Though it was apparently a big Steam hit in China that received an English-subbed localization, I guess the live-action rom-com game Love Is All Around is not exactly something that would usually get as much buzz in the West. I think a lot of people would like it over here though, since despite some clear flaws, it has a solid amount of humor and charm, and is refreshingly straightforward and earnest in what it's trying to do.

Following a man who's struggling to make rent after his business went bankrupt, the game introduces you to your male best friend and six women of distinct personalities and situations who each offer him support in their own way. I found the guy friend and a couple of the women to be very likable, and another one of the women unexpectedly grew on me in a short time. There are a lot of funny scenarios packed into the game as well as drama, with both sometimes feeling a bit artificial, but still fun. I'd imagine most players would find at least a few of the characters appealing like I did. The live-action performances are decent, charming and attractive people who walk the line well between taking it seriously and being aware of the ridiculousness of the game.

As fun as it is, there are definitely rough edges in the storytelling. In each chapter it wants to introduce at least one new love interest, and for the sake of drama to throw you into a new living and working arrangement. This creates a sort of disjointed, super rushed flow to some story and character arcs. Additionally, several big decision moments unnecessarily pit the women against one another in a way that encourages you to play through multiple outcomes but weakens each of them individually. This is at odds with other parts of the story that actually try to show this as a strong friend group that's not entirely based on a romantic competition. I think it would have benefited from getting the character intros out of the way early and having you actually commit to a "route" or something earlier.

The game is fairly simple, with a few very light point and click sections, but mostly just cutscenes with choices here and there that drive the story in different directions. It's usually quick and convenient to retry sections for a different result, and you have to do that at points since there's a minimum amount of positive choice results you need in each chapter. I did find some of the choice stuff a bit too limited at points, and the game structure a bit too rigid, but it's hard to complain considering all the footage they shot. The game flows well with minimal hiccups, though I had about 1 hard crash per hour that required me to restart the game, luckily with no progress lost.

Overall, it's a fun, cheap game that was fun enough for me to want to get several endings and have a mostly good time. Definitely a game that's pretty silly and not for everyone, definitely targeted at straight men as well in a way that some would dislike, but I think is still something that many could have some simple, relaxed fun with.