Max’s Big Bust – A Captain Nekorai Tale

Max's Big Bust is the first game in the colloquouly named Axonverse by Lached Up Games. The name alone should give you an idea of what you're in for - a game that isn't afraid to have fun and be silly.
We follow the eponimous officer Max and his partner Brad, when the former touches a mysterious yellow marble found at a drug bust and - poof! - girl Max. Queue Max, Brad, and their fellow officers trying to stop the spread of the mysterious drug MinX while Max grapples with all the things you would expect a gender bendered protagonist to deal with. It's not afraid to lean into many of the standard tropes, but it doesn't get lost in them either. Max is an endearing lead and the rest of the characters are no slouch either. Theres more plot here than just the "plot", and it's worth getting into.
Interspersed with the visual novel segments are puzzle sections, where you're typically tasked with talking to people and gathering evidence to solve a crime. They aren't particularly complicated (with one notable exception) and serve as a nice break from the straight reading. Fans of point and click adventure games should find something to enjoy here, despite the limitations imposed by the Renpy engine.
Romance is also one of Max's stronger points. Your chosen partner is locked in about 60-70% through the game, leaving plenty of room for romance exclusive scenes. There are 4 potential "regular" partners total, with a fifth acting as a fallback should you fail to gain enough affection with any of them.
The game's weakest link is, unfortunately, the presentation. The music isn't anything exceptional, and the art leaves a bit to be desired. There are many oddities with proportions, and I'm not talking about the big busts. Lach's self aware enough to lean into this a little, poking fun at some of the more egregious issues (an example being one character's loooooooooooong neck), but that doesn't exactly wave them away.
Overall, Max's Big Bust is both fun and funny, serving as a valiant first effort by Lached Up Games.

If you are looking for a really good visual novel, this is an amazing series, with this being the first main game in the series. The setpieces are nice, and I like the 'magic is here but no one seems to notice' contrasted with the dodgy underbelly that is Axon City to make an interesting setting.

This is a TF game, and has you take the role of recently changed officer Max Newling and following her through the first few weeks of her new life. Along the way, there is a mystery of a new drug that turns up, plus Max's own transformation is raising alarm bells. I really like the core story, and the game plays both the comedy angle and also the realism angle. There are some genuinely scary moments, and even if this ultimately leans more comedy there are scenes that still are impactful (which I won't say here).

The investigation puzzles are... okay. They aren't that complex compared to Max 2 and especially HITIAM, and the ssecond and third puzzles have some neat ideas... but I wish there was more of them, as there is relatively limited gameplay otherwise. This is the most straightforward VN Lached Up Games has made.

In addition, you can hang out with and romance one of five characters - Brad, Amber, Holly, Victoria, or Ethan. You can also see special scenes on various days which gain points with them, which will unlock the romance route. Unlike HITIAM, this is forced at a certain point, although this doesn't affect it too much.

Overall, I like almost all the characters in the game, even if some are a bit trope-y and I prefer the versions in other games. Brad is a good friend, Amber is someone I would want to hang out with irl, Holly can be a bit too much sometimes but it still fun, and Victoria I really like as a character. I also like all the side characters, and love their own interactions with Max.

...However, there is on major exception: Ethan. I get he is meant to be a womanizer and have huge "red flags"... but I genuinely dislike Ethan as a character, especially as a potential romance option, and I just feel he also drags Brad down with him. I get the intent, but I'm largely glad post MBB1 Ethan has largely not been a major focus of the story of Axon City.

