VN Ren'Py A Wife and Mother [P1 v0.152] [Lust & Passion]

[ancienregimele]

This is indeed an interesting discussion with points well made from all the contributors. To be fair to the romper advocates, they were asked to vote before actually seeing the venue. I wonder how many would change their vote now? It also seemed to me that the vote may have been compelled by the ease of unwrapping the Sophia bar for her performance after the band's performance at the bar.
What is also interesting to me is the mood conveyed by the band members who did see the venue before they arrived. They carry closed body language with chins and mouth corners down. The fellow next to Sam has the feel of a lead singer who looks much like a Morten Harket with 'tude. This quartet either believes that they are tuff guys, or portray themselves this way for the environment they are now in. Either way it conveys a darker feel (as mentioned before) than what has been seen since the subway scene. Even the color choice for the band's vehicles portends a dark scene ahead.
While performing in Bob's Country Bunker the band had better play some CCR! Even if they do it feels like the performance will be abruptly interrupted. Is it possible that Sam will need to make a hasty retreat from the bar with Sophia in tow escaping in his Chevy Nova (that he thinks is a Firebird)? This could be a literary vehicle that L&P plans to use to get Sophia into Sam's vehicle. Does anyone else have any ideas for this possible twist?

No, I think you've got it. It's much as I summarised in an earlier post & is, as I suggested, a tired old cliche, except what I didn't convey adequately was how very, VERY bad such places can be & that's before adding two gorgeous rich women, with one in a romper suit. There are many things I wish for this event but two things stand out, apart from Sophia, Patricia, Sam & his band getting away safely, of course. That already sounds like a tall order.

First, I'm hoping that I'm completely wrong in my thinking about how it will turn out & I'm way off the mark. Secondly, I'm hoping that if a hasty exit has to be made, that both women manage to bring away any purses or clutch bags, (as per Sophia's), that they have with them. Otherwise the consequences could be horrendous, even if an escape succeeds.

 

[Jack Adams]

No, I think you've got it. It's much as I summarised in an earlier post & is, as I suggested, a tired old cliche, except what I didn't convey adequately was how very, VERY bad such places can be & that's before adding two gorgeous rich women, with one in a romper suit. There are many things I wish for this event but two things stand out, apart from Sophia, Patricia, Sam & his band getting away safely, of course. That already sounds like a tall order.

First, I'm hoping that I'm completely wrong in my thinking about how it will turn out & I'm way off the mark. Secondly, I'm hoping that if a hasty exit has to be made, that both women manage to bring away any purses or clutch bags, (as per Sophia's), that they have with them. Otherwise the consequences could be horrendous, even if an escape succeeds.

You make lucid points that I appreciate. If a clutch bag does fall into the hands of a malcontent, well... it would give Dylan (tongue in cheek) an opportunity to demonstrate his manly skills again in the defense of Sophia's honor. More seriously, I'm getting the impression that L&P is turning a corner in his story by introducing darker characters and moods to reflect the darker side of Sophia as she walks with temerity away from the light and into her corruption. If this is indeed what L&P is telling us with this scene, then I like the affect. I hope that he is not just stumbling into this allegory, or uses it in an old and well paved way.

 

[Sabertooth__]

Since L&P is at more than 50% of the update it would mean he has completed around 450 renders, since Nathalie was 260 representing 30%. It has not even been 2 months since he started working on the update.
Now I mention this to bring attention to the fact that the morning update of day 19 had 466 renders in 110 days. I remember he had problems with his hardware then but even in comparison to v0.130 update this is fast.

I effectively say this put light on the fact that he can actually do updates every 2 months for 1/3 day. It just so happens that each day is gigantic. Most games don't even have 450 renders for the whole day. The in-game day progression is really hurt even though he can produce just as much as most Devs in better quality.

Only hope is day 14 and 15. Since there are less events that is the only place I expect him to be able to complete 2 game days in a year.

