SPEAKEASY
A downloadable game for Windows, macOS, and Linux
STAY UP TO DATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Keep an eye on the devlog for Speakeasy. Follow us or check it out here:
Announcing SPEAKEASY: LAST CALL [4/2/2024]
Speakeasy: SFW Version, Walkthrough [Post #13, 12/30/23]
Speakeasy: Releasing 12/30/23! [Post #12, 12/28/23]
Speakeasy: Art of Speakeasy [Post #11, 12/19/23]
Speakeasy: Beta Testing & Release [Post #10, 11/24/23]
Speakeasy: It's really happening [Post #8, 7/5/23]
Speakeasy: What to look forward to [Post #7, 6/27/23]
Speakeasy: Kickstarter coming July 1st [Post #6, 6/20/23]
Speakeasy: Taking center stage [Post #4]
Speakeasy: A demo update [Post #3]
Speakeasy: The devil is in the details [Post #2]
Speakeasy: An Introduction [Post #1]
Purchase
In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $19.99 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Download demo
Comments
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SPEAKEASY V1.2: Issue with SFW & NSFW Selection
A couple players have experienced an issue with Windows V1.2 where the game doesn't play the NSFW version when selected. To troubleshoot this, you can try to delete the game and .zip file, then download it again from your itch.io library to see if it runs normally.
If not, V1.1 has been added back to the downloadable files list included with your purchase. This is the launch version that only contains the NSFW content.
The MC's appearance reminds me a lot of Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby :>
Hi! I bought it on steam.I love this story.But is it only SFW on steam now?
Nope! The Steam version should allow you to select between "NSFW Off" and "NSFW On" at the start of a new game.
Depending on the route, the NSFW content might happen later in the story than others, like Dahlia and Will. You'll know you're in NSFW mode once the 2nd CG pops up in every route after the first kiss. SFW mode will only have the kiss CGs.
Hi, I have enjoyed the story of the game, however I have encountered a bug. I played through the game first clicking "NSFW on", then played a new game clicking "NSFW off". Both of these options had no NSFW content at all, only fading to black on intimate scenes. It is the 1.2 version from this page. How should I resolve this?
Sorry to hear you're having trouble with it. We haven't heard other reports of this yet, so I don't have a quick fix set up yet and will have to do a little digging to see if I can recreate it. If you start from a previous save file the SFW/NSFW choice is unchangeable, but it doesn't sound like that's what you're experiencing.
I would suggest uninstalling the game and reinstalling first, then choosing "NSFW On" to see if that solves it. If not, drop a support ticket on the website here with the best email address to reach you at and I can send you the version that just has the NSFW content: https://openlategames.com/contact/
Please include your itch.io username.
Many thanks for the swift response and assistance. All is working as intended :)
Awesome :) Glad to help.
Hello! Encountered the same problem playing on windows. Was wondering if there's a fix for this now? Not sure how to install and re-install since there was no installation process after I unzipped the file. The game program was just already there.
Just as a note in case anyone else runs into this issue, the NSFW-only version of the game has been added back to the downloadable files that come with purchase.
A fantastic game, genuinely one of the best otome games I've had the pleasure to play and one of the very, VERY few games that actually offer explicit adult scenes for female audiences, something that is still sooooo unusual on the market bc apparently we still haven't wrapped our hands around the fact that women also have a libido lol and would like games like this, so I can't thank you enough! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I can't wait to see your future games- say, do you already have another one planned? Bc I am LOOKING as they say haha. To everyone else: these are the best bucks you may yet spend on a game, I 1000% recommend it! <3
I backed on Kickstarter and I am so glad I did! I've played through Vincent and Max and Nika's routes so far and am very much looking forward to tackling the others.
