Basic Information
- Official English Name: The Living
- Developer & Publisher: Developed by SensualHarvest, published by Nutaku
- Release Dates:
- North America: June 8, 2023
- Europe: June 15, 2023
- Asia: June 22, 2023
- Supported Platforms: PC (Windows)
- Game Type Tags:
- RPG
- Interactive Fiction
- Visual Novel
- Adult Content
- Social Media Presence:
- Twitter: @TheLivingGame
- Steam Page: The Living Remain
- Patreon: SensualHarvest Patreon
In-Depth Review
The Living stands as a bold entry in the adult-oriented interactive fiction genre, blending RPG mechanics with deep narrative choices. This visual novel-style gamebook challenges players to navigate morally complex scenarios, where every decision reshapes relationships and outcomes. The game’s core mechanic revolves around branching storylines, allowing players to explore multiple endings based on their interactions with characters.
The gameplay experience is enriched by a dynamic dialogue system, where players must balance character affections, resource management, and ethical dilemmas. While the RPG elements are light, the inclusion of skill trees and stat progression adds depth to character development. For instance, players can enhance traits like charisma or intelligence, influencing how NPCs respond to them.
Visually, The Living features high-quality anime-style illustrations, with detailed backgrounds that immerse players in its dystopian fantasy setting. The soundtrack, composed by an independent artist collective, complements the game’s tone with haunting melodies during critical decision points. However, the lack of voice acting may detract from the immersion for some players.
The adult content is integrated thoughtfully, avoiding tropes in favor of nuanced storytelling. Scenes are triggered by player choices, ensuring that content feels earned rather than forced. This approach caters to players seeking mature themes without compromising the game’s artistic integrity.
Technical performance is smooth, with responsive UI controls optimized for PC. The game’s save system allows for easy experimentation with different paths, though some players may find the lack of cloud saves a minor inconvenience. Nutaku’s platform provides a seamless download experience, with periodic updates addressing minor bugs reported by the community.
Key Features:
- Over 15 unique endings based on player decisions
- Dynamic character relationships with affection meters
- Skill-based progression system affecting dialogue options
- High-resolution artwork with animated cutscenes
- Support for multiple save slots and quick-load functionality
While The Living excels in narrative depth, it falls short in replayability compared to other titles in the genre. The absence of post-game content or New Game+ mode may limit long-term engagement for completionists. Nevertheless, its strong focus on player agency and ethical storytelling makes it a compelling choice for fans of adult-oriented interactive fiction.
Game Link: The Living