Japanese developer Xero is a pretty big name in bishoujo visual novels, but none of their previous titles have had a western release. Now, with the help of localization specialist MiKandi, they’re bringing Libra of the Vampire Princess to English speaking gamers – so long as the $125,000 goal is reached.
Unusually for a visual novel localization, Libra of the Vampire Princess is still hot off the press. The original Japanese version was only released in October, 2015. You play the part of Shuma, who, shortly after the death of his mother, learns that he is the heir to the Embroche vampire bloodline and is abducted by a “ringleader” vampire intent on awakening his powers. It really hasn’t been Shuma’s month.
Judging from the videos on their Kickstarter page, the game mixes serious drama with comedy and supernatural battle scenes. The character sprites and backgrounds are gorgeous and the soundtrack is also of a very high standard. I really like the blend of vampire battling, intrigue, romance, and humour. If they had made it an otome game instead, I could see it being popular with the Twilight audience. This is one of those games where you’ll know pretty much right away whether this is for you or not, but if you’re still on the fence, I’ll help you out. Libra features a werewolf maid, a busty vampire hunter from the Vatican, and a scythe-wielding vampire temptress and former-nun.
It seems as though Xero and MiKandi are doing an excellent job of reaching out to the community and listening to feedback. They already dropped their proposed Kickstarter budget of $170,000 to $125,000 in response to feedback from fans. Additionally, they’ve promised an uncensored 18+ patch for Steam users with no mosaic, which I know will be important to a lot of VN fans. Since I’m not a huge fan of eroge games, I probably won’t back Libra of the Vampire Princess but I’ll definitely be looking out for it on Steam if the campaign is successful. At the time of writing, they’ve raised just under $35,000 with 38 days to go, so success seems all but guaranteed.
Track the progress of the Libra of the Vampire Princess Kickstarter in our Campaign Calendar.
I really want to see this on Vita, hopefully that stretch goal is reached, here’s hoping it reaches over 210,000 smackaroos!
It would be perfect on Vita. $210k is a big ask, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
This one looks interesting. I’ll have to keep an eye on it.
Thanks for the write up Phil ^O^
Seems like many in the Vampire Princess Army are asking for Libra on Vita. We will do our best to make it happen!
Thanks for keeping watch everyone.
Hooray! 50% FUNDED! Thank you, Phil and Vampire Princess Army! Keep up the phenomenal work!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikandijapan/libra-of-the-vampire-princess-visual-novel-english