrill and drama coupled with a few action packed scenes and romantic events… And although it happened so fast, all at the same time, I’ve got to say it was paced really well that it didn’t came out too forced nor too overwhelming with information. I personally love Yuzuki’s character. He’s cold and irritable on the outside but inside his icy personality is one very warm fluffy husbando! 

 His story was probably the most compelling as far as solving the mysteries of Okunezato goes.

  Ichiko Hanamaki (You)

amnesiac heroine (explained in ??? ‘s route)

hates strawberries (explained in ??? ‘s route)

can’t swim (explained in ??? ‘s route)

Despite the the main protagonist’s naivety and recklessness to a point where you’d clearly have to question this heroine’s sense of danger 

 (laughs), Ichiko Hanamaki had a couple of good points up her sleeve such as her strong will and determination to look for her disappeared older brother in spite of being absolutely clueless on where to begin. Another enjoyable aspect, was how this heroine sometimes gets shamelessly clumsy in declaring her love to the gentleman of her liking. She had a couple of funny moments that got me all “wtf lol” ~ so it was never a dull moment playing her as the MC. 

    And it gets better… So the story doesn’t really end there. After finishing Hino, Isora, Toa, Sosuke, and Yuzuki’s route. Two more routes unlocks in this game.

Who is the culprit?

Another factor why this game was so entertaining to me was that it reminded me of playing Mafiascum; where each player gets to accuse anybody as the culprit and the accused needs to present alibis to which another player/s confirms it to prove his innocence.

As someone who’s been playing mafiascum online for a long time, the game’s conclusion was somewhat predictable but I’ve got to admit, it was one gripping read and the “True Ending” was painfully heartbreaking.

  TRAILER

  OVERALL THOUGHTS?

7’scarlet is a very well written mystery themed visual novel. While the story appeared so simple, the events where paced so good that the rise and fall of tension as you unravel the mysteries remained suspenseful enough to keep you wanting for more.

I had a couple of moments where I really couldn’t put down the game for a second just to eat or sleep because I had to know, I NEEED to know what will happen next!

Truth be told, I had never expected I’d get so emotionally attached to this game. It’s really one gripping read. It’s one of those titles that’s hard to get over with even after finishing the game play. I think an overall rating of 4.5/5 is an appropriate mark for 7’scarlet. The rest of the .05 completing the perfect score is just me wishing they could’ve done more with the last secret route as I did felt it to be a little lacking as far as how the story concluded.

I would say the animation and movie clips were an additional plus points. Although without it, the game still excels as one of the most compelling stories an otome game has to offer. Do I recommend this game? YESSSS! If you’re looking for a good mystery-romance themed visual novel with great art, music, animation and one unforgettable story that will rob you of words, 7’scarlet is the perfect choice. All your money’s worth it too.

            Romance and Folklore – 7’scarlet Review NOTE: This review is SPOILER FREE. 7'SCARLET Release Date: May 25, 2018 (North America) Developers:  Toybox Inc, Otomate…

[pinayillustrada]

7 Things I Like About 7’scarlet (Plus some stuff that I don’t like): A mini-review

Grad school life has been busy. Apart from interviews for my data chapters, there’s teaching, writing and other research, but the good thing about this week was that I had enough downtime to finish 7’scarlet.

I do not really have time to write a full review, so in exchange, I’ll just list seven things that I appreciate about this game. I’ve written this in the way that spoilers are kept to the minimum. I’m starting with the stuff I like:

1. Short well-paced, well-crafted mystery

This game is a reminds me so much of those young adult mysteries that one could marathon within a day or a few more days (but not more than a week). It’s very easy to pick up but not easy to put down, because the mystery is gripping.

These days, I’ve also grown to love short games. Especially on busy times, short games are so much easier to pick up and commit to. Many major otome game releases are long, such as the two-part version of Hakuoki, Norn9, Ikemen Sengoku, Mystic Messenger and many others. I’ve grown to love shorter games because the pacing usually tends to be better, and one could keep track of lore and game information more easily. It works really well for this game especially because this is a mystery where players would need to remember certain things to make some plot points work.

