A true gem among Indie games
AOL is a serious detective themed game with plot twists, angst, and at times, horror. The ability of the writers to throw its users into a tailspin is a thing of beauty.
AOL is definitely a hidden gem among the Indie games floating around these days. Not only is the art in line with that of bigger companies, but the writing and plots are *chefs kiss* This company takes pride in giving its users what they crave, and they listen to feedback and put it to good use (something rarely seen in bigger companies.) I’ve personally had the pleasure of chatting with members of the team and they’re not only genuinely interested in what we have to say, they are eager to implement suggestions, anything to make their game better.
The music in AOL is also magic. I feel the sadness, the anger, the joy when MC does. Music plays a huge role in giving the users a way to immerse themselves while playing, and Delusional Inc. spared no expense on that front.
AOL is a true Josei game with very adult themed plots, so if you’re more into the fluffy, lovey-dovey Otome, this title may not be for you, but if you’re like me and you crave a good twist of angst and fear in your romance, buckle up, because it’s gonna be a wild ride at times.
I’m going to add a TRIGGER WARNING here for Hajime’s route. The doctor’s route is heavy on emotional and mental manipulation, and has implied non-consensual acts of the adult type, to the point I was honestly disgusted and felt ill at points in the route. I implore you: if you are triggered by these type of things, DO NOT READ HAJIME. That being said, I have to give kudos to the writers for their ability to bring out the anger, disgust and horror of such a theme. When you make me want to smash my phone due to the sheer venomous nature of a character, you’ve got skills.
If you’re looking for a great title with less fluff and more angst, AOL is a gleaming jewel waiting to be found. I truly wish more players would check it out. It and the company deserve more love. Truly a thing of beauty (and horror). And supporting an Indie company that bends over backwards to listen to its users may just be the TRUE hidden gem in the sea of big fish companies. You have a fan for life in me ❤️
Needs a content warning
TW: rape
Within the first couple chapters of his route he drugs and rapes your character. And yes, he is the love interest. He blackmails her, claims to love her, but casually describes everything he did to her body while she was unconscious. Mentions he hopes she’s pregnant and then drops her back at her family house with the promise to ruin her family’s reputation if she tells anyone.
I don’t have words for how upsetting I found this. And I can’t continue to play a route where the love interest is a rapist who is somehow still considered a viable love interest.
Other routes may be better, but I don’t have it in me to try them.
Otherwise the art was nice. The writing was a bit awkward at times, but pretty solid. They did a great job of describing of some of the emotions you feel after being raped. So... there’s that.
Response from developer
Hi thank you for the feedback We do have content warning in the descriptions, the splashscreens and the rating is marked as 17+ We have had both positive and negative reviews to Hajime Fukuyama's stories and we do understand it's not for everyone. Thank you for trying out our game.
Love it
I played Takasuke’s route. He’s such a cutie.
You’ve gotta go for the doctor!
Love it
I got the courage to read the story in the an it was worth reading he is a dirty lil lier telling her I did things when he didn’t can’t wait for the other stories to be finished 😋
Response from developer
Thank you so much for the review and we're very happy to hear you love our stories and are moved by it. We won't spoil it for others, but there are a lot of twists to the Doctor's story if you were to continue. And there's a spoiler review for him available by romancingthegames in Tumblr.
So good!!
Love it!
Great story and great MC
Love it!
LOVE.
The men you can date are stunning and the personality and mystery are keeping me on my toes the whole ride through the game.
I highly recommend trying this game as it is worth EVERY single cent you'll pay.
I am super excited to read future routes and I hope this story will be a long one.
Keep up the amazing work, my wallet is waiting impatiently for your next release ;)
-Wolf