This has happened to me several times: I found a work on DLsite where I liked the premise/theme/tag and it's rare but the performance is underwhelming. Recently it was a Wataru Mitsuhashi (I usually have to really like the premise to consider getting it) work. I'll have to pass on it, how about you?
When the voice drama premise is rare but the performance is disappointing: Pass or Buy?
- Thread starter YJones
- Start date
- Aug 30, 2024
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id probably pass.. even if the idea is interesting, if it physically and mentally hurts to listen to (whether its because of bad acting, ugly voice, low sound quality etc), id just feel its a waste of money.
now, if someone generously uploads it for free on the other hand........ id give it another shot, but my opinion probably wouldnt change that much. id just be disappointed and go about my day. in fact, this has happened to me already. it was a group reverse rape audio. but the circle was pretty small (and the cover art was ai-generated cough), so i wouldnt expect masterful quality from it anyway. still, ryona otomemuke audios are extremely rare, so its not like i can be picky..:(
(if its okay with you, which mitsuhashi audio seemed underwhelming to you?:0)
now, if someone generously uploads it for free on the other hand........ id give it another shot, but my opinion probably wouldnt change that much. id just be disappointed and go about my day. in fact, this has happened to me already. it was a group reverse rape audio. but the circle was pretty small (and the cover art was ai-generated cough), so i wouldnt expect masterful quality from it anyway. still, ryona otomemuke audios are extremely rare, so its not like i can be picky..:(
(if its okay with you, which mitsuhashi audio seemed underwhelming to you?:0)
RJ01491109 - I've been into the: Character finds FL's secret account and takes advantage of it trope lately, but sample-wise Mitsuhashi's voice feels pretty lifeless in this one/like reciting a script. Maybe since I've just been preferring more lively performances lately from Irodoori Kazuya, Yusei Nogi, Hirame Ichijou, aki, etc., but I know I really liked Mitsuhashi's Violet Bone android and a few others so I can like his works if I feel like he's put some intensity/clear emotionality into the performance. Also not ever sure how much is due to direction, so sometimes I may think: VA may be burned out producing too many works too often, but who knows.
- Aug 30, 2024
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interesting! i listened to the samples, and it seems like its just the personality of the character hes portraying in this audio. even the description says hes like a "black cat". guess its just not your type, which is totally cool of course:"3c hope there are more enjoyable audios for you in the future though<3
For sure, the interpreted character could just be too much of a cool type for me. Usually I think that a character who found out about FL's secret would be more gleeful about it if it's a major premise point. More that because it was a rare crossover of otouto x secret account discovery that I was disappointed it wasn't my cup of tea. I definitely have at least 15 other cds in my cart so it's a good thing.
nq1nq1
New member
- May 11, 2026
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I'll pass. Character is more important than VA for me. The theme is the most important thing for me but with poor performance, it might ruin my mood.
- Jul 25, 2015
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Yeah, as someone who owns like 700 works then I'll skip it too, so I've started ignoring works that have no samples or it exists but there are a lot of problems in it even if I support the VA's other cds.
Also, I know that VAs have bad or off days, so I don't blame them either, but it's just not for me.
Also, I know that VAs have bad or off days, so I don't blame them either, but it's just not for me.
This is so reassuring to hear as someone who also owns hundreds of works. I agree, it's fine for VA's to clock in and out especially because the script is standard premise and this is the nth time they're doing a similar role overall. It's always a toss up to for whether I'll actually like the cd even if I bought it for the cover or premise or VA once I listen to the full thing, like 50/50 still. I'll stick with something I like at least 80% enough/compelled to buy and leave the impulse buys to days when I'm too tired to think.
rollypollie
New member
- Jun 12, 2021
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- Sep 2, 2026
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yeah, it's not just me who feels that way. 
I feel like I've purchased quite a few works, but I don't think there are even ten that I've enjoyed enough to listen to again. Beyond DLsite, I also purchase commercial CDs from places like Stella Worth or Pokedora, but I've found that even among these commercial releases, there are quite a few that leave something to be desired. I make a point of checking out samples or reviews, but if the voice acting falls short, I tend to hold off on making a purchase.
I feel like I've purchased quite a few works, but I don't think there are even ten that I've enjoyed enough to listen to again. Beyond DLsite, I also purchase commercial CDs from places like Stella Worth or Pokedora, but I've found that even among these commercial releases, there are quite a few that leave something to be desired. I make a point of checking out samples or reviews, but if the voice acting falls short, I tend to hold off on making a purchase.
- Dec 19, 2025
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I used to listen to any and every title that caught my interest, but once I realized that I couldn't really be satisfied unless certain elements—such as the setting, the quality of the script, and the voice actors' performances—were all in place, I became more cautious about making purchases.
- Feb 28, 2020
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I don't think it's worth much, because if I didn't really like that drama cd, I wouldn't listen to it a second time anyway.
- Aug 17, 2026
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Buying a CD is somewhat about the acting, so performance is key, because without visuals there are far fewer ways to express, and no matter how novel the subject matter is, it cannot serve as an excuse for poor acting.
That's well put, thanks. If I don't like the acting, my interest in the theme won't make up for it.
- Jun 6, 2023
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I'll pass too. The impact of a great plot or a unique premise is inherently limited by the nature of the audio drama format itself. It's somewhat like asking "Would you enjoy a song if the lyrics were good, but the singer wasn't?" For me, the answer is a definite no...
The entire weight of the cd hinges on the va performance. If the delivery is stiff, flat or unconvincing, I will definitely not buy it, no matter how much I like the tags/etc.
The entire weight of the cd hinges on the va performance. If the delivery is stiff, flat or unconvincing, I will definitely not buy it, no matter how much I like the tags/etc.
- Aug 20, 2025
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definitely pass. since it's a voice drama, what's the point of buying it if the voice acting is bad? even if the story has a rare or unique premise, if the voice acting can't bring it to life, i won't be able to feel immersed in the story, and it will just become a bad experience for me. since voice dramas rely entirely on audio, the voice acting is really important. it's different from watching something where we can also see what's happening.
- Sep 14, 2026
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It's a drama you listen to, so if you can't act with your voice, it's only natural that there's no reason to stay.
I actually liked the story, album art, and voice acting, but for some reason, the acting didn't work out in that CD..It felt like the interpretation of the characters was different from mine? So in the end, I didn't buy it.
I actually liked the story, album art, and voice acting, but for some reason, the acting didn't work out in that CD..It felt like the interpretation of the characters was different from mine? So in the end, I didn't buy it.
Ninako Ayase
Member
- Feb 16, 2025
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- Sep 1, 2024
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I've become much more selective about what I purchase. In the past, an intriguing title was enough to grab my attention, but now I need the setting, writing quality, and voice performances to all be top-notch to truly enjoy it
The acting is poor, but if the theme really appeals to you, I think I'd want to collect it. Sometimes, it's just the setting that makes your heart flutter. For example, when watching a drama, your perspective changes depending on whether you value the story or the actors' performances. I'm curious about what you place more emphasis on.