Basic Information
- Official English Name: Rituals in the Dark
- Development Team & Publisher: ebi-hime
- Multi-region Release Date: November 2019
- Supported Platforms: PC
- Game Type Tags: Visual Novel, Yuri
- Social Media Presence: Steam, Itch.io
In-depth Review
Rituals in the Dark is a compact yet immersive Yuri visual novel by indie developer ebi-hime, set in modern-day England. The story centers on Aspen, a socially anxious teenager who discovers a neighbor’s corpse, leading her into an enigmatic relationship with Althea, a mysterious girl in an abandoned house. This 3-hour narrative blends atmospheric horror with introspective character development, a hallmark of ebi-hime’s storytelling style.
The game’s strongest feature is its haunting ambiance, achieved through vivid descriptions of decaying settings and Aspen’s internal monologue. While the romance between Aspen and Althea is tenderly portrayed, the short runtime leaves some narrative threads underdeveloped. Secondary characters like Pippa and Lakhi feel more like plot catalysts than fully fleshed-out individuals, which may detract from the experience for players seeking deeper character exploration.
Visually, the game excels with distinctive character designs by DarkSin, though the UI and background repetition may feel slightly dated. The minimalist soundtrack by Hope effectively enhances tension but lacks variety, potentially feeling repetitive during extended gameplay sessions. Despite these minor flaws, the game’s atmospheric execution and emotional subtlety make it a standout title for fans of short-form, atmospheric Yuri visual novels.
Key Features:
– Unique artistic style blending horror and romance
– Intense focus on protagonist psychology
– Pacing optimized for a concise, impactful narrative
– Minimalist yet evocative soundtrack
Game Link: Rituals in the Dark
