VN Ren'Py Being a DIK [v0.11.1] [DrPinkCake]

[BeingADikDik]

Re: Jill/Sage date vs. caring for sick friend

DPC made a mistake with this setup, IMO. Caring for sick Sage shouldn't negatively impact the Jill route unless there is a strong narrative reason in future seasons. (That seems unlikely, as both Sage and Jill are LI's.)

Instead, there should have been a pre-emptive major choice: accept Tommy's olive branch to go out to the bar with fake ID or turn him down to go on the picnic date with Jill. Then, if MC finds out that Sage is sick, there could be a second choice to turn down Tommy (Sage path or others path) or to reschedule the picnic date to the next day (Jill path but keeps Sage path open).

edit to add: In fact, by rescheduling the Jill picnic to the following day for such a selfless reason, this should HELP convince Jill that MC is worth fighting for - unless MC is fuck buddies with Sage ... then, Jill might be suspicious.

 

[Deleted member 3994251]

Can you please explain to me, what makes this game so popular?

 

[Lostanddamned]

Can you please explain to me, what makes this game so popular?

Interesting storyline that constantly keeps us guessing, clearly defined characters, plenty of content each episode, replay value of the game due to the game's affinity system, attention to the details because DPC likes to drop in subtle hints here and there which leads us to debate the unsolved mysteries in the game.

 

[BeingADikDik]

Can you please explain to me, what makes this game so popular?

Caters to crab fetish crowd.

 

[redweiler2]

Hi guys Can you give me a save file on Full DIK path with bella
and another Full DIK path with Jill?
thank you really <3

 

[PashafromRussia]

Re: Jill/Sage date vs. caring for sick friend

DPC made a mistake with this setup, IMO. Caring for sick Sage shouldn't negatively impact the Jill route unless there is a strong narrative reason in future seasons. (That seems unlikely, as both Sage and Jill are LI's.)

Instead, there should have been a pre-emptive major choice: accept Tommy's olive branch to go out to the bar with fake ID or turn him down to go on the picnic date with Jill. Then, if MC finds out that Sage is sick, there could be a second choice to turn down Tommy (Sage path or others path) or to reschedule the picnic date to the next day (Jill path but keeps Sage path open).

edit to add: In fact, by rescheduling the Jill picnic to the following day for such a selfless reason, this should HELP convince Jill that MC is worth fighting for - unless MC is fuck buddies with Sage ... then, Jill might be suspicious.

I really hope Pink somehow explains this strange choice. The only thing that comes to my mind is that Sage and Jill, if not enemies, then clearly treat each other badly. Jill could somehow find out that this sick friend is Sage and be offended by MC. Maybe if we reject Jill for Sage, it will somehow explain it.

 

[Crusader of Romance]

It doesn't excuse how out of place and stupid it is. It makes Jill look like the biggest cunt in the world.

I just checked myself and not going on the birthday date only makes her decide that she's not ready to be dating. She tells you she's sorry and that you can only be friends, I wouldn't call that being a "cunt". To get her to yell at you, you have to do more to make her feel betrayed and that she can't trust you.

 

[Crusader of Romance]

I really hope Pink somehow explains this strange choice. The only thing that comes to my mind is that Sage and Jill, if not enemies, then clearly treat each other badly. Jill could somehow find out that this sick friend is Sage and be offended by MC. Maybe if we reject Jill for Sage, it will somehow explain it.

The birthday date was what made her realize she had strong feelings towards the MC as well as realize that he had strong feelings for her. It was an important moment. The problem is that the game doesn't show us that the date is that important and sort of tricks many into choosing to go to Sage because of that.

 

[gamingdevil800]

Hi guys Can you give me a save file on Full DIK path with bella
and another Full DIK path with Jill?

Full DIK Jill path doesn't exist

 

[mr.AwesomeGameTaste]

Can you please explain to me, what makes this game so popular?

Interesting storyline that constantly keeps us guessing, clearly defined characters, plenty of content each episode, replay value of the game due to the game's affinity system, attention to the details because DPC likes to drop in subtle hints here and there which leads us to debate the unsolved mysteries in the game.

and hot chicks.mostly hot chicks.

 

[BeingADikDik]

The birthday date was what made her realize she had strong feelings towards the MC as well as realize that he had strong feelings for her. It was an important moment. The problem is that the game doesn't show us that the date is that important and sort of tricks many into choosing to go to Sage because of that.

