LIP! Lewd Idol Project Vol. 1 – Hot Springs and Beach Episodes is essentially a standalone DLC for Lewd Idol Project Vol. 1. Taking place during the events of that visual novel, these are essentially extra two lewd episodes in this title from Toffer Team.
Filler Episodes
If we were comparing LIP! Lewd Idol Project Vol. 1 – Hot Springs and Beach Episodes to an anime, these would clearly be the filler episodes or OVAs. They’re two completely separate stories, that aren’t too strongly connected to the rest of the events. Not only that, but they use the common settings for these sorts of things.
I’d recommend that anyone playing these to go and play the original LIP! Lewd Idol Project Vol. 1 first. With that said, there is a fourth-wall-breaking opening for each episode, where our main character Kairi explains the events of the game. In brief, how she is trying to be an idol, was recruited to Ranko’s Lewd Idol Project, and how Ranko keeps putting her in sexual situations with her.
The Hot Springs and Beach Episodes aren’t too different really.
Hot Springs
The Hot Springs Episode starts with Ranko between Kairi’s legs waking her up. After the initial fun, Ranko takes Kairi to the hot springs. While Kairi thinks she’s going to be relaxing, she doesn’t know that Ranko reserved the entire place just for the two of them.
There are some fun interactions here between Kairi and Ranko. While it’s fairly similar to the main game, we get to see a more aggressive Kairi at one point; that was quite different to see.
Beach
The Beach Episode has a little more plot than the Hot Springs one. That said it starts similarly; Ranko mentions going to the beach, after their hot springs trip, and then within a few lines, Ranko has Kairi naked on the bed.
This short story has all the normal fun tropes like swimsuits and problems with them. Beyond that though, it has some story around expanding awareness of the Lewd Idol Project and winning a swimsuit contest.
This episode had some nice moments too, with my highlight being Ranko teasing some boys at the beach.
Games, Hearts, and Endings
In both cases, there are quite a few choices. Making the right one often increases a heart gauge, while the wrong one can sometimes decrease it. It’s usually quite obvious, but even if you get it wrong you can just use the mouse wheel or Page Up to go back.
How high your gauge happens to be, controls which ending you get. There aren’t any lengthy unique endings here. As an example, in the Hot Springs episode it might just cut off before Kairi’s aggressive moment, but not much else is different.
Once again, there are some simple minigames involving clicking at the right time – one in each episode. These control who gets stripped, but doesn’t affect the endings.
Graphics and Sound
Much like the main game, LIP! Lewd Idol Project Vol. 1 – Hot Springs and Beach Episodes has some high-quality backgrounds and sprites considering the price. Each episode has five CGs each, which is quite generous for such a short title.
The same limitations apply as the previous game apply though. Sprite poses are limited and Japanese voices are included but are only partial soundbites. You can tell this was done on a budget, but Toffer Team has effectively used what they do have for a good experience. Admittedly, I would like to hear more of Kairi’s sweet voice though.
Verdict
LIP! Lewd Idol Project Vol. 1 – Hot Springs and Beach Episodes is meant as additional fanservice for the original game, and it succeeds. If you liked the original and want more, this is for you. Didn’t like it? This won’t change your mind. If you haven’t played it – go check it out first.
LIP! LEWD IDOL PROJECT VOL. 1 HOT SPRINGS AND BEACH EPISODES IS RECOMMENDED
If you would like to see more lewd Visual Novels, you may be interested in our review of The Ditzy Demons Are In Love With Me.
During development, PayPal drained Toffer Team’s account of the funds legitimately raised via KickStarter for this project. You may be interested to read this interview with Toffer Team by Mr Hands on the topic. Or how about checking out some of the other top visual novels for this year on our Top Visual Novels of 2021 list.
Many thanks go to Toffer Team for a PC review code for this title.
A gamer since the days of Amstrad and DOS and someone who has dabbled in a variety of professions. He enjoys a wide variety of genres, but has been focusing on visual novels and virtual reality in recent years. Head Editor of NookGaming. Follow him and the website on @NookSite.
