Basic Information
- Official English Name: Secret Photos
- Developer & Publisher: Developed by Sukeban Games, published by Nutaku
- Release Dates:
- North America: October 28, 2023
- Europe: November 1, 2023
- Asia: November 15, 2023
- Supported Platforms: PC (Steam, Nutaku)
- Genre Tags: Simulation, Visual Novel, Dating Sim
- Social Media & Links:
- Twitter: @SecretPhotosEN
- Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2620640/Secret_Photo/
In-Depth Review
Secret Photos challenges players to step into the role of a professional photographer managing a bustling studio, where the line between artistry and personal connections blurs. This unique blend of dating sim and photography simulation mechanics offers a fresh take on interactive storytelling, combining visual novel elements with strategic gameplay.
Players must navigate client demands, studio management, and the complexities of building relationships with various models. Each modeling session presents a puzzle where you adjust lighting, angles, and poses to meet specific aesthetic goals, similar to the hidden object mechanics seen in titles like Hidden Photo but with a narrative twist. The game rewards creativity and attention to detail, as perfectly framed shots unlock deeper character backstories and romantic routes.
The narrative structure, reminiscent of Photo Kano, emphasizes player choice through branching dialogues and photo shoot decisions. However, the lack of map indicators for secret photos (a critique echoed in Marvel’s Spider-Man community discussions) adds a layer of challenge, requiring players to manually track hidden objectives. This design choice mirrors the user-generated puzzle mechanics in Hidden Photo, where players could create their own hidden object challenges using real-world images.
Visual and Audio Design: The monochromatic art style, inspired by titles like My Hidden Things, uses minimalist visuals to focus player attention on composition and object placement. While the soundtrack is functional, the absence of ambient music in certain scenes detracts from immersion, a common critique in hidden object games.
Replay Value: With multiple endings and unlockable character routes, the game encourages repeated playthroughs. Achievements tied to photo quality and client satisfaction add a competitive edge, though some players may find the grind for perfectionist scores tedious.
Ultimately, Secret Photos appeals to fans of Dating Sims seeking a gameplay-driven narrative experience. Its innovative mix of photography puzzles and relationship-building makes it a standout title in the simulation genre, despite minor design quirks.
Game Link: Secret Photos