 

[Bane71]

This is indeed an interesting discussion with points well made from all the contributors. To be fair to the romper advocates, they were asked to vote before actually seeing the venue. I wonder how many would change their vote now? It also seemed to me that the vote may have been compelled by the ease of unwrapping the Sophia bar for her performance after the band's performance at the bar.
What is also interesting to me is the mood conveyed by the band members who did see the venue before they arrived. They carry closed body language with chins and mouth corners down. The fellow next to Sam has the feel of a lead singer who looks much like a Morten Harket with 'tude. This quartet either believes that they are tuff guys, or portray themselves this way for the environment they are now in. Either way it conveys a darker feel (as mentioned before) than what has been seen since the subway scene. Even the color choice for the band's vehicles portends a dark scene ahead.
While performing in Bob's Country Bunker the band had better play some CCR! Even if they do it feels like the performance will be abruptly interrupted. Is it possible that Sam will need to make a hasty retreat from the bar with Sophia in tow escaping in his Chevy Nova (that he thinks is a Firebird)? This could be a literary vehicle that L&P plans to use to get Sophia into Sam's vehicle. Does anyone else have any ideas for this possible twist?

I agree with the Dr.Fapalot assumption that this gloomy institution, which made all of us tense up, is necessary for the author only so that Sofia will perform some stupid things and she will have added dirty glasses, so necessary for us in the game so that the plot can move further.
Also, if we take into account that Patricia is present in the institution together with Sofia, then the events will probably add points for the relationship between the sisters. After all, their relationship should also develop, they will soon go to the ranch outside the city, we want this trip to be interesting!
In addition, we can assume that if Sofia gets a little excited at the concert because of the situation, then after the concert, being alone with Sam, she will allow him a little more than before!

 

[Alley_Cat]

You make lucid points that I appreciate. If a clutch bag does fall into the hands of a malcontent, well... it would give Dylan (tongue in cheek) an opportunity to demonstrate his manly skills again in the defense of Sophia's honor. More seriously, I'm getting the impression that L&P is turning a corner in his story by introducing darker characters and moods to reflect the darker side of Sophia as she walks with temerity away from the light and into her corruption. If this is indeed what L&P is telling us with this scene, then I like the affect. I hope that he is not just stumbling into this allegory, or uses it in an old and well paved way.

As far as we know, Dylan isn't going to be there.

Since L&P is at more than 50% of the update it would mean he has completed around 450 renders, since Nathalie was 260 representing 30%. It has not even been 2 months since he started working on the update.
Now I mention this to bring attention to the fact that the morning update of day 19 had 466 renders in 110 days. I remember he had problems with his hardware then but even in comparison to v0.130 update this is fast.

I effectively say this put light on the fact that he can actually do updates every 2 months for 1/3 day. It just so happens that each day is gigantic. Most games don't even have 450 renders for the whole day. The in-game day progression is really hurt even though he can produce just as much as most Devs in better quality.

Only hope is day 14 and 15. Since there are less events that is the only place I expect him to be able to complete 2 game days in a year.

How do you know there are going to be less events on playable day 14? We don't have an event list yet.

 

[GingerSweetGirl]

Ok guys, we need to talk. This shit has to stop.




It's a romper.

Not a romper suit.
Not a romper dress.
Not a romper outfit.

Just "romper".


Also, rompers are totally fine to wear to a bar. I mean, they're cute, that's the point. My issue with Sophia's romper isn't that she's wearing one to a bar, it's that her romper defies the laws of physics and looks stupid. Is it sexy? I guess, personal taste and all. But it's offensive to fashion and gravity.

Would I wear one to this bar? No. Oh my no. In her defense though she doesn't know what kind of bar they're going to. But she wasn't crazy for wearing a romper in theory, she just needs to shop at a store that sells better clothes and google where she's going before she gets dressed.

And you know what, that's probably the thing that is MOST unrealistic. When I go out I triple check where I'm going. I Google it, check social media, and ask my friends about the place. How does Sophia not have a better understanding of where she's going? This is like "Being a Girl 101". Next you're going to tell me that she doesn't have her cell phone on her, or that it isn't charged. Or she'll let guys at the bar buy her drinks without watching the bartender make them/pour them.

