Like my credit score, Red Spring Studios revealed themselves to be a magical yet mysterious entity back on October 28th 2022, when they announced themselves with a promising yet agonizingly short post:
It was only until Halloween night that they’d satisfy our curiosity with a small teaser and description: a monstrous romance visual novel that’ll your heart out. Will you gaze into the abyss?
Everyone must’ve felt the same in screaming ‘yes yes! take it already!’ because by November they’d achieve over one thousand followers, giving them the highest popularity spike in the shortest time. Did you see the difference in interactions between these posts? I won’t pretend to be surprised, their consistent yet slow teasing made certain that our attentions never strayed from them for long. Illustrations, polls, social sites, interviews, and character reveals; by the end of December, we were blessed with a bounty of information about this gothic horror visual novel.
Personally, as a fan of gothic horror and romantic stories this title already had me hook, line and sinker. I used to fantasize my “knight in shining armor” as someone dark, handsome and mysterious so instead of Prince Charming, the Headless Horseman was the subject of my desires. Or the temperamental, uncured Beast from Beauty and the Beast who entranced me with a romance that danced too precariously close with the Stockholm Syndrome themes..
Listen, I know what I’m about and thankfully so does Touchstarved! Never again will we have to question if we’re a little messed up for wanting a little danger and toxicity in our fantasy relationships because Red Spring Studios is here to validate everyone by throwing us into this dark tale about affection, desperation and salvation.
Now over the past few months they’ve been kind to show us sneak peeks of what this visual novel has in store for us and while it took me a few hours combing through the Twitter feed, I was finally able to collect every little clue they’ve left for us so far so let’s look it over in the order they’ve presented it!
- Love Interests.
The creme de la creme! Our main attraction and probably 99% of the reason why we’ll be knee deep in trouble in the forsaken city of Eridia. Touchstarved promises five monstrous lovers from us to choose from and what’s the most refreshing about this selection is that they’re wickedness varies. Some appear to be more approachable as their nature feels more of an affliction and others willingly bask in their corrupted prowess, showing us that the moral compass is never black and white but rather varying shades of grey.
As you can see, they’re all completely capable of taking my wallet and heart as they leave me on read. While Kuras’ refined, princely appearance has me in a chokehold as the possible favorite, the entire cast is absolutely beautiful to look at. Leander’s dark circles under his eyes, Mhin’s entrancing but cold eyes, Ais’ demonic horns and otherworldly clothes, Vere’s tantalizing yet curiously restrictive harness crawling up his throat…
- Customizable MC.
“You were born cursed; with hands you keep bandaged to hide a deadly secret: a brush of your fingers twists the minds of any human you touch.”
Red Spring Studios
Our backstory is simple yet compelling as this remains the driving force for us to venture into a strange city with the intent to cure our curse, by whatever means necessary. Desperation makes us do silly things and it’s obvious that our resolve will be tested as we’re taken down a decadent, depraved path to reach purity. But at what cost?
We get the opportunity to choose that reason ourselves as we get to decide their identity. By choosing their pronouns and unique backstory, we help personalize our OC and decide what kind of life they led with their curse and why it’s paramount that they have it cured. This amount of flexibility makes this visual novel more accessible for players in the LGBTQ+ community and those who enjoy reacting through the eyes of multiple characters! That means we won’t have official art of our character, but this gives us ample opportunity to plug in our MC and their appearance! They’ve even made this prompt to help us encourage us to use:
- Grey/Dark Storytelling.
In the sprawling city of Eridia, you’ll find miracles, magic, and horrors around every bend. Information and secrets are the most valuable currency here—how much are you willing to sacrifice to save yourself?
Depending on the backstory you choose, the Main Character might feel like a fish out of water or find comfort in the derelict streets. But no matter their origin, Eridia is still as dangerous as it is mysterious…
Red Spring Studios
Without spoiling too much of the demo, I will say that the writers don’t hold back. Our path in finding the cure will be dangerous, exciting and confusing as we figure out who to trust in this strange city while avoiding frequent brushes with death. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so excited, scared and amused all at once but it’s entirely because Red Spring Studios have a talent in bringing every scene to life.
The writing is exquisite and compliments the music and artwork: scaring us as we’re staring at a bloodthirsty Soulless in the eyes, making the air warm and sensual as Vere closes the distance to whisper in our ear, bringing us a sense of unease when we hear something in a lonely alleyway.
PLAYING THE DEMO~
I’ve had the absolute privilege to play Touchstarved and played twice over the weekend because I loved it that much! What made it so enjoyable was that neither experience felt the same and ended each playthrough knowing more a little more about the characters. We also get to know our MC very well too because they definitely have a mind of their own, especially when they’re deciding to sass someone or follow a very sketchy red-eyed person throughout the city. There was definitely a moment or two where I openly questioned the MC why’d they do something that reckless or silly but nothing that ruins the experience for us, just keep in mind this isn’t a character you can place yourself into.
