Millhaven [v0.7.1]

Millhaven is a realistic dating and relationship simulator set in a sandbox game world where every choice matters. There are many reasons why I call this game realistic. First of all, you’re not the only one trying to impress the main female characters, Yuki and Mia. Not only that, but you’ll also have to balance your work life with your dating adventures, just like in the real world.

The game is set in an interesting environment. You’ll venture through a map that has both cyberpunk and tribal influences. Each new day is about balancing your time and resources. You can work, go on dates with the girls, or deal with other characters and events throughout Millhaven. But you can’t do it all. And that’s the beauty of this game.

The interactions with your two romantic interests are just as complex. On the one hand, you can make dating decisions such as gift-giving, seducing, holding hands, kissing, and much more. But at the same time, you also have an in-game phone system through which you can DM the girls, ask them for selfies, or even join group chats.

The way you interact with the girls will influence your relationship with them. If you’re not careful, the other suitors will work just as hard to woo Yuki and Mia. When they succeed, the girls might start giving you the cold shoulder. The girls will even dress differently while on dates with you based on how much they like you.

Your in-game progress, resources, and skill levels are influenced by completing a series of themed mini-games and jobs, which are mainly based on delivery services throughout the world map. Through this part of the gameplay, you’ll develop abilities such as Persuasion, Streetwise, and Charm. The levels of these abilities influence dialogue options and interactions with both romantic partners and other characters.

All in all, this is a game that kept me engaged. Although the graphics are not realistic, I do like the 2D hentai-inspired style. And the fact that the developer also introduced cinematics as erotic rewards, besides static images, adds a lot to the experience. It’s not a game that feels linear. The multiple endings give it high replay value. And the fact that even when you fail to impress the girls, you still trigger exciting story paths eliminates any annoying dead ends.