VN - Ren'Py - Charon 13 [v.0.2] [Mac Hanson]

In my view the graphics are on another level. Especially the animations are rather real life films than computer graphics. I wonder how dev does it.

The story is interesting, although the potential seems somewhat limited due to the limited number of characters on board.

I really like the physiques of the girls. Not these artificial looking boobs that stand straight away from the body, but they have some weight and it shows. I would not call them saggy, but they look much more real than in other games. also some variety in size and form.

The game is still in early stage and I hope progress will be made earlier than from v.0.1. to v.0.2

Review of Charon 13:

Overall, my experience with Charon 13 wasn’t terrible, but there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement. The game has a solid foundation, but some aspects could really benefit from refinement.

First off, the female characters are visually impressive. The detail and design of the female models are well done, and they stand out in a positive way. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the male protagonist (MC). His design feels rather generic and lacks the same level of detailing as the female characters, making him feel almost out of place in comparison. A little more attention to his appearance could have made a big difference in terms of immersion and character connection.

Another issue that stood out was the occasional spelling errors in the text. While it doesn’t completely ruin the experience, it’s noticeable and can pull you out of the story at times. A little more attention to proofreading would go a long way in ensuring a smoother experience.

On the visual side, I actually appreciate the use of AI-generated CG when it comes to the ship navigating through space. Those sequences are visually engaging and help set the tone of the game. However, when it comes to the character videos, I’m not as impressed. I feel that the inclusion of video clips featuring the characters detracts from the story immersion. It’s like breaking the flow, and I personally think static images would have been more fitting for this kind of narrative-driven game.

As for the story, it's still in its early stages, but there’s a decent foundation. It’s hard to make a full judgment just yet, but the setup has potential. I’m cautiously optimistic about what might come next.

One thing that struck me early on was the characters' lack of urgency, especially considering the stressful conditions they’re in. The situations should feel a bit more dire, yet their reactions often seem underwhelming, which hurts the tension of the scenes. Additionally, for a group of strangers thrown into high-stress circumstances, the amount of flirtation at the start feels out of place. It doesn’t seem to match the gravity of their situation, which can feel a bit jarring.

In conclusion, while Charon 13 has a lot of potential, it could definitely benefit from a few tweaks, particularly when it comes to character design, text quality, and how the AI-generated content is integrated into the story. It’s not a bad experience by any means, but with a little more polish, it could be great.

Personally, I find many of the reviews very, very harsh, even though this is only version 2.0.
I think this is a very, very good start to the story, and the characters are excellent. I like the Star Trek reference in the cockpit, well done!
So yes, there are some small things that could be improved, but honestly, it's off to a good start. Be careful not to fall into the childishness of the dialogue or attitudes, but the general idea and the general characters are positive, and that feels good. The MC isn't bad at all, even if he looks a little puny, but a little exercise and strength training on the ship would allow him to improve his physical appearance. Furthermore, I suspect that the lack of information regarding the beginning will be reflected in a possible communication with Earth in a later version.
Let's just hope the developer will keep in mind the need to maintain a team spirit and a sense of belonging among our space Robinsons.
I give it a 4 without any problem! Can't wait to see what happens next.

Apparently I'm not as critical as some others here. MO this game is solid all around; Attractive models that look like real people, dialogue and character development that doesn't break immersion, and visuals that are usually only seen in an Unreal Engine game.

Only minor drawbacks would be excusable since it's only v0.2. The LIs all have distinct personalities and are all fairly strong personalities. Not much chance for development but dev makes the most of establishing them in the short amount of time given. I'm not a fan of "magic dicks" but in this case it kinda works. The LIs are almost more interested in each other, and considering what they went through it's understandable.

The MC seems to just be along for the ride, but with events transpiring so quickly, there isn't much room to get to know him yet. And so far he seems likeable enough.

So none of this should be taken as a negative, the game in it's current state works well and I was saddened when I came to the "continued next episode" screen. I have no reason not to believe these will be addressed and then some as the story continues. Well-worth the download.

Did I mention the top-tier visuals?

VERSION: 0.2
SUMMARY: Pretty good start and has potential
RATINGS: (out of 5):

NOTE: The following categories and scoring method are my own criteria and may require more context. Additionally, scoring is based on the state, and what is in the current version and not what may or may not be.

1. Model Visuals..................... : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. General Visuals................... : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Animation Quality................. : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Character (Persona)............... : ⭐⭐⭐
5. Story Quality & Pacing............ : ⭐⭐⭐
6. Writing Quality & Dialogue........ : ⭐⭐⭐
7. UI & Game-play Mechanics...........: ⭐⭐
8. Playtime & General Quality.........: ⭐⭐⭐
9. Sounds & Music.....................: ⭐⭐⭐
10. H-Content & Fetishes.............. : ⭐⭐⭐

Average: X of 50 possible points giving a X% rating i.e. X stars.

PROS:

1. Models look pretty decent
2. AI animations are not bad either, good intro animation and such.
3. Writing is structured and reads well.
4. Story is interesting, though nothing exceptional, but importantly has potential, albeit some major plot holes.

