VN Ren'Py Confusion - Chapter 9 [v0.9] [AVNSnax]

3.90 star(s) 45 Votes
Discussion Reviews (45)
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Wooloomooloo

Active Member
Apr 8, 2018
683
785
As much as I appreciate the portrayal of the hardships and problems a real trans person might face, I have to say I absolutely DO NOT appreciate being railroaded onto a scenario where everyone, and I mean EVERYONE except your family members are absolute jerks, no matter what you do. FFS, Kevin is a jerk (okay, fair enough...), Jordan is a jerk, Zoey is a jerk, Izzy is a jerk, Brad is a jerk... this is far beyond jumping the shark and just stupid by this point. YES, some people definitely ARE jerks - but WTF about everyone in anyone's life in this VN being one, whether you like it or not?!? There's making a point, and there's carpet-nuking the point from orbit. And this is definitely the latter... :FacePalm:
 
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AVNSnax

AVNSnax

Story Teller
Game Developer
Sep 27, 2021
216
1,281
Wooloomooloo said:
As much as I appreciate the portrayal of the hardships and problems a real trans person might face, I have to say I absolutely DO NOT appreciate being railroaded onto a scenario where everyone, and I mean EVERYONE except your family members are absolute jerks, no matter what you do. FFS, Kevin is a jerk (okay, fair enough...), Jordan is a jerk, Zoey is a jerk, Izzy is a jerk, Brad is a jerk... this is far beyond jumping the shark and just stupid by this point. YES, some people definitely ARE jerks - but WTF about everyone in anyone's life in this VN being one, whether you like it or not?!? There's making a point, and there's carpet-nuking the point from orbit. And this is definitely the latter... :FacePalm:
Click to expand...
Hi. I hear you. I get this sort of comment a lot. Here's some back story:

The original form of Confusion was a Twine story. There were several more characters, and I had room for a much more narrative tale. Alex still didn't have many allies, but there were more than just her foster sisters. Zoey's path was much different in the original story. She was the proverbial devil on Alex's shoulder to Chris's angel, whispering in her ear, pushing her down darker paths while Chris tried to keep her in line.

When I made the decision to switch to Ren'Py and make the story more visual (and taking into account the much smaller amount of text that can be presented) I cut back on the number of NPCs to simplify the story. And most importantly, I kept the story short so that it could be completed in a timely fashion. I did not want the development to be open-ended, like most VNs nowadays, just to keep support rolling in. Any time I see a new VN presented as "Season 1" I just roll my eyes. Especially since most will be abandoned after a couple of releases. That means that there isn't a lot of time to spend on red herrings and secret backroom deals meant to give more "depth" to villains and their motivations.

The story follows the classic Hero's Journey template. I have two comments about the antagonists in the story. First, if you are ever the subject of prejudice and ridicule in real life, it can simply feel like everybody is against you. I speak from first-hand experience. You initially think that Brad is a good guy, and you eventually find out that he's not. Or that Elliott is a bad egg but you aren't aware of just how bad she can get. Likewise, there are redemption arcs that you just haven't seen the endings to yet. Secondly, I get told all the time that I used too broad a brushstroke for the antagonists. Probably. Although I've written quite a few short stories in my life, this was my first attempt at a visual novel. Next time will be better, promise.

There are still two more chapters to go, and there will be payoffs. I can't say much more than that without giving away the store. If it's not your thing, I understand. But thanks for giving it a try.
 
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Wooloomooloo

Active Member
Apr 8, 2018
683
785
AVNSnax said:
Hi. I hear you. I get this sort of comment a lot. Here's some back story [...]
Click to expand...
Oh, I don't intend to quit, not at all. I do still enjoy your work a lot, even if it seems like a very unlikely corner case where you really ARE facing basically everyone else as adversaries. And thank you for a serious reply to what basically amounts to a rant.

I didn't know that this incarnation of "Confusion" is basically a rework from a text-based version - but I salute that decision, as it's reasonably sure to have opened the game to a much wider audience compared to a twine-based one. And of course, the redemption arcs are certainly great to have in the game - my only complaint was that, barring truly exceptional circumstances, there are always SOME people around anyone who don't NEED a redemption arc, because they're genuinely good people willing to accept you for whatever you are. No, there's never many of them - but usually, there's always SOME. This is what feels unrealistic in this game.

Obviously, I can see how this would interfere with the main thrust of the narrative you've chosen - you can't really feel like the whole world is against you when you have multiple readily available shoulders to cry on and supports to lean on. Ultimately, it's your game and your story to tell, unlikely or not; I just noticed a strange aspect and pointed it out - but that by no means makes your game a BAD one. Thanks for taking us all on this ride, and all the best to you on your future endeavors...
 
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RC-1138 Boss

RC-1138 Boss

Message Maven
Apr 26, 2017
13,534
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The story is nearing the climax now.Alex already decided to try to take more control over her life and they (the sisters) know who are the guilty fuckers who did that to Alex.

Also as AVNSax said this game was always supposed to have 10 chapters.:)
 
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Jafo

Jafo

Active Member
Oct 8, 2017
838
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I am the most curious how things will go on with Becca. Boy I love that woman. She is MEGA cute. Cannot wait to take her to the bedroom and do a lot of naughty stuff with her.
 
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ShadowRider77

Newbie
Jan 3, 2024
96
47
Hello, I discovered this VN just a couple days ago. I was perplexed at first, especially because I am not much into VNs (I prefer actual games) and I usually prefer female protagonists. However, I gave it a try and I was quickly hooked up with the depth and complexity of the characters and the story. I have finished my first playthrough a few minutes ago, and I'll be waiting eagerly for the next update. In the meantime, I'm subscribing on SS - I know, it's like joining a concert when there's just a couple songs left on the tracklist...

Anyway, keep up the good work!

A question: I have played without the patch, as I simply did not see it :cry: I'm doing a second playthrough soon, I think, and I'd like to know if it makes much difference. Also, I understand that to use the patch I just copy the file in the game folder, but how do I see if the patch is working? Thanks.
 
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Knight_of_the_lance

Knight_of_the_lance

Well-Known Member
Feb 23, 2020
1,010
1,866
ShadowRider77 said:
Hello, I discovered this VN just a couple days ago. I was perplexed at first, especially because I am not much into VNs (I prefer actual games) and I usually prefer female protagonists. However, I gave it a try and I was quickly hooked up with the depth and complexity of the characters and the story. I have finished my first playthrough a few minutes ago, and I'll be waiting eagerly for the next update. In the meantime, I'm subscribing on SS - I know, it's like joining a concert when there's just a couple songs left on the tracklist...

Anyway, keep up the good work!

A question: I have played without the patch, as I simply did not see it :cry: I'm doing a second playthrough soon, I think, and I'd like to know if it makes much difference. Also, I understand that to use the patch I just copy the file in the game folder, but how do I see if the patch is working? Thanks.
Click to expand...
The main difference is the relations between the characters. It, in some instances make more sense that way. I am aware of the relations in the non patched version but I havent played it so beyond that I can't really tell for what is the difference. I am not totally sure if you can tell in the main menu, but once you start the game and get to the introduction, the new relation between the characters should immediately become apparent.

And yes, that is how the patch is applied normally. Good luck with your second reading!
 
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RC-1138 Boss

RC-1138 Boss

Message Maven
Apr 26, 2017
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it may take some time yet.;)
AVNSnax
May 10, 2024 10:00 am

Bi-weekly status #48 (20240510)
Scene 7 is proving to be a real bear. Well, figuratively speaking, of course...we aren't actually fighting bears, per se (although, if you ever get between Snax and morning coffee...) It involves several low-light sets, which are already difficult to work with. We've had to work, and rework images. Sometimes, multiple times, as later images reveal some poor assumptions made about light sources from different angles or next to previously unseen obstacles. This is a climactic scene and we want to get it right. Scene 7 is already at 65 backgrounds and an animation, with several more of both to go.
Our May custom 4K renders went out on the first featuring Elliott. So far, we haven't received nearly the amount of backlash we got the first go-around, so maybe she's growing on people(?)
Our finale poll is closed, and the results surprised us a little. 23% voted to break up the release into two parts, and a whopping 77% voted for a single (with a longer development cycle) release. The masses have spoken! Plans for Chapter 10 are already underway.
A heartfelt welcome to all the new supporters who have joined us in the past two weeks! Your backing is fundamental to our mission and propels us forward. If you haven't already, please join us on our Discord and say hi!
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SerHawkes

