Visual novels are a niche delight with a thriving audience. These games’ fans love having more and more experiences that focus on character and story, no matter how small or large those stories are in scale. And among these narrative games, few are as popular as the romance genre. If you love a little romance and a splash of fantasy, let’s introduce you to Fling with a Tiefling.
The game before the romance…
Fling with a Tiefling is developed by KristI Jimenez, AKA Husbando Goddess, creator of other indie visual novels like A Late Night Convo and Candied Hearts. This game is a short, interactive, romantic narrative where you and your tiefling companion, Karrus, are sitting by the fire enjoying one last moment of peace with a loved one before fighting the big bad. As you talk, the two of you become closer and closer… until you both confess things you never thought you’d admit. Then, you decide how you and Karrus move forward with your relationship — What kind of love do you share? A night of passion? A cuddle of comfort? Only you can choose.
Fling with a Tiefling gives fans across the asexual and allosexual spectrum space to have the night of their dreams, whatever that might entail. While there are some larger-name games out there that leave the nature of in-game romances up to interpretation, there is a lack of explicit asexual representation throughout the media. Indie developers like Jimenez are pivotal for including that kind of representation in their games, pushing for more acceptance and visibility for the asexual community.
Be still my half-demon heart
For eager fans just looking for a good time, though, the true heart of the game is Karrus the tiefling (Only one letter off from Garrus, as an overly avid Mass Effect fan might notice). While Karrus is charming, cheeky, and witty, he also has a vulnerability to him.
One of my favorite moments in the game involved your character teasing Karrus about his talkativeness. However, Karrus turns a quip into a romantic statement, pointing out that he likes spending time with your character because you don’t mind all his talking. You make him feel safe and heard, even if you tease him. It speaks to a lifetime on his part of keeping people at a distance because he fears they may not care for him, and for me, it hit me right in the “reserved person who wants people to make her feel safe” feels.
Karrus is for anyone who knows what it feels like to want to be known and understood by the people they love, and boy does that warm hearts. He’s adorable and charming and handsome, but most of all three-dimensional. What else could you ask for in a fling?
Having a Fling with a Tiefling
Fling with a Tiefling is not a long game, so if you want to experience the full arc of a romance, from meet-cute to confession, this game may leave you wanting. However, for fans just looking for that sweet romantic climax — and the spicy or not-so-spicy night that follows — this game is a perfect lil one-shot.
You can play Fling with a Tiefling NOW on Husbando Goddess’ Itch.io site.