i don't really like this game. i'm still working on playing it though, but it really lacks in atmosphere. despite being marketed as a prohibition era otome game, it really misses the mark. all characters minus the protagonist don't look like they're from the 1920s prohibition era, especially the route i started with, maxim and nika. i understand that they're performers, but seriously, do they need to constantly wear leotards? as well as this, the fact that they're wearing branded underwear, (which didn't exist in the 1920s btw) during the sex scene is just laughable. as well as this, the plot is just, poorly written? like maxim and the main character's relationship just being thrown into marriage is so rushed, and also, maxim's outfit to go to the ballet is just so UGLY. it's incredibly ugly. like. garish. doesn't look like anything i've ever seen from the prohibition era. the creators failed to acknowledge that during this time period, the amount of skin showing across all of the sprites is highly unrealistic, especially for being out in public and not in a speakeasy. like, when i went into this, i understood there was a sort of suspension belief, i mean, people in the prohibition era don't have brightly colored hair, but a ton of stuff took me out of the story. also, the main character only has 4 skintones, and they're just white, also white, tan, and darker tan. if you're black, tough luck feeling immersed in the story because the creators clearly don't understand being inclusive. honestly, i probably wont pick this game back up, i didn't finish maxim and nika's route, but after the absolutely laughable sex scene, i couldn't continue.
Edit: Please keep comments civil <3
First off, we'd like to thank you for supporting indie games and developers, even if Speakeasy didn't end up being a game you loved.
We didn't want to limit the creativity on the art and wanted to create something fun that leaned more toward fantasy than strict historical accuracy. It might not be for everyone, but it reflects our vision as the developers.
Regarding the critique on the skin tones, we're sorry to hear that the skin tone choices weren't appealing. This is a comment we've seen in another review, so we'd like to take this opportunity to talk a little more about it. (The following discussion isn't directed at OP of this comment, just some information for anyone who would like to learn more about the MC customization and how it was developed.)
Cora was originally written as her own well-defined character and wasn't intended to be a self-insert character (not even her name was changeable in the beginning!). After receiving many requests to have more MC options available, we put in a Kickstarter goal to create a customizable MC. That goal was never reached, but with the small amount of extra funds that were pledged, we tried our best to provide some options with the limited budget available to do this.
Unlike some indie studios, Open Late Games doesn't have an artist as part of the dedicated development team and we use paid outside artists, so making updates to the art is very much dependent on our budget. We would have loved to do completely redrawn character art with a wider options of looks to choose from, but there was only so much we were able to do at the time.
What we had to work with was the base art for the original Cora character. From there, we had to choose tone options that allowed us to use the original line work and would retain the same look of the shadows, highlights, blushes, and all the different coloring variations within the expressions without losing all of those details. Because again, we didn't have the budget to do completely redrawn art for multiple MC options. Going too dark with the tone wasn't the only issue that made the details in the art get lost, using tones that had too much yellow or too much red also produced the same effect. So we had to compromise and find some variations that would be general representations of different types of tones, but didn't make the MC's face lose all the detail that was shown in the base art.
A lot of care and effort was put into making the base art work without making the other skin tone options look flat or like caricatures because they lacked detail and definition. The absolute last thing we wanted to put forth was options that looked poorly executed or offensive.
With Speakeasy as our first game, it's definitely been a learning experience navigating player expectations. And the conclusion is that we won't be able to please everyone and the games we make won't be universally loved, for a variety of reasons. We aren't sure what the best course of action to take would have been, whether it was sticking with our original concept for the MC that was her own defined character without customization, or to choose the path that we did.
We hope that this provides some insight into the challenges faced during game development, especially the very real relationship between art and budget constraints.
I think I've played the entirety of this game in three days and I love it. I absolutely adore Maxim and Nika's route especially, it was so heart wrenching and I would have loved to see more of them. I'm excited for whatever ventures you all have in the future! Keep up the good work!
Thank you and we're so happy you enjoyed it!!
Didn't know this game used unity....my PC can't handle it and I'm bummed out cause I really wanna play. Would it be possible to make a version for android? that's the only other device I have.
We don't have any plans at the moment to do mobile ports, but it might be something we'll do in the future and with new games we develop.