For me, the issue is that if I want to play as a Massive CHICK MC, then the best LI at the moment is Sage path. Every other path has at least one problematic decision inconsistent with this type of MC:

Jill - MC must abandon sick friend (Massive DIK move)
Josy and Maya - MC must be willing to be with Josy despite her being in a relationship in Ch. 2 (Massive DIK move) ... Maya side of the relationship never makes MC do something DIK'ish though unless you think helping her with the HOT scavenger hunt is DIK'ish (I don't think so)
Bella - LI is a teacher (obviously inappropriate on its face), need to go behind Jill's back, etc.
Sage - as long as you don't be fuck buddies, then no issues!

This is antithetical to the original premise sold in Ch. 1 that Sage would be the LI for the DIK path.

From a purely thematic standpoint, this obviously feels wrong and is a primary reason why I'd advocate changing the picnic scenario so as to maintain Jill as a path that forces no DIK decisions upon the MC.

 

[ename144]

Have you *actually played* this game?

Jill's decided she has to go along with Tybalt and never see you again. If you don't go with her to hear this in person, you miss the chance to change her mind. Stop spinning a pile of rubbish about her being vindictive.

As others have said, the problem is that Jill is making an unusually big request here (going on an unannounced date for reasons she refuses to disclose to the MC), yet she literally expects the MC to drop everything and say yes immediately. If he points out that he already has plans, Jill takes it as a personal affront - muttering to herself that the MC doesn't act like he cares about her when he tries to spend time with her later.

I agree she isn't a raging asshole as some have claimed, but she is completely out of line to treat the MC this way. Realistically, it makes it clear that any relationship with her is likely doomed because it's only a matter of time until the MC is once again unable to dote on her hand and foot. I'm certain that's not what DPC was going for, but that's what he wound up writing.

In short, it's ridiculous for Jill to treat the MC more harshly when he agrees to tend to a sick friend than when he fucks that friend behind her boyfriend's back, yet here we are.

Can you please explain to me, what makes this game so popular?

Here's the last time I tried to answer that question at length.

tl;dr The game has high production values, oodles of content, and tries hard to make us invested in the characters and their stories. Plus there's lots of sex, of course.

EDIT:

For me, the issue is that if I want to play as a Massive CHICK MC, then the best LI at the moment is Sage path. Every other path has at least one problematic decision inconsistent with this type of MC:

Jill - MC must abandon sick friend (Massive DIK move)
Josy and Maya - MC must be willing to be with Josy despite her being in a relationship in Ch. 2 (Massive DIK move) ... Maya side of the relationship never makes MC do something DIK'ish though unless you think helping her with the HOT scavenger hunt is DIK'ish (I don't think so)
Bella - LI is a teacher (obviously inappropriate on its face), need to go behind Jill's back, etc.
Sage - as long as you don't be fuck buddies, then no issues!

Technically, you don't have to be with Josy to be on the M/J path. You do have to go back for the date, but that's unavoidable and doesn't seem any more objectionable than some of the MC's early interactions with Sage or Isabella. But you can avoid buying Josy gifts or having sex with her in the early episodes and still get the the throuple (as long as you help Maya with her scavenger hunt).

It's possible that will have longer term implications, I suppose, but for now it works.

 

[BeingADikDik]

As others have said, the problem is that Jill is making an unusually big request here (going on an unannounced date for reasons she refuses to disclose to the MC), yet she literally expects the MC to drop everything and say yes immediately. If he points out that he already has plans, Jill takes it as a personal affront - muttering to herself that the MC doesn't act like he cares about her when he tries to spend time with her later.

I agree she isn't a raging asshole as some have claimed, but she is completely out of line to treat the MC this way. Realistically, it makes it clear that any relationship with her is likely doomed because it's only a matter of time until the MC is once again unable to dote on her hand and foot. I'm certain that's not what DPC was going for, but that's what he wound up writing.

In short, it's ridiculous for Jill to treat the MC more harshly when he agrees to tend to a sick friend than when he fucks that friend behind her boyfriend's back, yet here we are.



Here's the last time I tried to answer that question at length.

tl;dr The game has high production values, oodles of content, and tries hard to make us invested in the characters and their stories. Plus there's lots of sex, of course.

EDIT:

Technically, you don't have to be with Josy to be on the M/J path. You do have to go back for the date, but that's unavoidable and doesn't seem any more objectionable than some of the MC's early interactions with Sage or Isabella. But you can avoid buying Josy gifts or having sex with her in the early episodes and still get the the throuple (as long as you help Maya with her scavenger hunt).

