VN - Ren'Py - Artemis [v0.6.1b] [digi.B]

I finally finished the holy trinity Artemis- Leap of Faith- Chasing Sunsets since all these reference each other very often. I love how these devs they built their own multiverse stage for their games, it makes the world building feel so much bigger and alive helping greatly with the immersion.

Finished Book 1 and I got to say I'm so impressed and it feels like this whole act just set up the stage and future events so nicely. The game has it all from drama, funny moments to wholesome ones and the pacing is just about right without feeling you get overwhelmed by too much of these.

The story is very intriguing and the way it keeps expanding by the end of Chapter 4 makes me so anxious for what's next. But honestly in other games the story usually falls flat without its characters to drive it forward.

This game doesn't have this issue because characters are so well crafted and compelling. It is a rare thing to have me despise one character (Cassie) so much right from the get go so kudos to the @digi.B talent for that. The cast is so diverse and for me it was a bit confusing at start to keep track because there are so many good ones, my favorites so far being Kindra, June and DK, but I also can't dismiss the INK sisters each one of them being unique in their own way with their own distinct personality, preferences and problems making it hard to have a clear favorite.

To get back at my top 2 LI I have to say Kindra and June are S tier each episode I found out more about their backstory, motivations and so on it made it very hard for me to place one above the other, but I got to say Kindra steals the show every time she is on screen. Her growth from a very shy person to such a funny and lovable is very nice. It was so nice to see how charismatic a selfless person can be without being so overbearing. Also don't get me started on DJ Kink persona that is just the cherry on top. The same praise I have for June as well her relationship to MC is so well done it never felt forced and their growth as individuals is really shown both helping each other get out of the big hole they fell. Kudos again do @digi.B for the great storytelling.

The render quality is top tier no doubt here, you can clearly see how better it gets when you finish each chapter, the music also complements the scenes very well especially later in the story when we get montages I simply just let it run there and listened to each of them because of how good they were. I absolutely adore the menu and how dynamic it is. From the very start when you see a lifeless Artemis to the very end where she is finally awake looking around very curiously, such a great touch. And as I said this Book 1 set up the stage so well for things to come and I for one I cannot wait for more.

I have a lot more things to say but I will stop there because the review is getting out of hand and I don't want to have a whole wall of text. This was just my first impression after finished it and having it still fresh in mind. Wish the dev the very best and hope to see this project end because it is so damn good. I totally recommend everyone to try it because it is a very good VN.

This is an all-around fantastic job, the history is fascinating, and the characters are well-developed and adorable as heck, and even when i arrive late the Amount of content really keep me entretaing for a long time, Keep up the good work, and I'll be sure to wait for the next update.

Well this game is fire. I legit dont feel like writing a two thousand words review even though i should.

This game is goofy as fuck and serious when it needs to, all the girls are really interesting, and i really fucking mean that. The way the developer develops the relationship between the girls and the mc in relation to the story flow is really nice and well fit together. Underated gem so hyped for the next updates ez 5 *.

The only bad thing i can point out is that i took to much fucking time to play this game.

Finally got around to checking this VN out, so...here's my thoughts.

Story: Pretty impressive. Some of the scenes/events feel like stuff that I would usually find in highly-rated Western TV shows. Character development flows very well with the plot, and I like how each character feels like an actual person with a distinct personality instead of a walking bag of tropes. Humor is also on point, and while there's not a lot of them the jokes really do land when they show up (at least for me).

Animations: Pretty okay. I mean, not the best I've seen but I usually chalk up some of it to Daz limitations and such (I have yet to see a Daz VN that has animations that blew my mind, so no offense to the dev regarding this. I respect that you're trying at least).

Gameplay: Freeroam segments are fine (at least they don't overstay their welcome), though I wish the last one (Halloween party) had the same map functionality as the first one where the name of the location pops up instead of having to roam around like a headless chicken (unless of course that's what you're going for dev in which case...carry on I suppose). The minigame segments were okay. I know some people hate them and prefer that they don't exist but I'm fine with them so long as they're not annoyingly complicated or such, which I didn't feel was the case when I played.

