Occultus 0.72
Reviewed 0.72
Occultus is a high fantasy set in a modern world with vampires and demons. It takes queues from the hierarchical structure of the vampires in Underworld but the similarities end there. Occultus is a visual novel first and foremost which focuses on you as the male protagonist who has acquired vampiric powers through your auntie. After being granted the powers of a vampire you are tasked to uncover and expose an affluent vampire who has stepped out of line. You must juggle family relationships as well as develop new relationships.
The renders are beautiful, I love the look of all the characters. The red hair of Kere’s wasn’t really my thing but it grew on me. The scenes are nice put together quite nicely. The H-scenes are great but no gallery, how can I replay my favourite scenes? As of this moment I have about 10 pages of saves just to replay scenes, please add a Gallery, BC!
Like most Ren’py games currently out, there isn’t much to speak of in terms of gameplay, you select an option and watch the consequences of your actions roll through. For those seeking deeper gameplay should be looking elsewhere.
Despite the awesome renders and h-scenes, the story has been lacking. (I know. Before you tell me it’s a H-game, the story is secondary. It’s just constructive criticism for BC, please don’t take this the wrong way!). Although the story was lacklustre, some of the characters were charming, I loved Moria and Lucy! Before I continue, I would like to add
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For a story to be engaging, there needs to be a character arc: the character gains new power, the character meets an obstacle, the character trains and proceeds to beat the obstacle. The build up to the fight with George is amazing, the roller coaster of feelings that the narrative invoked truly got me going. However, I do not agree with the addition of the H-scene during the final confrontation, it really took away the gravitas of the moment. In addition, the short length of the confrontation didn’t help. It was over almost in an instant. I was left disappointed that the cumulation of MC’s training and powers was simply not enough and it came down to plot armour.
The elder fight also lacked impact, the girls go in and struggle with Signe, to show off how powerful she is, the minute MC steps in it’s over very quickly. The possibility of characters dying and the sheer audacity of what they were doing really set up the tone of the final confrontation. But we find out MC is a super vampire who can rival the elders, it felt cheap and I was saddened that this was the route taken. The bodyguard defecting took the wind out of the sails and consequentially the build-up just fizzled up.
--------MINOR SPOILERS END --------
Pros
- Some lovely renders/models and hot H-scenes
- Interesting setting + charming characters
Cons
- Weak story and writing
- No gallery
Thank you BC for this game!