romance

What a weird thing Sorry We’re Closed is. Coming from al a mode games, this homage to survival horror coats it in a vibrant palette with a story heavily focused around love. It almost teeters into chaos but there’s enough craft on display to result in something unique. It’s stylish, […]

Sorry We’re Closed – PS5 Review

April 1, 2025 in PS5 / Reviews tagged al a mode games / androgyny / dutch angles / fetish / fixed perspective / killer7 / lgbt / loud aesthetic / love / romance / sorry we're closed / valve puzzles by Mike

Alright, back to the visual novel gulag. I’ve avoided them for a while but this one at least feels historic, in a sense. Never 7: The End of Infinity originally released in 2000 in Japan and was previously only available to Westerners via a fan translation. Now KID’s effort has […]

Never 7: The End of Infinity – PS4 Review

March 9, 2025 in PS4 / Reviews tagged choose your own adventure / kid / never 7 the end of infinity / romance / sci fi / stranded teenagers / time loop / visual novel by Mike

Okay, I don’t think when I started this job, dating sims, with the incorporation of toys like those strong rabbit vibrators, would be on the menu. Least of all, Kaichu: The Kaiju Dating Sim. Coming from Squiddershins, this wholesome effort may be light on gameplay but delivers some cute, charming […]

Kaichu: The Kaiju Dating Sim – PS5 Review

September 7, 2022 in PS5 / Reviews tagged giant robot / kaichu the kaiju dating sim / kaiju battle / love / personality test / romance / squiddershins by Mike

Of all the hobbies I’ve latched on to over the years, gaming’s probably the one that’s stuck with me throughout life. I’m not going to crowbar some sentimental nonsense into this review but I’ve not seen the time I’ve spent in front of a computer or console as wasted. That […]

Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers – PS5 Review

May 29, 2022 in PS5 / Reviews tagged arcade spirits the new challengers / dating simulator / esports / gaming / relationships / ren'py / romance / visual novel by Mike

I don’t know what I expect from visual novels any more. I keep wondering if I’m ever going to be given one that’s got more intrigue and a story that will actually grip me. I came into this genre well aware of the stereotypes and Angels with Scaly Wings hammers […]

Angels with Scaly Wings – PS4 Review

May 9, 2021 in PS4 / Reviews tagged angels with scaly wings / crime / dating simulator / dragons / narratively-driven / radical phi / romance / sci fi / visual novel by Mike

Can I level with you guys? I don’t think I like the way visual novels play out. I don’t like the stereotypes they conform to, the fact they seem so reluctant to play a straight story. How to Take Off Your Mask Remastered is another one of those. Developed by […]

How to Take Off Your Mask Remastered – PS4 Review

February 20, 2021 in PS4 / Reviews tagged anime / cat girls / creepy japanese / how to take off your mask remastered / narratively-driven / ratalaika / romance / roseverta / visual novel by Mike

As maligned as the visual novel genre is, I keep wondering if I’m going to come across one with a genuinely good story. They do exist but I find the majority I encounter land in the same trappings that stifle my enjoyment of a good read. The latest to cross […]

Autumn’s Journey – PS4 Review

December 15, 2020 in PS4 / Reviews tagged apple cider / autumn's journey / dodgy parenting / dragons / friendship / narratively-driven / romance / visual novel by Mike

Say the words visual novel to me and I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Just through osmosis, I’ve gained a perception of a genre that has a rather uneasy underbelly to it. Strawberry Vinegar manages to punch this home every step of the way. Coming from […]

Strawberry Vinegar – PS4 Review

June 6, 2020 in PS4 / Reviews tagged anime girls / children / choose your own adventure / ebi-hime / feeder fetish / narratively-driven / romance / visual novel by Mike