#underbliss

its criminal that Ebon Light isn’t the most popular VN to exist so here’s my contribution to the dark fantasy world with a (not so) quick study of my favourite character, Laceaga Darhal! he’s an old grumpy elf with guyliner ofc he’s hot.

also gave him a fade bc i can

Ok, it’s nearly what, two years too late but I just recently found Ebon Light and I have some impressions I need to share. Twitter just doesn’t give you enough words to really indulge the profuse feels one has about a thing. I had to hold back, and I’m not gonna anymore. So as I said, I found Ebon Light a few days ago and was immediately hooked so I blasted through every route in like 4 days back-to-back.

Duliae and Vadeyn were just * chef’s kiss *. I love Vadeyn for how authentic and vulnerable he was - I can be a quixotic sucker for the kind and open-hearted hero and he fit the bill to a frigging T. He was so warm and expressive and I was putty in his tender hands.

Conversely, Duliae’s keen mind really spoke to my amoral and pragmatic side. He felt mature, calculating, and subtly wicked. I loved how he opens up little by little, just knowing you were home to him made me all blush and mush.

Really liked everyone, though, even Lacey, who I initially disliked intensely. Just great writing throughout, I was gripped from the get-go on the mystery and just really loved all the character interaction (banter is so good in this game). Characters were nicely developed and had their own vibe and every romance felt substantive.

I have to say I really loved all the choices and the mc was so likable, relatable, and you had a lot of options to give her a unique voice in both romance and regular playthrough.

“None of you seem to understand. Im not locked here with you, you’re locked in here in here with me”

My newest obsession is this game and all its sexy pale ass elf boys! Romanced Haron first (unabashed pure adoration omg), then Ernol (I bullied him into loving me and his love like a dam unleashed and I will happily drown) and now Laceaga as I type this (cheeky bastard will love me I swear unto you). Will do the rest over the weekend.

Ooookay, Tumblr wouldn't let me answer the first time, hoping it works now

I hope I'm not replying too late! I really need to be better about checking... online things in general ^^;; (also also I don't understand why I don't get an alert? Or why they don't show the dates of asks? I'm probably missing something...)

Hmm, I think I tested out that historical Cybird one with the voice acting because the MC's a seamstress but the buck wild use of historical figures and the convenient absence of an actual black man who actually lived in Japan at the time, serving under Oda Nobunaga(!) just kinda made me not want to play. Especially when these men's lives were incredibly interesting in their own right; the forced romance and vaguely explained time travel was wholly unnecessary. They couldn't even do anything meaningful with the seamstress thing besides oh she sews some stuff for her beau du jour. Dude voice acting Masamune's hot though >.>

As you might have noticed, I have markedly less time to play anything in general, much less otomes with lacklustre plots. In fact, I have an ever growing list of games/books that I mean to get to but, uh, haven't touched yet >.<

But let me end on a more positive note: a recommendation of otomes I did enjoy!

Changeling by Steamberry Studio: The team put a lot of effort into researching and building the lore in this one. I appreciate the fact that high school teenagers read like high school teenagers and since our characters are, well, teenagers, you aren't getting huge all or nothing confessions of love in the romantic endings. Also, I just saw that it's on sale for another day?! Quick, check out the demo, and take advantage of the sale if the VN's to your fancy! Side note, Steamberry's newest otome is on my [much too long] list of games to play, that's how much I enjoyed Changeling.

Ebon Light by Underbliss: Very impressive for a pay-what-you-want. You can even customize the MC's look! I found the lore interesting but a touch underdeveloped, and the story had a few pacing issues, but all in all, I had lots of fun playing.

War of Roses by owl: If you're looking for something short and sweet and relaxing, this might be up your alley. Also has a customizable MC!

Arcade Spirits by Fiction Factory: I low-key love the setting of this game. I wouldn't necessarily categorise this game as an otome since you can keep all relationships platonic and you don't have to play as a female MC. As a paid game, I kind of wish the MC customization had more options and that the different love interest routes varied more. It's not my favourite of the VNs I've played "recently" but I do like the world and appreciate the love that clearly went into making the game.

Vadeyn is more obvious. He's gotten shit his whole life for being soft and wants his LIs approval. Like it's canon that the smallest compliment turns him into a bumbling mess. You can tell straight off he wants to be called a, "good boy." 😉