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When we talk about games that hit close to home—both in heart and in culture—Of The Lilies from Startris Studio shines brightly. This women-led indie studio from the Philippines is crafting a visual novel-style romantic adventure that’s not just about love and loss, but also about reclaiming identity in a fantasy world inspired by Southeast Asia in the 1880s.
A Story of Love, Loss, and Choices
You play as the chieftain-to-be of a small village in Tayabac, torn apart when the powerful Seiyslan Empire invades. Stripped of your family, home, and culture, you’re taken in by Lady Sabina—on the condition that you protect the very empire that destroyed your life.
Along your journey, you’ll meet five unique romanceable characters:
- Seiji – your ever-protective childhood friend
- Myo – the charming rebel leader
- Taji – the rival with a mysterious edge
- Laisa – the cunning pirate outlaw (Pinoy gamers, sino dito ang mahilig sa badass pirate girls?)
- Lien – the conqueror who tore you from your family
As the centuries-old curses resurface, your choices matter. Every decision shapes one of 15 possible endings—will you protect the empire, or finally confront it? Sino ba talaga ang pipiliin mo… at sino ang handa mong isakripisyo?
Gameplay That Blends Romance and Adventure
While Of The Lilies is deeply narrative-driven, it also features:
- Customizable protagonist name
- Choice/consequence gameplay leading to multiple endings
- 2D pixel sidescroller exploration of a richly designed colonial fantasy world
- Mini-games and combat mechanics that spice up the storytelling
This makes it more than just another romance visual novel—it’s an immersive experience that combines emotional storytelling with interactive gameplay.
Representation That Matters
Startris Studio is proudly women-led and Pinoy-made. For many of us, lalo na sa mga pinay gamers, seeing a narrative that draws from Southeast Asian colonial history while spotlighting women in game development is inspiring. This is not just a game—it’s a statement: that our stories are worth telling, and the world deserves to experience them.
Rising on the Indie Stage
Despite being in development (release date TBA), Of The Lilies is already making waves internationally. It has been showcased in:
- Game Dev Summit 2025 (Boracay, Philippines)
- Indie Jam 2025 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
- Otome Games Celebration 2025 (Steam Showcase)
- Philippine Game Dev Expo 2025 (Pasay City)
- Game Devs of Color Expo 2025 (Steam Showcase)
- Fall in Love Festival 2025 (Steam Showcase)
And here’s something cool: the project started as a mentee under Project PIGI (Philippine Indie Games Initiative), where it was mentored by industry veterans like Yangyang Mobile.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Of The Lilies is shaping up to be a must-play title, especially for those who crave heartfelt stories with cultural depth. Whether you’re a fan of otome games, narrative adventures, or just want to support Pinoy-made indie games, this is one title to watch.
Kung gamer ka na mahilig sa romance, drama, at mga choices na talagang magpapaisip sa’yo—Of The Lilies is calling.
Support our local devs! Wishlist Of The Lilies now on Steam, follow the devs on Itch.io, and join the official Discord community to connect with fellow fans. Tara, sabay-sabay nating ipakita na solid ang suporta ng Pinoy gamers para sa sariling atin!