AWAM: 0/5 stars, would not recommend. Unrealistic clothing and poor demonstration of personal safety.



Edit- to be clear since not everyone speaks English natively, I'm teasing. But seriously, if you call it anything but a "romper" I'll fight you.

 

[Bane71]

How do you know there are going to be less events on playable day 14? We don't have an event list yet.

Yes! And I am very interested in him!

 

[Jack Adams]

As far as we know, Dylan isn't going to be there.

What I meant by this comment was that in the case of a malcontent picking up Sophia's clutch after she left he could use her identification to discover where she lives. If the malcontent then were to appear at the proverbial front door to give Sophia trouble, Dylan could then step in a save Sophia. The 'tongue in cheek' meant that I am not really taking my own comment very seriously. Does this help clarify my meaning?

 

[hzjujk]

The thing is everyone, at some point something has to happen. I know we complain about the sense of realism slipping away while the corruption and pacing increase, but maybe it's an impossible balancing act. This game has been in development for 3+ years, and even the most hardcore fans will admit that it's getting tiresome. Many of us have complained about the pacing and that the story requires that Sophia's corruption gains momentum. And now that we're seeing it on PD 12, we're concerned that we're losing the sense of realism. It all feels unfair because we're putting ourselves in a lose-lose situation. In-game we're a week away from Sophia having her first extramarital affair...(sexy) stuff needs to start happening pronto in order for her to make that leap in fewer than 7 days. Meanwhile, we're only getting (MAYBE) two updates a year. Do you really want to play a game with the pacing of PD 9 or 10 while only getting 2 updates a year? I don't want that.

At some point this is a game, a sexy visual novel, but a game just the same. Putting aside the tutoring side job for a second, at some point this is a game where sex is going to happen- and that's going to include unrealistic sex. Maybe we just need to be more liberal about suspending our disbelief about things like biker bars and pigeons. I know that I'm still going to be critical of some things, and I will always hate the romper, but we adjust our expectations between pacing and realism. Without time jumps, a (roughly) 30-day window to devolve into a woman who has sex with her children is already insane. So there's an implicit understanding that some wild stuff is going to happen and that we just need to roll with it.

With all due respect, I am not getting bored. I don't know who "die-hard fans" think of them, but I think I come close to that description, even if I still have a real life on the side.

 

[Jack Adams]

I agree with the Dr.Fapalot assumption that this gloomy institution, which made all of us tense up, is necessary for the author only so that Sofia will perform some stupid things and she will have added dirty glasses, so necessary for us in the game so that the plot can move further.
Also, if we take into account that Patricia is present in the institution together with Sofia, then the events will probably add points for the relationship between the sisters. After all, their relationship should also develop, they will soon go to the ranch outside the city, we want this trip to be interesting!
In addition, we can assume that if Sofia gets a little excited at the concert because of the situation, then after the concert, being alone with Sam, she will allow him a little more than before!

Moving backwards through your points, I (like yourself) hope that Sam comes out of this scene enjoying the same level of interaction with Sophia that other characters have. To be specific: bare boob fondling and kissing feels very appropriate for Sam at this point in the story. If Sophia ingested some alcohol and had an exciting get-away from some 'bad guys' it seems almost mandatory.
In terms of Patricia I agree that this is a fine opportunity as a team building exercise. Even if it were not to promote a future erotic outcome, the potential in this scene to develop stronger sibling bonds is significant especially if Patricia were to stall aggressors (she does have a gun after all) to help Sophia get away.
The impression that I get from your first point is that this scene should serve as a compliment for Sophia's path rather than a mandatory ingredient. I can think of other ways to depict a darker atmosphere as a reflection of Sophia's darker heart (the icon L&P uses for filthy). If this is well written I agree that it will serve the purpose you depicted effectively.
However, all of this is pre-emptive interpretation of a scene that is yet to unfold. I am well entertained by this diversion, and am equally happy to be wrong in much that I have written.
Thank you for your insight, Jack.

