Red Embrace
- February 15, 2018
- Argent Games
Get on Steam"Red Embrace: Hollywood" is a visual novel game set in 1980s Hollywood. You play as a young, ambitious actor who becomes entangled in the world of vampires. Navigate complex relationships, make moral choices, and uncover dark secrets as you try to survive in this supernatural thriller. The game features multiple endings based on your decisions.
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Reviews
- The game features beautiful artwork and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere.
- The characters are well-developed and distinct, making the romance routes engaging and enjoyable.
- The personality choice system allows for varied interactions and outcomes, adding replayability to the game.
- The story is quite short and feels rushed, with some routes lacking depth and detail.
- Choices can lead to bad endings without clear guidance, making it frustrating for players trying to achieve good outcomes.
- The art styles clash at times, particularly between character sprites and CGs, which can be jarring for players.
- story150 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as short and somewhat rushed, with many players feeling that it lacks depth and detail, particularly if only one route is explored. While the characters and their individual arcs are appreciated, the limited choices and underdeveloped backstories detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the game is still considered enjoyable for its engaging romance elements and appealing art and music, making it a decent choice for fans of visual novels.
“The art is really nice, the music suits the setting, and the story is well written.”
“The love routes are unique enough that each ending and character bring a different aspect of the world and story.”
“I absolutely love that different answers change the attitude and personality of the main character, and consequently the outcome of the story or route.”
“The main plot points that the entire game is based on are vaguely explained without much detail, so if you only play one route, it seems rushed and very short.”
“Unfortunately, the choices felt too limited, which made the story feel out of my control and too punishing.”
“The story just skips potentially weeks of character development that would have made the romances between the player character and their chosen partner much more believable.”
- music67 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience, particularly in relation to the vampire theme. While some players found the soundtrack excellent and immersive, others noted that it could become repetitive over time. Overall, the music is considered a strong point, effectively setting the mood and complementing the game's visuals and narrative.
“The music, though? Like, I came for a vampire story and stayed for the music.”
“This is all greatly helped by excellent music which sets the mood just right.”
“The writing is fantastic and beautifully scripted, the music and scene transitions set a captivating atmosphere unlike most cheap visual novels I read, and all the characters (including the main character) with their witty banters got me dying for more!”
“The music is decent, but forgettable.”
“I thought choosing the protagonist's gig (music/art/writing) didn't really add anything to the story.”
“Some intimate scenes might have benefited from quieter volume or non-intrusive loop versions (compare Telltale's 'Bigby's Apartment' track) as sometimes the music took over one's concentration on the longer sentences.”
- graphics46 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their beautiful artwork and compelling atmosphere, enhanced by a stellar soundtrack. However, many users express concerns about the clash between different art styles used for character graphics and sprites, which can be jarring at times. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall visual presentation is appreciated, with many finding the character designs distinct and appealing.
“Such beautiful artwork, very neat atmosphere.”
“The cgs are absolutely gorgeous and I love the sprites too; the art style is really different and appealing.”
“I liked the art style of this game; it really suited the atmosphere and general feel of the game.”
“Maybe the only complaint that I really have is the clash between art styles for the CGs and sprites.”
“The issue I have with the game is the artwork - three different art styles for different elements of the game can be jarring.”
“The art styles don't mesh well at times.”
- atmosphere15 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its stunning artwork, compelling soundtrack, and engaging character interactions, creating a captivating and sensual experience without explicit content. The visuals, including attractive sprites and atmospheric backgrounds, enhance the romantic tension and dark undertones associated with the vampire theme. Overall, the combination of beautiful writing and immersive music contributes to a unique and memorable atmosphere that stands out among visual novels.
“But its strengths lie in a very compelling atmosphere mostly weaved by a stellar soundtrack and attractive visuals; and also in details, character interactions, and sensual moments. It's very sexy without having any explicit content whatsoever.”
“The writing is fantastic and beautifully scripted, the music and scene transitions set a captivating atmosphere unlike most cheap visual novels I've read, and all the characters (including the main character) with their witty banter got me dying for more!”
“I was more than happy to have the background music playing, even if it did get a little repetitive. I feel it helped create that dark and slightly seedy atmosphere that I associate with vampire games—highlighting the divide between those vampires living the decadent high life and the more unfortunate ones that have to scrape by to survive.”
“I was more than happy to have the background music playing, even if it did get a little repetitive, and I feel it helped create that dark and slightly seedy atmosphere that I associate with vampire games. I like to think of the divide between those vamps living the decadent high life and then the more unfortunate ones that have to scrape by to survive.”
“Most of the tension and atmosphere are thanks to Rupert Cole's compositions.”
“The writing is fantastic and beautifully scripted, the music and scene transitions set a captivating atmosphere unlike most cheap visual novels I've read.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many players finding it genuinely funny and entertaining. The relatable characters and clever writing contribute to moments of laughter, often eliciting strong reactions, such as waking pets from laughter. Overall, the comedic elements are a standout feature that enhances the gaming experience.
“I found myself laughing and smiling at times!”
“- Great writing (I was laughing so hard at times I woke my cat).”
“The writing is entertaining and funny.”
- emotional10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively evokes a range of emotions, from heartfelt affection for the characters to deep sadness due to their heartbreaking fates. Players appreciate the authenticity of the emotional moments, with characters that feel genuine and relatable, particularly noting the contrast in Dominic's tough exterior and his underlying emotional depth. Overall, the emotional impact is significant, leaving players invested in the characters' journeys and outcomes.
“They were cute, they made me feel emotion, none of them felt forced, and I wanted these characters to get their happily-ever-afters.”
“Some of the endings were extremely heartbreaking because of what happens to the characters.”
“[b]Dominic[/b] -- appears to be a stoic tough guy, but is actually a nice, emotional guy.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, primarily due to its unique choice system that enhances player engagement despite a simplistic story. Many users feel that the content justifies the cost, especially when purchased at a discount, making it a worthwhile experience for multiple playthroughs.
“For the price I paid (sale price -25%), I felt there was enough content and replayability to be worth the cost.”
“Great replayability.”
“But there's a lot of replayability to be had too.”
“Since the story is squeezed and even feels like a rudimentary set-up for these moments, the somewhat weird choice system does not add much interest or replayability.”
“For the price I paid (sale price -25%), I felt there was not enough content and replayability to justify the cost.”
- character development8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted for its inconsistency, with some players feeling that the disconnect between character designs in sprites and CGs detracts from the overall experience. While the foundation for character development is recognized as strong, many reviewers express disappointment that the narrative skips over crucial moments that could enhance the believability of romantic relationships. Overall, the character designs are appreciated, but the execution of their development leaves room for improvement.
“It sounds like Dry Delight and Red Embrace have their roots in common, and they have a winning formula for character development.”
“The story just skips potentially weeks of character development that would have made the romances between the player character and their chosen partner much more believable.”
“I love all of the character designs, and the backgrounds were really helpful in setting the tone for each scene.”
“The story just skips potentially weeks of character development that would have made the romances between the PC and their chosen partner much more believable.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its innovative choice and personality mechanics, which enhance player engagement and decision-making. Reviewers find these features to be a standout aspect of the game, contributing to a more personalized experience.
“Love the choice and personality mechanic.”
“Ingenious personality mechanic.”