Overall, I feel this is a good game, and if you are interested in the series or curious about the other games if you played one of them, I would reccomend it. It has its own unique charms even after the series expanded (pun intended) into more games. Is it my personal favorite of the series? No. But its still a fun game regardless.

cute= check. funny= check. cute girls (and the occasional cute guy in my opinion)= check. a great kick off to a in my opinion amazing game series

Max's Big Bust - A Captain Nekorai Tale is a narrative-heavy visual novel and light life-simulation hybrid that thrives on character chemistry, playful absurdity, and an unexpectedly thoughtful exploration of identity. Developed and published by Lached Up Games, it sets itself apart not by mechanical complexity but by committing fully to story, dialogue, and a densely populated setting that feels alive with oddities and side stories. From the outset, the game makes it clear that the journey matters more than the destination, inviting players to settle into Axon City and unravel a mystery that constantly veers between detective noir, slice-of-life comedy, and surreal fantasy.
The story begins with what seems like a familiar premise: two police officers, Max and Brad, are assigned to investigate a dangerous new drug circulating through the city. That expectation is quickly upended when Max encounters a strange artifact that triggers a dramatic physical transformation, reframing the investigation into something far more personal and strange. What follows is a narrative that treats transformation not just as a gag or plot device, but as a lens through which relationships, self-perception, and social dynamics are explored. The game leans heavily into humor, but it also allows moments of vulnerability and introspection to surface, giving the story more emotional texture than its premise initially suggests.
Gameplay largely follows visual novel conventions, with the bulk of player interaction taking place through dialogue choices, exploration, and investigation segments. Axon City is surprisingly expansive, offering dozens of locations to visit as the plot unfolds. Moving between districts, talking to residents, and following up on leads gives the game a sense of scale that goes beyond a purely linear narrative. Investigation sections echo point-and-click adventure design, asking players to gather information, question suspects, and piece together clues. These moments break up the dialogue flow and give the player a tangible role in solving the mystery rather than simply observing it.
Character writing is one of the game’s strongest elements. The cast is large and diverse, filled with exaggerated personalities that feel distinct without becoming interchangeable caricatures. Interactions are frequent and often optional, rewarding players who take the time to explore side conversations and subplots. Romantic routes are woven naturally into the story, offering multiple potential partners whose arcs develop over time rather than being resolved through simple dialogue flags. Relationships feel like ongoing narratives, shaped by choices and attention rather than single decisive moments.
Presentation plays a significant role in maintaining engagement. The game uses stylized character art and fully animated anime cutscenes to punctuate key story beats, adding energy and visual flair to moments that might otherwise feel static. These animated sequences elevate dramatic and comedic scenes alike, helping the pacing feel dynamic despite the dialogue-driven structure. The art style is expressive rather than hyper-detailed, focusing on conveying personality and emotion in a way that complements the writing.
Beyond the central mystery, the game includes a number of small systems that add texture to daily life in Axon City. Features like an in-game phone that updates with news, side activities, and even a virtual pet create a sense of routine and continuity. These details may seem minor individually, but together they help the city feel inhabited and reactive, reinforcing the idea that events are unfolding around the player rather than solely for them.
Tonally, Max’s Big Bust is unapologetically niche. Its humor often leans into absurdity and self-awareness, and its themes of transformation and identity are handled in a way that may not resonate with every audience. The investigative mechanics are intentionally light, serving the story rather than presenting complex puzzles, which may disappoint players seeking deeper gameplay challenges. However, these choices feel deliberate, keeping the focus squarely on narrative flow and character development.
Ultimately, Max’s Big Bust – A Captain Nekorai Tale succeeds as a character-driven visual novel that embraces its weirdness with confidence. It offers a substantial story filled with memorable personalities, branching relationships, and a city worth exploring, all wrapped in a tone that balances comedy with sincerity. For players who value writing, world-building, and unconventional storytelling over mechanical depth, it delivers a long, engaging experience that feels both playful and surprisingly heartfelt, leaving a lasting impression well beyond its initial shock value.
Rating: 8/10

Nice fun game, It has loads of content with good variety, amazing visuals, and funny writing. 10/10 would recommend.

music: 100% (listens to it on my own time and all)
story: 100% (unforgettable)
characters + romances: 100% (comedy, and says exactly whats on my mind)

love this game and its franchise. would HIGHLY RECROMMEND!