Beastly Desires Review

Genius Inc.’s Kidnapping Kink

Is it just me or are there way too many dating sims where the girl is essentially kidnapped? Sure, she goes along, begrudgingly, but that’s usually because there are worse forces out there waiting to kill her or worse. This is exactly what happens in Beastly Desires, the confusing and ill-executed new dating sim by Genius Inc. I hate to break it to you, Genius Inc, but kidnapping is not a turn on and Stockholm Syndrome isn’t the same as true love.

A Beastly Bewildering Plot

Beastly Desires thrusts players into the role of a young woman who discovers she and her sister have a special power. After waking from a strange dream, you both find a mysterious tattoo has appeared on your arm. Later that night, you’re attacked by a demon. Luckily, the three random guys from your dream show up and save you—but not before your sister is kidnapped by a demon. You decide to go with the three strange men, because why wouldn’t you?

Beastly Desire’s plot is fairly convoluted. Apart from your own world, there is a place known as the Dark World where demons and beast-men dwell. Long ago the beast-men defeated the demons and have ruled over the demons ever since. For generations, members of your family have had a special power and have overseen the coronation of the beast-men king. You and your sister are targeted by the demon Krauss who hopes to use your power to make himself king of the Dark World. Because apparently a new king can’t be crowned without the help of a young human girl. The plot is so confusing and ill-explained that it’s thoroughly unenjoyable.

Meet the Beast-Men

As it turns out, the men who saved you aren’t human; they’re part of the beast-men race. Per Genius Inc.’s usual setup, Beastly Desires offers players three romantic partners to choose from. First, there’s Shiryu, crown prince and heir to the Dark World throne. Shiryu is an overly-cocky alpha male who doesn’t have much respect for humankind despite needing you for his coronation. Next, there is Alexis, Prince Shiryu’s advisor. Alexis has an analytical mind and a quiet tongue. Lastly, there is Leonel, an impulsive and hot-headed young man. Not born of nobility, Leonel fought to gain his place in the royal guard. At first glance, none of these men seem like boyfriend material and that doesn’t change much throughout the game.

Beastly Paywalls

Beastly Desires is a dating sim, so you’re going to have to seduce one of the guys mentioned above. However, if you’ve ever played a game by Genius Inc. you know you’re not going to get far unless you’re willing to open your wallet. To develop a relationship, you’ll need to make premium choices. Premium choices allow you to flirt, empathize and otherwise grow closer to your chosen beau. However, every premium choice cost rubies. Much like a drug dealer the Beastly Desires supplies players with just enough free rubies to get a taste for them. After that, you’ll need to pay for or earn games by completing time-consuming tasks. Rubies cost upwards of $2.49. Considering the sole purpose of the game is to seduce these beastly boys, it’s outrageous just how much Genius Inc. expects its players to shell out.

The game is also split into chapters and each chapter costs one story ticket. Story tickets will regenerate over several hours as long as you have less than two in your inventory. If you want to continue after spending your story tickets, you either have to wait a few hours or spend anywhere from $1.99 to $8.49 to purchase more. Honestly, this isn’t a game worthy of your hard-earned money.

Overall, Beastly Desires is a confusing game about a girl choosing between three uninspiring guys. Shiryu may be the crown prince but unfortunately, that’s all he’s got going for him. Alexis is cold and aloof, and Leonel’s impulsivity makes him appear childish. Between constant paywalls, a convoluted plot, and romantic partners lacking in personality, Beastly Desires is a beastly bore.