The Nintendo Switch sees an exciting new addition in the form of a BL visual novel, Voice Love On Air, brought to us by Game Source Entertainment and Softstar Entertainment. For those unfamiliar with the term BL, it stands for Boys’ Love, setting you in the role of a male protagonist who may find himself in a blossoming romance with one of his male counterparts encountered throughout the gameplay. This title creatively intertwines the elements of managing radio drama production with immersive BL romance, capturing our attention with its unique premise.
Meet Aki, our main character whose role is not just about seeking love but also about mastering the art of managing recording sessions for BL dramas. What makes this game intriguing is the variety of voice actors you can choose to lead and direct, which leads to each drama having its own distinctive flavor based on your decisions. This offers a delightful replayability factor, considering that the game features engaging Japanese voice acting accompanied by English subtitles. Making sure each drama production turns out as best as possible is crucial because Aki needs to generate enough income to sustain the operation.
For those who have yet to dip their toes into the visual novel genre, these games are all about immersive storytelling, often offering different narrative paths based on the choices you make along the way. Voice acting is a luxurious feature found in only a few due to its cost, and luckily, Voice Love On Air includes this along with providing potential romantic interests for players to explore. In Aki’s journey, he has up to four different men to get to know more intimately.
As Aki works hard to produce top-tier BL dramas, a crucial aspect of the game is managing a hefty $200,000 studio debt, which puts the pressure on. Surprisingly, Aki discovers a hidden talent for discerning underlying emotions through the scripts he oversees, a skill that’s invaluable as he tackles the daunting task of dealing with such a significant financial burden.
Navigating the Project Manager app is essential as it provides details on each project scheduled for recording. Boosting Aki’s skill set is crucial—whether it’s his Recognition, Profession, Communication, or Performance—to meet project requirements. Be cautious, though, as pushing too hard risks fatigue, which can negatively impact progress. Strategic planning and using vouchers to attend online classes can provide the extra edge needed for success.
The recording process is thoughtfully structured into four stages spanning a five-day working schedule: Check Details, Appoint, Table Read, and Record. Achieving the project’s minimum requirements means successful completion, keeping bankruptcy at bay, as missing deadlines can lead to financial ruin. Thoroughly understanding each project’s synopsis, contracts, and scripts is essential for a seamless workflow.
Your direction and the talent you choose give rise to various possible outcomes, offering substantial replay value and making each project experience unique. With a narrative spanning two eventful years, there’s ample time for romance to develop in the workplace. Voice Love On Air features an impressive array of content, including over 200,000 words, an original soundtrack of 20 songs, 30 stunning CG artworks, and 20 captivating dramas.
Balancing your professional duties with personal growth, players can spend resources to enhance stats, lessen fatigue, or purchase gifts—perfect for winning over in-game love interests. Voice Love On Air is now available for Nintendo Switch, priced at $29.99, offering an engaging experience for fans of both visual novels and management sims.
In a nutshell, Voice Love On Air presents a fascinating blend of romance and professional management that keeps you engaged and invested in Aki’s journey toward financial stability and personal connection. Is love the answer to the balancing act of a new profession? Only time will tell.
_This review of Voice Love On Air is based on a review copy provided by Game Source Entertainment._