 

[Dr.SigmundFap]

There's no doubting that the realism is conditional but for me it's starting to dissipate & I believe that's because L&P recognises who his majority paying audience are & caters for them accordingly. [It makes good economic sense, I know. It's also becoming detrimental IMO, to the story]. How many adults would vote for a romper suit as suitable attire for a bar? I suggest not many. How many of his pre-teen & teen patrons have had any dealings with actual fully-fledged adult bikers & would a sight of the bar have influenced their vote? I think not. I won't list any more questions because it would be boring & one thing we obviously agree on is that AWAM is not boring. Even this thread isn't boring....I think I hear some disagreement with that.... no, wait, it's just a facepalmer....with nothing to say....now that's boring.

I don't know if you can say L&P is catering for this event. He put the outfits up for a vote and the classy (romper) won. In this case, I believe it was a poor choice to pair that outfit with the other one because of the setting of the event. Plus he already changed the vote on another outfit which was on Aiden's second task as you can see here.

Spoiler: Vote for Aiden's Task 2 - Dress

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

As you can see, C1 was the winner followed by A3, but in the end, L&P chose C2. This should show you that he doesn't cater to them accordingly. If he would have disregarded his poll again, L&P would have set a precedent that your vote as a member doesn't count at all. However, since he only knows the contents of the event, and if there was a place for the romper, why have a vote at all??? With L&P about the event and possibly second-guessing himself on the outfit choices, I wonder if he made the second part of the event to fit the romper into the scene.

 

[ancienregimele]

You make lucid points that I appreciate. If a clutch bag does fall into the hands of a malcontent, well... it would give Dylan (tongue in cheek) an opportunity to demonstrate his manly skills again in the defense of Sophia's honor. More seriously, I'm getting the impression that L&P is turning a corner in his story by introducing darker characters and moods to reflect the darker side of Sophia as she walks with temerity away from the light and into her corruption. If this is indeed what L&P is telling us with this scene, then I like the affect. I hope that he is not just stumbling into this allegory, or uses it in an old and well paved way.

It's a fact that I feel strongly about all this after 3+ years of playing & being careful in the choices I made. I'd agree that the game feels as though it's come to a pivotal point.

I've never been one to want Sophia wrapped up in cotton wool in sunny, shiny, upwardly mobile suburbia, where life is so good it's dull enough to make you desire your own offspring & I've not only approved of but defended the blackmail storylines. What appears to be on the horizon, however, has me perturbed. It depends now on what kind of venue this really is & until we know for certain we can see that L&P has, whether intentionally or not, ratcheted up the tension. I don't believe he had any other aim than to have Sophia dressed inappropriately, because he knew beforehand, surely, how his paying audience would be likely to vote. That's why he provided a basic choice of only two oufits, between rock chick chic, or desperate housewife. These choices were provided before the probable venue could be seen but I don't believe it would have made that much difference to the poll result, had it being known.

When L&P is on form, he can be a really good writer & the upcoming event may turn out to be as much a tour de force as Aiden's third task. I really hope so. At present I just can't reconcile the outfit, the location & the venue with any good outcome, unless the Sam getaway car, driving into the sunset, after a fracas in the bar is what the paying fans think of as eroticism. Any drive might be punctuated by Sophia adjusting the ripped apart "boob-pockets" on her outfit, Sam stopping the car in a secluded spot to let her get sorted out, offering to help, slipping his hands gently over her shoulders, as the night air suddenly gave her goose-bumps but was it just the night air? Sophia couldn't stop herself from shivering slightly, as the moon suddenly appeared from behind a cloud. Slowly, tenderly, Sam's strong hands explored the nape of Sophia's neck. He edged his fingers under her hair that was being stirred by the breeze, kneading, pressing softly, easing her tension. She made no protest when those same hands moved downwards to gently cup her...etc. etc. It's doable but it wouldn't be a surprise & would be just like any other porn game & if I can write it, then it virtually writes itself.

There are a lot of Aiden & Bennett haters in the assembled company on this thread but what drunk bikers would do to Sophia, in that outfit, could make them look like Salvation Army Captains. Yes, we've been told there'll be no sexual violence/rape but havn't you noticed that the Dev can change his mind? I don't mind darker but give me those two rather than a bunch of strangers.