With the plot structure though is that it restricts route choices in the beginning, because many routes are locked to allow for things to be revealed gradually. It’s very obvious that the correct route order is pretty much Hino-->Isora-->Toa-->Sosuke-->Yuzuki-->True Route-->Secret Ending. But this is really something I don’t really mind, since I’m a completionist anyway. Each route ending reveals and teases enough to make one play the other routes.

2. Well-written characters

Good mysteries are all about entanglements. It’s about knowing characters and understanding that there are layers to people. Because it is a mystery, it is a given that people have secrets. This is why a bunch of good otome games are mysteries, because writing a good mystery usually involves writing complex characters.

While a bunch of the boys could still be categorized into types such as the yandere, kuudere, the childhood friend, etc, there are enough layers on them to make one genuinely interested in them. Moreover, a bunch of them are written well enough that one could ignore most of the character tropes used.

3. Small town setting

One of the things that I forgot to add in my Collar x Malice short review (here) is how I appreciated the use of a limited space to tell the story and build its world. Collar x Malice is set in a dystopian version of Shinjuku, and it posts interesting questions about corruption and how justice can or should be achieved. In good mysteries, the setting or the world itself tells a story, and this is why the best ones have small contained locations.

This game, by limiting the setting to one small town, does the exact same thing. It’s small enough to allow glimpses into the entanglements and connections of each character. The story that the small town setting tells here has a lot to do with traditions, superstition, death, and humanity.

4. The Supernatural and What it Means to Be Human

Something I appreciate about otome games with sci-fi and fantasy elements is how they ask questions of what makes humans human. In Code: Realize, we have a monster as a protagonist, and Cardia’s humanity shines through in the way she relates to people, and how other people are contrasted to her, showing how humanity can do awful things to others. Similarly, in Hakuoki, one could see something human in some of the Shinsengumi’s decision to become monsters or rasetsu, in their desire to strive and become more than what they are. It’s almost Faustian, and the game frames human striving as something admirable.

7’scarlet does not have the depth of Code: Realize or Hakuoki, but in its use of supernatural elements, it does ask the question of what it means to be human. One could see this a lot in Yuzuki’s route and the true route.

5. Showtaro Morikubo and Shinichiro Miki

The Shinsengumi boys are back and one could say that this is some of their best work right here. Showtaro Morikubo, who was Okita in Hakuoki and Impey in Code: Realize, plays a cat nerd who is a lot more than what he seems. Playing Toa, he has shown that he can be both funny and dramatic. Also, he sings one of the songs in the game, so wait for that. Shinichiro Miki sounds a lot like Hijikata at first, but Yuzuki has some surprisingly humourous moments. This game showed me that he can be good at sarcasm.

6. Moving images

Most visual novels nowadays mostly have still images, so anything moving is a novelty. This game has a number of in-game movies and moving backgrounds that it is very refreshing.

7. Not all happy endings are happy

The game has decided to take the high road. It is a brave thing to break away from formula, but it fits well here. Some of the bittersweet endings are the ones that will stay with you.

As much as there are a lot of things I like about this game, there are also a bunch of things I didn’t like:

1. Major plot points rely on damseling the heroine. 2. Some of the lore could have been fleshed out more 3. Villain is a bit two-dimensional 4. The relationship in the secret ending route is creepy. It involves gaslighting and this is portrayed as something romantic. The closest comparison one could give is the true ending in Dandelion. It’s interesting and it logically ties everything together, but it has creepy implications.

I did not give much detail to that because explaining will give so many spoilers.

My route ranking is as follows from BEST to WORST: True route-->Toa-->Yuzuki-->Sosuke-->Hino-->Isora-->Secret route

It does not top CollarxMalice for me last year. I’m still finishing Psychedelika of the Black Butterfly, so I can’t compare it to that yet. But overall, I think it’s a good otome game to pick up for those who want some summer intrigue.

[akamaidart]

Toa

[satoshi-mochida]

Intragames will release Idea Factory and Toybox Inc.-developed otome visual novel 7’scarlet for PC via Steam in 2019, the publisher announced.

The game first launched for PS Vita in Japan in July 2016, followed by North America and Europe in May 2018 via publisher Aksys Games.

The PC version will feature English, Korean, and Simplified Chinese text support, as well as full Japanese voice-overs, and high-definition visuals.

