AIR
Also known as Air · エアー
Drama, Fantasy, Romance · by Key (VisualArts) · published by VisualArts · 2025
A wandering puppeteer stops in a seaside town for the summer, searching for a girl with wings his mother told him about, and finds a lonely girl who wants a friend.
Who it's for: Readers who want a slow, sunlit summer story that grows into a mythic tragedy, and who don't mind a strict route order.
The story (spoiler-free)
Yukito Kunisaki travels the country earning coins with a puppet he moves without touching it. Broke and stranded in a quiet coastal town, he is adopted by Misuzu, a cheerful girl with no friends who asks him to stay.
The opening 'Dream' arc follows three girls through a hot summer. Finishing it unlocks 'Summer', a story set a thousand years earlier, and then 'Air', which ties everything together.
Key's second game, now officially in English with full voice acting.
Where to play
Switch edition (2025)
Nintendo eShop ↗Guides & resources
Why play it
- +A famous, ambitious three-part structure
- +Strong summer atmosphere and soundtrack
- +A finale often named among the saddest in the medium
- +Steam Deck Verified
Keep in mind
- −The final arc is mostly watched rather than played
- −Fixed route order before the real story opens up
- −Some early comedy has aged poorly
Main characters
Content warnings
Show 6 content warnings
If you like AIR
Kanon
Also drama and fantasy, male lead, similar length.
CLANNAD
Also drama and fantasy, male lead, longer.
Little Busters! English Edition
Also drama and fantasy, male lead, longer.
planetarian HD
Also drama, male lead, shorter, linear, no choices.