Ballads at Midnight

I found this game downloaded in a folder on my computer, but I was sure I'd never played it. 

Lo and behold, it was a game about a hot vampire. 

I knew I downloaded it for a reason. I also cackled at the sneaky "some absurd tangent about how he thought snails were effervescent." I haven't finished it yet but I am loving it so far!

I binge played this game. It was beautiful; the mystery, the characters and their personalities, their backgrounds... I simply have no words.

The first ending I got was "Freedom end" and I'm so glad that was my first one XD I went back to play the "Bliss end" and oh boy... I'm not sure how to write down my thoughts without leaving any spoilers, but I absolutely hated it - in all good ways, ofc, it was amazingly done, but that took such unexpected turn that I was left gaping XD

The Freedom end was simply beautiful. I love that Abigail didn't become overcome with hatred and revenge, and that the two of them of them found their happiness :) <3

This story is emotional, in pure defenition. This story made my laugh, cry, and also think. I love that the choices were there as an interaction with the reader/player, to get them thinking and choosing what path to make. The romance is bittersweet with Lucious, both of the characters having a damaged part to be healed. I like that he chooses to keep the vampire side of him as well, because he would not know how to live without it. Aside from that, I do like the voice acting, it is very good. I also loved the chase in the beginning, the description of it made me FEEL the chase, not just witness it. Thank you so much.

Any chance, Synstoria? There will be a sequel? I got the freedom/vampire ending and want to see them take out the evil queen!

The romance was sweet as well, I had named my oc Kiara in this and she was not only sassy/sarcastic but also kind to Lucius which fit perfectly I thought :)

Even though this visual novel is relatively short, I think it still delivers a very good story. Lucius is charming, and Abigal is funny and witty. Their backstories are also quite sad and depressing

This visual novel has some of the most attractive UI I've ever seen. I like the elaborate frame that is shown throughout the game. Although I think this game could use a CG or two. I would be nice to show some of their most tender moments in a full glory that is CG~

I  love this game. Lucius is such well written character. He is gentle and his personality is awesome. I love the freedom ending. They deserve to be happy and free. This game had me glued to my screen. I did not want to put it down. Could not stop reading! I highly recommend!

*My unfiltered take on this wonderful game, spoiler free*

If I had to choose a few words to describe Ballads at Midnight, I would use these: absolutely delightful and downright magical. I am shocked at how thoroughly this game kept me completely immersed throughout the story! Despite the game not being too long, I still felt and understood the connection that grew between the two characters. Absolutely divine, truly! And the fact that it was free...Words cannot convey how pleased I am with this game. Thank you, to all of you who made this story come to life! I will most definitely be coming back to this game to replay simply to feel the magic of the story all over again. To anyone and everyone looking for a lovely not-too-long but not-too-short enemies to lovers vampire VN, this is an absolute must play.

That being said, on another note and despite my absolute 10/10 rating, I do have maybe a few comments of potential improvements for future projects, or maybe a future continuation of this splendid game. :) 

1.) It would be quite nice to have a few different, or even one or two, different outfits to choose from in game. Maybe that's just my ostentatious side speaking- although I did truly appreciate the art, it would've been cool to see some different outfits/ designs for the characters. 

2.) Potentially a few more choice decisions to make it more immersive. Though I must sincerely compliment how, despite there not being tons of choices, the game still felt as if the player was still in control. 

3.) A finale cutscene after the conclusion. I would've loved to see the characters one last time. Maybe even with an open ending, where it ends with the characters taking some sort of small action against the antagonist (who shall not be named to avoid potential spoilers). Or maybe they live happily ever after and we get to see them marry, orrr....adventures of a sort. They are both so lovely.

4.) I would love to see more art of the characters in the future, such as when they were dancing, maybe spliced between conversation. Such a lovely sequence, by the way. 

5.) I would also love to see more romance between the two characters. Maybe a finale scene where they profess their *undying* (see what I did there) love for each other, kind of similar to a finale cutscene like I mentioned before. Or really anything. I just love them so much. I kind of want to know what Lucien's favorite color is. Or maybe they just frolic around all cute together. Oh man, that's how I know I've been entranced by a story- suddenly all of the little details become utterly fascinating. 

Overall, I am shocked by the absolute wonder of this game and can't wait to see more from you and your team! Certainly a game and story that I will not be forgetting anytime soon, especially with the riveting plot that had me quite literally gasping aloud. I would highly recommend to anyone with a love for fantasy- a short but shockingly sweet take on a dark fantasy romance between two wondrous individuals that were truly made for each other. Thank you, to you and your team, for creating such a phenomenal work of art!

I would like to thank you for spending your time, love, and energy to create this game, and then making it free without asking for anything in return. But there are no adequate words! Thanks, thanks... THANKS.

This story was so captivating that I started and finished the game all in one breath, barely remembering to save.

The drawings, the music, the dialogues... It was all a beautiful journey.

THANK YOU.

I work as a video game translator from English to Italian. If you ever need me, please call me, I am willing to find a way to give those who don't know English well the chance to play it.

Thank you.

Gosh this was amazing. I finished the whole thing in one sitting; it was seriously addicting. Massive kudos to the team:)

I loved the story so much, thank you for the work you and your team put into it.

I  love this game. I think voice acting is amazing. The most important is the story, length is ideal, not too short not too long.  I really liked how characters are slowly learning about each other and their meeting influance their future. Also art is simply beautiful and very accurate. One of best vampire VN!

This VN was amazing! The story, the dialogue and the characters were so well written and the artwork is gorgeous. Highly recommend this one, it became one of my favorites I found on this platform so far, 5/5 <3

I love the finished product! Great dialogue, pacing, artwork, and background information! Really fantastic<3

AAAAAA This visual novel was soooo good! Both the story and the artwork were amazing! All the twists in the plot kept me thoroughly consumed in the story... and I especially loved the dynamic between our two main characters. Excellent work!!

Loved everything, and I mean EVERYTHING about this! Immersive artwork and writing, the story might seem predictable, but it actually went in scuh different directions than I imagined. The voice acting though... I wish every game has voice acting as accurate and fitting as this game had. And this was all done in a month! :o 

Props to everyone!

This was such an enjoyable game :)

I'm not much of a reader, more of a film/more or less action kind of games liker, so there aren't many of this kind of games (ones rather fixed on story than other aspects) I've played, but I like this one. Enthralling story.

This is a fantastic game! Recommended!

I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH THANK YOU

I was pleasantly surprised to see you are also the dev of Imperial Grace (Which i'm look forward to playing!)

The game is BEAUTIFUL, I got the freedom ending and it is just so wholesome, really happy with it.

Not me crying at 1am T_T I was so happy with the freedom ending I got. Thank you for making it that way - I feel these stories always end up heavily on the 'bitter' in 'bittersweet' but this was really beautiful and lifted my spirits.

*EDIT* omg I just realized this was voice acted. I have to go back and replay again with sound! 

Loving it so far. Only issue I'm having, which I wasn't earlier oddly enough, is that the History is only showing things that happened a while while back and takes quite a bit to catch up. I can never look and see what was said like, a line ago.

This game has everything I love, great voice-acting, wonderful narrative, fun banter between the main character and her handsome vampire and incredible story-writing.  You've weaved a tale of such intrigue I couldn't stop playing till the very end.  

Loved our saucy bard Abigail though I did re-name her Selene.  I hope you enjoy my playthrough and that I added to your marvelous games appeal to attract more audience.  I truly can't wait to playthrough Imperial Grace.  I tried it already without a video and absolutely adored it.  I hope you finish it soon. 😍

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! THE ART WAS AMAZING, THEIR VOICES WAS TOO AND THE PLOT WAS INTRIGUING! I LOVE ABIGAIL AND LUCIUS'S PERSONALITY AND RELATIONSHIP! THIS GAME IS SO AMAZING 

I absolutely adored this game!! I literally have brainrot over them ahaha. I can't wait for any future content :)

WHAT.A.GAME. I am telling everyone I know about it, I loved it that much.

I love that the entire game is all about the interactions between Abigail and Lucius, giving them more than enough time to develop their relationship. I love the resolution to the mystery sorrounding their pasts. I love how beautiful the art, and especially the character design, is. I love the friendship. I love the romance. I love the vulnerability. I love the voice acting. I love the writing in general.

You guys did a wonderful job with this game. I fell in love with these characters (ngl, I would love to see Abigail and Lucius cameo in other games) and I cannot wait to see your next works!