 

[Bane71]

It's a fact that I feel strongly about all this after 3+ years of playing & being careful in the choices I made. I'd agree that the game feels as though it's come to a pivotal point.

I've never been one to want Sophia wrapped up in cotton wool in sunny, shiny, upwardly mobile suburbia, where life is so good it's dull enough to make you desire your own offspring & I've not only approved of but defended the blackmail storylines. What appears to be on the horizon, however, has me perturbed. It depends now on what kind of venue this really is & until we know for certain we can see that L&P has, whether intentionally or not, ratcheted up the tension. I don't believe he had any other aim than to have Sophia dressed inappropriately, because he knew beforehand, surely, how his paying audience would be likely to vote. That's why he provided a basic choice of only two oufits, between rock chick chic, or desperate housewife. These choices were provided before the probable venue could be seen but I don't believe it would have made that much difference to the poll result, had it being known.

When L&P is on form, he can be a really good writer & the upcoming event may turn out to be as much a tour de force as Aiden's third task. I really hope so. At present I just can't reconcile the outfit, the location & the venue with any good outcome, unless the Sam getaway car, driving into the sunset, after a fracas in the bar is what the paying fans think of as eroticism. Any drive might be punctuated by Sophia adjusting the ripped apart "boob-pockets" on her outfit, Sam stopping the car in a secluded spot to let her get sorted out, offering to help, slipping his hands gently over her shoulders, as the night air suddenly gave her goose-bumps but was it just the night air? Sophia couldn't stop herself from shivering slightly, as the moon suddenly appeared from behind a cloud. Slowly, tenderly, Sam's strong hands explored the nape of Sophia's neck. He edged his fingers under her hair that was being stirred by the breeze, kneading, pressing softly, easing her tension . She made no protest when those same hands moved downwards to gently cup her...etc. etc. It's doable but it wouldn't be a surprise & would be just like any other porn game & if I can write it, then it virtually writes itself.

There are a lot of Aiden & Bennett haters in the assembled company on this thread but what drunk bikers would do to Sophia, in that outfit, could make them look like Salvation Army Captains. Yes, we've been told there'll be no sexual violence/rape but havn't you noticed that the Dev can change his mind? I don't mind darker but give me those two rather than a bunch of strangers.

You correctly noticed that Dev can be a good writer! But he can also be a good screenwriter!

And I repeat, if Dev did not laugh at me, and my ideas about this evening are correct, then we are waiting for an exciting evening in which there will be intrigue, eroticism and a little debauchery!

 

[ancienregimele]

I don't know if you can say L&P is catering for this event. He put the outfits up for a vote and the classy (romper) won. In this case, I believe it was a poor choice to pair that outfit with the other one because of the setting of the event. Plus he already changed the vote on another outfit which was on Aiden's second task as you can see here.

Spoiler: Vote for Aiden's Task 2 - Dress

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

As you can see, C1 was the winner followed by A3, but in the end, L&P chose A2. This should show you that he doesn't cater to them accordingly. If he would have disregarded his poll again, L&P would have set a precedent that your vote as a member doesn't count at all. However, since he only knows the contents of the event, and if there was a place for the romper, why have a vote at all??? With L&P about the event and possibly second-guessing himself on the outfit choices, I wonder if he made the second part of the event to fit the romper into the scene.

I remember it well & each & every one of the dresses was suitable for the task/event, (some more than others certainly), whereas the romper suit isn't. He didn't need to have a poll for the "classy" number to be selected but by putting it to a vote the fans feel as though they have influence, L&P has plausible deniability & a time-consuming diversion is created. Ignoring the poll results on the dress vote was just something that all those with the actual power do all the time. My whole point is that he knew which way this present outfit vote would go, because he knows his audience. As he himself put it, it wasn't just a "choice between different coloured apples." It was a choice between radical alternatives & not a wide choice at that. As I said somewhere, put those two oufits to an audience of hormone bedazzled teenagers & guess which one would win.