Thank you! If I get the opportunity to play before then , I'll make sure to share my thoughts about the game. :)
What can I say, this is an amazing game! I really loved the plot, the sprites, the mc and LIs. This game is a treasure! And special thanks to the devs for the amazing dialogues and for the steamy scenes. I hope you will make more 18+ games like this in the future)
Thank you so much!!
I'm still playing the game but I wanted to let you guys know that I'm so obsessed that I want a fandisc 😭
Us too... we love writing these characters. <3
This game is easily and by FAR one of the best visual novels I have ever played. From the characters to their intriguing background stories there was not a minute that I did not enjoy. Literally the perfect balance of mystery/romance. And the humor too! I’ve seriously never played a game thats made me laugh so much. The plot had me hooked throughout every single chapter/ route. Also the character design/art ??? Absolutely amazing!! I cant wait to replay this treasure over and over again. Thank you so much for this amazing game!! I cant wait to see what you guys will release in the future :D!!
Ahhh! Our hearts are melting over here. Thank you so much for the kind words and we're so happy you loved it.
Hey so initially I really didnt wanna say anything because I am assuming it is my laptop (the mac is super old tbh LOL) but I bought the game and it's been stuck on the loading. I tried to redownload, I tried opening it in terminal so I'm really commenting to see if there is anything I missed while trying to get it to work. I should add that I was able to open the demo perfectly so it's bothering me that I can't find out why I can't open the full game lol
Very curious. That is the correct loading screen, so it's definitely trying to work. If you're planning on just playing the NSFW version, we can send you a version where the game's total file size is smaller and it might run better for you. Send us a message through our contact form and we can make it happen: https://openlategames.com/contact/
Thank you! I messaged, and again, thank you!
The files are zipped, so you'll need to download then unzip them.
If you're using Windows, you can go to your Downloads folder, right click the zipped folder and select "Extract all." You'll then see a pop-up window that asks where you want to save the extracted folder. Choose where you want to save it, then it'll take a little time to unzip the files. The folder will then be available to open and you select the file that says "Speakeasy" and has a little black and white S icon to play. Here are some instructions if you need more help: https://www.pcworld.com/article/394871/how-to-unzip-files-in-windows-10.html
I literally spent 2 whole days getting deep into this game and getting all the routes and CGs. I can't explain how much I got hooked on the Speakeasy universe, this game's simply incredible in every way, I kept wanting more and more, to know all the characters and their pasts, their sins, their fears and their qualities and there's no way you can't get attached to at least one of them, oh my god, good job stirring up my feelings! (Silas & Milo are my babies <3) (but also Max and Nika are so incredible, I don't even know what to say AAAA)
We're so happy you loved it!! <3
I just finished playing all the routes and I just wanted to thank you for creating this masterpiece of a game ! I loved everything so much even the music is chef's kiss ❤️ My favorite routes were Silas, Max & Nika and Milo's route. Even Vin's ( tho he did piss me off in some routes lol ) and Momo was such a treat ! He made me so happy. This game brought me hours of Joy, laughter, heart raising and even tearful moments. I wish it never ended ! I really pray you make more games as amazing as this one with steamy scenes and beautiful characters and worlds . Thank you for your dedication and talent ❤️ This game will forever hold a dear place in my heart.
We're so happy you loved it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts <3
before i buy this, i looked at the walkthrough and what exactly is the “speakeasy” end? more specifically, is the speakeasy end a good end, neutral end, tragic end, etc
Speakeasy Ends happen somewhere within each route and it's where things go completely off the rails. The MC ends up with the LI (in one form or another), but in the wrong way. These are written to be juicy little side endings with extra drama and they skew more toward bad than tragic--unlike the canon tragic end at the end of each route.
I loved it, this was an experience like nothing I have ever experienced before, and I like to think of myself a veteran in romance, otome, and erotic visual novel games. My only gripe is that it ends and that it doesn't go on even longer, but that is just me being greedy because of how good it is and refusing to let the story just end in my mind and heart. This was truly an enjoying thrilling story that I did not see coming and I am so happy that I took a chance to get out of my cozy wholesome only love stories to find this gem
Thank you <3 You've made our day!
