So this is the second release for Being A DIK I have played and loved. I have added this game to my watch list and will follow its progress. There are so many good things going on with this game, and even though I gave it a 5 star rating, there are a few small nits I pick with it:
Story
The story really makes you feel like you are going along with the MC. Each decision you make, or are forced to make, feels like it has weight and repercussions to the story and relationships of the MC. The MC is continuously meeting new characters throughout and with each new introduction I felt like I met a deep and fleshed out character, many of whom are struggling with their own issues and working through their own life independent of the MC. This really works in the story's favor to make the world feel alive.
Originality
In all honestly, nitpick here, the setting is not overly original. However, the rationale for the MC's behavior is. Pledging a frat is a wonderful and original catalyst for spurring specific decisions that you feel may go against the way you see your MC, but based on the story's context, are the most reasonable. These potentially coerced decisions often lead directly to story progression options with creative and refreshing repercussions. I have not been disappointed with any decision I have yet made, however, you may want to "save scum" to experience more options/story lines.
Playability
As mentioned above, multiple saves are one option, the other option is multiple play throughs to collect all possible renders and unlock all scenes. Outside of unlockables, there are two primary pieces that are not "on rails" during a play through.
1) Free Roam - this is just what it sounds like - you are free to roam a small area and interact with the environment and those in it for a duration. Depending on your actions, your active tasks may change. These are fun, but I almost wish I had more of them overall. They offer a refreshing burst of freedom during playthroughs. And remember to really look hard for secret images and pickups while you play
2) Mini Games - The fighting mini game started out as a bit annoying until I got into a rhythm of it. You will need to spend some time working on this in order to increase your stats and unlock additional renders as well as to earn money during your playthroughs. There is also a not-quite-minigame of reviewing the Rooster App on your phone. This is a basic little social media and image sharing app that allows you as the MC to comment on and like images from those on campus with you. There are times in your game where this will have a direct impact on gameplay, so remember to review it each time you see the ! indicator on it.
Renders
Frankly, I love all the renders in this game. I have not been disappointed and love that there are different body types, skin tones, hair colors and even postures/body languages amongst the characters. For static images, I can give nothing but praise...
Animations
...however, there are a few animations where portions of the body do look a little...off. The most recent one that stands out to me (again no spoilers) is while you have a character on you in cowgirl position and her butt seems to have a slightly odd shape, like while posing the creator couldn’t sculpt it quite right. A small gripe, but I did want to give it as well.
Final Thoughts
I seriously cannot recommend this game enough. I have spent so much time playing it and do not get tired of it. Even with my few gripes above, I have no reservations about giving it a full 5 star rating. I know the [v0.4.0] update just came out, but I am eagerly awaiting the next update.