Welcome to Taboo University Book One, where erotic mystery meets campus drama with a side of undercover investigation. As a prequel to the popular Fetish Locator series, this adult visual novel is all about diving deep into the mysterious disappearance of three girls at ViNovella University, a prestigious college with more secrets than a freshman’s browser history. Playing as an undercover cop posing as a student, your mission is to gather clues, make allies (or enemies), and maybe even indulge in some… extracurricular activities. With its provocative themes and faction-based storylines, the game promises to keep you entertained for hours, whether you’re in it for the detective work or the steamy scenes.
Storyline
The narrative kicks off with you, an undercover police officer, slipping into the role of a freshman at ViNovella University. Your objective is simple: unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of three girls who vanished under suspicious circumstances. But as you quickly discover, this is no ordinary campus—it’s a place where the lines between academia and the underground are often blurred. As you explore, you’ll encounter a colourful array of characters, including seductive students, enigmatic professors, and even a few MILFs who could teach you more than just biology 😉.
The story’s depth comes from its branching paths. Depending on the choices you make and the factions you align with—be it the mysterious Cult, the dangerous Syndicate, or the sports-centric Winners Club—your investigation unfolds in dramatically different ways. Each faction has its own storyline, with unique challenges, twists, and consequences. The stakes are high, and your decisions matter, making each playthrough feel distinct. Whether you’re decoding ancient rituals, engaging in risky underground dealings, or climbing the social ladder through sports, the game keeps you guessing at what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Taboo University revolves around choice-driven storytelling. Almost every action, conversation, or flirtatious exchange can shift the course of your investigation and relationships. The game offers multiple paths to explore, thanks to the factions, which determine what challenges you’ll face and who you’ll get to know… intimately.
The factions themselves add a lot of flavour to the gameplay. Aligning with The Cult immerses you in occult rituals and strange practices that go far beyond the realm of normal college activities. You’ll find yourself questioning reality, as the mystical and mysterious play major roles in your investigation. Opting for The Syndicate plunges you into a world of crime, where power struggles and shady dealings are part of everyday life. It’s high-risk, high-reward, with every choice potentially leading to either fortune or disaster. Lastly, The Winners Club introduces you to the competitive world of college sports, but don’t be fooled—behind all the sweaty practices and pep talks lies a web of secrets that could rival any conspiracy.
The decision-making isn’t just about the plot, though; it also influences the adult content. Depending on your actions, you’ll unlock different erotic scenes, ranging from consensual encounters to kinkier content like BDSM or roleplay. There’s a gallery of over 50 animated scenes that players can replay, providing plenty of incentive to go back and see what different choices might lead to.
Visuals and Audios
Visually, Taboo University hits the mark with detailed 3D renders and smooth animations. The character models are varied, with each one standing out thanks to distinctive looks and expressive animations, though there’s a noticeable fondness for redheads among the cast. The environments are equally well-crafted, from dark, candle-lit rooms used by The Cult to underground fight rings and posh sports facilities. The visual quality, while generally good, could use a bit more polish in places—some character details, like teeth, occasionally appear off, which can be a little distracting.
Audio-wise, the game does a decent job with ambient sounds and music, setting the mood for both the mystery and the more intimate moments. However, there’s a noticeable absence of voice acting, which could have added an extra layer of immersion. Hopefully, that’s something the developers will consider for future updates or sequels.
Pros
- Intriguing Story: A detective plot that’s more than just a sexy backdrop; the mystery genuinely pulls you in.
- Diverse Erotic Content: A variety of explicit scenes that cater to different tastes and preferences, from gentle encounters to more taboo themes.
- High Replay Value: With multiple factions and branching storylines, you’ll want to replay to see all the endings and unlock all the steamy content.
- Well-Crafted Visuals: The 3D renders and animations, despite some minor flaws, bring the characters and environments to life.
Cons
- Some Characters Lack Depth: While many characters are memorable, a few feel like they’re missing backstory or development, making them more like eye candy than actual people.
- Slow Plot Pacing: The investigation can feel sluggish at times, especially if you’re not actively pursuing every lead or taking the time to explore faction paths.
- Unpolished Visuals in Places: Some renders, particularly with side characters, lack the sharpness and detail found in the main cast.
Conclusion
Taboo University Book One serves up a provocative blend of erotic content and a genuinely engaging detective story. It succeeds in drawing players into the mysterious world of ViNovella University, where the truth is buried beneath layers of secrets, factions, and steamy encounters. The game’s ability to let players shape the narrative with meaningful choices keeps things interesting, while the variety of factions ensures that no two playthroughs are ever quite the same.
Despite some pacing issues and areas that could use more polish, the game provides a captivating adult visual novel experience. If you enjoy branching narratives with a touch of the erotic and don’t mind some kinky twists, Taboo University is definitely worth enrolling in. Whether you’re uncovering ancient secrets, navigating the criminal underworld, or just trying to make the volleyball team, there’s plenty here to keep you coming back for more.
Rating: 8/10 (❤❤❤❤ Jerkability out of 5)
Genre | Visual Novell |
Client type | Client |
Graphics | ❤❤❤❤ |
Gameplay | ❤❤ |
Jerkability | ❤❤❤❤ |
Link | Available on Steam |
Review by United Critics