LONG review, apologies! Feel free to scroll to the end if you'd like!!!
This game is surprisingly in depth and stands out in a few key areas, offering an immersive experience that is both visually and emotionally compelling!!!
Pros:
- Stunning Renders and Visuals - The visual presentation is spectacular with plenty of variety in color usage as well as expertly crafted renders! The character designs are impressive, with expressive faces that add depth to their personalities as well as the narrative. The overall aesthetic is both immersive and eye-catching, bringing players into the world effortlessly
- Incredible Music - The music choice in Actual Roommates is clearly handpicked and perfect for enhancing the story! Each track matches the mood of the scene, creating a powerful auditory experience that complements the storytelling, whether that's making a scene fun and light-hearted, serious and somber, intense and thrilling, or foreboding and anxious!
- Deeply Interesting Characters - One of the strongest aspects of Actual Roommates is the cast of characters. Each character is well-developed, with unique personalities, backgrounds and motivations. The interactions between characters feel genuine and filled with dialogue that both builds the characters as well as drive the story forward. The game's portrayal of lesbians is particularly noteworthy, handling their relationships with sensitivity and respect. The characters are depicted as multi-dimensional individuals, avoiding overly sexualized stereotypical portrayals.
- Compelling Storyline - The storyline of 'Actual Roommates' is engaging and will definitely suck the player in while avoiding the pitfalls of generic narratives. It weaves a complex and intriguing tale that keeps players invested from beginning to end. The plot has a few twists and turns, some expected, some not, ensuring that the experience remains fresh and exciting throughout.
Cons:
- Forced or Unnaturally Fast Encounters - While the storyline is generally well-crafted, there are moments where certain encounters and plot developments feel forced or unnaturally fast. These instances can disrupt the pacing of the narrative and make some character interactions seem less believable. A more gradual build-up in these scenes would have enhanced the overall flow of the story.
- Limited Body Type Diversity - The character designs, while visually appealing, lack diversity in body types. This uniformity can make it difficult to distinguish between characters at a glance, particularly during some of the spicier scenes. Introducing a greater variety in physical appearances would add another lay of depth to the character designs, further enhance the visual storytelling and set the characters apart a bit more.
Conclusion:
'Actual Roommates' is an amazing interactive visual novel that excels in many areas. Its amazing visuals, incredible music and deeply interesting characters create a captivating and immersive experience. The storyline is compelling and avoids feeling generic while the respectful portrayal of lesbians is a standout feature. Although some encounters feel rushed or forced, these issues are overshadowed by the overall quality of the game. Fans of the genre will DEFINITELY enjoy 'Actual Roommates' as it joins the ranks of some of the better games in the genre, setting a high bar and memorable journey that sticks in the players' mind long after the final scene!