Dark Nights @darknightsblog - Tumblr Blog

Store update with photo cards, coasters and more:

https://pinlin-shop.com/

#dark nights #visual novel #otome #merch drop

When is the art book coming out?

Right now, I'm busy with the extra stories for Dark Nights Reflections. I'll work on the artbook after, though I already started creating illustrations. I expect the physical book to be finished somewhere in 2027. I've been occupied with moving in June, so my schedule got very packed.

Thank you for your patience 🙏

How do you have such an accurate perception of anatomy? Is it just practice? (´｡• ω •｡`)

It's a mix of observation, preference and practise. My style is not realistic, so I can put my own spin to certain choices. While I study real anatomy, I also look at how others stylize anatomy.

Honestly, it's a trial and error over time. By practising, I learn what looks good.

Besides, my taste changed compared to years ago. Even though I draw a lot, there are subtle differences in every piece. I think that drawing different body structures helped me in trying new things.

im finally unemployed i get to experience this game

Take your time and enjoy Dark Nights' world.

Surprisingly, Kaichi's story touched me the most. I just chose the first route to Kurato, and the last triggered ending was "They are all gone" of the Zeikun route. This is really not a suitable ending for summary anyway... When kaichi fell down in the same way in front of me, my heart almost paused. I would like to know if there will be more extensions related to him in the future. I also saw several other players attracted by Kaichi's personality on some social media in our country.

Dear Iris, thank you for leaving these kind words. I'm delighted that you enjoyed Dark Nights! It's already been 7 years since I released the original game. Hearing about your experiences makes it feel fresh.

In the past months, I had been very busy in preparation to move in June. I put the extra stories in Dark Nights - Reflections on halt until after I've settled in. I'm itching to wrap up this project, but my mind is not in the right place right now.

It came to my attention that many liked Kaichi's character. While he doesn't have his own route, I tried to involve him in many routes. In addition, I'm planning to write an extra story where MC tries to pursue him. Maybe this will answer your curiosity.

Hello, is there any update about merch?

I'm currently working on 2 coasters. Here is the design preview. Furthermore, mousepads and photocards. I plan to add them in my online shop late May. I'll post an update about it before launching.

Regarding the Dark Nights artbook, I'll work on it after I finish extra stories for Reflections.

Hii, I just wanted thank you for making so good game. I can't even explain how much I love the game, how much it means to me. I been following the game from the start. "Dark nights" is literally my whole character. I love you.

Hello! Thank you for dropping this kind message. It's been over 10 years since I started Dark Nights project. I'm humbled that you've been following my work for so long. Your words are fueling my passion. Love you too ♡

At the pool with Roya

#dark nights #visual novel #otome #indie animation

Hello Pinlin!

Just wanted to send you my appreciation for all your efforts. I’ve always heard high praise for Dark Nights as I started to delve back into otome games, and I finally started it an really looking forward to reflections and the new hotties (for once I genuinely don’t know who to choose 😔)

I started a bit of the prologue before bed, and the vibes really remind me of 2000s anime and manga 🥺 plus I immediately fell in love with Miyoko and cannot wait to experience the story with her.

Also wanted to tell you I’m in complete awe at your art progress! I already loved the sprites and CGs in the og but when I saw the dlc art my jaw dropped???? Very surprised you haven’t been snatched to do this full time and very grateful you decided to feed us with your talent thank you!!!!! Really looking forward to the updates and any new work from you!! 💖💖💖

Hi Caleb!

Kind you for this kind message. In DN Reflections, you only have 2 routes for now. Toss a coin and see where you end up😉

I indeed went for a 2000's vibe. At the time, flip phones were mainstream and internet access was limited. When looking for information, the library was the go-to place. It gives the MC reason to explore. This lifestyle may be nostalgic or completely new to some people.

Making otome games is still very niche, hence I do this out of passion. I haven't received any otome-related jobs, but I'll take it if anything interesting comes my way.

Hello! Mind if i share something wild here? Last night i have an odd dream, i did't really remember how it went but what i remember is i saw Blace and Jayce there— not just that! They have an older brother who's a grim reaper, here's a quick sketch because i can't get over with it

I remember that he's injured after fighting a shinigami (not Kaichi tho) and the little twins went to find a plant to cure him (and its a cattail)

I don't exactly remember how he looks but i remember cloak, dark hair and pale skin while the twins wearing ugly yellow shirt

It never cross my mind to make an OC out of otome game especially when the MC is not customable, but it seem my brain just starting to generate a hot man👀

Also quick question, since the twins did't really have much background in game, do they have a canonicaly parents/family or did they just manifest out of no where?

Your dream sounds so fun! Thank you for providing visuals and many details. It's so cute. Dark Nights' world is full of supernaturals. A character like that fits right in. If the twins had an older brother, he would be hot, hehe.

In game, it was briefly mentioned that Blace and Jace had parents. Their mom was a demon while their dad was an angel. They never got to meet the twins sadly. Through logs, the twins learned that they passed before their birth. I plan to expand their background in the extra stories.

Every character in Dark Nights has a story, but some weren't in focus. I try to answer your curiosity in the upcoming patch.

Went in to the DLC for Chain, came out with a new appreciation for Roya because that's who I ended up getting the path of first.

But I must say, I so dearly appreciate the design for Mr. Shinen you utterly cooked with him.

Thank you for all your hard work!

I had a great time writing Roya's route. While his backstory is revealed, it still has room for surprises.

