"The Ocean at Night" Yaoi Visual Novel Review - Mermen and 9 to 5

You know, I've spent a good chunk of my life enjoying and dissecting Boys Love stories, both in anime and visual novels. On Tumblr for years and now on Boys Love Universe. So when I heard about this particular game featuring a merman named Nero and an overworked guy named Kova, I couldn't help but feel intrigued. Let's be honest, when worlds as different as the sea and corporate life collide, you're guaranteed a story that either sinks or swims magnificently. This one, my friends, seems like it's leaning towards the latter. Let's dive into 'The Ocean at Night" demo.

You know what? The concept of a merman on the run resonates on a level that's difficult to articulate but instantly understandable. It's the classic outsider figure, the "other" that's so often seen in Boys Love narratives. Nero as a merman signifies a life and perspective so different that it almost acts as a mirror, reflecting what's missing in Kova's life. This character immediately reminds me of the escapism many of us seek, whether it's in stories or real life.

There are a few Yaoi manga and even anime that feature mermen so really glad we get Nero as a main focus in "The Ocean at Night". Mermen are often depicted as free and unbound by societal norms, a life so distinct from the grind of a 9 to 5 job that it acts as a fantasy in and of itself. The allure of the different often holds a mirror to our own shortcomings or unfulfilled desires, and here, Nero plays that role perfectly.

Kova, on the other hand, is someone I—and I'm guessing a lot of you—can deeply empathize with. The narrative archetype of the overworked individual is all too common in modern society. We understand him, almost too well. He is drowning in responsibilities, yet unlike Nero, he doesn't have the literal sea as his backdrop but an ocean of work and past regrets.

The constant push to forget his past through work is a struggle that many of us face, albeit perhaps not as dramatically. There's something so real about using your job as both a shield and a prison. You're safe from confronting your inner turmoil, but you're also confined, limited, and stuck.

The choices in the game is a poignant reminder of real-life decisions we all have to make, especially when it comes to love and relationships. Sometimes you're forced to choose between what's easy and what's right, between confronting your fears or running from them.

The gameplay mechanic promises an emotionally charged one. I can't count how many times I've reached a narrative crossroad in a Boys Love game and felt my heart skip a beat, the weight of the choice capturing a slice of real-life complexity. The idea that these choices influence multiple endings adds an emotional gravity that resonates on a personal level.

I'm genuinely interested in the original graphics and backgrounds. Visual novels are more than just about the story; they're about the atmosphere, the overall mood that the art can set. The right CG at the right moment can elevate an emotional scene from memorable to unforgettable. The planned voice acting adds more excitement to my little heart so cannot wait to see this unfold. There's something profoundly intimate about hearing a character's voice as long as they are casted and directed well of course.

Also when a game includes a texting feature that lets you stay in contact with other characters, it adds much more realism. Imagine getting a message from Nero about some beautiful underwater scene he wishes Kova could see, or maybe a late-night text from Kova to Nero as he's drowning in paperwork. The selfie camera is not just a gimmick either which to me is so cute in itself.

While I haven't seen the exact length of the full game, the demo alone promises around 13,000 words. That's long enough for me to get connected to these characters.

So, would I recommend this game? Absolutely.