I'm personnaly quite fond of games (mostly 2D side scrollers/metroidvanias) that feature a good variety of background scenes involving NPCs (named or unnamed) rather than only the Player Character.
Typically, that means games where you somewhat frequently come across little handcrafted scenes or vignettes, purposefully placed in the environment. Some form of "H-environmental storytelling", if you will.
I find that most games focus on MC x All NPCs scenes - and I have nothing against having that in as well - but I'm more interested in having NPC x NPC scenes, that play in the backgroud, and don't interrupt the gameplay.
(As a side note, having purely NPC scenes also addresses the problem many games have where you need to lose fights on purpose to see anything).
It does not have to be scenes involving named NPCs (although I have nothing against it). I'm looking for interactions between the various unnamed NPCs from the bestiary.
Additionally, I'm mostly talking about in-universe, "in-engine", pixel art scenes rather than cut-aways to hand drawn, VN style scenes.
Scenes don't need to be animated. It could be fixed images conveying the suggestion that something happened (aftermath...).
Bonus points if:
For the sake of illustration, here's an abstract ideal, a game that would perfectly fit all criteria. Of course, such a game doesn't and probably will never exist!
Here are some examples of games that fit, at least partially, these criteria. Roughly in order of relevance:
Need to play more of the following to get an opinion: Whisperer , Atelier Tia
I'd appreciate any recommendations and will gladly add them to the list!
Typically, that means games where you somewhat frequently come across little handcrafted scenes or vignettes, purposefully placed in the environment. Some form of "H-environmental storytelling", if you will.
I find that most games focus on MC x All NPCs scenes - and I have nothing against having that in as well - but I'm more interested in having NPC x NPC scenes, that play in the backgroud, and don't interrupt the gameplay.
(As a side note, having purely NPC scenes also addresses the problem many games have where you need to lose fights on purpose to see anything).
It does not have to be scenes involving named NPCs (although I have nothing against it). I'm looking for interactions between the various unnamed NPCs from the bestiary.
Additionally, I'm mostly talking about in-universe, "in-engine", pixel art scenes rather than cut-aways to hand drawn, VN style scenes.
Scenes don't need to be animated. It could be fixed images conveying the suggestion that something happened (aftermath...).
Bonus points if:
- there is a large roster of NPCs, and as many pairings as possible are depicted (think Cloud Meadow, where every single NPC species M/F can be paired with any other species M/F). I'm also personally a bit tired of the exclusively "All the male monsters x All the human girls" galleries. I like it better if there is some reversal as well, and everyone has a go at everyone.
- a wide variety of flavours are explored (e.g., it's not just all non-consensual stuff, although I have nothing against having some of that in the mix)
- these scenes convey some form of story or provide some context regarding the ennemies or area you are in (even if very minor).
- you can interact with the scenes (dialogue, join in, interrupt...)
- the game overall plays well, of course!
For the sake of illustration, here's an abstract ideal, a game that would perfectly fit all criteria. Of course, such a game doesn't and probably will never exist!
You don't have permission to view the spoiler content.
Log in or register now.
Here are some examples of games that fit, at least partially, these criteria. Roughly in order of relevance:
The game is a solid metroidvania. You'll come across some of the monsters H'ing each other, including some Alien x Alien and Alien x Mutant scenes. The game is beautiful, and they're all very good.
My only gripe is that there isn't enough variety of NPC x NPC scenes for my tastes (so many more pairings could have been depicted!)
(A glance at the other GRIMHELM games reveals that they don't fulfill that criterion much better either).
Action side scroller. Not finished yet, but I really like what we have! There's a serviceable variety of scenes featuring various M/F Invaders x M/F Invadees in various situations, with supposedly more pairings and flavours to come. These characters have (basic) backstories, and motivations. We know why they're here, and we know why they're fucking.
It's basically exactly what I'm asking for! It has the potential to be a very good fit upon completion!
Souls-like side scroller. Each area usually features a scene involving some local NPC, with a story context behind it.
But these scenes are very samey (all non-consensual, humiliation stuff), and the NPCs are mostly just all regular humans.
2D survival crafting. Not finished but already quite deep. Has the potential to have a super large and diverse gallery when complete. Most scenes are dynamically happening rather than purposely placed, but I'd give it a pass because game mechanics and story provide a bit of background behind them.
Farming/breeding/RPG? Basically, the perfect gallery (all pairs). But I don't care for the gameplay. And being a breeding game, the player initiates all the scenes, and they have very little story weight.
2D action. Kinda fits, I guess, but I haven't played enough, and scenes looked quite rare and samey.
2D strategy/action game. Most scenes are dynamically occurring during gameplay and not placed in the world. Typically a "All the male monsters x All the human girls" game
Has bit of that, I guess? But it's limited to a few story events. And variety is low.
Need to play more of the following to get an opinion: Whisperer , Atelier Tia
I'd appreciate any recommendations and will gladly add them to the list!
