Voice Love On Air, crafted by Game Source Entertainment and Softstar Entertainment, offers a unique flair on the Nintendo Switch as a BL (Boys’ Love) visual novel. In this world, you step into the shoes of a male protagonist who could potentially kindle a romance with one of the intriguing characters you meet along the way. But it’s not just about love; the game cleverly intertwines a romance story with a management simulator, focusing on voice directing and the intricacies of radio drama production—hence the name, Voice Love On Air.
Meet Aki, your character on this enthralling journey. While seeking romance, Aki must navigate the fast-paced world of managing recording sessions for BL radio dramas. You have the freedom to select voice actors and guide them, resulting in a variety of unique endings. This aspect adds a layer of replayability since each playthrough could lead to a distinct outcome. The game features Japanese voice acting and English text, setting the stage for an immersive experience as you strive to create top-notch dramas to keep the studio afloat financially.
For those unfamiliar, visual novels emphasize storytelling, offering narratives of varying lengths that focus on character interactions and plot development. Voice Love On Air does this beautifully, with some storylines taking predetermined paths, while others allow you to make key choices, steering the narrative in multiple directions. Aki has four different men to possibly fall in love with, adding an element of romance to the primary task of producing radio shows.
However, balancing the romance with the business aspect is no small feat—Aki’s studio is burdened by a hefty $200,000 debt. Here’s where the player’s management skills are put to the test. As a voice director by necessity, you’ll be using your keen sense of hearing to discern the subtleties in actors’ performances. The pressure is on, as you need to ensure the studio’s success to pay off that monumental debt every season.
Through the Project Manager app, you’ll dive deep into each project’s specifics. It’s crucial to enhance Aki’s skills—like Recognition, Profession, Communication, and Performance—to meet client demands and secure lucrative contracts. Vigorous work schedules mean watching out for fatigue, which could negatively impact your efforts. By investing in online courses or purchasing items to boost stats and reduce stress, you can better prepare for each recording session.
The process includes four distinct stages: Check Details, Appoint, Table Read, and Record, each spanning five consecutive workdays. Miss a deadline, and financial ruin may not be far behind. It’s vital to keep track of project details and strategically use your resources to bring each drama to life.
With a plethora of scenarios based on your decisions and actor choices, each drama’s output can differ widely, enhancing replayability as you strive for different endings. The narrative spans over a two-year timeframe, presenting ample opportunity for Aki to find love amidst the hustle and bustle. The game is rich, boasting over 200,000 words, 30 compelling CG scenes, and 20 engaging dramas, all encapsulated by a catchy soundtrack featuring 20 songs.
Finally, for those considering the leap into this engaging blend of romance, drama, and strategic management, Voice Love On Air is available on the Nintendo Switch for $29.99. Whether you’re drawn by the romance or the challenge of running a voice production studio, this game offers a vibrant world to explore.
This review of Voice Love On Air is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Game Source Entertainment.