Romantic horror game Draculesti fully funded on Kickstarter, Steam demo out now

Vampires have never been hotter. I guess that's not true, considering they don't age and therefore have always looked this hot (or not, depending on your preferences), but you get what I mean. Upcoming romantic horror game Drăculești has been fully funded on Kickstarter, and it turns those vampire-loving dials up to 11. Self-published by developer Fine Feathered Fiends, the visual novel amps up the queer undertones of Bram Stoker's iconic epistolary tale for a steamy and sordid fantasy affair.

As the Drăculești Kickstarter page says, the developers are making the subtext, domtext. With a variety of characters, including the Prince of Darkness himself (that's Dracula, not Ozzy), a mysterious spirit dismembered by the Count, and Dracula's ex-wife, romance options seem plentiful. You can't forget your old flame, Jonny Harker, either.

While it's not confirmed that all of these characters are romanceable, this is a visual novel, and the devs confirm that there are multiple options. Like all the best fantasy games, however, you'll also be uncovering plenty of mysteries. Why did the spirit fall out with Dracula? How will you provide legal services for Cezara in her demonic divorce?

There are mysteries about yourself to discover, too. As the transgender lawyer Roger M. Renfield, you're used to the world being against you. But in a castle full of potential partners—and potential danger—will you give into your deepest urges, or supress them? How will other characters react to your choices and emotions?

Drăculești's successful Kickstarter proves there is an appetite for queer visual novels like this—if that ever needed proving. The game has hit eight out of its nine community goals already (these are like social media-based stretch goals to help get the word out), meaning backers have unlocked two art prints available as merch.

The Drăculești release date is yet to be announced, but backing it for AU$40, which is approximately US$26 / £20, will grant you a game key on Steam or Itch.io. You can play the demo on Steam here and support the Kickstarter here.

If you need more scares among the smooches, check out our list of the best horror games going. And if you want more games at the forefront of LGBT+ representation, you can always rely on the best indie games to give you the goods.

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