Bought it on steam and i loved the story and the characters, but im missing two CGs. How many CGs are for each character?
keep doing a great job! Sending a lot of love!
3 CGs each for: Milo, Silas, Will, Dahlia
4 CGs each for: Vincent, Maxim+Nika
There's a free walkthrough PDF here on itch (it's listed with the demo downloads) or you can check it out here: https://openlategames.com/2024/01/12/speakeasy-route-walkthrough/
A couple CGs are hidden in the Speakeasy Ends and Tragic Ends...
Thanks so much for your kind words <3
Thanks for responding! I would like to ask if we will see these characters in a new game? I'm attached to them and would like to see more of them
We do have a couple ideas in the early phases of development... Also, we write original stories on our Patreon each month if that's something that would be of any interest to fans out there. patreon.com/OpenLateMedia
Bought it on steam and adore everything so far, my only problem is I have no option to toggle on the NSFW so i'm stuck playing SFW version. I keep trying start new game and only get to select skin tone please let me know if it's a bug or because i'm still on Dahlia's route and also thank you for such an amazing game <3
The version on Steam right now is 1.1, which only has the NSFW content. So if that's what you're looking to play, you've got the right version :)
There will be an update on Steam in the coming days with the 1.2 content that allows players to turn off the NSFW. Itch received this update today, but the process takes a little longer with Steam.
Actually in my game in both sprites and CGs they're all covered up so not an NSFW issue rather I only have SFW haha :') There is not an ounce of explicit content throughout my Dahlia run sadly not sure why. They are always in clothing and undergarments. Unless it's meant to be this way? If it helps i'm on Dahlia's first CG and they were clothed.
The NSFW version features the first kiss CGs (these are all clothed), plus additional CGs that are fully R18. So as you play through the route, Dahlia's completely NSFW CGs will come up. There aren't any censored versions of these - these are simply removed when SFW mode is active. Sprites are the same in both versions, and you won't see completely nude sprites.
Ah thank you so much for clarifying <3 will go ahead and jump back in then and apologies was a misunderstanding on my end :)
Dahlia's route takes a little while for the romance to build and the NSFW to come out :) It happens faster in the Vincent route and in the Maxim + Nika route, just in case you're curious...
We'll check into it :)
In the meantime, you can still place orders for the artbook and game guide on our BackerKit store! And there are a couple extra fun items in there as well: https://speakeasygame.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
Hi i just purchased the game and I'm currently playing it but i was wondering if we can change the Mc's name? i like using my own name
The option to change the MC's name comes about in the common route as you're playing. When the MC decides to use their middle name as a pseudonym, you get a choice between "Cora" and "Something else." Choose "Something else." to do a custom input.
thank you for the help! I love the game! I was also wondering how to access the walkthrough? I keep clicking on it on the itch app but it won't open and it won't show up on my laptop's downloads
Just moved the file down to the free section with the demos. You should be able to download it now :)
I was able to open it now thanks :] One last question and so sorry if it's too many questions lol but are the NSFW scenes already toggled or is there somewhere we need to press to activate them? I love the game and currently playing Silas route and he's so sweet
If your version of the game was the original one released, it defaults to NSFW and there's no option to turn on SFW mode. If you have the version that was just released (V1.2), there will be a choice screen after you select New Game that asks if you'd like to turn NSFW on or off. So if you don't see that screen, then you have the original version with only NSFW content. :)
Hi, if I purchase the game anywhere else but itch.io (like jastusa or steam), do I still get the Game guide, or is that an itchio exclusive? Also, are there any keyboard shortcuts, or does the game basically run through left and right mouse clicks? I'm asking because I want to run the game on steamdeck, and any "keyboard" shortcuts would be really appreciated. Thanks!
The Speakeasy Walkthrough is a free PDF that is an itch.io exclusive and is just a simple text-only guide. The Digital Game Guide is a different item that was offered first through Kickstarter and is available for purchase through JAST. The Digital Game Guide contains full graphics and also features a walkthrough and recommended route order. And yes! There are lots of keyboard shortcuts and built-in defaults for controllers. You can check those out here: https://naninovel.com/guide/input-processing.html#default-listeners
thank you so much for replying!
