Developer: GameChanger Studio
Publisher: Neon Doctrine
Genre: Strategy, Dating Simulator
Reviewed For: Nintendo Switch
Also Available On: PC
My Lovely Daughter was a surprisingly entertaining yet dark alchemy simulator. With unique visuals and a compelling premise, it was able to overcome the somewhat repetitive gameplay. Now nearly four years later, its sequel, My Lovely Wife is now available on the Nintendo Switch.
My Lovely Wife follows the protagonist who accidentally killed his own wife while trying to defend her. Stricken with grief, he will do anything to bring her back. Suddenly he is able to summon succubi, who he will bond with and eventually sacrifice to bring his wife back.
The plot is rather flimsy and while the themes are incredibly dark, it isn’t particularly interesting. The same issue extends to the gameplay as well, which mixes dating simulators with management simulators. Players will spend their time and resources decided who to spend time with and what to make. The in-game clock ticks as players do their tasks, making the game somewhat a rush for players trying to maximize their time.
The alchemy system itself is rather simple and doesn’t have much depth. Players will mix up various ingredients they find in an effort to create something that works. It’s full of trial and error and while the game takes notes for you on what works and what doesn’t, it isn’t the most engaging system. It’s meant to be a casual affair, but the timed events take away from any sense of relaxation. Players need to think fast, which doesn’t really match the vibe of My Lovely Wife.
As a dating simulator, My Lovely Wife works, but most of the players actions are just going to result in the murder of a succubus. I get that they are demons, but when you look at their designs and the game’s themes, it feels like it is just an excuse to murder women who aren’t wearing much. Sure, players don’t have to kill their succubus, and can actually date them and finish the game with a new love instead, but it doesn’t feel as satisfying as other dating sims. Most of the succubi are flat and the few that are dynamic don’t make up for all of the game’s shortcomings.
Visually, My Lovely Wife looks great. It has a messy style that looks like it belongs in a horror comic book. The art is solid, but a little to gratuitous when it comes to the curves. The characters have idle animations where they move up and down and as expected, are a little bouncy. This likely caters to the game’s base, but it continues to make me believe that this game only exists to arouse the player, and doesn’t actually care about the dark story or its gameplay.
If players are interested in the sexual and violent themes, My Lovely Wife will provide 5 or so hours of entertainment. Even more if they pursue every ending. Otherwise, this is a game that is hard to recommend due to the shallow characters and gameplay.
My Lovely Wife
My Lovely Wife is a step back from its predecessor, with barebones gameplay and an emphasis on violence against women (Even if they are succubi).
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