Visual novel 'Once More' featuring Pinoy-made art enters Steam Early Access

"Once More" is a romantic adventure visual novel featuring the work of Filipino artists—and it's now available in Early Access on Steam where it can be purchased for P389.95.

"Once More" has players assuming the role of Felix, a bereaved young man who stumbles into a magical library. Here, you meet the reaper Shifa, who makes you an offer you can't refuse.

In your journey to explore the intricacies of love and loss, you'll spend time with a number of potential romantic interests, including your recently deceased lover, Mima; the upbeat film student, Cami; the standoffish pianist, Yuria; and your childhood friend, Nia, a game designer and computer programmer.

The game's Early Access version allows you to play through Nia's story route.

Photo from Malheur Games

Successfully Kickstarted in 2020, "Once More" is under development by Malheur Games, a team consisting of people from all over the world, including the Philippines.

Providing the character art for "Once More" is Lawrence Madrid Yap a.k.a. LawNielle, a self-taught Filipino freelance artist. LawNielle is also the Head Director and co-founder of Crescent Link Productions, a Philippine Virtual YouTuber production team responsible for VTubers Dulla, Diana, Nephilim, and Haniel. Lore-wise, Haniel is the reaper Shifa's sister, which explains their striking resemblance.

Photo from Malheur Games

Serving as main composer is Filipino musician and sound engineer Patrick Padolina a.k.a. CrysetBase, who has written music for a variety of visual novels.

Filipino voiceover artist Josh Portillo is voicing the character "Boss" in "Once More." He has voiced characters in video games, animations, and audio dramas.

Expect "Once More" to be fully released in 2022.

—MGP, GMA News