Hazels

About

Hazels is a story-driven visual novel that focuses on relationships and personal growth. Developed by Basil Friday, it follows a cast of characters navigating love, identity, and connection. The game uses dialogue and branching choices to shape interactions, with a focus on emotional depth over action. Art and character design keep the tone intimate, with a color palette that shifts to match the story’s mood. Players take control of decisions that influence how relationships develop, though the narrative leans more toward slice-of-life than high stakes. The game’s central themes revolve around queer relationships, with a particular focus on lesbian and bisexual experiences. While the plot avoids overt drama, it emphasizes authentic conversations and small moments of connection. Community feedback highlights its refreshing take on LGBTQ+ storytelling, with many noting the characters feel distinct and relatable. The lack of combat or complex mechanics makes it a low-effort but thoughtful experience. Shorter than most visual novels, it wraps up in a few hours but leaves room for replayability through different choices.