Summer camp. Not something everyone’s absolutely stoked about attending, although I have a feeling our high school senior protagonist, Jess, is going to have a good time at Camp Palut. Perhaps even the time of her life, if not for the mystery looming over this particular locale. In fact, it might be a really good idea to get friendly (or more) with the other camp attendees, and not simply because they’re all genuine cuties.
Now, Camp Palut might be billed as an ‘otome-style mystery’, but this is not an otome game. Quite the opposite in fact, as the love interests are all of the sapphic variety, so I suppose… ‘yuri-style mystery’ might actually be more applicable? Well, whatever the case, let’s not forget the ‘mystery’ part. After all, what is a good dating sim visual novel without a fair amount of spookiness? Oh, and even more so since it takes place during summer camp.
I’m not entirely sure exactly what that aspect of the story revolves around though, but I guess that’s part of the charm of a mystery – knowing next to nothing about it. So instead, how about a quick who’s who of Jess’ four potential partners? Nat, a non-binary eccentric obsessed with Bigfoot; Cassie, a photographer with a touch of anxiety; Amy, an athletic flirt; and last but by no means least, Bianca, a mysterious goth.
Given its “separate but interlocking stories that lead to a thrilling conclusion” and multiple endings, something tells me isn’t one of those dating sims where you can simply romance someone and call it a day, getting the entire story from that (although I haven’t come across many such, either). Which is quite alright, for without getting to know Nat, Cassie, Amy, and Bianca all the same, how are you going to be able to determine who’s, you know, your favourite? So buckle up and get ready for a sapphic summer camp unlike any other!
Camp Palut is available on Steam and itch.io, carrying a $13.99 price tag.