Unexpectedly, I grew fond of Mr Shinen. I got a better grasp of his character after the first game, so it reflects in his design.

Thank you for playing the DLC!

I realllllyyyy love Dark nights and fell, actually fell for Junoru (Juju my wife🫶💗)

Honestly i just finished the game yesterday but when i play Sachiro's route, fell Dejavu as if i ever play the game but i SWEAR i just recently download the game on PC (two or three month ago i guess)

I got lots of Dejavu actually, but Sachiro's route and the extra scenes is the peak of it and i starting to suspect i actually ever play this game long before, since this game is also a pretty old game (maybe on my old phone or sum....🤔)

Anyway i'm starting to saving up money for the Dlc since i'm yearning for Chain🥹

Also surprised that there's Roya route but no Blace???

The original game was released in 2019 on Itch. Some people covered the routes on streams or youtube. Maybe you played it but forgot? Thank you for revisiting! The contrast with the main game and DLC is big and has similarities.

It's hard to get a picture of which characters are liked the most. I go by comments and who get discussed the most (I read all I can find). So the new routes were based on popularity and what I could handle. I don't have time to make a route for every side character.

Hello!! Please draw Rasumi

#dark nights #visual novel #otome

omgggg I’ve finished Chain’s route and now I am on Roya’s one!! what can I say… I am in love. I first played Dark Nights 5 years ago and it was amazing experience! one of the best time games I’ve ever played c: when it came out on Steam I immediately bought the copy there just to support you <3

honestly it’s I little bit sad cause I will soon finish Reflections :( do you have any other projects in mind except for additional content to Reflections?? kinda wish we could know Blace and Jace better 🤭

anyway!! best wishes to you and thank you so much for your work <3

Thank you so much for the support! Working on this project again felt nostalgic. Honestly, I hadn't planned anything, so everything was new. Blace & Jace will have their own extra stories. You'll defenitely find out more about their past & future.

Regarding other projects, I'm thinking about wrapping up a comic about my OCs Monochrome & Color. I actually thought about a mini otome with these characters, but it's a lot of work. Furthermore, I want to draw & write one-shot comics. Perhaps featuring side characters from DN. These projects are on hold until I finish my current load. It may take years before I finally get to do them all. I won't run out of ideas anytime soon.

Happy new year, pinlin! Recently I found that DLC has been released so I immediately started playing. But due to my time condition, I haven't finished yet :(

To avoid spoilers, I just want to say: Miyoko(even with short hair), cute! Chain and your family, cute! Rasumi, cute! And everyone here in the game, you guys cute! But what's the most important, my favourite side character, Ikuya is absolutely cuuuuute!!! Love you babe ＾3＾(I believe that I have said the same words years ago hhh). So now everybody can see this one just likes the characters with colorful hair especially blue and green qwq. Sorry for being a visual animal. And sorry Roya, I don't mean not to mention you because I haven't enter your route yet :P

Then I have a small question to ask. Why is Rasumi in a red shirt and white pants? I think this is an uncommon design. So I wonder if there is any reason. And I'm a little bit curious about how tall she is and maybe the height of others too XD. If you have mentioned before please tell me where it is, I would go and have a look.

At last, thank you for creating this wonderful work and all the adorable characters :-D

PS: Will you draw more gender bend in the future? I like this kind of doodles in the previous sketch book ＞＜

Happy 2026! I'm curious about your thoughts once you finish the DLC. I'm glad that you like the re-designs and plot so far! I did my best to make each character shine. Ikuya has more screen time plus I want to feature her in the extra stories.

Rasumi's colorscheme is based on "Queen of hearts", so she likes wearing red, black and white. There are heart-shaped cut-outs on the side of her pants. I like creative outfit designs. Most often, it's trial-and-error. I mashup random tints and see what sticks.

Now I know you enjoy gender-bend sketches, I'll expand the sketchbook section with more characters. Next gender-bend are Roya, Chain, Lioji and Ikuya. Perhaps I'll add Kaichi and Rasumi too.

#dark nights #visual novel #otome

flawtty

guide to dark nights reflections

happy 6th anniversary to @darknightsblog! the DLC/pseudo fandisk has finally been released and, naturally, i have returned to fulfill my guidemaker duties even though it's not too difficult a game. i hope everyone enjoys the new routes!

some guidelines

✦ this "DLC" is more of a spinoff set in the same universe as dark nights, or a fandisk if you're familiar with otome vns. it's a new, separate game from the original dark nights

✦ there are 6 endings per route: 1 romantic end, 1 normal end, 2 bad ends, and 2 secret ends.

✦ spoiler-free tip! you may already know this from the first game - there is an indicator that you’re picking “good” choices, which are “dings” (the sound when you make certain choices; make sure sfx is loud & clear in your settings). just think: dings -> romantic end. miss a few and you’re bound for the normal end.

✦ only routes for chain & roya are available as of the writing of this post. the secret route and side stories will be added as a free update in 2026 (which mean you'll see my mug one more time in the foreseeable future! look forward to it!)

walkthroughs

chain route / roya route / secret route (TBA)

there is also this comprehensive spreadsheet with everything in one place. details about achievements are in there, so please look there if you are missing any or need help.

update 13/12/25: steam vers is here!

Dark Nights Reflections Soundtracks

Dark Nights Reflections new music is added as a free update in the Soundtrack pack. You can find it under the original game Dark Nights on both Steam&Itch. If Steam doesn't show the new tracks, open your file folder.

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