Voice Love On Air, brought to us by Game Source Entertainment and Softstar Entertainment, has landed on the Nintendo Switch as an intriguing new entry in the BL visual novel genre. For those unfamiliar with BL, it stands for Boys’ Love, which sets the theme as players step into the shoes of a male protagonist who navigates potential romantic entanglements with other male characters throughout the game. This title uniquely combines BL romance with a management simulation aspect, where players oversee voice directing and produce radio dramas—a neat twist reflected in the game’s title.
Set in the world of voice acting, you play as Aki, a character who juggles searching for love while managing recording sessions for BL dramas. You’ll get to pick from various voice actors, guiding their performances, which significantly influences the final outcome of your radio dramas. This element alone ramps up the replayability; with Japanese voice acting and English text, the game provides a rich auditory experience. Your goal is to produce captivating BL dramas to ensure financial viability for the studio, making wise choices to keep everything running smoothly.
If you’re venturing into visual novels for the first time, be prepared for a story-driven experience. These games often unfold across different lengths, emphasizing narrative over gameplay. Some offer a straightforward path, while others let you make pivotal decisions that affect the storyline and character interactions. Voice Love On Air belongs to the latter group, featuring voice acting—a costly but cherished feature—and offering four potential suitors for Aki. The relationships you explore add layers to the narrative, inviting players to shape their unique stories.
As you work toward crafting the best BL dramas possible, remember, part of your ambition is driven by the need to repay the studio’s hefty debt—yes, setting up your recording space does come with a sizable price tag. Aki discovers his latent talent for discerning the emotions behind voice performances, a skill that becomes crucial as he navigates this demanding but rewarding profession.
In the Project Manager app, everything you need to manage each recording project is at your fingertips. Improving Aki’s skills is vital; you’ll need to balance Recognition, Profession, Communication, and Performance to meet each gig’s demands. But caution is key; overworking can lead to fatigue, negatively impacting your performance. Thankfully, you can take online classes, using vouchers to enhance your stats—helping you prepare for the challenges of your next recording session.
The recording sessions unfold over four key stages: Check Details, Appoint, Table Read, and Record, spaced across eighteen working days. Ensuring you meet the project requirements before the looming deadline is crucial to avoid bankruptcy. Thoroughly reviewing the project synopsis, contract, and script ensures you’re armed with the knowledge needed to succeed.
Diverse outcomes await depending on your choice of voice talent and direction, offering substantial replay value. Over a span of two years in the game, you’ll direct numerous dramas, with varying results shaped by your in-game decisions. This timeframe allows ample opportunity for love to bloom amid the studio chaos. The narrative is expansive, with over 200,000 words, 20 songs, 30 CG scenes, and 20 distinct dramas.
Voice Love On Air uniquely blends the BL visual novel with the mechanics of a management sim, creating a dynamic and engaging experience on the Nintendo Switch. In Aki’s quest for both personal and professional triumph, you’re tasked with guiding voice actors to create memorable radio dramas. Alongside purchasing items to boost stats, you’ll juggle fatigue management, debt repayment, and possibly, burgeoning romantic connections. Available for $29.99, this title promises to enchant you with its charming storytelling and management challenges.
A quick note: this review was crafted using a Nintendo Switch copy provided by Game Source Entertainment.