Lengthwise it’s a pleasant three and a half-hour gameplay that gives us enough time to meet everyone, set the scene and leave us with more questions to think about before the ultimate release. The “common” route does a great job in letting us meet everyone naturally and building up not the relationship the LI’s have with the MC but also reveal what existing bonds they have with each other.
From order of appearance, let’s talk about:
He saved us from a grisly demise and while stunned by his graceful beauty, what made the biggest impression on me was his never-ending patience. The ability to smile when we bark back and summon the warmth in our hearts when he promises to help us with whatever we needed. Our first meeting with him is dreadfully short but we understand that he is one of the biggest reasons why Eridia hasn’t sunk itself into darkness.
He’s probably the most “popular” character among the locals in this game but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loneliness whenever we spoke; like he wanted to let me in but is forced to keep us at arm’s length. What kind of life does he live that makes him feel compelled to expertly dodge our questions? We don’t have much time to as he sends us to meet..
Leander! When MC walks into a crowded tavern filled with different smells, sounds and people – it made me feel like I was in a personalized D&D campaign: the dashing, handsome rogue climbs on the stage as people cheer for this dreamy looking man to perform magic. He creates bright and magical flowers to appear in his hands and out of the entire crowd who are begging for his time, he turns to MC instead and gives them the bouquet. His smile is kind, has the appearance of someone strong and dependable, and offers help without hesitation – okay is this a gothic horror or a high fantasy romance!? Suddenly all the worries and dangers our MC faced earlier melt like ice in the sweltering warmth that is found in Leander’s smile. He began as my initial favorite because of that lazy grin and how tight his leather belts hug those plentiful pectorals but as we spend more time with him, he’s also quite intimate and flirtatious. Someone in chat actually described him perfectly in two words: horny and wholesome.
I love him to pieces but why’s he being perfect in absolutely every single way? Not that I’ll ever turn down a free drink and bed but as many characters are quick to remind me in this demo, not everything is free in the city of Eridia. We’ll see how long this smile of his can last…
Leander sends us out to explore the city but fails to mention about the questionable climate when we cross paths with a suspicious, flirty fox spirit. Seductive and mysterious, Vere immediately sets us on edge by proving that he can’t keep his hands to his dang self and is quick to offer us a “discounted service” but he’s also just as willing to refuse answering any of our questions. Frustrated yet? I was too but underestimating him was the biggest mistake. One step out of line and you’ll be swiftly reminded just how weak you are compared to him; despite being bound by a strange collar.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know how to feel about him yet; whenever he seems to be doing something vaguely “nice” or lowers a wall just enough to let us peek behind his playful mask, he’s quick to remind us of how much he despises most people and how hungry we make him. Not to mention he’s the only character in this demo that is capable of … aha, WELL, I’ll let ya’ll find that out for yourselves, but I do applaud Red Spring Studios for giving us that taste of danger.
So Red Spring Studios actually has a cute little quiz they’ve made to help us decide who would be our likely partner and to my surprise, ended up getting Ais. At first, I wasn’t keen on the idea because he’s described as an intimidating and violent outsider who did as he pleased – someone who undoubtedly would get on my last nerve. However, even though our meeting with Ais is perhaps the most questionable and spooky, the quiz couldn’t have been more correct. From the moment his big hand holds our back to keep us from tripping over in the mysterious red drink, I instantly fell for the playful warmth behind his words and callous edge in those crimson eyes. Forgive me, Leander!
But is that really what all changed my mind? Gorgeous appearance side, there’s quite a few layers to Ais and it’s something that we explore more over time. Yes, his attitude can be a little “devil may care” but he isn’t cruel. Dangerous but only to those who truly deserve it, he’s surprisingly very chill despite looking like he can tear you apart with his bare hands.
We actually see Mhin before we encounter Ais but fate doesn’t have our paths entwine until close towards the end of this demo as they save us from certain danger, finally seeing what lies beneath the hood as their hands reach for ours under the pale moonlight. It all sounds romantic at first until they open their mouths and scold us for behaving recklessly. Personally, grumpy characters are my guilty pleasure so I couldn’t help but notice they were absolutely the cutest character I’ve ever met and instantly wanted to tease them about their short height. Did it have entertaining results? Yes. Was it also completely dangerous to do so? Also yes but it was WORTH it.