It's possible that will have longer term implications, I suppose, but for now it works.

I think it could be reasonably argued that going on the date with Josy while knowing she is in a relationship, and being willing to have sex with Maya outside of a committed relationship, are not consistent with Massive CHICK thought processes. In such a case, J&M path would be a stretch while Sage non-fuck buddy path remains consistently appropriate for the Massive CHICK.

 

[ename144]

I think it could be reasonably argued that going on the date with Josy while knowing she is in a relationship, and being willing to have sex with Maya outside of a committed relationship, are not consistent with Massive CHICK thought processes. In such a case, J&M path would be a stretch while Sage non-fuck buddy path remains consistently appropriate for the Massive CHICK.

Seems like a tough argument since the Massive CHICK Sage run also goes on a date with Josy while knowing she is in a relationship. He has sex with Sage outside of a committed relationship, too.

 

[BeingADikDik]

Seems like a tough argument since the Massive CHICK Sage run also goes on a date with Josy while knowing she is in a relationship. He has sex with Sage outside of a committed relationship, too.

Agreed. If the Josy reunion is viewed as a 'date' even if the MC doesn't bring wine / flirt / etc., then it invalidates all Massive CHICK runs no matter the LI.

I don't think sex with Sage outside committed relationship is forced on the non-fuck buddy path though?

 

[vogelbeest]

Can you please explain to me, what makes this game so popular?

It's a good thing you try to find out what makes a good game and a popular game like this. But since you're asking to improve your own formula for succes i'd advice against making your own game a copy of this game. Most important is you should make a game you yourself would enjoy playing and working on. Starting out with a game this big in content, number of characters and optional side stories and paths is perhaps a bit too ambitious. No offence intended but you should realise DPC allready had a fanbase before he started this game i.o.w. be prepared to be in it for the long run but start with smaller steps so you grow.
And if you decide to make a story driven VN make sure you have a story and the skills to tell it or find a writer that does.

 

[ename144]

Agreed. If the Josy reunion is viewed as a 'date' even if the MC doesn't bring wine / flirt / etc., then it invalidates all Massive CHICK runs no matter the LI.

I don't think sex with Sage outside committed relationship is forced on the non-fuck buddy path though?

Sage throws herself at the MC in Episode 7, the last chance to get on her path. But the MC is free to bang all the other girls at the HOT party (before or after Sage), and she explicitly refuses to see herself as dating the MC until and unless he picks her at the crossroads in Episode 8.

I don't see that as much different than helping Maya with her scavenger hunt (from the MC's point of view, Maya obviously knows she's cheating). Likewise, it's nearly identical to the no-strings commitment of the throuple in Episode 5.

 

[BeingADikDik]

I heard EA is buying out DPC's game studio and that season 3 will heavily feature lootboxes and in-game microtransactions. Gotta capitalize on this game's popularity!

 

[BeingADikDik]

Sage throws herself at the MC in Episode 7, the last chance to get on her path. But the MC is free to bang all the other girls at the HOT party (before or after Sage), and she explicitly refuses to see herself as dating the MC until and unless he picks her at the crossroads in Episode 8.

I don't see that as much different than helping Maya with her scavenger hunt (from the MC's point of view, Maya obviously knows she's cheating). Likewise, it's nearly identical to the no-strings commitment of the throuple in Episode 5.

I need to replay Ep 7 - my recollection was that Sage was de facto committing to a relationship with MC at that point ('willing to wait').

Regarding the no-strings commitment, I view that very differently. Maya was saying that she wants the throuple to be exclusive, but that it should be by mutually consensual preference rather than an imposed condition.

 

[ename144]

I need to replay Ep 7 - my recollection was that Sage was de facto committing to a relationship with MC at that point ('willing to wait').

Regarding the no-strings commitment, I view that very differently. Maya was saying that she wants the throuple to be exclusive, but that it should be by mutually consensual preference rather than an imposed condition of the relationship.

That was Maya's end goal, yes, but she specifically didn't want to assume they were ready for that yet. Hence the wiggle room for the MC to pick a different girl at the crossroads.

I don't like the way that played out; it annoyed my Massive CHICK run that I was stuck not committing to M&J for the whole season, but it is what it is.

As for Sage, it's left deliberately ambiguous. But the MC's speech at the end of Episode 8 makes it clear that he intends to get a formal commitment out of her eventually, and she finally relents. That only makes sense if neither of them thought they had one previously.