71 people found this review helpful
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Recommended
6.8 hrs last two weeks / 10.7 hrs on record (3.9 hrs at review time)
Posted: 23 Nov, 2024 @ 8:04am
Updated: 23 Nov, 2024 @ 8:04am
Product received for free

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Lilith Rising - Season 2 Review

Succubus? Yes please!
Season 2 continues the journey of the exiled prince in this mediaeval fantasy world packed with battles, romance, drama, and—let's not ignore it—plenty of steamy moments. It’s a choice-driven adult visual novel that blends epic quests with a sprinkle of mythology, a dash of mystery, and a lot of, well, "hands-on" relationships. With eight episodes, over five hours of gameplay, and some well-crafted animated scenes, this game aims to up the ante from its predecessor. Does it succeed in sweeping you off your feet? Well, yes and no.

About This Game

Storyline

In this season, you reprise your role as an exiled prince whose mission is to reclaim his kingdom from the grip of a sinister demon-worshipping cult. The plot picks up seamlessly from the events of Season 1, with you and your band of companions now focusing on gaining the strength and resources needed to defeat your enemies. The central quest revolves around locating ancient relics tied to each companion's past, powerful artefacts that will help you in the inevitable showdown. These relic hunts aren’t just about magic and battles—they serve as windows into each character's history, beliefs, and struggles, giving the journey a more personal, emotional core.

What makes the story engaging is the balance between high-stakes fantasy drama and the personal relationships you form along the way. Each companion is tied to a specific location and quest: you might venture to the Hephaestus Forge with the strong-willed Freja, or to the Mountain Sanctuary with the enigmatic Ishi. These settings are not just rich in mythical world-building but also themed around the personalities and cultures of the characters, adding a layer of depth to the adventure. As you travel and face challenges, the narrative makes room for both heartfelt moments and steamy encounters, keeping the tone varied and engaging.

However, while the overarching plot of saving the kingdom is intriguing, it often takes a backseat to the interpersonal drama and romance. The story structure is highly episodic, with much of the narrative progress tied to completing each companion’s quest. Choices influence who you spend time with, which affects your relationships and the possibility of forming a harem, but the main storyline remains linear. There’s a sense that this season is setting up for bigger things in Season 3, acting more as a bridge than a standalone narrative arc. While enjoyable, the lack of significant twists or meaningful consequences in your choices may leave some players feeling like passive observers in their own adventure.

Gameplay Mechanics

This is where things get both engaging and slightly underwhelming.

What works:
  • Choice-Driven Narrative: Every dialogue choice influences your standing with the characters, nudging you closer to either romance, loyalty, or harem-building. While the choices mostly revolve around who gets your attention, the interactions are fun and bring personality to your companions.
  • Scene Replays: A gallery mode lets you relive unlocked intimate moments—a nice touch for fans of the genre.

What doesn’t work:
  • Linear Progression: Despite the illusion of choice, the main story ploughs forward without much deviation. It’s less “Choose Your Adventure” and more “Choose Who to Flirt With.”
  • Quiz-Style Recap: Instead of importing a save from Season 1, the game asks you to manually input your past decisions. It’s clunky and breaks immersion.

While the game’s mechanics won’t blow you away, they serve the purpose: keep the story moving and let you focus on your relationships.

Visuals & Audio

The visuals are undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. The static images and animations are high-quality, with impressive lighting and realistic 3D models. The variety in character designs ensures that every companion stands out, catering to diverse tastes. However, there are minor inconsistencies—some sex scenes are oddly lit, not matching the in-game setting, which can pull you out of the moment.

The soundscape is decent, with an original score and sound effects that add atmosphere. However, the lack of voice acting and sexual sound effects is noticeable, especially during the more intimate scenes. For a game so focused on character interactions, the absence of voices feels like a missed opportunity to bring the cast to life.

Pros
  • Detailed Visuals: Beautiful renders and animations, with dynamic camera angles during key scenes.
  • Engaging Characters: The companions are well-written, with distinct personalities and backstories.
  • Fantasy Setting: The mythology-infused quests add depth to the world.
  • Replayability: Unlockable galleries and multiple romance options encourage repeat playthroughs.
  • More Content: Compared to Season 1, this instalment offers more scenes and character interactions.

Cons
  • Linear Story: Despite its choice-driven premise, the main plot doesn’t feel dynamic or impactful.
  • Recycled Mechanics: Manual input of past choices is a step back from more seamless systems like save imports.
  • Limited Innovation: Sex scenes, while well-animated, remain vanilla with few surprises.
  • No Voice Acting: The lack of vocal performances leaves characters feeling less vibrant.

Conclusion

This game feels like a solid, if slightly safe, follow-up to its predecessor. It excels at delivering what fans of the genre expect: visually stunning characters, steamy scenes, and just enough plot to tie it all together. However, its shortcomings—like the linearity, lack of meaningful choices, and absence of voice acting—prevent it from fully capitalising on its potential.

If you’re invested in the series or enjoy mediaeval fantasy with a side of romance, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Just temper your expectations regarding gameplay depth and narrative complexity. For newcomers, it might be worth trying Season 1 first to see if the series is your cup of tea.

Rating: 8/10
Lilith sounds like an Angel’s name tbh (No attack pls)
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1 Comments
Melone 23 Nov, 2024 @ 2:29pm 
:Bunny::melon: