VN Ren'Py Abandoned Connected [v0.2.5] [ChainZero]

[Englen]

You must be registered to see the links

I'll be honest with ya'll, I tried starting a Dev Report/Preview at least 4 or 5 times for the last 2 or 3 weeks but never really knew what to say. Why? Cause there isn't much good news to report, I guess? It's more so just been frustrations during the development, and I like to try and keep posts positive. So I'm just gonna talk about some of the feelings I have right now today.

I've sort of been stuck in purgatory for a while now. In development as well as in daily life and they sort of blend together making for an exhausting process. Imagine being in a movie and you're just constantly taking a mental beating every few days. Nothing serious or overly dramatic, but just annoying enough to make you wanna sleep it off. And then you come to do what you love and for some reason, everything that worked before begins to work against you. If you're me, you'd probably be looking for a wall to punch through.

Preparing for the revamp has been quite the hassle to say the least. Creating environments, all that kinda shit. Long story short, I'm convinced Daz Studio hates me. Rendering has been extremely inconsistent for me the past few weeks which has caused me to restart rendering time and time again to find something that works.

Remember all those tests I did in preparation for the revamp? All of that was to try to make the rendering process run smoothly. Obviously, that failed. So, the only report I have for ya'll currently is that I'm still rendering Chapter 1 because I needed to go back and find some alternatives. Had this shit not started happening, I likely would've already started the second half of Chapter 3. Disappointing, frustrating, but, I'm working through it.

Daz3D has a tool called the "Scene Optimizer". I'll have to look into using it. It probably could've solved a lot of my problems ages ago but I never really cared for anything that, to my knowledge, wasn't directly impacting my scenes. Obvious dumbass mistake is obvious.

But anyways, I'm getting good results (for now anyway) and the preview above is proof of that.
Earlier this month, I changed some parts of the first chapter, which is also evident in the preview above. In my view, too many games have characters working in a bar or a cafe. I believe this is because of the wide abundance of cafe environments the Daz store has. There's a lot. So this time, Chris and Ayana are working in a clothing store, more specifically a shoe store. Where I live, a lot of people my age work in these clothing stores, so might as well reflect that here. Michelle and Charlotte will still be in a cafe though.

Most of you might already recognize the environment I'm using, but I did edit it a bit to make it look a little newer. There will be more to see soon.

Let's hope for some smooth sailing from here on out.

 

[Ayhsel]

You must be registered to see the links

I'll be honest with ya'll, I tried starting a Dev Report/Preview at least 4 or 5 times for the last 2 or 3 weeks but never really knew what to say. Why? Cause there isn't much good news to report, I guess? It's more so just been frustrations during the development, and I like to try and keep posts positive. So I'm just gonna talk about some of the feelings I have right now today.

I've sort of been stuck in purgatory for a while now. In development as well as in daily life and they sort of blend together making for an exhausting process. Imagine being in a movie and you're just constantly taking a mental beating every few days. Nothing serious or overly dramatic, but just annoying enough to make you wanna sleep it off. And then you come to do what you love and for some reason, everything that worked before begins to work against you. If you're me, you'd probably be looking for a wall to punch through.

Preparing for the revamp has been quite the hassle to say the least. Creating environments, all that kinda shit. Long story short, I'm convinced Daz Studio hates me. Rendering has been extremely inconsistent for me the past few weeks which has caused me to restart rendering time and time again to find something that works.

Remember all those tests I did in preparation for the revamp? All of that was to try to make the rendering process run smoothly. Obviously, that failed. So, the only report I have for ya'll currently is that I'm still rendering Chapter 1 because I needed to go back and find some alternatives. Had this shit not started happening, I likely would've already started the second half of Chapter 3. Disappointing, frustrating, but, I'm working through it.

Daz3D has a tool called the "Scene Optimizer". I'll have to look into using it. It probably could've solved a lot of my problems ages ago but I never really cared for anything that, to my knowledge, wasn't directly impacting my scenes. Obvious dumbass mistake is obvious.

But anyways, I'm getting good results (for now anyway) and the preview above is proof of that.
Earlier this month, I changed some parts of the first chapter, which is also evident in the preview above. In my view, too many games have characters working in a bar or a cafe. I believe this is because of the wide abundance of cafe environments the Daz store has. There's a lot. So this time, Chris and Ayana are working in a clothing store, more specifically a shoe store. Where I live, a lot of people my age work in these clothing stores, so might as well reflect that here. Michelle and Charlotte will still be in a cafe though.

Most of you might already recognize the environment I'm using, but I did edit it a bit to make it look a little newer. There will be more to see soon.

Let's hope for some smooth sailing from here on out.

That is Ayana? wow, she looks super pretty.

 

[HansDampf788]

So now we have another game that gets a revamp, that in my opinion is not needed, that doesn't progres well and just takes more and more time from creating actual new content.

For the change in the store the MC and Ayana work and that is probably just me but where i live i have never seen a guy work in a shoe store.

 

[Holy Bacchus]

You must be registered to see the links

I'll be honest with ya'll, I tried starting a Dev Report/Preview at least 4 or 5 times for the last 2 or 3 weeks but never really knew what to say. Why? Cause there isn't much good news to report, I guess? It's more so just been frustrations during the development, and I like to try and keep posts positive. So I'm just gonna talk about some of the feelings I have right now today.

I've sort of been stuck in purgatory for a while now. In development as well as in daily life and they sort of blend together making for an exhausting process. Imagine being in a movie and you're just constantly taking a mental beating every few days. Nothing serious or overly dramatic, but just annoying enough to make you wanna sleep it off. And then you come to do what you love and for some reason, everything that worked before begins to work against you. If you're me, you'd probably be looking for a wall to punch through.

Preparing for the revamp has been quite the hassle to say the least. Creating environments, all that kinda shit. Long story short, I'm convinced Daz Studio hates me. Rendering has been extremely inconsistent for me the past few weeks which has caused me to restart rendering time and time again to find something that works.

Remember all those tests I did in preparation for the revamp? All of that was to try to make the rendering process run smoothly. Obviously, that failed. So, the only report I have for ya'll currently is that I'm still rendering Chapter 1 because I needed to go back and find some alternatives. Had this shit not started happening, I likely would've already started the second half of Chapter 3. Disappointing, frustrating, but, I'm working through it.

Daz3D has a tool called the "Scene Optimizer". I'll have to look into using it. It probably could've solved a lot of my problems ages ago but I never really cared for anything that, to my knowledge, wasn't directly impacting my scenes. Obvious dumbass mistake is obvious.

But anyways, I'm getting good results (for now anyway) and the preview above is proof of that.
Earlier this month, I changed some parts of the first chapter, which is also evident in the preview above. In my view, too many games have characters working in a bar or a cafe. I believe this is because of the wide abundance of cafe environments the Daz store has. There's a lot. So this time, Chris and Ayana are working in a clothing store, more specifically a shoe store. Where I live, a lot of people my age work in these clothing stores, so might as well reflect that here. Michelle and Charlotte will still be in a cafe though.

Most of you might already recognize the environment I'm using, but I did edit it a bit to make it look a little newer. There will be more to see soon.

Let's hope for some smooth sailing from here on out.

ChainZero
We believe in you! Really like the decision to have them work in a clothing store. It speaks to how this game is so different from others and this is its core strength. Aya also looks amazing here. So chic and sophisticated.

Just remember what Soichiro Honda said, "Success is 99 percent failure."

For the change in the store the MC and Ayana work and that is probably just me but where i live i have never seen a guy work in a shoe store.

Really? You don't have any stores that sell men's shoes where you live?

 

[HansDampf788]

Really? You don't have any stores that sell men's shoes where you live?

What has selling men's shoe's to do with that? I said I never seen a guy work in a shoe store where i live.

 

[Holy Bacchus]

What has selling men's shoe's to do with that? I said I never seen a guy work in a shoe store where i live.

Because most, if not all, shoe stores have male employees to deal with the male customers, so it's a little odd that you say you've never seen a male employee in a shoe store.

 

[Deleted member 444674]

What has selling men's shoe's to do with that? I said I never seen a guy work in a shoe store where i live.

Because most, if not all, shoe stores have male employees to deal with the male customers, so it's a little odd that you say you've never seen a male employee in a shoe store.

I'll have to see what I can do with editing the store, cause as I said shit can get pretty inconsistent, but I'm trying to fill up the store with both men's and women's shoes. Or I could just make it a complete men's shoes store, but I would need to really take time on doing that. Possibly changing colors as well. Probably try to simulate a Footlocker kind of store. Lots of 20 somethings, men and women work at Footlocker. Same with Payless Shoesource, which is more discount shoes for men and women.

Right now, this preview makes it look totally woman based, but it's a WIP preview. Not really representing the final result. If I can get something going here, it'll look much different, if NOT, then I guess Chris works in a female's shoe store . Just use your imagination, please.

 

[Holy Bacchus]

I'll have to see what I can do with editing the store, cause as I said shit can get pretty inconsistent, but I'm trying to fill up the store with both men's and women's shoes. Or I could just make it a complete men's shoes store, but I would need to really take time on doing that. Possibly changing colors as well. Probably try to simulate a Footlocker kind of store. Lots of 20 somethings, men and women work at Footlocker. Same with Payless Shoesource, which is more discount shoes for men and women.

Right now, this preview makes it look totally woman based, but it's a WIP preview. Not really representing the final result. If I can get something going here, it'll look much different, if NOT, then I guess Chris works in a female's shoe store . Just use your imagination, please.

Well, some women might like having a strapping young lad fetch their shoes and slip it on for them like the Prince in Cinderella.

Also, I'm assuming we can still change the MC's name and won't be stuck with "Chris"?

 

[Deleted member 444674]

Well, some women might like having a strapping young lad fetch their shoes and slip it on for them like the Prince in Cinderella.

Also, I'm assuming we can still change the MC's name and won't be stuck with "Chris"?

Yes! I'm just referring to him as Chris cause it's his default name. Calling him "MC" when I'm his creator makes him sound like he's devoid of personality. It feels weird, but I just did it cause everyone else did it, haha.

 

[HansDampf788]

I'll have to see what I can do with editing the store, cause as I said shit can get pretty inconsistent, but I'm trying to fill up the store with both men's and women's shoes. Or I could just make it a complete men's shoes store, but I would need to really take time on doing that. Possibly changing colors as well. Probably try to simulate a Footlocker kind of store. Lots of 20 somethings, men and women work at Footlocker. Same with Payless Shoesource, which is more discount shoes for men and women.

Right now, this preview makes it look totally woman based, but it's a WIP preview. Not really representing the final result. If I can get something going here, it'll look much different, if NOT, then I guess Chris works in a female's shoe store . Just use your imagination, please.

The shoe thing was just a side node. As said in my post above i don't get it why the revamp happens in the first place. Just my opinion but the renders from the start are realy good and if it's only the script that needs some changes, I'm sure you could have done that without the need to make new renders for the complete first version.

And yes as a player I am biased against revamps because most of the time the game either ends in development hell or get worse.

 

[Deleted member 444674]

The shoe thing was just a side node. As said in my post above i don't get it why the revamp happens in the first place. Just my opinion but the renders from the start are realy good and if it's only the script that needs some changes, I'm sure you could have done that without the need to make new renders for the complete first version.

And yes as a player I am biased against revamps because most of the time the game either ends in development hell or get worse.

Well, to put it simply, I was never a big fan of Chapter 1. I contemplated redoing it back when I released it, but I left it alone, but I always felt like I could do better. You say the renders are really good, and yeah, I'm somewhat fine with them, but they're not my best. The first few in the bar are low quality, the Daz Studio's denoiser often smudges the grain too much and makes images look ugly, Ayana's masturbation shower scene looks fine, I guess, but the hair is all glossy for no reason, the MC's clothes and appearance change in between Ch 1 and 2, etc. The script needed work too.

After a while, I just couldn't leave it alone. I could've just reworked things as I continued like other games. Other games start fairly ugly and get better as development continues, but my "self-diagnosed OCD" for not allowing that to happen with this game. I hate inconsistency, and it would've been hella inconsistent anyway cause I planned on adding some new scenes as well. So things would've just looked too jumbled.

I just feel so much more comfortable revamping this thing, despite the recent issues. Better now when the game is still small.

 

[MrFriendly]

Well, to put it simply, I was never a big fan of Chapter 1. I contemplated redoing it back when I released it, but I left it alone, but I always felt like I could do better. You say the renders are really good, and yeah, I'm somewhat fine with them, but they're not my best. The first few in the bar are low quality, the Daz Studio's denoiser often smudges the grain too much and makes images look ugly, Ayana's masturbation shower scene looks fine, I guess, but the hair is all glossy for no reason, the MC's clothes and appearance change in between Ch 1 and 2, etc. The script needed work too.

After a while, I just couldn't leave it alone. I could've just reworked things as I continued like other games. Other games start fairly ugly and get better as development continues, but my "self-diagnosed OCD" for not allowing that to happen with this game. I hate inconsistency, and it would've been hella inconsistent anyway cause I planned on adding some new scenes as well. So things would've just looked too jumbled.

I just feel so much more comfortable revamping this thing, despite the recent issues. Better now when the game is still small.

As I said on Patreon but will say here... Dude I will wait for a revamp for as long as you need to get it done. I love this game so far (I mean for all I know Chapter 4 will involve butt raping tentacled aliens invading - that's not my thing) and am excited to see where you go with it. My only request/push back is that you don't then rework the revamp in a few months. I understand perfectionism/OCD but there is a point where you need to let go.

As for the shoe store, anyone who says men don't work at one is being ridiculous or has never been to a Foot Locker in a mall in North America. There are always guys working there because they want the employee discount and access to the latest Nike "kicks" or whatever the youths call them these days. I think that having Chris/MC work at a shoe store allows the addition of 1) flirtatious women who think he's hot flashing their panties (or more) at him, 2) a new "obsession" or hobby for Chris in getting stylish shoes for his wardrobe, 3) a place where the girls (Nikki, Charlotte, etc) can come visit him and actually interact with him while shopping (when you go to someone's bar/restaurant they work at you usually can't visit for long).

Anyway, maybe none of what I just listed will ever be in the game. Maybe tentacled aliens will descend upon the town. Regardless I look forward to seeing what you do next with the game. I just hope we are closer to sooner than later on a release date.

Oh and make it that the characters change outfits often. I find it weird and creepy when people wear the same clothes for days/months in games... If you can ofc.

 

[HansDampf788]

As for the shoe store, anyone who says men don't work at one is being ridiculous or has never been to a Foot Locker in a mall in North America.

Not everyone in this forum is from the US.

 

[MrFriendly]

Not everyone in this forum is from the US.

Yes, I am aware of that. However, a large number of users are from North America. And are you telling me that in the entirety of the world, outside North America, men don't work in shoe stores? Is it only a viable job for Men in North America and women in a global capacity? LOL

 

[HansDampf788]

My only request/push back is that you don't then rework the revamp in a few months. I understand perfectionism/OCD but there is a point where you need to let go.

We agree on the part of never ending reworks so why are we arguing about shoe store employees.

 

[MrFriendly]

We agree on the part of never ending reworks so why are we arguing about shoe store employees.

<Shrug> You felt a need to write a post pointing out the obvious fact that everyone on F95 isn't in the United States. You read the entirety of my post and felt that was all that needed or warranted a response. Oh and thanks for the facepalm

And I am not against reworks, the creator of a game should be able to do whatever they want to the game. All we can do is vote with our money and time as to whether we find it worthwhile when they present their game to us. I am willing to wait for CZ to get his game to where he wants it before I am able to play it again. If he decides to go in the butt raping tentacled alien route then I will drop my patreon support, wish him luck, and move on. It's his choice and I don't expect to have any real input into what he does or when. However, as a fan I would like to see whatever he has done soon.

 

[Holy Bacchus]

Not everyone in this forum is from the US.

So? Guys working in shoe stores isn't limited to the US and anyone who lives in a western or industrialised country will find men working in shoe stores.

 

[AvatarStormBringer]

You must be registered to see the links

I'll be honest with ya'll, I tried starting a Dev Report/Preview at least 4 or 5 times for the last 2 or 3 weeks but never really knew what to say. Why? Cause there isn't much good news to report, I guess? It's more so just been frustrations during the development, and I like to try and keep posts positive. So I'm just gonna talk about some of the feelings I have right now today.

I've sort of been stuck in purgatory for a while now. In development as well as in daily life and they sort of blend together making for an exhausting process. Imagine being in a movie and you're just constantly taking a mental beating every few days. Nothing serious or overly dramatic, but just annoying enough to make you wanna sleep it off. And then you come to do what you love and for some reason, everything that worked before begins to work against you. If you're me, you'd probably be looking for a wall to punch through.

Preparing for the revamp has been quite the hassle to say the least. Creating environments, all that kinda shit. Long story short, I'm convinced Daz Studio hates me. Rendering has been extremely inconsistent for me the past few weeks which has caused me to restart rendering time and time again to find something that works.

Remember all those tests I did in preparation for the revamp? All of that was to try to make the rendering process run smoothly. Obviously, that failed. So, the only report I have for ya'll currently is that I'm still rendering Chapter 1 because I needed to go back and find some alternatives. Had this shit not started happening, I likely would've already started the second half of Chapter 3. Disappointing, frustrating, but, I'm working through it.

Daz3D has a tool called the "Scene Optimizer". I'll have to look into using it. It probably could've solved a lot of my problems ages ago but I never really cared for anything that, to my knowledge, wasn't directly impacting my scenes. Obvious dumbass mistake is obvious.

But anyways, I'm getting good results (for now anyway) and the preview above is proof of that.
Earlier this month, I changed some parts of the first chapter, which is also evident in the preview above. In my view, too many games have characters working in a bar or a cafe. I believe this is because of the wide abundance of cafe environments the Daz store has. There's a lot. So this time, Chris and Ayana are working in a clothing store, more specifically a shoe store. Where I live, a lot of people my age work in these clothing stores, so might as well reflect that here. Michelle and Charlotte will still be in a cafe though.

Most of you might already recognize the environment I'm using, but I did edit it a bit to make it look a little newer. There will be more to see soon.

Let's hope for some smooth sailing from here on out.

Keep up the good work! Keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully when you revamp chapter 2 the footjob will look even more sensual

So? Guys working in shoe stores isn't limited to the US and anyone who lives in a western or industrialised country will find men working in shoe stores.

I second that. Honestly, anyone who lives in a civilization really. All our shoe stores here have men.

 

[Glooskabe]

if NOT, then I guess Chris works in a female's shoe store . Just use your imagination, please.

So you're confirming MC's foot fetish then?

 

[Thinkingaboutbois]

I just booted up the game. That song FUCKING SLAPS

if anyone is curious it's Where my heart is by Gamma Skies