Bible Black

I have feared this visual novel since I have begun my reviewing of visual novels.
 Does it live up to that fear?
Well...




Let's begin with the name, which is Bible Black.
 Bible Black is a rather popular erotic dark romantic fantasy where you take the shade of Taki Minase; a pervert (As per usual) who stumbles across a black magic in the form of "Bible Black" a satanic holy book that allows the individual with access to gain unimaginable power.
 As the story progresses, the truth is revealed, as different people attempt to gain the power and bring upon Hell on Earth.

Now, to look at Minase; I would have to say he is one of the more natural perverted based characters of a story. He is filled with lust, which certainly brings about his down-fall in the many scenarios that are scattered throughout Bible Black. Along with this; his moral standing is focused at the beginning, and deteriorates; bringing up, once again, a natural outlook to a situation such as this.
 Finally, what I find the most surprising is Minase lack of power within the plot. He is basically played as a pawn in many of the endings to be used by the different powers. This really brings upon a feeling of helplessness that truly enhances the atmosphere and themes of the second act, along with being a shell-shock to the player whose intention in the first act to rack up the babe count (If you catch my drift) as they held the power of Bible Black.

Following Minase is a rather disappointing group of heroines who either follow a rigid cliche that has been beaten to death, or gains an unlikable quality, which, though understanding, is still a peeve.

To narrow down to generality, I will bring up four leading heroines of the story. These are: Karumi Imari, Hiroko Takashiro, Reika Kitami, and Kaori Saeki.
  Now, I could suggest that these four women are really the focus of Bible Black's duration; and though others may have "Erotic" moments, these four only really contribute to the "plot"

 Karumi Imari is Minase's neighbor, and childhood friend (Thus creating one of the most over-used cliche.) and, she didn't really bring anything new to the table. She really plays like Sohara Mitsuki (Heavens Lost Property), which the exception of the deterioration of friendship between here and Minase.
   You can feel it, you truly can; and though, emotionally, the relationship between the two is lack-luster (Though mostly due to her insistence on being slap-stick comedy) the "Break up" is harsh, with the resolution being sweet (Or atleast sweeter then if it went without the collapse of the friendship)
     
Hiroko Takashirio is Minase's art teacher, and much like Imari, she doesn't bring much to the table. She is used as a tool of exposition along with the "Older women who helps save the day cliche," although older.

Reika Katami; nothing to say about her, with the exception that SHE IS (SPOILERS NOW) THE MAIN ANTAGONIST IN THE SECOND ACT.
 Other then that, eh, boring.

Finally, we have Kaori Saeki. She is the most unique of the characters due to her second act change which changes her major personality traits to that of a annoying tick.
 I understand developers, that you want to have a time where the main protagonist is completely helpless, and mind you, I completely enjoy that; especially when said person gets boned due to greed and such.
 However, mind that your if you time is very short (In this case three days) then you won't have time to say... Allow an entire book to be translated by a person who can't speak the many languages the book is offered in, then, like an evil mastermind, have said person start up a cult to plan an event that is occurring in less then a week.
 Her development felt rushed, and it felt a-little "Impossibly impossible."

Though, the heroines are not what drew me in; it was the story which drew me in.
 In the beginning, it is rather single minded with Minase's erotic romps taking most of the first act.
 However, when the second act arrived, the story rather quickly evolved into a power struggle with multiple layers being revealed and expanded and explained.
  It was fascinating to say the least, with the mindless first act setting the bar, only to have this second act go above and beyond expectations. I, needless to say, was impressed.

Other then that; the women were taking some use to get to. At first, it reminded me of Shiroi Heya no Futari cover page; which creeps me out. Still, I can't really look into the girls' eyes due to the weirdness they are aligned.
  However, to say they aren't cute at times would be a lie; it just has to be through rather erotic or side-shots where that "Cuteness" is emphasized.

As for music, it was alright. Melodic tones set the tone, and at times gave me the chills; though some were to optimistic for the rather strict themes suggested throughout the story.

Over-all, Bible Black isn't the best, though certainly isn't a Visual Novel I would be afraid of. However, even with that, I would only admit it to those seeking the thrill of dark erotic visual novels; something that I, along with a-bunch of you fine folks, are not interested in.

6/10