Exploring the Dynamics of Voice Love on Air: A Dating Sim with a Twist
Voice Love on Air incorporates elements reminiscent of beloved titles like Tokimeki Memorial, which initially drew me in. However, my experience has been mixed, as aspects of repetitiveness and the introduction of AI-generated art left me feeling somewhat frustrated. Although the game can be engaging, it may not fully satisfy all players’ expectations.
Plot and Gameplay Mechanics
The narrative centers on Aki, who dreams of crafting a successful recording studio, all while grappling with substantial debt. Fortunately, he isn’t alone in this journey; friendships blossom as he finds companions willing to assist him. To progress, players focus on creating boys’ love (BL) drama recordings. This involves enhancing skills, improving Aki’s reputation, casting suitable actors, directing them effectively, and adhering to production deadlines. As you navigate this world, the actors you recruit can also double as potential love interests, although the ability to pursue them hinges on your progress levels.
Daily Life and Development in Voice Love on Air
In keeping with the Tokimeki Memorial-inspired framework, Voice Love on Air emphasizes daily life management as a core gameplay element. Players allocate their time weekly to work on essential skills that contribute to project success. While producing these projects helps increase your stats, it’s vital to engage with your love interests during your downtime, which fosters deeper connections and enhances relationship dynamics. Nevertheless, financial management is paramount, as failing to earn enough to maintain the studio can halt your progress.
The Challenge of Repetition
One of the notable drawbacks of Voice Love on Air is its repetitiveness, particularly during the studio and project management segments. Unlike the diverse interactions and events seen in Tokimeki Memorial, this game tends to follow a more predictable routine. Regular gameplay patterns may lead to monotony, especially concerning the training and voice direction minigames, which lack varying degrees of difficulty, causing some players to feel a sense of disillusionment.
The Controversy Surrounding AI Art
One significant concern is the utilization of AI-generated assets within Voice Love on Air. This approach stands in stark contrast to the custom artwork typically associated with vibrant character designs in gaming. When players encounter project icons or related imagery, the artificial quality can be jarring and misaligned with the overall aesthetic. Given the game’s theme surrounding creativity and artistry, it feels particularly disheartening that Noisy Fish and Softstar Entertainment did not choose to engage real artists for these visuals.
Final Thoughts
Voice Love on Air presents a captivating premise that draws from the classic Tokimeki Memorial framework, combining strategy and romance. However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations, including a tendency for repetitive gameplay and reliance on AI assets instead of authentic artistry. Fans of the dating sim genre may find enjoyment in the gameplay mechanics and stories, but they should be prepared for some of the inherent pitfalls.
The game is currently available on both the Nintendo Switch and PC.
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