Monster Lover: Balasque

I was a bit anxious about Monster Lover. For one, bc Monster don't always work for me. And then bc a lot of ppl didn't seem too happy out this one. And yes, I get where they are coming from. There are not that many CGs and text is being repeated with slight changes in text. Not only that, it focuses partially on finances and running a place. Which... I'm not that big a fan off in Visual Novels. This is all true. And still: I love it! They are so freaking adorable! Like OMG; WHO SAW THIS ONE COMING?! How is Balasque so adorable??? And so love struck? And sweet? And everything? And so patient with our MC? Honestly, I love them! And even though there is not much, the art is great as always!

💬 [b]Supportive Caveat[/b] I want Y Press Games to succeed. They are one of the few studios consistently making gay visual novels for this audience, and they do still release larger, longer-form works alongside these shorter titles. It is pretty clear at this point that part of their current strategy is to produce smaller entries more frequently, likely as a way to bring in steadier revenue while keeping development time manageable. I can understand why an MLM-focused niche studio would do that, and I do think the storefront is at least somewhat upfront that this is a smaller experience. Still, I think these games need to be more direct about what that actually means in practice. When a release is this short and this visually limited, the quality and erotic payoff need to be stronger to make the format feel worthwhile. That is ultimately why I am recommending this with caution. It is clearly an MLM game and it does fit the genre, but it also feels much thinner than what I have come to expect from Y Press at their best. 🎮 [b]Gameplay & Genre[/b] Monster Lover: Balasque is a very short visual novel dating sim built around a single monster romance route. Dialogue choices guide…

I wish there was a neutral option for reviews. Decent read, quite short but an okay time.

There's just not much to it. There are only a few backgrounds and really only character models of the two main characters. Even the villains don't get character models. It's short and there's not much to the music either and of course no voice acting. It's just too bare bones.

I love this game! I was laughing, shouting, anxious...I was totally into it and I already bought the sequel. Fantastic game!!! I can't wait to discover all the endings!

Monster Lover is a fantastic visual novel that really caught me by surprise! The story is unique and well-written, with plenty of humor, heart, and some genuinely emotional moments. You play as a human who finds themselves entangled with a cast of charming and mysterious monster love interests, each with their own personalities, backstories, and unique routes to explore. The art style is colorful and expressive, making every scene a joy to look at. The music and sound design help set the mood perfectly, whether it's a lighthearted moment or a more dramatic twist. What I really love is the level of choice in the game—your decisions actually impact the story, making multiple playthroughs feel fresh and rewarding. If you’re into dating sims, visual novels, or just love monster-themed romance stories, Monster Lover is a must-play. Highly recommend!