Voice Love On Air, brought to us by Game Source Entertainment and Softstar Entertainment, is the latest addition to the BL visual novel lineup on Nintendo Switch. In case the term BL is unfamiliar, it stands for Boys’ Love, meaning you’ll step into the shoes of a male protagonist who may just find romance with one of the fellow characters you’ll encounter. This game cleverly combines BL romance with the intricate elements of a management simulation, centered around voice directing and the production of radio dramas, hence its fitting name!
You’re introduced to Aki, your character, on a quest not just for love but also to oversee recording sessions for BL dramas. With the freedom to select and guide different voice actors, your management decisions influence the outcomes, resulting in varied dramas. This dynamic contributes immensely to the game’s replay value. Given that the game includes Japanese voice acting with English text, your challenge will be to produce top-notch BL dramas to keep your operations afloat financially!
If you’re new to visual novels, they are primarily focused on storytelling, varying in length and style. Some take you through a linear journey, while others, like this, provide decision points that steer the story in different directions depending on your choices. Voice acting is often a premium feature, and Voice Love On Air spares no expense, allowing you to pursue romantic storylines with four intriguing male characters for Aki to potentially fall for.
Your mission involves ensuring the success of your studio amid a hefty debt of $200,000 that looms at the end of every season—owning a studio is no cheap feat! Taking on the role of a voice director wasn’t in Aki’s plans, but it’s a position that taps into his gift for discerning the emotional truth behind words. As you work to improve Aki’s skills—Recognition, Profession, Communication, and Performance—you’ll need to manage fatigue and strategically plan recording sessions to meet your deadlines and avoid the grim fate of bankruptcy.
The production phase involves four stages over a five-day workweek: Check Details, Appoint, Table Read, and Record. You’ll wrap up projects only after aligning with the stat requirements. With multiple potential outcomes based on your choices, the experience ensures every project feels fresh on replay. Over a two-year period, the game unfolds a rich narrative featuring more than 200,000 words, 20 songs, 30 CGs, and 20 unique dramas.
Voice Love On Air presents an enticing journey as you navigate the complexities of studio management while uncovering love in unexpected places. With a price tag of $29.99 on Nintendo Switch, it’s a valuable narrative experience promising both emotional depth and engaging gameplay. Whether you’re an aficionado of BL stories or new to the genre, this visual novel might just deliver something special for your gaming library.
Given the investment options available, from online courses to reducing fatigue or even charming romantic interests with gifts, Voice Love On Air offers a rich tapestry of gameplay dynamics. Each decision you make shapes the storyline and potentially the romantic future of our protagonist, Aki, in this fascinating blend of love and ambition.
Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of Voice Love On Air provided by Game Source Entertainment.