Music: Not going to talk about it since IIRC dev mentioned that the stuff that's currently in the game are placeholders. Won't take that to consideration in my rating either.

Alright. And now for the stuff that's likely going to make me some enemies in the OT...

Graphics and Character Design: ...

/shrugs

...I didn't like 'em.

/can already picture people in the OT halting the jazz music and glaring daggers in my general direction

Okay, maybe I'm being a bit harsh since I liked the locations and June's character design at least. But outside of those, I just don't like the general direction of the character designs/models. To me, they have this...uncanny valley quality to them that just makes them look unnerving at times. Which is a shame because, like I said, the character writing is quite good and possibly the only thing keeping me from hitting that "Exit" button and declaring "Nope, this thing's not for me."

Overall, I like the story and character writing well enough that I'll continue playing this as updates come out (maybe even purchase the game once it comes out on Steam). But if you ask me if I'll ever use this game for fap material...

/looks at the characters

...yeah, that's gonna be a pass for me.

I hesitate to even call this a porn game because the story is so damn good. Yes, there is some sex to be had with very attractive women, but there's also an adorable romance, lots of interesting characterizations, and one hell of an inspiring plot.

Biggest con? The character models are pretty rough in Chapter 1. Just endure it and things get considerably better starting in Chapter 2.

Up there with best of the best for me. Story and graphic-wise, it's miles beyond most AVN's. If you've ever made yourself get through the first 50 pages of a long classic novel and then were rewarded by not being able to put it down -- that's this.
2 small crits: 1-having read Leap of Faith, it was a bit strange watching the same model inhabit this new MC, kind of like seeing Brad Pitt in another film (especially knowing now dev's ability -- make someone New!) But he grew on me;

2-for me, antagonist Cassie has a double burden to bear as both a raging bitch AND not as attractive (opinion) as most of the other LI's, even if she's more an 'H.I.'. If she was ultra hot, I'd be more willing to buy the weight of MC's conflict, after watching her bad behavior to everyone in HS as well..

And as the Dev explained, the beginnings are rocky, and full of exposition and not-so-great graphics, especially facial. But oh my, not only do these elements improve, but the story, and Heart, of this piece just take off.
I am deeply impressed by the immersive quality of the creator's humor and spirit, as well as the continually surprising graphics. I look forward to anything you do. And I plan to put my $ where my mouth is, sign me up!

i first tried this game on gamecore,This by far is up there with the best of the best games on here, story line first class, renders first class, girls are wow. i would highly recommend this game to one and all

This game is an absolute masterpiece, with stunning graphics that will leave you speechless. The attention to detail is incredible. first chapter hits a bit close to home. also love that all characters have their own personalities. there are so many possibilities

Big THANK YOU
Very very VERY great story! Truly allowing to experience everything first handed and put yourself into MC's shoes. Really loved the humour and all those flashbacks to different legendary movies\games, etc.

Shortly after the beginning of a story, I stopped simply waiting\skipping for a next sex-scene and sincerely started reading. Absolutely no regrets!

Would love to argue about some of the very questionable choices over character's model designs, but I guess "Everyone to his own taste"...and I guess it's just me all alone, who's sick of all this "huge boobs" trend... Seriously though, It\they doesn't even look good xD

P.S. - thanks for the Mass Effect call-outs!
P.P.S. - English is my second language, just in case...

Possibly the best AVN I have ever played. Story is compelling and heart wrenching. Renders are great, even though the first chapter renders are a bit grainy but that's because the dev had eye problems and has said he will go back and sort it out. Animations are fantastic. Support this guy everyone! Get enough patrons and he will get a motion capture suit and then it will be a 6 star game

Nailed it! The writing is fabulous, small details in the renders that enhance the characters traits and personality, the comedy well delivered even when drama is still kicking... I can easily see this been adapted to a live action.

Wow what a great game with hoards of potential! I was a bit uncertain at first about the MC but he soon becomes good and likeable, and improves throughout the story. Good characters. There's multiple GREAT women that you want to be with, and it's HARD deciding who you want to be with, even though you can't be in a relationship with anyone yet.

