Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel (2021)

Developer: Y Press Games
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Casual, Indie, Simulation
Rating: 4.1 of 5, 48 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 9.3 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

More games like this

How it feels

A linear visual novel focused on emotional tension and reluctant romance in a harsh, alien world.

romanticdramatictenseatmosphericslow-pacedemotionaladultstory-driven

What players say

Players are sharply split. Many praise the worldbuilding and art but criticize the AI companion Brainbox for constantly invalidating the protagonist's sexual orientation, which several call abusive. Others note reused artwork and music from the developer's previous games, and the lack of explicit adult scenes despite the yaoi tag. The game is short, around 5 to 12 hours per route.

Screenshots

Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel screenshot 1

Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel screenshot 2

Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel screenshot 3

Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel screenshot 4

Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel screenshot 5

Maelstrom: A Yaoi Visual Novel screenshot 6

More games like this

More by Y Press Games

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.