Bad Batch Dating Sim (Demo) is a free simulation video game wherein you get to romance a mismatched band of outcasts. Developed by samanila_sandwich, this 2D visual novel is a dating simulator that lets you interact with the cast of the TV series, Star Wars: The Bad Batch.

Similar to Doomed Love, Bad Batch Dating Sim (Demo) is a fan game and somewhat changes the genre of its original material. However, the characters are still mostly the same and you’re simply given the option to pursue a romantic relationship with them. As its name implies, this is only a demo version.

For fans who were smitten

Star Wars: The Bad Batch is an animated series created for the streaming service, Disney+. It’s part of the Star Wars franchise—acting as both a sequel to and spin-off from the series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Its story revolves around Clone Force 99, nicknamed the “Bad Batch”, which is a group of elite clone troopers with genetic mutations. After the Clone Wars, they’ve been tasked with dangerous mercenary missions.

In Bad Batch Dating Sim (Demo), you play as a captive who has suddenly been rescued by the aforementioned Bad Batch team. It’s not explained clearly just who you are and why you were captured by pirates but you soon find out just who these clone saviors are. The story is told in second-person perspective and refers to your gender neutrally—allowing you to choose whichever you prefer.

As a demo, the game is short but offers enough dialogue to get you interested in the full release. However, it can feel like it’s not enough since your own character isn’t properly explained at the start. Additionally, there’s no audio at all—whether it’s background music or sound effects. Plus, the text’s color is far too dark to read, even when the current images are light-colored.

Far too silent

All in all, Bad Batch Dating Sim (Demo) is an interesting enough visual novel to try out if you’re a fan of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. It features nearly all main characters as romanceable NPCs and allows you to play as whatever gender you prefer thanks to the second-person POV. However, it doesn’t have any audio to keep you entertained while you read—making it a somewhat boring experience.