2 things that jump out to me from their postings:
- More games are coming that may involve different mechanics, maybe even different genres.
- Everything hinges on the reveal and things will make logical sense even if we don't agree with the direction or events.
For #1, it sets off small alarm bells in me that current game may end abruptly and will have a cliffhanger.
For #2, while things may make sense it still does not excuse the sudden jump in plot progression or inconsistent characterization up to this point.
Given its price and length I wanted a game that is promised in the marketing blurb and opening segment of the game - The MC will have sexy time with Another Man's Wife if I play right with High Confidence. The End. The quality of the game was in its dialogue especially Friday night. The "game" part of it was choosing the right choices to get the main end. I don't mind having bad ends or Steph acting wild with the wrong choices.
In practice, especially after Friday night, it became about Another Man Having My Wife. Donnie is forced either way. Steph becoming part of the offer or whole thing is off. There should have been more events and scenes for that to happen not just a throwaway line about calling Jason about Steph joining before going over. Then there are the inconsistencies in Steph's character where she is headstrong in all her scenes with the MC no matter the confidence level but suddenly, on low C, become meek with other men. Again need more events for that happen. And no need mention all the hints about manipulation.
Perhaps "Another Man Having My Wife" is the intended twist and reveal of the game. That would have been fine for a longer game with proper setup but not with the game as it is.
For an adult game, there is not much reward for playing the supposed best route. There is more effort being spent on scenes on lower confidences and those leading to bad ends. With the game ending soon will there even be time or motivation to add more to the best route?
Taken all together it is becoming opposite of what was advertised. At worst it will end abruptly to get people to buy the next game. At best, even if the eventual ending is good, it will feel unearned and anticlimatic given the journey to get there.
I hoped to be proven wrong and the final product will turn out to be a gem.