CONS:

1. Unlikely story, a large ship with only 6 people on board to an exclusive trip to a new planet...nah, too much bullshit right there. Story leans strongly to porn logic being the predominate driving factor.
2. Characters take it all way to easily in the stride, that being trapped on a ship with strangers with no way off, no family, nothing...
3. Flaunting the AI CGI is all good and well, but I would like to see less posing and more interaction during the game and lewd scenes using it.
4. MC looks too geeky and his malnourished physique shows.
5. UI missing basic features like opacity settings

FINAL REMARKS, OPINIONS & SUGGESTIONS:

NOTE: The following remarks are my personal opinions and thoughts, which may provide more context and could be useful to the developer.

• The MC look is very boring and bland, I am hoping the MC will spend time in the gym and eat more to beef up and maybe even grow some scruff which would appeal to more mature woman IMO.
• Entire premise is too convenient and the NPCs are too absorbed in bullshit dress up than being concerned about what is going on. What about their family and friends on earth or other ships ? What happens if there are incidents or repairs to be done, who will do it, who apart from 2 characters have any skills worth a damn on this kind of trip.
• Added to above, an entire ship for the MC with 5 woman...yawn...while this sounds fun its also implausible and there would be no way this could feasibly happen unless they were a skeleton crew working there and the ships AI decided that for humans to survive it needs to launch the ship immediately pending some disastrous event, and the MC and 5 woman becomes humanities last hope as a breeder ship....now there is a story for you that is unlikely but with more believable circumstances.
• The porn logic nature of the game through its dialogue early on being blatant with the LIs interest in the MC. This is to me a major draw back and actually ruins the game from a story POV. Changing this after the fact wont change either unless done from first interactions. The seriousness of the situation is completely forgotten and overshadowed by mundane clothes shopping, AI CGI poses, swimming pool scenes and flirting from the get go, which sets the stage for this VN as simply FAP content and porn logic orientated. Good for that, not for anything else.

TLDR:

Not bad and could even be called good, but the MC looks like a pipsqueak with zero sex appeal and the woman are technically all bimbos and sluts simply because they care more about dress up than the life altering event they are in yet seemingly have not come to terms with. This is more shocking when there are those NPCs who should know better in the group e.g. pilot and technician. So all very nice bullshit and fine I guess for some nice AI CGI, but don't expect a Pulitzer prize for story

Decent overall, but please, for the love of God, let us disable the AI videos or just remove them completely. They look horrible and detract from the game's artstyle, which is good enough to carry the game.

Version 0.1
An interesting twist on an old theme, a horny young man is isolated with 4 beautiful women but the specifics are interesting.

The story isn't bad, not too wordy but obviously English is not the writers first language. He should consider having someone with better English skills proof read his work.

The images are top notch. The people look realistic and attractive. Even the MC is relatively handsome which tends to be rare in a lot of VNs.

Not a lot of content yet but so far it's promising.

Okay, I'll jump. What there is so far is an encouragingly decent opening storyline which I found pleasantly engaging throughout this first episode.

Nice age spread and all of the characters are highly personable. The young lady of colour is pretty and politely self-assured in character. The young man of discolour, the mc in fact, is suitably neutral at the moment, though I am sure that despite his seemingly unassuming nature and subject to regular warm baths with each member aboard ship, his true character and exclusively male attributes will gradually come to the fore and I'm referring to his physical and emotional strength and other genetically positive aptitudes, rather than just his dick, although , of course, there's obviously...or I should say, hopefully...going to be a role for that too, once the eyeing and chatting is over and the voyage proper gets fully underway.

One very positive aspect I note and really like is the fact that the clearly defined status differences (VIP to crew) established at the beginning of the story, are, on the surface, completely ignored by both the developer and his VIP characters. The two ladies in fact show every sign, at this early stage at least, that whilst remaining fully aware of their status are nevertheless showing themselves to be neutral, pragmatic and amicable team players. A welcome relief from the (sadly) expected stereotypical petulant and disruptive, attitudes of superiority which usually pisses the heck out of me in these dramas.

The sci-fi visuals are as basic as basic can be, but clearly representing a low cost means to an equally low cost end, posed no threat whatsoever to my overall enjoyment or the positive impression given by every other aspect of this tale thus far.

In summary then, I would say; a promising storyline, a really encouraging balance in the cast/crew and a very pleasant feel to the atmosphere between all players at the moment. These factors, robustly enhanced by the even distribution of gorgeousness across the female cast, and especially, for my own personal tastes, the highly attractive prevalence of superbly proportioned female voluptuousness, all give me encouragingly high hopes of much enjoyment to be experienced in the future of this, thus far, impressive opening gambit.

Version 0.1

Mac Hanson is a great storyteller and this new story confirm it.

The render is great and the story at the expected level.

I find the release short but is the usual length for this dev.

I reserve a more developed review for later.

Very good looking characters
Nice humor / light hearted feeling reading the dialog
Classic although well brought situation for 1 MC and 5 chicks, the later ones covering the expected type of LIs
Just an intro, but promising
In space no one will hear your pleasure screams