VN - Ren'Py - Broken Promises [v0.38] [Light Cavalry]

Game Version: v0.38

It's rare for me to give any AVN a review - much less a 5-star rating - but what "Broken Promises" has done is captured lightning in a bottle.

Character Driven
Each character in this story has some kind of background that makes them feel three dimensional rather than flat, uninteresting set pieces. It's clear from the start that the plot is driven by everyone, not just the protagonist (which is rare in any form of media). The author seems to have well fleshed out character sheets for everyone and manages to set up meaningful arcs for each one regardless of their role.

It's also rare to see an author incorporate dynamic relationships between characters that aren't strictly controlled/altered by the protagonist, as is evident by the interactions we see between Eveline and Brie, or Afina and Kylie. Additionally, the relationships we can alter in some way are properly set up so it doesn't feel as though we're the sole reason for the change - such as the relationship between Alice and Tianna.

To shorten everything mentioned above, what you get with the characters is believable stories with properly telegraphed pitfalls that drive their character arcs.

(Mostly) Cinematic Rendering
It seems as though the developer had some growing pains in the initial few releases that seem to have been remedied... However, it's currently impossible to spot any differences in quality between chapter 1 and chapter 3.5. While Daz models range in quality, Light Calvary seems to have invest some time into rendering higher poly versions with extremely detailed UV mapping. Blemishes, eyes, and age marks all aid in making each character feel unique and has been used to great effect here.

The few issues present in the current release include:

• Clipping between characters when they physically touch
• Harsh edges between the sclera and iris, which is easily visible in close-ups
• Discrepancies in lighting quality that change between scenes (i.e. darker to brighter)

Overall the renders are top notch without over-detailing characters and objects. It seems as though the dev has a proper piepline for rendering, so here's hoping he maintains consisency without falling for the allure of more detailed modeling.

Writing
So this is where we get a mixed bag in terms of quality. The underlying plot follows the standard story structure with a well paced exposition and inciting incident. Additionally, Light Calvary also seems to be following a three act story arc wherein we're just reaching the climax of the first act, so I have high hopes we'll see consistency within the story from that aspect. The key issue with the writing is grammar...

To elaborate, the writing is full of mispelled words, odd punctuation, and broken sentence flows. The lack of an editor is painfully obvious alongside any sort of personal review by the dev. Internal monologuing is indistinguishable from narration, words are repeated, and dialogue in general doesn't feel as organic as a taditional script. The end result is the audiences' brains needing to work overtime in correcting these issues which detract from the otherwise engaging plot in a detrimental fashion.

Final Thoughts...
Despite the negatives outlined above, the quality for the rest of this AVN carries this project into 5-star territory. The few issues present are nowhere near egregious enough to warrant a lower rating.


To Light Calvary directly (if you're reading):

1. Spend some time setting up and maintaining a render library alongside values you commonly use. This will help with overall consistency and streamline some of the rendering process.
2. Outsource an editor
   • This can either be community volunteer work, or agreeing to a percentage comission for each month work is performed
3. Refactor the choice menus when implementing a recursive menu
   • There are a few instances where choices aren't removed from the menu which can be fixed by incuding logic statements within the choice (i.e. "[mc_name] checks out the living room" if not temp1

This is such a fantastic story that I genuinely hope it reaches completion.

So far, I am really loving this game. It has all the important aspects needed to be one of the top games as it gets longer, too. Great and lovable characters, gorgeous renders, and well thought out writing. Can't wait to see more!

The game is quite good the design of the mc is very generic but the LI are one of the best I've seen in games. The story has unexpected twist that make it quite engaging. Truth be told I am more invested in the story over the sex scene

As many reviews have called out, this game has very nice renders with a somewhat interesting idea for a plot. Sadly the writing is just horrendous. A detective going "undercover" but immediately tells anyone who asks that he is a detective.

The way he interacts with the female characters is also really awkward. He talks to someone in passing once and then acts as if they are close friends who tell each other everything. The way the characters interact is just so unnatural, weird and inconsistent.

