AN ACTUAL GAME WITH DECENT GAMEPLAY ELEMENTS, WELL-WRITTEN STORY, AND FANTASTIC ADULT SCENES.
There are all sorts of adult games. Some focus on a single character, some side-scrollers, others play around with default Unreal assets to cobble together a "game"... but this is the first time I've encountered an adult game where the developer has taken care of all elements that make a good, even great, game.
GAMEPLAY
Treasure of Nadia is an old-school point-and-click adventure, with some contemporary twists. Crafting is a crucial element, and the gameplay loop comes in the form of digging for pendants and/or ingredients.
While there is some backtracking between areas, it's never to the point of where you get frustrated (warp points also come in later), and you'll never need to grind as the game is often generous and strategically paced to ensure you'll have most required items by the time you need it.
It's rare for adult games to actually have fully functioning gameplay list this, for the genre it's gunning for!
PRESENTATION (ART, MUSIC, STORY)
NLT-Media's outdone themselves this time around, with considerable upgrades to character models since Lust Epidemic. The island itself is believable, and the cinematics are well animated. The characters are well designed (save for the walking Asian stereotype that is Pricia, one of the few negatives in the game), and each of them given a distinct personality with their own voice, a rarity in adult games.
One aspect that surprised me is the care put into music - one element that is usually an afterthought. The music pairs well with the settings and story, and never outstays its welcome. Bravo to NLT for putting some effort into this aspect.
The story and dialogue, while built on cliches, is confident and well-written. There are some genuinely funny, meta scenes and the escalation of the plot is fantastic. What's even more impressive is the interaction between the cast, and how each of them is integrated into the larger overall story. No character is an after-thought and have clearly defined roles.
ADULT SCENES
But if you're not here for boring talk of gameplay, story and music, and want to know the most important aspect of the game - rest assured. Treasure of Nadia's H-scenes are equally as great. Of course, there are other games out there with even better animation, art direction and etc, but the absurd amount of content here is crazy.
What's crazier is each scene is also dictated by the characters and their personalities, which helps create an attachment for players that elevates these scenes. It's not just two generic groups of polygons clashing with each other, each of them have their own motivations for the acts and each scene is "earned".
FINAL THOUGHTS
Okay, so if we're playing adult games just to resolve our urges, why even bother going through at least 20 hours of gameplay to slowly unlock scenes that I can download from anyone on the internet? Well Jimmy, at times you'll want a cheeseburger, and it's hardly ever a miss, but there are times you'll want a burger with the lot - a memorable trip for the mouth, full of flavours and one that leaves you satisfied.
Treasure of Nadia is a full-course meal in a sea of French fries. It's a legitimately competent game with great writing, and one can't wait to play the developer's future games.
For now, I've finished the full-course meal that is ToN . Until the next one comes out, I'll have to make do with snacking on other French fries.