Transylvania Girls

[JSH357]

Here it is, my favorite OHR game (well, there are still 5 to analyze I guess but for now I'm saying it is) of 2011.

Transylvania Girls is one of the best dating sims I have ever played. I'm not just limiting that statement to indie games here--I've played lots of games in the genre, it's one I have a soft spot for, and it really doesn't get a lot better than this. Just as in all dating sims with adult content that are actually worth playing, the sexual scenes play second fiddle to everything else. They're in here either for comedy or (surprise) to move the story along.

The addition of a hunt for Dracula's parts adds a TON to this game. First, it gives the game a timer and an objective! Yes, finding a suitable virgin is half of the end game requirement, but the other half is getting the parts. This means you must apportion your time properly and think about what you are doing to see the end. I love this, and if I have one complaint it's that the secret gives you a bit too much extra time to finish the game in.

Another great quality of this game is its interface. It's splendid and simple to use. The Castlevania music fits perfectly and gives the game a proper rockin' retro feel. Giz's graphics are completely suitable for the game (some of his best work!) and the animations go by quickly enough to not annoy the player.

Giz's writing is also quite solid. The dates are markedly either sappy, boring or hilarious, but always a neat experience. They do repeat, which is kind of a minus, but since you're bound to fail on a date once or twice, that's probably preferable to having to re-learn the sequence over and over. The story is silly and never gets too serious for its own good--it's basically black comedy about reviving Dracula with a virgin's blood. I'm sure it'll turn some people off, but I thought it was an interesting choice.

On that same note, the sex scenes in this game are also entirely played for comedy. I could see someone being offended by them, but it's quite honestly nothing you wouldn't see in a cheap horror B-Movie or R-rated Hollywood flick.

Transylvania Girls is one of the best OHR games there is, and it's easily my favorite of 2011.

Rating: 9.5 Drama Llamas out of 10