I know this game has already had 2 reworks, but as it stands now the first 2 chapters really don't work at all. Chapter 3 was better, but I would bet a lot of people will drop it before making it to that.

Great game. Definitely one of the amazing games with great story and amazing graphics. Love it! Should definitely try this game at least once. You won't be disappointed. One of the best games I have played so far.

[0.37] Good graphic, first time I do screenshots not only girls, but also some scenes, because they are great Womans are not perfect (and that's great!). Not much much sex scenes, and it's good, there's build some of relations.

Cons what I see - sometimes the all undercover story is little stupid, when you think "soo, he's undercover, it's dangerous, but at the some time many person around know about who he is". But well, it's still pleasure.
Second cons - I like, when story is step by step released to player, but here sometimes is really confusing and I think, that every person around know more about MC than you - player.

Waiting for next updates

Good game, looking forward to more.
Great graphics, detailed and beautiful models.
Storywise it is a bit lackluster. The whole cartel/police thing is a bit silly .
The characters and their backgroundstories are all slightly overdramatic, and in terms of sexual content the game is much of a slowburn until chapter 3.
Don´t get me wrong: in comparism to other games here the story is not worse, proably even better.
All in all a beautiful dating sim-game to play, that has more qualities than a lot of other games here.

4stars , there's still room for improvements , but i think this is a very solid game , so far solid start with great renders , and hot curvey thicc girls and milfs (chef's kiss). Storywise i would say its fine , not bad ,but also not great , and it's still early it might also go south in the future who knows?, but for now it's a very solid 4stars for me atleast.

The version is 0.37.

I'm kinda surprised that I got to this game so late, as "law enforcement action" is totally my thing. So, about what we have here…

Pros:
1) Good plot.
2) Decent visuals.
3) Good MC. I like playing as heroes.
4) Good LI selection, especially if you like redheads, tsunderes, or MILFs. The devs make an effort to show their troubles and lives to us without being overly dramatic about it, making the girls relatable.
5) Good "directing" in general. Action, humor, and drama elements are all on their places.
6) Action again.

Cons:
1) Despite the good storytelling, I have to say that overall the writing is subpar. Tons of typos (including missing dots; I go bananas when I see missing dots!), the narrator sometimes talks directly to the player which doesn't work well with the MC's frequent inner monologues, and the cases where the narrator first tells the player that the characters did this or that, despite a render showing it appearing right then… Well, these things just shouldn't be in a game with this much potential.
2) We need more sex, dammit!

So, overall, this is a decent game that has potential to become great, but requires a lot of proofreading and a couple of sex scenes to get there. Both tasks are totally feasible.

This has got to be the most improved game so far. I love how Knight managed to find a co-creator whom he can agree with because the game has changed for the better.

I will say that Kylie has been my fave LI so far, with Brie following after her despite being a colossal bitch at the moment. The MC is a lot better and more mature, which fits that the overall tone of the game.

Whatever the case, I look forward to future updates to the game and become a patron again soon.

Among the best games and the rare game where revamp really improved the quality. I really appreciate the dev not giving up back when it initially launched and hoping all the very best in the continuation of this game's development.

The main story's plot might be fairly straight forward, but it is done well by tying it to a character close to MC so it has strong relevance throughout the game. Each love interest is well written and despite each of them having their own issues to face, they are all still likeable characters. They are all beautiful too which is always a good problem to have.

Most importantly, there is a good content balance when it comes to the story and the romance progression to ensure that each update feels satisfying to play. There is always enough hook in this game. I want to see what's going to happen next in the main story's plot. I want learn more about the love interest's character story. I look forward to see how the relationship develops.

This game and its dev had a rough start...The first releases were messy (which could be seen by 1-star reviews that still arent removed by f95zooone miracle).

The dev didnt lost his passion for it, nor become disheartened instead he worked hard and improved considerably in every department.

This game now (v0.37) could be considered one of the top AVNs around - in regards to story/plot, renders, atmosphere, characters, relations development, meaningful choices...

