I played this as a favor to someone from Y Press who responded to my comment on Itch.io that it didn't have appropriate tags. I now think that the warnings are sufficient, but that there should also be a tag for "Alpha/Beta". I still don't like the game from a moral perspective. In short: The MC struggles the entire time to reconcile the fact that he is…
Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel
Disgraced soldier Demetri is exiled to Secren, a dangerous world devoid of women. Earthlings are smaller and weaker than the violent men of Secren. Demetri's only hope for survival is to bond with a strong mate who can love and protect him. The heterosexual Italian-American is reluctant.
$15.99
(USD)
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Reviews Summary
The game features a mix of positive and negative experiences, with players praising the art and story while criticizing the treatment of sexuality and character dynamics.
The Good
- Beautiful artwork and character design
- Engaging and creative story
- Interesting worldbuilding and themes
- Humorous dialogue and moments
The Bad
- Manipulative character dynamics
- Lack of meaningful choices
- Disregard for protagonist's sexuality
- Repetitive art and music
The Horny
- Implied intimacy with no visuals
- Kiss CGs and suggestive moments
- Romantic scenes with emotional depth
- Light BL elements without explicit content
Top rated reviews
It's cute. * Best thing about it is that it looks super nice. The backgrounds blend well with the sprites and CGs, they seem to have the same style; the characters in sprites and CGs are detailed, they look like a lot of work was put into them. Sadly, no "sexy time" CGs, but it does say so in the game description (that it happens off camera). However, you …
I really wanted to like this game. it has some really pretty artwork, but I am not comfortable recommending this game to others. The production value is fine, it is the treatment of the protagonist that disturbs me. (I am also a little bothered the fact I can only scroll back line by line to read history, but that is minor.) If what I say below doesn't both…
Game Details
Report an issue with these detailsAbout This Game
Disgraced soldier Demetri is exiled to Secren, a dangerous world devoid of women. Earthlings are smaller and weaker than the violent men of Secren. Demetri's only hope for survival is to bond with a strong mate who can love and protect him. The heterosexual Italian-American is reluctant. He's not a homophobe, but he won't have gay sex to survive--or will he?
Based on the Bestselling novel series by author Yamila Abraham, and illustrated by the internationally renowned art studio Dany&Dany! Finally, Maelstrom fans have a new format to enjoy this extremely popular story.
While mostly linear in presentation, Maelstrom includes three possible love interests for Demetri to choose from, and has a number of pivotal choices to guide the story. Multiple endings can be achieved in every route!
Maelstrom is rated 'Mature Players' only. There is no explicit sex or nudity illustrated in the game, however, it is heavily implied, vividly described, and alluded to.
- A 150,000 Word Game with Numerous Endings
- Four Love Interests
- Many Steam Achievements!
- Press 'v' on your keyboard to have all text read aloud
- Up to 35 Gorgeous CGs!
- 17 Different Music Tracks
- Your Favorite Characters from the Novels Plus Amazing New Ones!
- Mostly Linear Storytelling, with Pivotal Choices Added
- Happily Ever After Endings for Every Route!
- High Stakes Drama Add Authenticity to Demetri's Inevitable Seduction!
- A Sci-Fi Game with a Wild West Motif
Characters
Play as Demetri. He disobeyed an order to try to save the lives of his squadron. They died, and he ended up court martialed. He has 20 years hard labor on Secren and thinks he can get by without becoming someone's boyfriend. It's not like he's a homophobe, he just isn't into dudes--for now.
Sadly, having to bond with a man may be the least of Demetri's problems. Planet Secren is a violent and dangerous world. Things become real for him fast, and he doesn't know what he's going to do.
Helix was the only love interest in the original novel series (who was named Maelstrom) and is the 'cannon' route here. Helix is the hero you need to survive this horrible planet. How long can you resist this charming mine-lord?
Jader isn't evil, he's just a victim of the horrible circumstances on his planet. When he injured his leg he couldn't mine anymore and had to join a biker gang of cannibalistic criminals. He doesn't like what he's become, and takes drugs to numb his pain. He'd become clean and walk away from it all for a guy like Demetri.
Zheng Li is the reason Secren is such a terrible planet. He lives in his lofty fortress above all the suffering. For him, miners are just disposable assets. He thinks it's fine for the weak ones to die. That just lets stronger miners take their place. Now that he wants Demetri he'll have to open his eyes to how horrible he let things get.
AVAILABLE NOW! Sawyer is a mystery wrapped in an enigma! Unlock the Sawyer Bonus Love Interest Route after you successfully get good endings on the Helix, Jader, and Zheng Li routes.
A whole plethora of side characters support the action in this game!
We want to make more yaoi games! We'd appreciate your support for Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel
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Comments (123)
Most recent community feedback.
Zestine
Love the visuals and the side missions. The character banter is top tier.
Nyra
Story is solid and the combat feels great, just wish there was more UI customization.
Kiro
I keep coming back after every update. The new scenes were worth it.