Hi I am having some issues with entering the name as when I press enter it does not move to the next screen Is there something I can do to fix this as this is a truly lovely game and I would love to experience the rest of the story. Thank you!

Omg, the update was perfect! Like 11/10! I know you've heard it a thousand times but seriously, the writing is truly impeccable! I look forward to your next project!! <3 

great game:)!! i really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and I appreciated your teams eye for detail

this was SUCH a delight to play! a wonderful game that is beautifully executed. I adore Abigail so much, she's so wonderful. the writing + pacing is just -- chefs kiss.

I'm super excited for the completed game, I already know it's gonna be so good!! I really hope all the devs are taking care of themselves <3 don't work too hard, I will wait patiently till however long it takes! :)

Hello,

my name is Micol and I’m a professional video game freelance translator.

I was wondering if you would be interested in an Italian localization of your games.

I work by myself or together with a small team of people (4 translators + 1 proofreader), and we have recently localized a video game during a Jam here: https://phoenix-team.itch.io/intergalactic-wizard-force-ita-locjam5

We have studied at the same academy and since we are new in this industry, you will find that our rates are very interesting.

Since we understand that the cost of localization could be hard to afford, we are open to discuss other forms of agreements. In any case, I’ll look forward to working with you, I love visual novels :) and I think we can really help each other.

Please, consider the possibility of discussing the matter with us. I’m sure we can find a win-win deal for both of us.

Kind regards,

Micol

it made my heart sing .10/10, and for free?! Download now!

the story is a little brief. might be too short production cycle to unable create a step-by -step story. happily,this also makes the whole woke as beautiful as a fairy tale.<3 <3

Oh my, it was well written. I also like the art

This was so captivating it was hard to believe it was all done in a month! Beautifully written, lovely art, wonderful music. Thank you for sharing this with the  world. 

Okay, I said to myself that I wouldn't make a long review, but here I am, over an hour and a half later!!! 😅😂 Lmfao I can't help it, it always turns into this for the games I enjoy the most. Very long review, I feel SUPER bad that I typed this much so I'm sorry!!! Not everyone likes long ass reviews but I couldn't help it. I wanted every element of the art to be acknowledged and no dev to feel left out. You guys deserve high praise. Feel free to not read it all and only read the parts that apply to you as I cover all the elements of the game. Please pass it along to the other members so they are acknowledged for their hard work!

I am in absolute AWE that you guys made this for nanoreno. I have played many visual novels now, at least a for a decade of my life now mostly through my teen years, and I have been following nanoreno for years to the point where it's a tradition now. I've gotta say, in all my years of playing, this has got to be the most fleshed out, polished, just...MOST IMPRESSIVE work I've seen! This is at the top of the list of games I would've never expected were NOT full titles. I understand the length is shorter than full title visual novels, but I could barely tell based on how expertly paced the game's story was.

~~ WRITING ~~ I'm not gonna lie, whether I acknowledge it or not I kind of have high standards for the narrative works I read. (Less picky for the visual elements in visual novels, but I still have some level of standard in which I'm taken out of the story a bit if one of the elements feel different from others. But ESPECIALLY for story). Like, literally even down to fanfiction lmfao, I can't finish a story if the writing is kinda clunky. So if the writing and pacing is off in a story, I notice. If the romance is too abrupt or forced, I can try to ignore it and still enjoy reading but I do notice. So I'm saying that to say...when I find a story done so well -- good writing form, gripping narrative, expert pacing, JUST OVERALL AMAZING -- I hold it to such high regard!!! What makes your talent as writers stick out even more is the fact that you made this story seam so seamless and natural and well-paced within the confines of time. You guys had to make this in such short and in turn, the timing affected the plot time (by that, I mean the characters had limited time to interact due to you guys needing to wrap it up within a month.). So it is impressive not only because you guys were able to create this story in such rushed time but also because your amazing pacing still held up despite the characters having less "screen time" lol, so to speak, than a game with no time constraints.

