Summer Fling
- June 16, 2016
- Dharker Studios
Get on Steam"Summer Fling" is a visual novel game that follows the story of you, the player, during a summer vacation. The game offers multiple branching paths and choices that affect your relationships with various characters. Experience a short but meaningful summer romance before it's time to return to reality.
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Reviews
- The game features nice visuals and character designs, with bright colors and detailed backgrounds that enhance the summer vibe.
- It offers multiple endings and a straightforward narrative, making it easy for players to explore different outcomes.
- The game includes easy achievements and trading cards, appealing to completionists and collectors.
- The game is very short, with gameplay lasting around 1-2 hours, which many players feel does not justify the price.
- The writing lacks depth and character development, relying on clichéd tropes and a predictable plot.
- There are technical issues reported, such as bugs preventing players from unlocking achievements, and some players found the art style unappealing.
- story28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed to negative feedback, with many users describing it as a short, cliché romance lacking depth and originality. While some appreciate the multiple endings and decision-making elements, the overall narrative is often criticized for being uninspired and poorly developed, leaving players feeling disappointed. Despite its visual appeal, the story fails to engage, with several reviewers suggesting it feels rushed and lacking a meaningful purpose.
“As the protagonist in this story, you will have the opportunity to make multiple choices as the nicely written narrative develops.”
“These decisions will not only affect events but also how the story ends, which is always one of my favorite qualities in a visual novel.”
“With that said, summer fling's story is just really fun to read, albeit a very short read, but still enjoyable nonetheless.”
“The quality of the story is rather lacking.”
“The plot and storyline are paper thin.”
“Disappointing, uninspired plot with decisions that make no sense, short and expensive.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with many praising the cute and engaging art style, particularly the manga-inspired character designs and background artwork. However, some critics find the visuals uninspired and repetitive, noting that they do not always align with the narrative. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered nice, there are concerns about a lack of originality and depth in the visual presentation.
“The visuals in this novel are superb just as they are in all of Dharker Studio's visual novels.”
“The manga-inspired art style on the characters is top-notch, as is the background artwork and set pieces.”
“A good lewd visual novel with nice visuals and music.”
“The patch adds relatively new content, but it's mostly visuals, since the routes and plot remain.”
“...otherwise, the art style is ugly and character personalities are a compilation of the most generic stock tropes imaginable.”
“If you are familiar with the series, you can expect the same recycled artwork from previous and future titles.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some find it generic and below average, others appreciate the quality of the original soundtrack, which features 20 tracks in high-quality mp3 format. The composer, Jones, is noted for his work, and the music is well-integrated with the game's narrative and sound effects. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point, despite some criticisms regarding its generic nature.
“A good lewd visual novel with nice visuals and music.”
“20 music tracks build up the original soundtrack, in an outstanding mp3-320kbps, which should be the standard for soundtracks, but not everyone follows the good examples of Dharker Studio unfortunately.”
“Also, the sound effects and musical score are implemented quite nicely alongside the terrific narrative.”
“Music is very generic.”
“To summarize, a below average writing combined with average art and music does not allow me to recommend it.”
“Jones is back as the sole composer for the soundtrack, which is available for purchase as DLC, at a considerable price.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that character development is lacking, with some noting that the short length of the game contributes to this issue. While the character design is praised, the choices often lead to a simplistic dynamic where one character's happiness comes at the expense of another's, which detracts from a more nuanced portrayal of relationships. Overall, the writing is seen as unimaginative, with minimal effort put into illustrating character growth.
“I like the character design, but I don't like the fact that with each choice you make, one female character becomes happy while the other becomes sadder. I understand that there's always a winner and a loser, but did you really have to emphasize this to the player?”
“Good artwork; I really like the character design.”
“Partly due to it being so short, but this does not excuse the lack of character development and unimaginative writing.”
“They did put in a little more effort for the aftermath in the multiple endings, but it still felt like there was little to no illustration of character development.”
“I like the character design, but I don't like the fact that with each choice you make, one female character becomes happy while the other becomes sadder. I mean, I know there's always one losing, but did you really have to show this to the gamer?”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is characterized by cute graphics and quirky achievements, offering moments of predictability and awkwardness that can be amusing. While some players found it occasionally funny and enjoyable, others felt it became a bit of a chore, with the protagonist's awkwardness being a notable aspect. Overall, the humor is hit-or-miss, providing brief laughs amidst a short experience.
“The game has cute, funny graphics and interesting achievements.”
“At times it was even funny to read; despite being awfully short, it had all I wanted.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay features five different endings, which add some variety but do not significantly extend the overall playtime, typically lasting around two hours. This duration is considered appropriate for a fast-paced game.
“Several endings (five) extend the gameplay, but even that barely lengthens the game.”
“The formula for two hours of gameplay is not particularly wrong for a fast game like this.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of *summer fling* is highlighted by its focus on romance, allowing players to choose between a direct or a more gradual, emotionally nuanced approach to relationships. This flexibility enhances the player's connection to the narrative and characters.
“Summer Fling is an erotic visual novel that emphasizes romance, allowing players to choose between a straightforward approach or a more emotional one, taking baby steps.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by a successful blend of classic tunes and modern synths, creating a unique and romantic ambiance that complements the overall experience.
“The fusion between classic tunes and modern synths perfectly suits the game, creating a whole new atmosphere for the romance.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers criticize the monetization strategy of Dharker Studios, labeling it as a cash grab and expressing disappointment, especially in light of the studio's previous, more favorable practices.
“Dharker Studios can do better than this cash grab, and have done better in the past.”
