Salome's Kiss
- April 26, 2022
- ebi-hime
Get on Steam"Salome's Kiss" is a narrative-driven otome visual novel set in a mystical Art Nouveau city. You play as the protagonist, caught between the affections of four enigmatic men, while uncovering the secrets of a sinister cult. The game features beautiful hand-drawn art and multiple endings determined by your choices.
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Reviews
- The game features beautiful artwork and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the gothic atmosphere.
- The writing is engaging and well-crafted, successfully drawing players into the emotional turmoil of the characters.
- The story effectively explores complex themes of love, manipulation, and tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on the player.
- The ending feels rushed and unsatisfying, with a twist that many players found unearned and disappointing.
- The linear nature of the game may frustrate players looking for choices or branching narratives.
- The heavy themes and bleak conclusion may not be suitable for all players, potentially leading to emotional distress.
- story91 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Salome's Kiss" is a gothic tale set in Victorian England, exploring themes of forbidden romance and tragic outcomes, which has captivated many players despite its bleakness. While the writing and artwork are praised for their elegance and emotional depth, the ending has drawn mixed reactions, with some feeling it is rushed and disjointed from the rest of the narrative. Overall, the story is described as engaging and impactful, though it requires readers to embrace its tragic nature and complex character dynamics.
“Even if things ended poorly and Letitia and Genevieve couldn't be together, it would have been fine by me, because it would have felt like it was a conclusion to their story.”
“A captivating lesbian love story, but it will play with your heart like it did with mine.”
“The writing style and the atmosphere set up via excellent soundtrack and visuals were exceptional and elevated the overall delivery of the story.”
“The ending felt rushed, compared to the slow buildup of the rest of the story.”
“A very unfortunate ending did leave a lingering disappointment though, but a tragic conclusion was expected from this style of story, but the actual end was highly unexpected, bitter, sad and unsatisfying.”
“I enjoyed everything apart from the ending: its absolute bleakness aside, the way the main protagonist is discarded and just ignored makes the final passages feel rushed and somehow disjointed from the rest of the story.”
- music21 mentions
- 76 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in "Salome's Kiss" is widely praised for its orchestral and piano compositions, which effectively enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of the story. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to complement various scenes, from serene moments to feelings of melancholy, making it a key element in the overall experience. Coupled with beautiful artwork, the music contributes significantly to the game's captivating narrative and immersive setting.
“The music consists mostly of orchestral and piano pieces, but it fits extraordinarily well with the setting, highlighting scenes such as a normal, almost disorganized day with 'Working Again,' serene moments with 'From a Distance,' or pure melancholy with 'Better Left Unsaid.'”
“The whole soundtrack is an excellent set that displays the pain, passion, and perseverance of the human spirit.”
“Paired with a beautiful soundtrack and art, Salome's Kiss is an excellent read with a hard bite to it.”
“The music consists mostly of orchestral and piano pieces, but it fits in extraordinarily well with the setting, highlighting scenes such as a normal, almost disorganized day with 'Working Again', serene moments with 'From a Distance', or pure melancholy with 'Better Left Unsaid'.”
“As for the soundtrack, it leaves much to be desired.”
“While the quality of art, music, and writing is top-notch, the music itself feels repetitive and lacks variety.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Salome's Kiss" are widely praised for their stunning artwork and elegant character designs, which significantly enhance the storytelling experience. The visuals, combined with a chill and relaxing soundtrack, create a beautifully immersive atmosphere that complements the narrative. Players are encouraged to explore the adult patch for uncensored visuals, further elevating the overall aesthetic appeal of the game.
“The writing style and the atmosphere setup via excellent soundtrack and visuals were exceptional and elevated the overall delivery of the story.”
“Absolutely beautiful characters and artwork.”
“The art style is simply stunning and I'm sure will be the main draw for many.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“The visual quality feels outdated and doesn't do justice to the game's potential.”
“The art style is inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the game world.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is deeply impactful, evoking a range of feelings from heartbreak to solace, as players become invested in the characters' journeys. The writing is praised for its ability to engage and provoke reflection on personal relationships, while the overall experience is described as a blend of suffering and beauty that leaves a lasting impression. Despite some dissatisfaction with the resolution, the game's emotional depth and artistry resonate strongly with players.
“I love it so much, but wow it's so heartbreaking.”
“Well, this is that kind of game, and I got emotionally invested in this visual novel.”
“The progression of their relationship was touching despite its initial predictability, seemingly finding in each other solace from the isolating loneliness of a remote country estate.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its exceptional writing, soundtrack, and visuals, which work together to create an immersive experience. The detailed descriptions and captivating character design draw players into the mystery surrounding the protagonist's new home, while the masterfully drawn art enhances the overall ambiance. Overall, the game's atmosphere effectively captivates players and deepens their engagement with the story.
“The writing style and the atmosphere set up via excellent soundtrack and visuals were exceptional and elevated the overall delivery of the story.”
“The kind of atmosphere that ebi-hime brought to life this time really took me by surprise, not how it manages to captivate you and makes you feel more into it.”
“Starting off slow with detailed descriptions to set up the atmosphere, while traveling between her former working environment and the new, it eventually pulls you into the mystery with various rumors concerning what will become our protagonist's new home and the moors surrounding it.”
“The kind of atmosphere that ebi-hime brought to life this time really took me by surprise; it captivates you and makes you feel more immersed in the experience.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the character design is initially unconventional, it ultimately impresses with its masterful artistry and atmospheric quality, contributing positively to the overall character development experience.
“The character design takes a bit to get used to, but the CGs are masterfully drawn and very atmospheric.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect is not directly addressed in the provided text, which focuses on a narrative involving a character seeking a governess position. Therefore, no specific insights on monetization can be summarized from this content.
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a linear structure, offering no choices for players, which may limit engagement and exploration.
“As for the gameplay, there are no choices presented since the story is linear.”
“Now that I've gone over the story and gameplay, I'll move onto my critique.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of self-deprecation and relatable awkwardness, as players navigate their experiences with a sense of vulnerability that often leads to comedic situations.
