Temptation's Ballad

One of my favorite VNs. Calling it an underrated gem might be inaccurate, since it's pretty high on the top-rated page-- but it deserves so much more attention than it has. Great action-comedy. Puts you off guard, then hits you with seriously well-constructed emotional beats. I recommend this to everyone I know, and anxiously await its return.

Alright I got a small request, since the app is unstable on my phone, I decided to run it on the JoiPay app (it worked) but to hide the text, I gotta use the small wheel, which is the only button that's not available on the gamepad settings 💀 is it possible to add a lil hide button in there? Clicking on the left side could unhide it too

I'm still replaying this, it's really fun

still honestly floored by Hamish's fight scene against Zelos, my god dad #2 is such a badass.

Finally took the time to read the visual novel from chapters 1 to 3. Looking forward to any future updates.

Overall, it's a very wonderful fantasy story. Interesting fantasy worldbuilding. Tender, occasionally sobering, often funny, and... optimistic.

The main trio are sympathetic and unique in their own ways, but they really shine when they bounce off each other and the colorful supporting cast. I find the character dynamics to be very compelling and well-written. Plenty of humor on the side, such as the 'reading it for the plot' gag, Sidd's harem, plus everything to do with Sidd's mom having a super hardcore renegade bard past (and present). Plus the pompous Carter guy who swiftly got beat up by Cole, Artemi and Sidd's mother (I hope he sticks around as a comic side character on the side. Can't say I wish the same for the street urchin, all things considered. That kid's long overdue for some slapstick.)

Cole's archetype (charming, flirty bard guy who is super casual about physical intimacy because he's just as equally against anything to do emotional stuff, much like his dads in that regard) isn't exactly new compared to certain prominent characters from to Critical Role / Vox Machina or Helluva Boss... but I really like Cole's role in the story because his best moments come from bouncing off of Sidd and Artemi. Didn't find Vox Machina or Helluva Boss to be super compelling in that regard (with B x S being 80% horny and 20% drama), but I like how it was used in Temptation's Ballad. Sidd's earnest nature was enough to nudge Cole into stepping in the role of a responsible leader and mentor (I doubt that Cole would have stopped to help just anyone read using bardic imagery), and Artemi was... the first person, narratively wise, who firmly shoved Cole into taking the additional steps of that better path when she yelled at him and threatened to punch him for wanting to abandon Sidd in chapter 1. Considering all of the baggage Cole had regarding his fathers and himself (given that one of them was the fun dad so the other had to be the nagging house-dad), Artemi really broke through his inward-facing melancholy in a way that nobody else did before then.

Sidd is a relatable character with understandable fears and struggles that come from a humble mind with a humble upbringing. It could be said that he has... slightly less baggage than the rest of the team, but that doesn't mean his feelings are any less important. He's already come a long way, mentally and emotionally, over the course of the three chapters, and it was becuase fate put him on a crash course with two unlikely non-frog friends. He found the will and the resolve to harness the physical strength he already had to begin with, he's made a great number of friends and acquaintances, and he's also acted as a stabilizing positive influence for Cole and Artemi.

And... I really like Artemi. Noble crusader with a huge dorky side... I'm fairly certain it's been done often enough, but I haven't seen a crusader who really stuck out in the sea of fantasy literature. Not since Lalatina Ford Dustiness, and she's mostly a designated gag character. Artemi's very passionate about chivalry and duty... and is thus the source of countless gags where her sheltered worldview clashes with everyone she meets and everything she witnesses. Especially the adults only library section. And as much as Cole pushes Artemi out of her comfort zone, she was very quick to start pushing back in funny ways once she got to know him better. Through Cole and Sidd and their families, Artemi gained a very strong and supportive network to lean on, and I wish her the best with her personal journey.

Im just thinking. What if the house of shannesy or whatever guy gets an inn. But its the bone breaker tavern. And im just thinking about what if this happened. anyways good story staple of approval

hes gonna start working in TB this year after hes done fixing some spelling mistakes in Repeat

No rush tho, take your time shiro XD.

This made me laugh, this made me cry, among other things.

Everything about this makes me very happy.

The character design.

The use of SRD content to your advantage to get a magic system most people would know, to add to a world where it WOULD make sense.

Bending some things to make them cooler/make more sense in a story.

Showing everyone's classes and stats, and fleshing out why they have them in a way that makes sense both in and out of story.

The use of music and expressions.

One very specific character being comedic gold in a way that adds, so much to them.

Mentioning that magic has traits of ones personality involved, both directly and indirectly, and showing that personality, many, MANY times.

Leaving us on a moment where we have so many questions, while answering so many more.

This is worth the wait, and I wish you luck on all your future endeavors.

For anyone wondering about the status of this Visual Novel, I'm here to tell you some information.

Yes, the development of this is still in hiatus. The developer is currently finishing up the last major content update for one of the character routes in their other Visual Novel, Repeat. (Although it should be noted that it will likely come out first for patrons of their Patreon, and non-subscribers will be an update behind in comparison.)

However, let it be known, that the moment the update for Repeat is completed, Shirokoi plans to resume their work on Temptations Ballad. They have many things in store for us.

Don't worry, development is NOT dead, just on hold, and it will pick up once their current project is finished. For now, if you're still antsy from waiting, try reading Repeat. It is also a great Visual Novel to enjoy.

I hope this set you at ease.

how do you play i

One of the best FVNs I've played. Very good

I agree with the comment under mine

Just finished 2.4 Good job. Hope your other projects go well for you.

good game

When comes the next update

Plot, humor, characters, animations — everything is of such high quality, it feels a bit unreal tbh. Shirokoi definitely makes some of the best content I've seen here on itch.

RIP. Was so hoping for my dude to hook up with Sidd 😭

~~that was~Amazing~

Went in to give it a shot and came out starting my own bar to serve it liters. The pacing is top-notch, the characters are wonderful, and the humor is actually funny. "I'm not afraid to throw hands with a child" is living rent-free in my head.

This game is so beautiful that it will make your eyes tear up truly remarkable and I wish to see more😊❤️

I was actually blown away by how good the writing is in parts of this game, I haven't had a laugh like the one the duel scene gave me in a long time. Lovely characters and storytelling with a lot of potential too, really looking forward to seeing where this goes! Also, Hamish best dad.