The writing in this VN is TOP NOTCH! I have so far played through 5 times, choosing different routes each time. I have yet to see a point where the writing gets tripped up or falls flat. Like an ever expressive movie or novel that draws you in, it never lets go and has you riding a rollercoaster of emotions. In other words, IT'S FREAKING AWESOME! LOL

Plot 10/10

A sci-fi setting that may well become realistic in the not-too-distant future, if humanity proves intelligent enough not to destroy each other. The game is about attempts to create a higher form of AI with artificial self-awareness, capable not only of understanding and evoking emotions in those with whom it interacts, but also of having its own emotions, needs, beliefs, and possibly desires, as well as being aware of itself as a person.

We play as a talented programmer with his own psychological problems, which he tries to overcome. The game has good intrigue and quite interesting and non-boring dialogues. There's quite a bit of humor in the game, and the dialogues will make you laugh, or at least smile broadly at what's going on. There are some particularly emotional moments in Artemis where you can cry and it feels especially good if you play v 0.3.2 with full soundtrack. And after completing v0.3.2, I started playing 0.4.1. For full immersion, I recommend playing it that way.

Renders and animation 9/10

Graphics and animation are done at a very decent level, although in the first chapter and a little in the second chapter sometimes there were not very good renders. But this did not affect my impression of the whole game, because I know that this is a normal process when a developer in his 1st game learns new things and improves his skills from update to update.

Sound: 10/10
If you play v0.3.2 with uncut music first, and then continue to v0.4.1 with new soundtrack.

Summary:
This game is a real nugget and it rightfully holds a special place in the hearts of many players. I'm looking forward to the sequel to this emotional and intriguing story.

I would honestly put this up against any other game on this site. The characters are all unique and memorable, the MC has his own sense of humor, strong motivation and backstory. The world building is phenomenal, it's clear a lot of thought and love went into this conception.

I love it!!

WOW just WOW. As for 0.4 it is amazing, and the buildup has just begun? It may have some rough edges at certain points with MC and his ex in first chapter feeling like a drama porn but the story reeled me in right away nonetheless. You can relate to MC if you were a good guy who was screwed over by a lover with long history.
BUT Cassandra's motivation lacks a little for a main conflict driving the story forward. Is she really just a psychopatic-narcissistic bitch or is there more to it? I hope dev expands upon it because we saw glimpses of Cassandra's soft side from her perspective. Looks like dev will build upon Cassandra as a gray character, not just a black&white pure evil villain antagonist, so that we may end up reconciling or even as a LI for MC or not depending on choices? If not then I will feel conflicted, I don't know. I hope dev got a solid plot and conflicts for this gem. The reviews I'm seeing criticizing MC's personality generally for being too weak and too beta. I'm curious how the dev will expand upon this perspective, may even reconcile this. It is exciting to see in what direction this VN will evolve. It has a good potential right now.

Nearly everything is perfect. Only thing that I see as an good addition would be lewd SFX for the scenes. Would be a cherry on top. Other than that only thing dev has to do to succeed is keeping the plot tight, then this will be gold. You can't mess this up.

I really tried to like this because of the things I've heard of it. But unfortunately I think that made me just think more critically of it.

The MC is one of the most unrelatable ones I've come across so far. An absolute chad who is a godlike coder but somehow can't get a job? Okay

I could probably forgive that little pet peeve of mine if it wasn't for the absolutely horrendous renders in chapter one that look like they're made in 144p. This coupled with the extremely exaggerated facial expressions which makes it feel like the characters are constantly screaming at me made me quit the game early.

I can only hope that it gets better later on, but I won't be there to see it. Best of luck to the dev

Artemis is probably one of the most promising AVNs out there right now. The story is very intriguing, the characters are fun, and I hate Cassandra! She is one of the evilest people on the planet. At first, I wasn't really feeling the game since the renders were extremely dated but since Digi went back and reworked them, I have no more complaints.

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.

Got to be the best VN I have ever read. Felt so intensely about the characters and story that I almost didn't care about NSFW scenes.
All the personalities feel fleshed out and the MC makes me truly care.
No less than a 9/10. Love it.