ef - the first tale. (All Ages)

ef - the first tale. (All Ages)

Released Oct 2019

What starts with a conversation between two long lost friends spills out into a captivating visual novel about four youths struggling to pursue their dreams and find their place in the world as love complicates everything.

94% positive · 202 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $14.99 $29.99 −50%
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Evaluation

ef - the first tale. (All Ages) is a visual novel published by MangaGamer that released on Steam on October 17, 2019. It is a port of an existing classic visual novel, and it launched as a complete, self-contained story with no post-launch content additions, DLC, or expansions announced or released. The only developer communication since launch was a post on December 19, 2024 announcing the addition of Simplified Chinese language support — a localization update rather than new content. No roadmaps, DLC plans, or future content have ever been communicated by the developer or publisher. The store description positions the game as a standalone experience ("Experience the classic tale that spawned the acclaimed anime for yourself") with no mention of planned additions. This game shipped as a finished product and has remained so throughout its time on Steam.
Evidence
Game is presented as a complete, standalone visual novel adaptation of a classic story, with no mention of DLC, expansions, or future content.
store metadata · Oct 17, 2019 source content shipped
medium
Publisher added Simplified Chinese language support. This is the only post-launch update on record — a localization patch, not new content.
news post · Dec 19, 2024 source ambiguous
low

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
MangaGamer
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player

About this game

What starts with a conversation between two long lost friends spills out into a captivating tale about four youths struggling to pursue their dreams and find their place in the world as love complicates everything.

In this coming-of-age, slice-of-life drama, you'll immerse yourself into the stories of an artist trying to balance his budding career and final years of school, a free-spirited woman seeking something that can hold her interest, a proud female athlete, and an aspiring film-maker, as they navigate the hurdles of their dreams and the way love begins changing their relationships with each other.

Experience the classic tale that spawned the acclaimed anime for yourself.

ef utilizes over a thousand CG, animated expressions, lip synch, along with careful, detailed production and direction to create a truly cinematic experience rarely found in visual novels.

The complicated relationships between the characters unfolds into a truly relatable drama with ups and downs, joys and heartaches, and a love story that will stick with you.

You'll get to see the stories being woven from the POV of all four main characters, adding to their depth and providing you a broader view of their growth and development throughout these tales.

Last evaluated Jun 25, 2026
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