~~ PROGRAMMING ~~ I've gotta give it up to the other members of the team too. Their hard work truly supplemented the story and the narrative wouldn't have been as powerful without their hard work. There was no part of this game that lacked to me; every element was complementary of the others. The game was clearly coded SO well. I will say that this is THE cleanest and most polished programming I've come across from a nanoreno game. Undoubtedly. This is impressive work to have made so polished within such short time. I hope the programmers feel good about themselves, I hope they're not staying up too late and not straining their eyes lmfao. I have an interest in python and renpy from all my years of lurking on lemmasoft lol and it's actually really inspiring to see how smooth and natural the programming was. (The shake animation when the characters were surprised was the most natural animation I've come across, I've honestly never seen anyone ever do that type of animation.) The GUI and other graphics wouldn't have been the same without the programming, so well done on that. The particles were animated so nicely, it all felt so animated and alive that I felt I got sucked into the world itself. It was fully immersive.

~~ ART: ~~ Which leads me to my next point of art. The character art, the background art, the GUI/overlays...Nothing I say can do it all justice. We all know how amazing the art in this game is! The character design is amazing (I seriously want her shirt LOL, like omg I would pay top dollar for that blouse.) Both of the characters are gorgeous! That man makes me weak in the knees lmfao if I saw a dude like him IRL I'd lose my damn mind. (THE "MY RADIANCE" !!!! THING DID NOT HELP OKAY OMFG-) Lmfao anyways, I'm really too uncultured when it comes to giving reviews on art, but I really loved the style. The characters, the backgrounds, the UI...they all have this stylistic "look" to them that blend so well. All these art elements went together nicely, and I couldn't imagine a different style with this alluring and mysterious game. I don't what what it is, but the texture and style really fits the medieval and supernatural theme so well.  The different color schemes, the relationship between colors and darkness/shadows was really interesting and unique. I'm obsessed and will be lurking to follow whatever twitter/deviantart/artstation/whatever I can find.

~~ MIUSIC/SOUND: ~~ is another field I'm super uncultured in, I don't know how to say much on it but the game would have been a different game without this music. So enchanting, emotional, and just straight up beautiful. I'm actually listening to it right now lol, really calming and fitting for the style. It really set the tone in each scene and helped so much with immersion. The instruments definitely fit the vampire theme without sounding basic, you know? String instruments are used a lot in vampire media, sometimes it can sound like really basic Victorian lol, idk how to describe it but sometimes it can just sounds like forced I guess? Some VNS in general have forced music. Like a song with no heart/soul to it or not quite fitting of the VNs theme. In THIS game, though, the music took on its own form and had its own, unique sound. It had its own emotions that fit the game well. And it never got overbearing/annoying and I never noticed when it looped or anything like that. Very fitting and immersive.

~~ VA: ~~ The voice actress sung SO beautifully, I loved her voice and the composition of the song she sung. Which is my next point that the voice actors were so damn good. Sometimes English visual novel voice acting can be...well, I don't want be critical but they can be definitely different than the standard of Japanese otomes ^^" Sometimes English voice acting sounds a bit theatrical/exaggerated and unbelievable, actually I get second-hand embarrassment sometimes. Not for this game. These voice actors captured emotions so raw and powerfully...I found myself listening to voice lines multiple times because I was so taken. Really portrayed the characters beautifully, I was entranced in Ms. Youman's portrayal of the MC from her initial fear (EXTREMELY BELIEVABLE, this stood out to me a lot! I was so immersed), to her snarky personality, to her vulnerability and subtleties. Eric Navarro's character interpretation was just as powerful. Sorry to be a creep but man what a sexy voice. 😂😂 Goodness gracious!!! So deep and alluring; mysterious, but personable and not UN-approachable -- just like our vampy boi is. What stood out to me how dynamic and emotional he was in just a single sentence. For one particular line, Lucious is in pain and while you can hear that pain reflected, you can also hear the gentleness he has for the MC as he explains his what he's going through and then a pinch of frustration/rage towards the end of the sentence from the context of what he was explaining to the MC. It was so raw, I felt super inspired and impressed with how he could convey all these emotions so naturally, like someone would IRL as they are speaking. There's so much subtext that isn't present in dialogue and the voice actors really brought that out. I seriously am shook and hope their careers go even farther.

I really need to cut this review short now, but I just wanted to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. I feel like this is illegal or undeserving that I got to experience such a nice story LOL. Sorry to be dramatic but I'm so serious that you guys made the perfect team on this project. I'm eternally grateful for having this experience.  Sooo desperate for that last ending and cannot wait to read it!

Very enjoyable.  Thank you for sharing this.