An equivalent for the task two dress vote to what has just occurred would have been to have had six dresses & three sets of boob tube & mini ra-ra skirt outfits. It's true enough that it would have been hard to ignore the poll results again this time but those results were never in any real doubt. We've got the outfit L&P wanted & if he didn't want it, knowing his audience as he does, why have a poll at all?

 

[bluehound36]

When I go out I triple check where I'm going. I Google it, check social media, and ask my friends about the place.

I guess i'm just getting older but...seriously?! I'm glad i just opt for button down shirts, khakis and whatever footwear is most comfortable. Some people can just make things a darn chore though i guess...no offense.

That being said, the chosen outfit is most definitely ridiculous no matter the setting, unless of course it's coming off in short order. Hopefully that will be part of the update, that such a location will bring about wicked antics that will result in either lots of flashing or a hot striptease (preferably by both sophia and patricia).

 

[ancienregimele]

Ok guys, we need to talk. This shit has to stop.




It's a romper.

Not a romper suit.
Not a romper dress.
Not a romper outfit.

Just "romper".


Also, rompers are totally fine to wear to a bar. I mean, they're cute, that's the point. My issue with Sophia's romper isn't that she's wearing one to a bar, it's that her romper defies the laws of physics and looks stupid. Is it sexy? I guess, personal taste and all. But it's offensive to fashion and gravity.

Would I wear one to this bar? No. Oh my no. In her defense though she doesn't know what kind of bar they're going to. But she wasn't crazy for wearing a romper in theory, she just needs to shop at a store that sells better clothes and google where she's going before she gets dressed.

And you know what, that's probably the thing that is MOST unrealistic. When I go out I triple check where I'm going. I Google it, check social media, and ask my friends about the place. How does Sophia not have a better understanding of where she's going? This is like "Being a Girl 101". Next you're going to tell me that she doesn't have her cell phone on her, or that it isn't charged. Or she'll let guys at the bar buy her drinks without watching the bartender make them/pour them.

AWAM: 0/5 stars, would not recommend. Unrealistic clothing and poor demonstration of personal safety.



Edit- to be clear since not everyone speaks English natively, I'm teasing. But seriously, if you call it anything but a "romper" I'll fight you.

OOps, I've just posted a couple of messages with the wrong name. I'll always call it a romper from now on, honest.

 

[XoXmmahmm]

Sam is last event to build right or have more?

 

[bluehound36]

I don't know if you can say L&P is catering for this event. He put the outfits up for a vote and the classy (romper) won. In this case, I believe it was a poor choice to pair that outfit with the other one because of the setting of the event. Plus he already changed the vote on another outfit which was on Aiden's second task as you can see here.

Spoiler: Vote for Aiden's Task 2 - Dress

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

As you can see, C1 was the winner followed by A3, but in the end, L&P chose A2. This should show you that he doesn't cater to them accordingly. If he would have disregarded his poll again, L&P would have set a precedent that your vote as a member doesn't count at all. However, since he only knows the contents of the event, and if there was a place for the romper, why have a vote at all??? With L&P about the event and possibly second-guessing himself on the outfit choices, I wonder if he made the second part of the event to fit the romper into the scene.

One of those B choice dresses needs to make an appearance in game, they're clearly some of the hotter ones he could have used.

 

[MaliPizdek]

if Sam will be a good boy in the new update, what will his reward be? a real proper kiss? touch Sophia in some private areas?
i think hj and bj are out of the question right? or not?...

 

[Jack Adams]

It's a fact that I feel strongly about all this after 3+ years of playing & being careful in the choices I made. I'd agree that the game feels as though it's come to a pivotal point.

I've never been one to want Sophia wrapped up in cotton wool in sunny, shiny, upwardly mobile suburbia, where life is so good it's dull enough to make you desire your own offspring & I've not only approved of but defended the blackmail storylines. What appears to be on the horizon, however, has me perturbed. It depends now on what kind of venue this really is & until we know for certain we can see that L&P has, whether intentionally or not, ratcheted up the tension. I don't believe he had any other aim than to have Sophia dressed inappropriately, because he knew beforehand, surely, how his paying audience would be likely to vote. That's why he provided a basic choice of only two oufits, between rock chick chic, or desperate housewife. These choices were provided before the probable venue could be seen but I don't believe it would have made that much difference to the poll result, had it being known.

