The Reject Demon: Toko Chapter 0 — Prelude

The Reject Demon: Toko Chapter 0 — Prelude is a kinetic visual novel offering a unique blend of western art style, rock music themes, and yuri romance. Players follow Toko, a demon cast out of Hell, as she navigates the human world while unraveling mysteries about herself and the underworld. The game features a charming, diverse cast with imaginative demon characters and an intriguing premise centered on music and demons. The art by Taosym is widely praised for its distinctive, expressive style, complemented by a strong, varied soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere. However, the game is relatively short, lasting around 2 to 4 hours, and is strictly linear with no player choices or branching paths. While the story is engaging and humorous, some pacing issues and occasional rushed dialogue were noted. Unfortunately, the series appears abandoned, with no updates or sequels released since 2016, which disappoints many fans eager for continuation. Despite this, the prelude is considered a worthwhile experience for fans of visual novels and yuri themes.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's unique western-inspired art style with colorful, varied character designs and expressive sprites. The soundtrack, blending rock, jazz, and electronic music, is highly regarded for fitting the game's themes and enhancing immersion. The storyline, though short, is appreciated for its charming characters, quirky humor, and fresh take on demons, angels, and the afterlife. The yuri romance and diverse body types among characters are also positively noted, adding depth and appeal. The game’s kinetic novel format provides a smooth, uninterrupted narrative experience, enjoyed by many despite the lack of player choices.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's short duration and lack of replayability due to no choices or branching paths. Players express frustration over the abandoned status of the series, with no sequel or updates since 2016, leaving the story incomplete. Some find the pacing uneven, with moments feeling rushed or confusing. The character designs divide opinion, with some disliking the fanservice-heavy or inconsistent art style. Additionally, the absence of features like a CG gallery or voice acting is noted. A few players mention occasional awkward dialogue and underdeveloped story elements, and some express disappointment in the limited explanation of the demon world and music lore.