"Ristorante Amore" Review

Publisher:  Cyanide Tea

Website:  http://risamo.cyanide-tea.net/

Genre:  Visual Novel

Summary:  A waitress at an Italian restaurant finds love...and behind the scenes, the actors of the game may, too.

Gameplay:  Gameplay consists of occasional choices.

Style:  There are understandably minimal locations brightened by nice music.

Story:  Ristorante Amore is essentially two visual novels (and can be played as such, if inclined.)  The "prologue" of romance for a waitress serves perfectly well on its own.  Then there's the fascinating twist of actors behind the scenes of a visual novel and seeing how they compare and contrast with their characters.  It's a neat concept.  Both stories are of everyday life with some romance.

Conclusion:  Ristorante Amore is two interestingly connected stories of life and romance at an Italian restaurant.

"Taarradhin" Review

Publisher:  Cyanide Tea

Website:  http://taarradhin.cyanide-tea.net/

Genre:  Visual Novel

Summary:  A pampered rich girl gets to know two new foreign slaves in her house.

Gameplay:  The gameplay consists solely of a few decisions.

Style:  The music and art blend together nicely, and the non-European setting is a nice change of pace.

Story:  "Taarradhin" isn't a very satisfying story.  The main character is spoiled and unlikable and remains so in most playthroughs.  The game is also short without many choices.  Therefore the romances are also unsatisfying.  Plus descriptions often unnecessary tell what is already shown by character action.

Conclusion:  While having an interesting setting and premise, "Taarradhin" is ultimately frustrating.