Hello does this version require any sort of mod or patch like the steam version? (still downloading so I'm unsure)
Viewing post in Love Esquire - Dating Sim/RPG/Visual Novel comments
This version of the game on itch.io does indeed require a mod for 18+ content. (A disclaimer of it not being the 18+ version along with a way to mod it would be nice devs.) I confirmed it earlier today and the only way to apply the mod is to find the files online in a roundabout manner since the developers did not bother to create a separate link for itch.io.
After hours of playtime, I saved the game the day before an event triggered (Month 4 Day 21). I then applied the mod, booted up the game again to replay the scene, and found nothing had changed. It might be because of how the scene played out that caused the mod to not work (it skipped a day without saving - Amy's route) or that the mod might require an entirely new save. So be aware that you might need to restart your game.
I don't want to link directly to it (due to the nature & question of its legality). I can give you vague directions though. Search for "love esquire mod" in a search engine and it's a few searches down with the website being a forum. You'll need an account to access the thread but other than that you should be set.
Great that you found it. Apparently there is a 1.0.2 version that has been out on steam since the 12th - that build has some bug fixes and quality of life updates. I don't know what's happening here on the itch.io version since it says they updated the page 4 days ago (the same day of the 1.0.2 release on steam). So itch.io customers are getting shafted or they're having some difficulties. Hopefully, it's the latter.
I'd recommend anyone interested in buying this game to get the steam version.
It's not DRM-free but the ease of access to get the R18+ mod, and future updates on the dot make it worth the inconveniences. Also you get the added benefit of trying it out for 2 hours and refunding it if you don't like it.