Hey, all you visual novel fans out there! Are you looking for a new game to back on Kickstarter? Lapis Azurai just launched, appears to have a strong backing already, and of course looks to offer an intriguing story along with some enjoyable gameplay. In simple terms, the story focuses around a young woman named Natalie Rowena who is an adventurer. She, along with her crew, explore the fantasy landscape of Lapis Azurai by ship, gaining possible wealth and crewmates along the way.
Although my introduction painted this game as a visual novel, it’s not one of those which simply asks you to sit back and enjoy reading a story for a few hours. Lapis Azurai also includes business simulation elements. After all, you will be trading your wares at different ports, among other things. Speaking of “other things” it’s worth noting that this game will come in two flavors – one PG-13 style release and one which could be considered R rated. Both games should offer a great deal of content, but if you’re curious to know what’s in the adult release then click here to see the developer’s description of the intended sexual content.
Developer Blue Frauenglass intends to release this game for free. So why should folks support the Lapis Azurai Kickstarter campaign? Simple – without a successful campaign they won’t have the time (and money) required to keep working on the project. As it will be played via web browser there’s also no current desire to pursue Steam Greenlight. Here’s a link to the PG-13 demo and if you think that’s cool consider funding the project toward its $20,000 goal.
Track the progress of the Lapis Azurai Kickstarter in the Campaign Calendar,
I’m really excited to see this game come to life. I enjoyed playing the demo but got stuck at the same point you did, judging by the screenshot?
The interface is not as obvious as it should be. For example, to get Natalie and James to do something you need to click their name marker and then click on an empty slot in the top menu. I tried to click and drag it a few times first.
Then, to actually engage in any action, look at the bottom of the game screen and find the unassuming button “Work in Vailia” and click that to do whichever task your officers have been assigned. Eventually you’ll be able to sail from Vailia and see a bit more of the game’s mechanics!
Thanks for the info! Definitely looking forward to playing more of this demo now I know how it works.