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
Meet Demetri, a disgraced soldier stranded on the perilous planet Secren, where survival hinges on forging unexpected bonds with powerful men.
As he navigates this hostile world, players will experience a gripping tale filled with emotional turmoil, dark humor, and the struggle against societal norms.
With multiple love interests and endings, every choice leads to a unique encounter that challenges Demetri's very identity and desires.
$15.99
(USD)
Demo available
DLC available:
Videos & Images
Take a look at what's happening in Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel
Reviews Summary
Players are divided on 'Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel', with many praising its stunning artwork and engaging world-building, while others criticize the treatment of the protagonist's sexuality and the manipulative dynamics of the relationships.
The humor and unique AI character, Brainbox, receive mixed reactions, with some finding it charming and others deeming it annoying.
Overall, the game offers a complex narrative that resonates with some, but leaves others uncomfortable.
The Good
- Stunning artwork and character designs
- Engaging world-building and lore
- Multiple routes and endings to explore
- Humorous dialogue and unique AI character
The Bad
- Protagonist's sexuality is often disregarded
- Manipulative relationship dynamics
- Repetitive dialogue and choices
- Some technical issues with visuals
The Horny
- Sexual content is heavily implied, not shown
- Intimate scenes described rather than visualized
- Kissing and suggestive moments are present
- Focus on emotional connections over 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
From the developer
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.
About 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
Kink Breakdowns
Male × Male
The game centers around a male protagonist who may engage in romantic and sexual relationships with other men.
Interracial
The protagonist is a heterosexual Italian-American interacting with diverse male characters.
Consensual non-consent
The game discusses themes of dubious consent in some scenes.
Seduction
The narrative involves themes of seduction as the protagonist navigates his relationships.
Related games
More games that share similar tags.
Comments
Threaded discussion about this game. Sign in to post or reply.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Horniness scale
Each game gets a score from 1 to 5 hearts. Higher means more explicit adult content.
| Score | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1 | Raunchy / softcore — suggestive themes, light fanservice, or mature humor; little or no on-screen explicit sexual content. |
| 2 | Spicy but restrained — clear adult intent (nudity, strong innuendo, or brief suggestive scenes) without sustained explicit focus. |
| 3 | Clearly adult — recurring sexual content or nudity as a meaningful part of the experience, but not the sole focus of the game. |
| 4 | Strongly explicit — graphic sexual themes, extended explicit stills or text, or gameplay built heavily around adult situations. |
| 5 | Explicit and often animated — graphic sexual content that is frequently animated or interactive; core to what you see and do in the game. |
No comments yet. Be the first!