v0.4.1a
Pleasantly surprised by this VN. The story & characters got me engaged pretty quick. So far i'd say this is kinda a story focused VN though certain plotlines make it feel more like a harem collector sex game. I'd probably rate this within my top 20 VNs.
Models and renders are top quality while animations are passable. Love the models of the various characters, they're my type and i'd say the designs are varied enough to cater to many preferences. The quality of the backgrounds and assets are at the higher end of the spectrum but obviously shared assets. Lewd scenes aren't the best but is good nonetheless though is pretty vanilla.
I don't usually talk about the music and sounds but hell i love the soundtrack in this VN. Fits the theme too. Dev did right with the various ambience sounds and so on.
Now for the characters, to be frank for now only a few have enough screentime for me draw a conclusion. For these characters, i feel devs did an excellent job with their backstory, personalities and character development, they are likeable, even the enemies. The remaining characters have potential with what little i've seen. I'm pretty certain the cast of love interests and supporting characters are one of the stronger points of this novel.
For the MC, he might be a hit or miss. He's cringe but a good guy and means well. Absolutely a doormat in a relationship. Hes also a horny bastard. One of several things that irks me is his self loathing, pitying attitude but throughout the VN, he is bettering himself and trying to step out of the shadow of his past. So when you're at the bottom, the only way is up. Hes also clingy in a way. He tries to distant himself but keeps on approaching everyone for therapy and assurance however is not willing to open up much. Its so pre-dominant in this VN its irritating. You know that 1 friend who goes around to everyone about his many problems but not willing to share them, keep it mysterious and shit, only commit minimal action after, totally lacking any conviction. I'm not trying to be sexist but he is the pussiest pussy in the relationship, basically the girl. I mean even a beta male is a more tolerable character than this man, i hate these classifications but seriously he is that frustrating of a character. How the hell a guy like this has a following of ladies is beyond me. Thank god he is not the emo teen type. And the final deal breaker, he is so annoying with his lame humour and cringy interactions(especially the romantic advances), sometimes theres choices to not be lame but you don't get points with the girls for it. I get that this is a journey of healing and re-emerging but man i wanna whip him to fucking man up. He is more vexing than the antagonist.
As for the narrative, love the setting and the storyline so far. Dev has a clear idea on what kind of story they want to craft, at least so far. Writing is probably one of the better ones out there. The conversations and interactions feel organic. Scenes critical to the storyline, are done proper, not bogged up with fillers and useless banters. What i dislike is, if you've read the above summary of the MC, too many scenes are focused on MC seeking out his friends for reassurance and confidence. Every little obstacle he bumps into, he'll revert to a helpless needy child to overcome it. Hopefully this is a harem, really liking the LIs but i highly doubt so. I do feel like the sorority/alumni plot gets in the way of the narrative, it feels like a wrench thrown into the works, trying to meld college theatrics into adulthood. I mean the VN had a good story going until this unexpected plot device, its not homogeneous. The tone and flow of the VN is similar to Leap of Faith, so if you're wondering why it feels familiar, thats why. I'm on the fence with this one, although i did enjoy LoF, i didn't quit like the awkward humor and interactions, it feels so try hard. Oh, and also this has some sandbox features, i hate them but so far its minimal and not that intrusive.
Highly recommend if you're looking for a good read or a balance of plot and lewd stuff.