When L&P is on form, he can be a really good writer & the upcoming event may turn out to be as much a tour de force as Aiden's third task. I really hope so. At present I just can't reconcile the outfit, the location & the venue with any good outcome, unless the Sam getaway car, driving into the sunset, after a fracas in the bar is what the paying fans think of as eroticism. Any drive might be punctuated by Sophia adjusting the ripped apart "boob-pockets" on her outfit, Sam stopping the car in a secluded spot to let her get sorted out, offering to help, slipping his hands gently over her shoulders, as the night air suddenly gave her goose-bumps but was it just the night air? Sophia couldn't stop herself from shivering slightly, as the moon suddenly appeared from behind a cloud. Slowly, tenderly, Sam's strong hands explored the nape of Sophia's neck. He edged his fingers under her hair that was being stirred by the breeze, kneading, pressing softly, easing her tension . She made no protest when those same hands moved downwards to gently cup her...etc. etc. It's doable but it wouldn't be a surprise & would be just like any other porn game & if I can write it, then it virtually writes itself.

There are a lot of Aiden & Bennett haters in the assembled company on this thread but what drunk bikers would do to Sophia, in that outfit, could make them look like Salvation Army Captains. Yes, we've been told there'll be no sexual violence/rape but havn't you noticed that the Dev can change his mind? I don't mind darker but give me those two rather than a bunch of strangers.

There is a lot to unwrap in your well thought out comment. I will try to respond in a way that respects your central points. I guess I will start in the middle of your dialogue. By your description it is clear that L&P inspires you, and you write descriptive and complimentary scenes that mirror his work in your mind. I find this a good thing. It shows how engaged you are in the story laid out before you. My task now is to rise to the occasion in my response so that you know I am taking your point seriously...
When Stephen King described his own writing process he made it clear that he put a lot of work up front to develop complex and interesting characters. He then placed these characters in the scenarios within the story arc and he let the characters act within their defined nature. King then said that "the scenes then write themselves". I do not want to make light of your point, however, I agree with King that good characters (by their nature) must write themselves in the scenario if the story is to remain natural and good. I realize that you are also saying that it is easy to fall into worn out tropes, but that is where the balancing act is. Given that the end result is already known by the audience (a romantic encounter) some obvious devices will simply be there in spite of best efforts.
Let's see if I can give some respect to your first point, which is choice. In a structured society (or pre-written story) there is only the illusion of choice (quoting George Carlin). Like voting for a political leader in America most of your options have been weeded out so that only those options acceptable to the system or story remain. Continuing to quote Carlin, "At Baskin Robbins we can choose between 31 flavors of ice cream, but with any important choice, well... we have none." To be very honest with you L&P just isn't very good at framing trivial choice yet. This leads to selecting a dress that fewer than the plurality wants because he hasn't learned how to present a choice that works for him regardless how the people vote. For the sake of his own PR I hope he learns this trick.
Now, for the third point. This is tricky because there is so much disparate expression and sentiment on this subject that I just might spark some discord. To start I maintain that any character that evokes a strong emotional response is a well written one. Please, do not confuse character with a questionable scene or action with that character. Having said that, I strongly believe that both of these (Aiden and Bennett) are viable and well written since most of the objection expressed in this thread are personal attacks against their character. I also agree that they are 'vanilla villains'. The real impact both of these characters have on Sophia are self-inflicted, meaning that it is dependent on the player's choice to include them in the storyline played. Your trepidation for Sophia's welfare is justified if L&P does indeed introduce hardened characters with limited egress. Again, we are still in the realm of supposition since the scene has not yet been told. It is my hope that the patrons of Bob's Country Bunker are more good 'ole boys rather than raisin' Cain types. It is getting late for me and Jack needs his sleep if he is going to do more construction tomorrow morning.
Thank you for you time, Jack.