Any news about the launch on Steam?? I'm looking forward to playing!
No good news yet. We've been ready to go since December 24th, but unfortunately it all depends on Steam's internal review process. We'll be sure to post an update once we have a release date with them locked in.
And we have a release date!
January 11th at 9am PST
Check out the Speakeasy Steam page!
Also, lore related question if you're able to answer!
Spoilers
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Are Nika and Maxim poly because of their circumstances or is poly something that would've been introduced into their relationship regardless of Vincent? Like, would their relationship be open inevitably? My impression was that with Vincent it was a necessity because Max wanted to be able to provide for Nika and himself and sex majorly was something that Max felt kept him and Vincent tied together. Though in some regard he obviously cares for Vincent. Theres some tension in Evelyn and Vincent's route where Max tries to sleep with him and Vincent decides he doesn't want to. Then Max has that moment where he's like "I've never rejected you for someone else." and Vincent implies Max imagines it's Nika when they have sex.
Then of course theres Nika's little "It's more like I've gotten used to it." when Evelyn asks about Max sleeping with other people.
But with Evelyn there's not that same pressure to provide, at least not in the good ending after you help Max. Yet they still end up wanting to be with her. And Max rejects Vincent's requests for sex.
So, when they finally get to that healthy space where theres no pressure do they still practice open poly? Or is it more of a closed poly triad thing where they don't actively seek partners outside of their relationship?
I'm just trying to understand their dynamic, because it's apparent in Vincent's route that he will practice open non-monogomy regardless and thats just how he is. But with these two it feels a little different. Sorry for the novel and thank you for such a good game!
Great question!
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
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[Turn back now if you don't wan't to read spoilers.]
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Whew, this is a complicated relationship. Canonically, Maxim and Nika grew up together and were one another's firsts for every facet of their sexual and romantic lives. Their bond is extremely close and no matter who or what comes in and out of their lives, they will always love each other to an extreme degree.
Their polyamory came about long before Vincent. In fact, it's something that we're interested in exploring in a Speakeasy prequel with just BL romances...
A lot of the anger and hurt about Maxim's relationship with Vincent in their route is about him feeling that he has to maintain it in order to provide for them, not because of the relationship itself. Cora's feelings are a little different since this dynamic is new to her. It leaves her confused, jealous, and second guessing herself because she isn't sure how to navigate sharing people that she's growing to love. While this is something that Nika and Maxim have already had to work through because of the expectations of the time (taking a wife). For them, it was just a reality that was neither good nor bad, because they knew that they would always have each other no matter what circumstances they found themselves in. I will say that they do enjoy having lovers outside their relationship, and have been known to even share them.
But Cora? She's a little different. She just happened to fall in love with these two men, and it likely would not have ever gone that way outside of this specific setting and with these specific men.
For the happy end, we wanted to give a sense of wholeness for the player to bring their story to a close. First with the marriage of Maxim and Cora, and then the marriage of Nika and Cora, it represents a full joining and that they've committed themselves to each other. Finding themselves happy, supported, and fulfilled, they won't seek outside relationships and instead enjoy what they've built together.
There is another ending in the game with a completely open polyamorous end...
Sequel featuring an mc running Evelyn and Vincent's lingerie brand when? 👀
Hii!! When will it be available on Steam?
We're hoping this week! It's currently in the review process with Steam and it's all up to their turnaround time. 💕
And we have a release date! January 11th at 9am PST Check out the Speakeasy Steam page!
hello! one question, how does one change the name of the protagonist? thank you!
The name change choice happens within the common route. You'll be asked what your middle name is and can either choose "Cora" or "Something else." Choose "Something else." and it will prompt you for a custom input.
I will fight Vincent everyday for my entire life. Sending Momo after him.