Here is an overview of the game, via Intragames:

7’scarlet tells the story of a brave young girl Ichiko Hanamaki investigating the disappearance of her brother in the remote town of Okunezato. Players will encounter romance between intriguing characters that conceives their own desires. Break into a plot full of suspense, love, and mystery, and challenge your detective skills amidst the chaos.

Followed by her childhood friend Kagutsuchi Hino, they form intimate relationship with inn owner Murakumo Yuzuki, cafe chef Amari Isora, staffer Hirasaka Yuki, Kushinada Toa, and more. Players can explore multiple character paths and change the course of the story as it plays out against beautifully illustrated environments with dynamic background effects.

Developed by Idea Factory and Toybox Inc., with characters designed by Chinatsu Kurahana and featuring the original voice actors, the Steam version of 7’scarlet will support high-definition display for more interactive visuals and artwork.

[satoshi-mochida]

The PC version of 7’scarlet will launch via Steam on March 12, publisher Intragames announced. It will be available at a 10 percent-off discount price and include a free set of seven exclusive wallpapers featuring full-size and chibi characters until April 12.

The otome visual novel first launched for PS Vita in Japan in July 2016, followed by North America and Europe in May 2018 via publisher Aksys Games.

The PC version will feature English, Korean, and Simplified Chinese text support, as well as full Japanese voice-overs, and high-definition visuals.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

The remote town of Okunezato is shaped like a crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends. Take on the role of a brave young woman journeying into the unknown to uncover dangerous truths and locate her missing brother with her childhood friend. They find the area rife with mystery and populated by intriguing characters, each harboring their own hidden motivations. Encounter heart-racing twists and turns as you dig deeper into the story.

You’ll explore the town caged by nature, Okunezato, and learn its many legends and folklores, and you’ll help your friend Kagutsuchi Hino discover the mystery behind the disappearance of her older brother. Follow the footsteps of Kagutsuchi’s older brother in 7’scarlet.

Key Features

Choose your fate – Explore multiple character paths and change the course of the story. Play through the game multiple times to uncover the entire tale

Experience stunning artwork – Witness this colorful story coming to life with beautiful character illustrations and dynamic background effects

Unravel the enigma – Use your detective skills to question the eclectic members of the “Mystery Club” and solve this challenging interactive puzzle

Experience a crime-solving mystery from the famed developer Otomate, a maker of great visual novel / romance simulation adventures

Watch a trailer below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

[satoshi-mochida]

Aksys Games has announced its “Summer of Mystery” which consists of three PS Vita otome visual novel games launching in April, May, and June in North America, respectively.

Here is an overview of each title:

Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly

Release Date: April 27

About

Aksys Games is proud to announce that the surreal world of Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly will envelop North America on April 27, 2018 physically and digitally for the PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system. The game will also be released in both formats in the EU Spring 2018. From the masters of the genre, Idea Factory and Otomate, is companions on a quest to recover their lost memories. Combining elegant artwork, stunning romances, and a mysterious setting, the story begins with a young woman waking up mansion with no recollection of how she got there. Adding to her confusion, she can no longer remember her name or past. However, before she can come to grips with her predicament, she is suddenly attacked by a grotesque monster and is forced to run for her life.

Key Features

Choose Your Destiny – Follow the black butterflies as your choices unlock numerous story paths, a mansion full of intriguing characters, and a multitude of surprising endings.

Fantastical Artwork – Bright, psychedelic colors contrast with dark, muted tones, creating a surreal and highly unique atmosphere.

Hunt the Black Butterflies – Defeat the black butterflies with the help of your trusty sidearm to unlock special story segments.

An Unforgettable Adventure – A hauntingly beautiful, suspense-filled love story from Otomate (Idea Factory), makers of the finest visual novel/romance simulation adventures.

7’scarlet

Release Date: May 25

About

Aksys Games is proud to announce the moonlit wonder of 7’scarlet coming to mystify North America on May 25, 2018. Developed by Idea Factory and Toy box Inc, 7’scarlet is a beautifully interwoven story of suspense, romance, and mystery. Take on the role of a brave young woman journeying into the unknown to uncover dangerous truths and locate her missing brother. The remote town of Okune-zato is shaped like crescent moon and shrouded in dark myths and legends. Following the disappearance of her brother, the protagonist ventures to Okune-zato with her childhood friend. They find the area rife with mystery and populated by intriguing characters, each harboring their own hidden motivations. Encounter heart-racing twists and turns as you dig deeper into the story.