And what is more important it still has considerable room for the improvement (sex scenes for example, view is often "too close" which isnt that erotic imo), yet those mostly fall into some personal preferences.

All in all i could only wish the dev to continue his pursuit for the best game he can make, and i have no doubt he will get there in time.

p.s.
seeing that this gem has only 3.7 rating, while too many crap projects/games have 4+ (or even higher) ratings shows how pointless/and useless current f95z rating system could be.

To keep this short, I liked this one. Great models and characters are very well-created. The history of this one is something that I was searching for in some VN games. It has solid and beautiful elements, decent scenes of sex, and quite a charm.
I recommend this game to all of you

There is nothing really that I can complain about in this VN

The story 8/10
Renders/animation 9/10
Character design 10/10
Spicy scenes 10/10

What I liked most about this game was the girls/Lis are very different from body type to personality very well done and that this is not a harem so your choice may bite you later
MCs story is kind of generic (hero born from tragedy) but very well executed and with some twists and turns
I very much recommend this game try it

What a great AVN. The story is not unique but still compelling and a fun read. the MC is really cool and obviously a chick magnet but what wins this hands down are the graphics and the LIs. They are gorgeous ! like SG level of gorgeous and varied in looks. Also each has their own personality which you don't see in every AVN. I'm really looking forward to see how this game progresses.

+ likable mc, he is not a pathetic wimp
+ story
+ music is really nice
+ renders and animations, top notch
+ smoking hot gals with interesting personalities

a real fucking gem, no idea how i missed this game. 5 stars from me

I played v0.34; apart from a few logics, the game is actually pretty good. There is a nice variety in LIs, which are a class apart from regular AVNs. Go for it!

The plot is a little silly but makes up for it with beautiful renders and girls that have compelling stories behind the masks they put up. If you like crime-drama shows you'll love this premise and I think it is unique in its own right.

Give it a try if you appreciate quality slow-burns like SG and you'll have fun.

Full disclosure even though English is the only language I understand. I do have issues noticing bad writing or grammar in these games.

• Story

This game is a story focused game first, so because of that there aren't any lewd scenes yet. But there is some lewd content just not of it. The story is part mystery that isn’t yet revealed and the other half there is a clear objective. Now depending how sensitive you are to realism to certain aspects this might be something that bothers you as well with this title.

The MC is a undercover cop I have no clue if how this portrayed so far in the game Is it too unrealistic or not. There is one character I question how they are a cop in this game however because it seems they were an addict and potentially shot someone in the past.

• Renders

Normally renderings aren't something I judge or talk about in these games as it’s very subjective if you like them or not. But I felt the need to mention there were times where I thought the renders were really good above average for sure.

• Characters

Some may or may not like this part of the game. Because it can be a bit ridiculous when it’s used up in other games or any type of entertainment. But it seems for the most part all the characters are connected to one another in some shape or form without realizing. This aspect kind of bugged me at times. Because while I understand it made no sense for the MC to blow his cover since he is undercover. I found myself wanting the MC to tell a certain character to reveal who he really is since they knew each other in the past .

Every character seems to have gone through or is going through some kind of trauma. While I do like this troupe. I’ve been seeing it more and more lately, so it isn’t as refreshing as it used to be for me.

As far as the LI goes, I like all of them equally. This is probably one of rare games I can say I think I might actually like the milf character the most, a bit unsure at the moment but I do like her quite a bit. Though it helps that the MC is about the same age as her. Then there is the childhood friend. She remains a complete mystery as of now but I can’t help but to be scared for her as I want to like her the most so far despite not knowing enough about her. But I fear something bad is going to happen to her or she is going to end up being unlikeable once she reveals things to the character despite having good intentions.

• Additional Info

Some have issues with the writing or grammar, I can't comment on that aspect of this game as I stated above I do have issues noticing bad writing or grammar. But I did notice there were misspellings from time to time not that often but it was present.

This game has made it into my top 5 List, cant wait to see more