Sentimental Trickster: Yaoi BL Gay Visual Novel
- March 23, 2021
- Lovenuts
Get on Steam"Sentimental Trickster: Yaoi BL Gay Visual Novel" is a dramatic visual novel that follows the story of college student Liang Shiqi as he becomes entangled in a series of complicated relationships with various male characters. The game is filled with romance, drama, and mature content, and is targeted towards an adult audience. Players will make choices throughout the story that determine the outcome of their relationships and the overall direction of the plot.
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Reviews
- The game features well-developed characters with unique backstories, making each route engaging and relatable.
- The writing is praised for its depth, handling of heavy themes, and the emotional impact it delivers, often resonating with players on a personal level.
- The main character, Haru, is likable and proactive, contributing to a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Some routes, particularly Kanae's, are criticized for being poorly executed and handling sensitive topics in a rushed manner.
- There are technical issues, such as missing or incorrect backgrounds and sprites, which detract from the overall experience.
- The game lacks sufficient trigger warnings for its darker themes, which can be distressing for some players.
- story66 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story is a standout feature of the game, with well-developed characters and engaging plotlines that often delve into deep and emotional themes. While some routes may feel rushed or less impactful, the overall narrative is praised for its captivating writing and ability to evoke strong feelings. Players appreciate the balance between romance and character development, making it a compelling experience despite occasional pacing issues.
“The core and heart of the game is simply fantastic and I loved it from start to finish, so all I can say is that I really recommend playing this game if you're looking for an intriguing, captivating story with a bit of psychology and self-reflection thrown into it, that deals with some realistic (and deep) issues, but in a healing way.”
“I'll start my review by saying that the story was, simply put, extremely well done and captivating.”
“The game’s strongest point overall are its excellently written, nuanced characters who are believable and their flaws are integral to the story rather than a side effect of being dumb.”
“His story was bitter to say the least.”
“The development was all over the place, and he wasn't especially likable throughout the story.”
“The plot itself is absurd.”
- music16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 31 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and ability to enhance the storytelling, with many finding it catchy and calming. However, some players noted issues with awkward pauses and a lack of music in certain scenes, which detracted from the overall experience. While the soundtrack is appreciated, its inconsistent presence can disrupt immersion at times.
“First of all... love the game, artwork, character design, sound, music; you really get invested into the character's stories.”
“Overall, the artwork is good, the soundtrack is great, and the plot of the story is interesting.”
“Music is also catchy and calming to the ear.”
“Some of the music got annoying real fast for me, especially the louder, happier one.”
“The lack of music honestly takes away from what is happening.”
“It would feel different if the lack of music was supposed to be purposeful, but instead it just feels like it was rushed or that no one noticed the lack of music for 10-20 minutes.”
- emotional13 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with players reporting intense reactions such as crying and gasping due to its dark themes, including sexual abuse and suicide. While some found the emotional weight triggering, others appreciated the relatable and realistic storytelling that fostered deep investment in the characters' journeys. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to evoke strong feelings, making it both a heartwarming and heavy experience.
“I cried and gasped over the stories and the seriously dark twists in some of the routes.”
“It's not afraid of dealing the emotional hits... and for the most part, they hit hard.”
“Take the warning seriously, especially if you're in a vulnerable place emotionally in your own life... because it hits like a ton of bricks.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the character design and overall art style, while others note graphical glitches and inconsistencies in character appearances. Despite these flaws, many find the artwork decent and engaging, contributing positively to the immersive experience, although opinions on its quality vary among players. Overall, the soundtrack is well-received, complementing the visuals and enhancing the storytelling.
“First of all... love the game, artwork, character design, sound, music, you really get invested into the character's stories.”
“The art style is lovely too.”
“Overall, the artwork is good, the soundtrack is great and the plot of the story is interesting.”
“While the game has its flaws with some graphical glitches, and would have benefited from not being set in Japan for no apparent reason, I absolutely fell in love with all the characters.”
“The artwork is decent if sometimes a little odd, but I don't think it detracts from the game much.”
“The artwork is also alright but not something that is actually up my alley; the characters always looked a bit off to me as well as the CGs.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its light-heartedness and charm, with characters that are both funny and relatable. The main character, Haru, is particularly noted for his likability and charisma, contributing to a balance of humor and emotional depth throughout the narrative. While some found certain aspects of the humor less engaging, overall, the writing is celebrated for its warmth and comedic moments that resonate with players.
“Let's talk about the positive first, the whole writing is great, so light-hearted and funny. Every character makes me want to have a go, and the main character is lovable and not just a typical sub.”
“Her sassy and grown-up personality for a little girl was very funny, especially towards the end.”
“I was impressed by the writing in the original demos, but the warmth, insight, and humor here really took me by surprise.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game experiences minor graphical glitches, but these do not significantly detract from the overall experience, which is well-executed and engaging. Some players feel the setting could have been more universally applicable, yet the character development remains a strong point.
“While the game has its flaws with some graphical glitches, it would have benefited from not being set in Japan for no apparent reason. It would have worked just fine in the USA or Europe, wherever the author may be from.”
“The game suffers from frequent crashes that disrupt the overall experience.”
“I encountered several bugs that made it difficult to progress in the game, which really affected my enjoyment.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's character development, highlighting the engaging stories and well-crafted character designs that foster a strong emotional investment in the characters.
“First of all, I love the game! The artwork, character design, sound, and music really draw you in, and you become deeply invested in the characters' stories.”
“The character development is incredibly rich; each character has a unique backstory that unfolds beautifully throughout the game.”
“I appreciate how the choices I make impact the characters' growth, making every decision feel meaningful and engaging.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the gameplay offers a substantial experience, with over 15 hours of content available through various routes and good endings, indicating a rich and engaging narrative structure.
“After 15+ hours of gameplay and having played all routes and good endings, I can confirm this.”
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging, with each decision feeling impactful and meaningful.”
“I love how the mechanics are intuitive yet offer depth, making every playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