Key Features

Choose your Fate – Explore multiple character paths and change the course of the story! play through the game multiple times to uncover the entire tale.

Experience stunning artwork – Witness this colorful story coming to life with beautiful character illustrations and dynamic background effects.

Unravel the Enigma – Use your detective skills to question the eclectic members of the “Mystery Club” and solve this challenging interactive puzzle.

Play the Best – Experience a crime-solving mystery from famed developer Otomate (Idea Factory), makers of the finest visual novel/romance simulation adventures.

Psychedelica of The Ashen Hawk

Release Date: June 29

About

Aksys Games is proud to announce Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk will swoop down on North America on June 29, 2018 exclusively for the PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system. From the masters of the genre, Idea Factory and Otomate, Psychedelic of the Ashen Hawk is a suspense-filled tale of a young woman who was born with an eye that gleams with a scarlet light. In order to avoid being cast out, she masquerades as a young boy and lives in a derelict tower on the outskirts of town. One day a mysterious treasuries stolen from the city church. Our heroine learns that not only do magic stones exist and are hidden within the city, but also the secret of her origins.

Key Features

Map Your Progress – Unlock side stories and entertaining vignettes as you progress through the main scenario and learn more about the heroine, heroes, and villains that drive the narrative forward.

Go with the Flow – Keep track of the ebb and flow of the story as well as the various story paths with an interactive flowchart that allows you to go back and make alternate conversation choices.

Choose your DOOM – with a number of alternate endings and story paths, take control of the future. Will you find true happiness and romance, or will Fate cast you into a pit of despair?

Play the Best – A hauntingly beautiful, suspense-filled love story from Otomate (Idea Factory), makers of the finest interactive fiction adventure.

Each game will include character cards inside the package, and users who purchase all three titles can get an exclusive set of collector pins. Only 1,000 sets of the collector pins will be made, and are available on a first come, first served basis to US residents by July 31, 2018. A small shipping and handling charge will also be applied.

[satoshi-mochida]

Idea Factory otome visual novel 7’scarlet is coming to PS Vita in North America in 2018, Aksys Games announced at Anime Expo 2017.

Here’s an overview of the game, via VNDB:

The summer holdays. A town caged by nature, Okunezato. One year ago in this town, her older brother suddenly disappeared without a trace.

Shaped like a fragment of the moon, a nostalgic atmosphere permeates the town. It is known for having many legends and folklores. As a result of the continued population decline, the amount of modern-looking buildings have increased in the main street. The town is starting to gain attention due to its status as a “mystery hot spot” amongst the youngsters in the underground scene.

One day, during summer vacation, the protagonist and university student Hanamaki Ichiko is invited by Kagutsuchi Hino- her childhood friend in the same university year level as her- to go to Okunezato in order to look for her disappeared older brother together. Hino had found the “Forbidden Okunezato Club”, a website in which its visitors discuss the mysteries and legends of Okunezato. Taking advantage of the offline meeting between the visitors that will take place during the summer holidays, he suggests to look into her brother’s disappearance during this time. With Hino having pushed her back, Ichiko wills herself to go to Okunezato.

The young men from the Forbidden Okunezato Club website had gathered at the Fuurin Hotel- the live-in chef Amari Isora, the cat lover otaku Kushinada Toa, the med student Tatehira Sousuke and the owner of Fuurin Hotel, Murakumo Yuzuki. Others such as the genius middle schooler who assists with managing the hotel, Hirasaka Yuki, the landscape photographer Tsukuyomi Kagura, the unsociable novelist Karasuma Chikage and the video game-loving female employee of Fuurin, Susano Yua, also become involved as they all get caught up in mysterious incidents.

The “other face” of Okunezato comes to light as rumours regarding the “Legend of the Dead” are treated as though they were fact. Everytime they follow the footsteps of her disappeared brother, mysterious events spark. The true existence of the forbidden grounds, and the legendary flower that only blooms in Okunezato…

The truth behind these incidents lead to a surprising and totally unexpected ending.

Watch an off-screen trailer below.

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