Since they are a hunter of few words, every bit of dialogue from them counts and will often share (begrundingly) information that makes us aware just how dangerous Eridia really is. From the social class gap between Lowtown and Hightown, to the mysterious red-eyed souls who wander around the city speaking of a free miracle and of course – the Senobium. The very place we’re certain that will bring the answer to our curse.
I have a LOT of theories about these characters and the relationship they have with each other but that’s gonna have to wait for later when the Kickstarter releases. Please play the demo so I can have someone to talk to about it with!!!
GAMEPLAY & ART~
The art is absolutely beautiful, I’ve literally no complaints and applaud the design that went into creating this game. From the moment Eridia came into view from the distance of our crashed caravan, I felt so happy that this city wasn’t designed in the same medieval style that most fantasy stories follow. The bright colors of tapestry and silk around the city, vibrant patterns that are repeated but follow a unique symmetry makes me think the city was heavily inspired by Islamic architecture. Eridia’s stout, soaring spires have me recalling our world’s minarets and knowing that the Senobium is confirmed to be tallest makes me certain they intentionally made the connection that it’s stature is meant to symbolize the “political and religious” power this place has over the city.
What warmth Eridia gives us is swiftly taken away as we glimpse beyond the borders to a desert of rot and decay. There is no life beyond the borders aside from what lurks in the darkness, feeding on what couldn’t survive and leaving behind the bones to dry up in the humid sun. What trees exist are gnarled and twisted, perhaps fed by what grisly remains that aren’t picked clean. Despite how dangerous the city is said to be, there’s no reasonable explanation that could make any sane person want to remain in these outskirts for long. What Soulless we do meet in the demo remind us why Eridia refuses to unlock their doors at night as they vary in size but match each other in ferocity, able to tear a regular human limb from limb within moments.
The gameplay is smooth without any graphical hiccups, but you do want to save often because the choices we can make are very difficult to choose from. Sometimes if we answer in just the right way, we can select a RED option which seems to solidify the bond with our chosen character or explore a more sensual route with them. So, in other words, always choose red! Beyond that the interface is easy to use, and we have the ability to “replay” our choices or certain noises we might’ve been too distracted to pick up on. No voice acting yet but seeing as the volume choices allow us to change voice levels, I’m hoping this is a major possibility!
OTHER FEATURES ~
As previously mentioned, we are able to choose three origin stories before starting the game and I enjoyed this feature immensely because while it doesn’t affect the overall trajectory of Touchstarved’s story, it does share small things about our companions that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. As a Hound, I was able to tell that Vere had inhuman speed based on how quick they were to pickpocket me and making it easier to deduce they were a monster. However, as an alchemist, my knowledge of magic made it easy to realize that Leander is a very talented magician which made me wonder why he’s living in such a downtrodden state in the struggling climate of Lowtown.
The small details make it easier to fit into the role we chose and really sells how different our mindset can be when choosing an origin story. Who would the thief trust? What will the oracle depend on if not their faith?
Another thing I wanted to mention was the music. Oh god, the music! Absolutely beautiful, sensual, compelling and every love interest had an amazing theme that matched them perfectly. Despite them being so different from each other like Vere’s classical flair as to Ais’ heavy oriental beat, they all complimented the dark theme that Touchstarved promised us. It’s clear that varying cultures were referenced in the music and it’s such a treat to listen to, making me feverishly pray that we have an opportunity to buy the soundtrack when the Kickstarter releases.
RED SPRING STUDIOS ~
Red Spring Studios is a small, POC and queer owned indie studio made up of diverse talent from the gaming industry. United by a shared passion for dark, mature stories, they’ve poured their hearts into TOUCHSTARVED with the goal of telling ground-breaking tales for outcasts, danger lovers and hopeless romantics.
Personally, I’m willing to bet they’re also avid D&D players or possibly roleplayers! They made Touchstarved so easy for us to plug our own OC’s in and explore different paths in this story, something I’m very grateful for. As the Kickstarter releases tomorrow, I’m hoping we get to know more about this team because I want to personally thank them for making such a wonderful story featuring a wonderful cast. I felt seen as a BIPOC, pansexual woman but also as a lover of gothic horror. As I read about these renegade characters talk about their sketchy pasts and exploring this gorgeous, frightening world they’ve created for us, I never once felt like the outsider and felt like this world was made just for me. For that reason alone, I know that Touchstarved will be a game I’ll carry with me for a long time, and I implore everyone to thank Red Spring Studios for their hard work by supporting them!
Did I mention it releases tomorrow~? Just checking.
WEBSITE: http://www.redspring.studio
KICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/touchstarved/touchstarved?ref=clipboard-prelaunch
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/redspringstudio
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/redspringstudio/
TUMBLR: https://redspringstudio.tumblr.com/
The Pretty Blerd Guardian! 
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