Game Overview
- Official Title: Once Ever After
- Developer: Sierra Lee
- Publisher: Sierra Lee, Nutaku
- Release Dates:
– North America: October 14, 2022
– Europe: October 14, 2022
– Asia: May 12, 2023 (DLsite Japan) - Platforms: Windows PC
- Genre Tags: RPG, Fantasy, Adult, Erotic
- Social Media:
– Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/951860/
– Itch.io: https://sierralee.itch.io/once-ever-after
– Nutaku: https://www.nutaku.net/games/once-ever-after/
In-Depth Review
Once Ever After is an ambitious adult RPG that reimagines classic fairy tales with a mature twist. Developed by Sierra Lee, known for creating story-rich erotic games, this title offers a unique blend of traditional JRPG mechanics and adult content.
The game follows Ingrid, the newest Little Red Riding Hood, as she ventures into a dark forest filled with danger and excitement. However, the narrative quickly expands beyond a single fairy tale, exploring an interconnected multiverse of stories on the brink of war. This premise allows for a rich tapestry of characters and scenarios, each with their own adult-oriented storylines.
Gameplay-wise, Once Ever After impresses with its depth. The 20-30 hour campaign features a robust class system, allowing players to customize their party members with multiple skill trees. This flexibility in character building adds significant replay value and strategic depth to the turn-based combat encounters. The visible enemies on the map, replacing random encounters, is a welcome quality-of-life feature that modernizes the classic JRPG formula.
Visually, the game employs a charming pixel art style reminiscent of 16-bit era RPGs. This aesthetic choice works well with the fairy tale theme, creating a nostalgic yet fresh atmosphere. The adult content is presented through high-quality character portraits and CG scenes, with over 150 images total. Additionally, the inclusion of 30+ chibi images for cute plot moments adds a layer of visual variety.
One of Once Ever After’s strengths lies in its writing. While it starts with familiar fairy tale tropes, the story evolves into a complex narrative that explores themes of personal growth, sexuality, and the nature of storytelling itself. The character development, particularly for the protagonist Ingrid, is noteworthy as she navigates her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The game also excels in its production values, featuring modern conveniences like autosave slots, a comprehensive quest log, and post-game challenges leading to an alternate ending. These elements contribute to a polished experience that respects players’ time and engagement.
It’s worth noting that Once Ever After is an adults-only title with explicit sexual content. However, reviews suggest that the erotic elements are well-integrated into the overall narrative and character arcs, rather than feeling tacked-on or gratuitous.
For fans of adult-oriented JRPGs or those interested in mature reinterpretations of classic tales, Once Ever After offers a compelling package. Its blend of strategic gameplay, expansive storytelling, and high-quality erotic content makes it a standout title in the niche but growing market of adult gaming.
Game Link: Once Ever After