GAME REVIEWED:

REVIEWED BY: SONIRAM

For most of us players of adult games, there's a lot of different "levels" put into games to try and draw our attention to them. Levels of story, depth, and perhaps most important, what kind of taboo kinks are included tend to hook us and draw us in. Let's face it -- the reason we play video games, adult or otherwise, is to experience things we simply aren't going to experience in our normal, ho-hum lives.

A STEADILY STRENGHTENING LOVE TRIANGLE

An adult game or visual novel developer has to determine who their audience is. There's debate on what aspects of one of these games (think "tags") can really draw people in and make the developer attract a following and, for the hopes of many of them, make a little money in creating a project they are passionate about.

Some will go for the more illicit tags like incest, or fringe tags like true NTR or water sports. There are several that I've played, and enjoyed, that kept me right on the edge of my seat with a harrowing back story that mixed in different kinks and tags.

Then, along comes a developer like NeverLucky who takes a step back and crafts a story for us to enjoy like Triangle.

There's a lot to like about this visual novel. While the female character models are a bit over-used in the industry, the application of them is sharp without trying to be over-the-top. It seems to me that NeverLucky took what he had available and crafted a relatively short, but well-thought-out story.

Let's talk about the story for a moment, without trying to give too much of it away. Some might think it is too light, easy, and for a lack of a better term, empty. There are some choices the player can make, but the story itself is linear. The player is going to have both female characters, but we're told that with the harem tag. Those players who don't like a linear story, or are looking for something with drama, action, and excitement (other than the usual kind, of course), are going to have a "meh" reaction to Triangle.

The MC and his soon-to-be fiancée, Sarah, are given the task of accepting Jenny, the daughter of two of Sarah's friends, into their household after the death of Jenny's parents. All games usually start with an event that sets up the premise of the tale, and Triangle is no different. We are tasked with making Jenny feel comfortable in her new home, and it soon becomes aware that some feelings are floating around between all three characters.

WHAT ABOUT SEX?

There is no magic pushing these characters together. Rather, it is just plain physical attraction as well as growing trust and friendship, especially between the MC and Jenny. The sexual tension between Sarah and Jenny is present as well, leading to a steadily strengthening love triangle the MC seems interested in pursuing, though at a pace that some players will find a little slow.

NeverLucky made Triangle, I believe because this is the kind of story he enjoys and wants to put out there. His second offering, A Knight's Tale, is quite similar to Triangle in how it unfolds, so that leads me to believe Triangle was just the kind of story he wanted to craft. What came to be was a gentle, loving story between three people, all of whom have their desires and needs.

The main character is not what I'd call an alpha-male, preferring to let his fiancée, Sarah, take the lead role in a lot of decisions, but he is not submissive. Some players are going to have a problem with this, as it does seem the main character is just along for the ride throughout some sections of the story. However, it doesn't mean it is a bad story.

It is what it is -- a nice, calm, relaxing type of adult visual novel without conflict or anything the main character specifically has to "do," as you'd find in a sandbox or other, less linear, productions.

What about sex? The indie adult/NSFW game industry is peppered with all types of kinks, tags, and genres to please the masses. Just as there are people who are turned on by the harder-edged games, plenty of others prefer something a little more sublime and romantic. NeverLucky doesn't get caught up in adding kinks or scenes to Triangle for the sake of trying to get more people to like it.

BAD AFTERTASTE

Personally, I enjoyed Triangle. I like the trope of a third person joining into a relationship and having to go through the steps of forming such a relationship. It pushed reality some, but not too far to make it a complete fantasy tale. It isn't overly pretentious with what it is trying to be and NeverLucky allows the story to unfold in a way that isn't too fast, but isn't too slow, either.

The only real negative I have with the game is how fast it abruptly ends. In my opinion, an adult visual novel needs to have an ending at some point, but the ending to Triangle seems incredibly rushed. Perhaps NeverLucky had run out of the story to tell with these characters or wanted to move onto another project. Whatever the reason, it leaves a bit of a bad aftertaste in my mouth. I am glad it got an ending -- far too many games don't -- just wish it could have been a little longer.

Triangle is a good, middle-of-the-road adult visual novel. If you're looking for romance, a little lesbian and age-difference taboo action, and a laid-back story, you could be pleasantly surprised by Triangle. It doesn't knock your socks off, but it doesn't seem like it was ever supposed to be that.

[STORY]: Laid back, easy to play. 13/22.

[VISUALS]: Slightly better than average. 15/22.

[GAMEPLAY]: Kinetic for the most part. 14/22.

[ADULT CONTENT]: Enough of the usual content to please most people. 15/22.

[SONIRAM LIKEY?]: Relaxing story with three-way sex including a willing fiancée? Yes, please. 10/12.

[OVERALL]: 67/100.

[VERDICT]: Keep it for when a light story is what you're looking for.

DEVELOPER: