Back at it again with another set of demos for you to check out. This time, we’ve got a distinct set of visual novels!
After the Wane
To be released on PC (Windows, macOS); Consoles (Steam Deck, Switch 1/2)
This visual novel features a compelling story of love, heartbreak, and finding oneself amidst the chaos of the world. You play as Lena, a dancer retracing the footsteps of her unknown mother. She’s been trying to get somewhere with dancing in the city, and it’s been rough so far. But things may be changing. Although probably not in ways that she might expect.
The demo features rotoscope animations of beautiful dance sequences, as well as painterly vignettes of the city and its people. Between the hand-crafted art and the immersive soundtrack that guides you through the emotional beats of the story, there’s plenty to love and look forward to in this game.
Currently, After the Wane has no release date.
Burn the Midnight Oil
To be released on PC (Windows, macOS); Consoles (Steam Deck)
Do you like vampires? Werewolves? Pretty people? Well, you’re in luck. Because Burn the Midnight Oil has all of that and more.
This demo is polished. As. Hell. The art is crisp, and the designs are solid. Maybe this is just a glimpse of the final product, or maybe the studio still plans on updating the UI. But I personally don’t think it’s needed.
In this visual novel, you can choose to play through two characters with three romanceable options each. And both protagonists are written beautifully. They’re not just blank characters. They’re fully-formed individuals with their own history and personalities.
You can choose between the vampire, Circe, and investigate murders and conspiracies in the intricate circles of vampire society, or you can choose to play as Dante, who is definitely not a cop and just so happens to be working with cops to hunt down the source of a dangerous magical drug. Both characters may have their own contacts and their own networks, but they may also interact with each other.
The dialogue is playful, and not at all cheesy or cringe– that’s usually my issue with VNs. Most of all, the relationships between characters feel organic, and it flows so naturally. With the little peek I got, I was giggling and kicking my feet.
Have I mentioned that the characters are all pretty? I should mention that. They’re all very pretty.
According to the developers, the full game features 3 to 5 main endings, not including the bad endings that could end your current run! It’d be interesting to see which choices may lead the protags to a swift end.
Currently, Burn the Midnight Oil has no release date, but it is available to back on Kickstarter!
Sovereign Tower
To be released on PC (Windows, macOS); Consoles (Steam Deck)
Originally, I was going to try out a little bit of this demo just to see if it was good. It was randomly recommended to me, and I figured I’d give it a shot. Then I proceeded to play it twice over for two hours and had to stop before I started another.
In this game, you play as the Sovereign. The demo features Act 1 of the game, where you get started with this newfound power you find yourself wielding: Nobility.
Recruit Knights, hold court, resolve issues, send Knights all over the Kingdom, manipulate time, et cetera. You know. Pretty much what you’d expect from being a ruler. Absolutely nothing suspicious is going on. Really.
I’d also consider this a low-key resource management game. You pick and choose when to spend gold, who to send to what quest (based on stats and personality), and which factions to listen to. But it’s really easy to get into and not at all something that feels like a grind.
The art style is gorgeous. The dialogue is so fun and so full of life. And man, the UI is so satisfying! I love it when a game just feels so smooth and intuitive.
The characters in this game have been so interesting so far. There’s also romance in the game, and I’m in Big Trouble because I have no idea who I’m starting with. They’re all so interesting. Genuinely stumped.
Overall, such a good game and fantastic execution of the concept. I look forward to its release!
Currently set to be released in August 2026.
