Deliver Us From Evil

Deliver Us From Evil is a gothic otome visual novel set in a biblical fantasy world where young angel Ariel investigates mankind’s dark wishes under the guidance of Archangel Michael. Players navigate a supernatural romance story filled with angels, demons, and morally complex characters, making choices that shape Ariel’s relationships with dateable figures like the enigmatic Ace and the devoted Michael while uncovering mysteries and facing the temptation to stray from her celestial mission.

Deliver Us From Evil: Review

Introduction

In the ever-expanding universe of interactive storytelling, few genres capture the imagination quite like the otome visual novel—a space where romance, narrative choice, and rich character development converge. Deliver Us From Evil (DUFE), a 2021 release by indie studio Galen Games, emerges as a compelling entry in this niche, blending gothic aesthetics, biblical lore, and supernatural intrigue. As the inaugural installment in a planned trilogy, DUFE introduces players to a world where humanity’s darkest wishes draw celestial attention, forcing a young angel to navigate a labyrinth of morality, desire, and divine intervention. This review posits that while DUFE excels in its atmospheric world-building and character-driven storytelling, it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious scope, ultimately delivering an experience that is both hauntingly beautiful and unevenly executed. Its legacy lies not in reinventing the genre, but in its earnest, heartfelt attempt to infuse the otome space with darker, more philosophical themes.

Development History & Context

Galen Games, a small independent studio founded by director Crysil, crafted Deliver Us From Evil within a remarkably tight production cycle. Development commenced in April 2021 and concluded in just two months, as documented in the studio’s itch.io devlogs. This rapid pace was driven by a desire to participate in the Otome Jam 2021, a game jam focused on creating romance narratives. The team’s vision was clear: to subvert the often-sweet, lighthearted tropes of otome games by injecting a gothic, supernatural atmosphere reminiscent of classic horror and religious allegory. Technologically, DUFE leveraged the accessible Ren’Py engine, a staple for visual novel developers, which allowed the team to focus resources on art, writing, and voice acting rather than complex coding.

The gaming landscape of mid-2021 saw a surge in indie visual novels, fueled by platforms like Steam and itch.io, which democratized distribution for niche genres. DUFE’s release coincided with a growing demand for diverse, inclusive narratives, a trend it embraced by featuring characters of varied backgrounds and identities—most notably the transgender side character Yui in the film context, though in the game, this manifests through themes of duality and transformation. However, the constraints of the jam format and the studio’s limited resources inevitably led to compromises, such as partial voice acting and a reliance on static artwork. Despite these hurdles, Galen Games’ commitment to their vision shines through, creating a product that feels both ambitious and lovingly handmade.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At its core, Deliver Us From Evil is a story about choice and consequence, framed by a celestial bureaucracy investigating humanity’s corruption. Players assume the role of Ariel, a young angel assigned by the Archangel Michael to probe a series of “dark wishes” manifesting on Earth. The narrative splits into two primary romance routes: the stoic, duty-bound Michael and the enigmatic, morally ambiguous demon Ace. Keldran, a third character central to the plot, is initially non-romantic in the base game, with his polyamorous route reserved for the Cadenza DLC. This structure allows DUFE to explore contrasting archetypes—devotion vs. rebellion, order vs. chaos—while weaving in a mystery about the nature of evil.

The writing excels in its thematic depth, interrogating concepts like free will, redemption, and the duality of light and shadow. Ariel’s journey is a visceral metaphor for the human struggle between divine mandate and personal desire. Her internal monologue often grapples with the hypocrisy of a system that judges humanity’s darkness while demanding obedience. Dialogue is generally sharp, with witty banter (particularly in Ace’s route) and poignant moments that humanize the supernatural cast. However, the pacing occasionally falters; the common route feels rushed, and some character motivations, especially Keldran’s, remain underdeveloped in the base game. The inclusion of four endings (two per route) provides meaningful replay value, though they can feel abrupt, lacking the nuanced foreshadowing necessary for maximum emotional impact. Ultimately, DUFE’s greatest strength lies in its ability to embed theological and philosophical questions into a personal, intimate story, making players ponder what it truly means to “deliver” someone from evil.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

As a visual novel, DUFE’s gameplay centers on choice-driven storytelling, eschewing traditional combat in favor of narrative branching and character interaction. The core loop involves reading through text-heavy scenes, selecting dialogue options, and navigating menu-based choices that influence relationships and story outcomes. This approach is streamlined but lacks interactivity, relying heavily on player immersion rather than agency. Each character route (Michael or Ace) spans approximately three to five hours, offering a satisfying yet compact experience.

