Un barde sarcastique affronte l'exil dans un château abandonné aux côtés d'un vampire blasé nommé Lucius, survivant grâce à des ballades à minuit qui déclenchent des joutes verbales inattendues. Ce visual novel d'aventure indie se déploie dans un dark fantasy romance, mêlant dynamiques enemies-to-lovers, liens de found family et traumatismes partagés à des querelles légères et un dialogue crédible. Les joueurs modèlent les échanges via des choix de répliques savoureuses - charmeuses ou mordantes -, sans conséquences durables, menant à trois fins distinctes : abandon rapide, béatitude éternelle ou secrets du monde.
Des sprites magnifiques, une musique originale, un voice acting partiel et deux chansons de barde enrichissent plus de 42 000 mots d'histoire, pour 3-4 heures de jeu par partie sur PC. Les amateurs de récits à choix multiples et de tropes romantiques, avec thèmes suggestifs, langage cru et violence fantastique, savoureront ces réparties vives.
When a sarcastic bard is arrested and exiled to an abandoned castle, she expected to be at the mercy of a hungry, blood-thirsty vampire. She soon discovers that the vampire, Lucius, is not starving: he is gravely bored. She may just survive on borrowed time, one ballad each midnight.
(The name can be changed)
A well-traveled and gifted bard. Abigail is quick-witted and quick to act, though not necessarily in that order. Sarcasm coats her words like calluses, formed through years of undergoing difficult journeys and indulging difficult people. While she has a strong sense of insight and genuine interest in others, she has a dogged impulse of announcing her observations. This is seldom appreciated, and at worst has led to face grave consequences.
Still, no one can deny that she has a flair and talent for entertainment. Not even a centuries-old vampire.
(Love interest)
One's first impression of Lucius is that he's menacing at worst, and witheringly unyielding at best. However, his coarse exterior is a thin veil for his impressively dry wit - which he's more than happy to reveal if he thinks his sense of humor will be heard. It's rather hard to share one's wit when your guests generally scream and run at the sight of you though.
♦ Enemies to lovers, found family, bonding through shared trauma, and even more of your favorite relationship tropes!
♦ A dark fantasy romance that seamlessly blends lighthearted moments and hidden depths, with believable dialogue and an abundance of banter. (Boy, they love to argue. ;p )
♦ Beautiful sprite and original music
♦ Three clearly-marked endings - abandon him as early as possible, remain in eternal bliss or discover gruesome secrets about the world around you.
♦ Flavor line choices: be an unabashed flirt or have a razor sharp tongue. The choice is yours, no consequences.
♦ More than 42 000 words (around 3-4h per playthrough)
♦ Partial voice acting & two original bard songs!
Ballads at Midnight is rated T for suggestive material, strong language, alcohol use, and allusions to trauma, child abuse, and fantasy violence.
Ayael (Director, UI designer & programmer, scripter) - Arrapso (Sprite, background artist), Wudgeous (Lead writer, narrative designer), Notafish (Writer), Jeneara (Editor), Rowanty (scripter), Eliana Zebro (Audio & voice director), Shar Joyner (composer), Megan Youmans (Voice actor - MC), Eric Navarro (Voice actor - Lucius), Kimi (Trailer creator)
This visual novel was created in one month during the NaNoReNo 2022 jam.
