Occultus: Daughter of Darkness

Sherlock Holmes Vibes

If you're looking for a visual novel that’s all about mindless clicking and cheap thrills, this ain’t it. Occultus: Daughter of Darkness is a noir-inspired detective story with a supernatural twist, wrapped in a slow-burning mystery that actually makes you think. It’s got cults, intrigue, and a whole lot of moral choices that might make you second-guess yourself. And yes, there’s some sex content, but if you’re only here for that, you might walk away a little disappointed—because the story is the real star of the show.

About This Game

Storyline

You play as Jane Malady, a private investigator from New York who takes on a missing person case for a Hollywood starlet. What seems like a straightforward job quickly spirals into something far bigger—and much darker. Before she knows it, Jane finds herself in the middle of L.A.’s seedy underbelly, tangled up with cults, secrets, and maybe even a little romance if she plays her cards right. She’s not alone, though—her best friend Ash tags along for reasons of her own, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

The writing is solid, leaning into classic detective fiction with a heavy dose of supernatural elements. It’s got that old-school dime novel feel, meaning you’ll be doing a lot of reading. And I mean a lot—this game is a visual novel in the truest sense. If you’re not the type to settle in for a long, atmospheric story, this might not be for you. But if you love a slow-burning mystery with well-written characters and plenty of twists? You’re in for a ride.

Gameplay Mechanics

This is a choice-based visual novel, so gameplay revolves around making decisions that shape Jane’s relationships, alliances, and how the story unfolds. Choices matter, and they can change how certain characters react to you—or even whether you end up in a relationship with them. There’s no game-breaking difficulty here; you can save and reload at will, meaning you can experiment with different choices without too much stress.

Unlike some VNs, Occultus doesn’t bombard you with constant decision points. Some sections are long stretches of reading before the next big choice, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But it helps the pacing feel more like a novel than a game, which fits the overall vibe.

Visuals & Audio

The art is good—not mind-blowing, but definitely polished. Character designs are well done, though they do have that somewhat plastic, "Barbie doll" look that’s common in many adult VNs. Some scenes are a bit too dark, which can make certain moments harder to appreciate. But overall, the visuals get the job done, setting the right tone for a gritty detective story.

As for audio, the soundtrack is subtle but effective. It doesn’t overpower the story but enhances the noir atmosphere. There’s no voice acting, so if you’re the type who prefers fully voiced characters, that might be a letdown. But the writing is strong enough that you won’t miss it too much.

Pros

Fantastic detective story with a noir vibe
Well-written characters and intriguing mystery
Choices feel meaningful and impact the narrative
Romance options add depth without feeling forced
Sex scenes are present but don’t overshadow the story

Cons

Heavily text-based—if you’re not into reading, you might struggle
Some scenes are too dark visually
No voice acting
Sex scenes are brief and not the main focus—so if that’s your priority, look elsewhere (Not actually a con for me, but others might beg to differ)

Conclusion

This isn’t your typical adult visual novel. It’s a slow-burn detective mystery with supernatural elements, well-developed characters, and a strong, compelling story. The adult content is there, but it takes a backseat to the noir narrative—which is a good thing, because the writing is genuinely great. If you love deep storytelling, complex mysteries, and choices that actually matter, this is absolutely worth checking out.

If you’re looking for something more fast-paced, action-heavy, or focused solely on adult content, this might not hit the mark. But if you’re in the mood for a gripping detective tale with a dark and twisted edge, this is definitely a game you should play.

Rating: 9/10

An actually decent story in an AVN?