Genuinely loved the game and have played through the majority of the routes "good" ends already. There are some story inconsistencies here and there but overall I think it's worth the price and play.
Unlike recommended I did play Vincent's route second lmao. Favorite route was Nika+Maxiam because WOAH. I did wish Nika more because ((baby)) but we'll fight Vincent together where we can.
Edited to add: When talking to Maxiam and Nika one always has their ass towards you and it is the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. It's like they're trying to seduce you but taking turns I'm crying.
So excited to finally play this game! Is there a recommended route order?
Our recommendation:
The first five routes are all different with their own plots, so they can be played in any order. But Vincent is best saved for last since his route wraps up the full story.
The game looks gorgeous. Though I was wondering, will there be any kind of route walkthrough made available? I'm just the type who likes to go through all the different endings without having to just guess my way through all of them if I don't have to.
There is an artbook and guide on
https://jastusa.com/games/opla002/speakeasy?variant=opla002_guide
and
backerkit has artbook, guide, Bartender Handbook,
Pinup Calendar, Printable Bookmarks, and a Printable Poster
https://speakeasygame.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
Thank you for sharing all of that <3
For anyone else interested, these are all exclusive items that were made for the Kickstarter and contain a lot of character art. They're suitable for printing as commemorative items.
Thank you! A walkthrough is now available that's included with the purchase of the game.
Hello!! If we already bought the game before the walkthrough was included or if we bought it on Jast instead do we still have a way to get it??
If you bought your game on itch.io, then the PDF walkthrough is included in your purchase (even if you bought it before it was uploaded). Just go to "Buy Now" and you should be able to download it through there. Jast won't have this pdf available, instead what's offered there is the Digital Game Guide, which is an extra item for sale featuring the walkthrough and character art.
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! Can't wait to binge this game and spend time with all my luvvies.
Why take one when you can take two together! My dream come true I'm crying T-T
More is more <3
very excited for this, gorgeous art & clearly a lot of talent and love put into this one! I was just wondering if there will be MC customization or a different look to choose from? I just found this game but saw on the Kickstarter that was a stretch goal, so just curious if that made it into the game!
Glad you're looking forward to it! We didn't reach the goal for customization in the Kickstarter, but we did manage to get together some options. The MC's name is customizable and players will be able to select from 4 different skin tones (which are also in the CGs!).
THANK YOU
Can’t wait to get more bites and peaces the Demo was soo good!! I know this game won’t disappoint i love the style and art just chef kiss (づ￣ ³￣)づ now all there is left is the waiting game.
Soon...
This looks super interesting! I'm so happy that it's a dark romance game and it's 18+. It's not easy to find a game like this)
Btw, the MC looks totally gorgeous! I'm already in love with her)
I can't wait for the full game...
Almost time...
Quick slightly weird question: are the +18 scenes just going to be text and suggestive poses, or will we actually get to see everything?
Not weird at all! The full game will have explicit R18 CGs depicting the anatomy and actions happening in text. There will be an option to turn off NSFW content for anyone who would prefer to skip past those parts.
Five months later (congrats on release!) I'm playing the game and have gotten up to some of the NSFW scenes - I haven't noticed any ability to skip or turn off the scenes (I'm playing in a not entirely private environment).
The current version doesn't have the ability to turn off NSFW. We'll be putting out an update in the coming weeks with that option.
Good to know! Thanks for responding
Is there possibly something wrong with the demo download files? When I try to install the demo it does not let me select any of the 3 systems (I'm on Windows) and I get an error message that reads 'Cannot read property build of undefined'.
Edit: Nevermind, downloading it via the website worked. Loved the demo! <3
I'm glad you were able to pick it up from one of the other outlets. We tested everything out on our end and aren't able to get the same error, so perhaps it might be a little snag with itch.io that happened.
The demo is such a great balance between introduction to the story and showcasing the characters! I feel like I have the weakest grasp on Will's character out of everyone so definitely looking forward to finding out his deal. Love the art, and really hoping to reach those first two stretch goals for the extra routes (especially Dahlia >:3c)