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!
[SPOILERS AHEAD] . . . . [Turn back now if you don't wan't to read spoilers.]
. . . .
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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...
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).
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)
not gonna lie i haven’t had the time to play the demo, but everything about it makes me so excited to finally get to play it, it sounds so right up my alley, because i love how there’s a representation of lgbtq+ characters and it’s an 18+ otome game which I LIVE FOR. i’m gonna write a review when i get time to play the demo!
Finally another 18+ otome! We need more adult otoges with mature characters and themes. Thank you! I can't choose fav male li and i liked the story and setting. I can't wait for the full game.
The demo was amazing!! I loved the edited backgrounds, the gorgeous character sprites, the lively BGM, and the scenes I saw so far were really well done and made me hungry for more. I particularly loved Vin's office scene (hehh) and the dynamic between Maxi/Cora/Nika.
I can really tell how much care and love you have put into this project. The little details, like the gorgeous animated rain, the branded underwear, how you utilize sprite positioning... it's all working so well for me.
Y'all are doing a fabulous job! So much so that I cannot decide who I'm stanning at this stage - so I'mma just be a box pusher ^^;; I will say that I have to restrain the urge to bark every time I see Milo wink/smirk though~
Hi, I love the look of this and am eagerly anticipating the demo release. I've been reading through the blog posts, however, the link for 'Speakeasy: Taking center stage [Post #4]' goes to a '404 not found' page for me.
well the queerphobia shouldn't really come as a shock given the time period it's set in. excited to date them all :D also the trailer song reminds me of charlie puth
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Also, lore related question if you're able to answer!
Spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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]
.
.
.
.
[Turn back now if you don't wan't to read spoilers.]
.
.
.
.
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)
Played the demo and boy i loved the spice! Characters and BGs are well designed and the music fits the theme well.
18+ otome games feel like a rarity so this will be a fun one to play upon its completion.
Oh wow.
Now THIS is a game I can get into. The drama. The chaos. THE SCENES!
When I tell you my eyebrow almost reached my hairline, it went so high...
I am looking forward to this one. For sure.
PandarenGurl, you're one of our giveaway winners! DM us on Twitter so we can get your details.
https://twitter.com/OpenLateGames/status/1675930960284749824?s=20
The demo was really wondeful~! And gladly I was alone at home, so no one could have heard my squealing especially at the last scenes XD
not gonna lie i haven’t had the time to play the demo, but everything about it makes me so excited to finally get to play it, it sounds so right up my alley, because i love how there’s a representation of lgbtq+ characters and it’s an 18+ otome game which I LIVE FOR. i’m gonna write a review when i get time to play the demo!
absolutly stunning! and finally 18+ otome im excited for the full game keep up the good work!
Oh my god I'm so happy finally adult genre otome! I can't wait for the full game I bet it's gonna be amazing!❤
Finally another 18+ otome! We need more adult otoges with mature characters and themes. Thank you! I can't choose fav male li and i liked the story and setting. I can't wait for the full game.
EnchantedMoon, you're one of our giveaway winners! DM us on Twitter so we can get your details.
https://twitter.com/OpenLateGames/status/1675930960284749824?s=20
The demo was amazing!! I loved the edited backgrounds, the gorgeous character sprites, the lively BGM, and the scenes I saw so far were really well done and made me hungry for more. I particularly loved Vin's office scene (hehh) and the dynamic between Maxi/Cora/Nika.
I can really tell how much care and love you have put into this project. The little details, like the gorgeous animated rain, the branded underwear, how you utilize sprite positioning... it's all working so well for me.
Y'all are doing a fabulous job! So much so that I cannot decide who I'm stanning at this stage - so I'mma just be a box pusher ^^;; I will say that I have to restrain the urge to bark every time I see Milo wink/smirk though~
Misobuttercornramen, you're one of our giveaway winners! DM us on Twitter so we can get your details.
https://twitter.com/OpenLateGames/status/1675930960284749824?s=20
Hi, I love the look of this and am eagerly anticipating the demo release. I've been reading through the blog posts, however, the link for 'Speakeasy: Taking center stage [Post #4]' goes to a '404 not found' page for me.
Thank you!! It should be fixed now.
well the queerphobia shouldn't really come as a shock given the time period it's set in. excited to date them all :D also the trailer song reminds me of charlie puth
So excited for this!
This looks fantastic!!!
I'm in love with the designs, and that trailer song slaps. I'm getting so worked up, I can't wait for it!
Can't wait for this one! It sounds AMAZING.