SerHawkes

Engaged Member
Oct 29, 2017
3,271
14,935
Wooloomooloo said:
As much as I appreciate the portrayal of the hardships and problems a real trans person might face, I have to say I absolutely DO NOT appreciate being railroaded onto a scenario where everyone, and I mean EVERYONE except your family members are absolute jerks, no matter what you do. FFS, Kevin is a jerk (okay, fair enough...), Jordan is a jerk, Zoey is a jerk, Izzy is a jerk, Brad is a jerk... this is far beyond jumping the shark and just stupid by this point. YES, some people definitely ARE jerks - but WTF about everyone in anyone's life in this VN being one, whether you like it or not?!? There's making a point, and there's carpet-nuking the point from orbit. And this is definitely the latter... :FacePalm:
Click to expand...
Honestly can't agree more on this. Like I said priorly and such, despite being naturally dismissed by the kiss asses here and there, the cast of characters and 'theme' I would say in some regard is 'Every Male is a Jerk and an asshole, even though there are a few females who are also jerks, its more so Males Bad, Females mostly good.' Like jesus, how is that the majority of the cast: Kevin, Jordan, Zoey, Brad, Izzy, etc are made out to be the worst kinds of people are ment to be a 'message' while only those who are super close to you are dandy.

The writer and storyteller in me is naturally screaming 'yeah this is kinda a bit of a one sided preach fest on certain things, no question.' BUT, do I truly hate or dislike it enough to not play it? No, cause I am curious as to how this will all end and I do see glimples of growth of Alex on either path, even though some of that growth does see a bit much in some moments, not to mention her currently hairstyle being a bit of a bother for me still. Still, despite the oversensitive thinned skinned defenders telling me I SHOULDN'T play the game, I still will when updates come out, and still very much give my two cents on things.
 
Bossk

Bossk

Newbie
Jun 13, 2020
68
358
I was gonna come back for Chapter 8 and see if the story had redeemed itself at all, glad I didnt waste the download.

Ill just let my review stand. Its a shame, coulda been a compelling story instead of forcing Extra Drama Sauce into the recipe.

I am amused by all the "this has too much woke BS in it!" comments, really bro? You are playing a semiserious game about a trans girl and complaining about "woke". :unsure: there's lots of Futa Fap Fest games out there for you, this one aint it.

anyway, on to the story itself

Now this is based on chapter 7 and I've not played it in a good while so I might be forgetting some things about the plot, so dont crucify me for this take.

So many of the characters in the game were done dirty for no reason. For example, and this might be a controversial take, what they did to the Zoe character was just unforgivable imo. Thats not even getting into the fact that the MCs reaction towards her was almost sociopathic (from a previously kind character). It got to the point where I started to feel BAD for Zoe, it is very telling of just how disjointed and extreme the character personality shifts were.

Yeah I get that Zoe did a bad thing, but it felt like the intent was to have Zoe herself be confused and overwhelmed by her feelings for Alex and then react in ALL the wrong ways, but it felt like there was genuine remorse, like she knew she fucked up and instead of Alex showing even the faintest shred of empathy and being understanding because of her OWN struggles with her feelings and identity, she turns into this unrecognizable bully who is all but pushing Zoe to cancel her life subscription.

Maybe I read too much into Zoe, maybe she was meant to be another cartoon villain in the Batman Animated Series rogues gallery this became, but to me that is a person suffering with major confusion and possibly life altering revelations about her sexuality who made a bad choice. I get being mad, I get that Zoe tried to force herself on Alex (also just no idea WHY the dev felt the need to go down that road) I lost pretty much all respect for her at that point when she might as well have been telling Zoe to kill herself. (despite her being the victim of Zoe's actions)

Not even going to touch the entire police nonsense again or the family turning into caricatures. Its just sad to see a promising VN nosedive off a cliff.
 
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3.90 star(s) 45 Votes