Character progression is minimal, confined to unlocking CGs (character graphics) and endings. The UI, built on Ren’Py, is functional but dated, with a simplistic menu design that prioritizes readability over flair. Voice acting, while partial, elevates key scenes; Bradley Gareth’s authoritative performance as Michael and Ryan Hoyle’s seductive delivery as Ace bring their characters to life. However, the absence of full voice acting for minor characters and background NPCs creates an inconsistent auditory experience. A notable innovation is the integration of supernatural elements into dialogue choices—for example, players may have to “detect” lies or “persuade” targets using angelic abilities, adding a thin layer of gameplay beyond pure text. Yet, these mechanics feel underutilized, often reducing to binary decisions with little consequence. While DUFE’s systems are competent, they rarely transcend otome conventions, leaving room for more interactive design in future installments.

World-Building, Art & Sound

DUFE’s world-building is its crowning achievement, crafting a rich, gothic tapestry where heaven and hell collide on a rain-slicked, modern Earth. The setting juxtaposes celestial bureaucracy with urban decay, creating a palpable sense of dread. Locations like the celestial archives and shadowy city alleys are vividly described, though the game’s static visuals (a limitation of the flip-screen format) rely on atmospheric artwork to convey mood. Character designs excel, with each suitor embodying a distinct archetype: Michael’s golden armor radiating divine authority, Ace’s sharp, demonic features hinting at hidden vulnerability, and Keldran’s imposing presence as a fallen angel. The art style, inspired by dark fantasy and anime, uses muted color palettes and dramatic lighting to heighten the gothic tone, though consistency wavers in background art transitions.

Sound design amplifies this atmosphere, with composer Ednar Pinho’s score blending haunting choirs, melancholic piano, and industrial undertones to underscore tension and romance. The soundtrack, available via itch.io, is a standout, enhancing emotional beats without overwhelming dialogue. However, sound effects are sparse, and ambient noise—like distant thunder or city buzz—is underutilized. Partial voice acting, while high quality, creates a disjointed experience, with silent moments feeling jarring. Despite these flaws, DUFE’s art and sound synergy creates an unforgettable ambiance, proving that even static visuals can evoke profound emotion when executed with purpose.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its June 2021 release, Deliver Us From Evil garnered a modest but dedicated following, particularly within otome and indie gaming circles. Critical reception was muted, with few mainstream reviews, but community feedback on platforms like Steam and itch.io praised its writing and art while noting pacing issues. The game’s commercial performance remains undisclosed, but its low price point (free on Steam at launch) and later inclusion in bundles like the Queer Games Bundle 2022 helped it gain traction.

Legacy-wise, DUFE’s impact lies in its thematic ambition and its role in expanding otome diversity. Its exploration of redemption and identity resonated with players seeking mature narratives, while the Cadenza DLC (released in 2022) addressed early criticisms by fleshing out Keldran’s polyamorous route. However, the game’s influence on the broader industry is limited; it did not pioneer new mechanics or aesthetics, but it did demonstrate how small studios could leverage niche platforms to tell unconventional stories. Comparisons to visual novels like Code: Realize or Hakuoki are inevitable, yet DUFE’s darker tone sets it apart. Its true legacy may be its trilogy structure: sequels like Masquerade (2021) and Cadenza build upon its foundation, refining gameplay deepening lore. As an early work, DUFE stands as a testament to Galen Games’ potential—a flawed but promising start in a crowded genre.

Conclusion

Deliver Us From Evil is a poignant, if imperfect, addition to the otome visual novel canon. It succeeds brilliantly in its world-building, thematic richness, and character-driven storytelling, offering a haunting meditation on morality and desire. Yet, its rushed pacing, underdeveloped mechanics, and inconsistent execution prevent it from reaching its full potential. For players seeking a gothic romance with supernatural stakes, DUFE delivers a compelling, albeit uneven, journey. Its legacy is not one of revolution but of evolution—a foundation upon which Galen Games can build a more polished and immersive universe. In the pantheon of indie visual novels, Deliver Us From Evil earns a respectable place as a flawed, courageous attempt to infuse the genre with darkness and depth. It is a game that, much like its protagonist, strays from the light occasionally but ultimately finds its way toward redemption.