I've been playing
Degrees of Lewdity for a bunch of hours now, and it is time to make a review.
This game was the first text-based game that I've played and I'm happily surprised with how good it is. I had the game recommended when I asked for games with a dark setting - but also where you could choose the personality. I will say, this game hits pretty straight here, and that is nice.
You have loads of choice in this game, especially with the customization of the character. You can choose female, male and transgender. It is rare to have that much customization. While the world itself is not dark, the setting sort of is, as you live in an abusive orphanage.
I will say that a real litmus test of any game is how well it allows you to play in your desired way. Obviously, there are some caveats to that - for instance when playing Geralt of Rivia you will have of course have to adapt to the character's personality.
Anyways, this game allows you to play however you like. Do you want to be a submissive push-over or a defiant person who stands up for them self? Do you want to give the bully his way, sway the weirdo or help your best friend? You decide, and that is great.
Alright, so let me break it down for some fast(er) reading.
The good:
- Many different things to do and explore.
- A real choice on how you want your character to be. This is probably the real strength of this game.
- Actual pressure to make money and pay-up.
- Many stats, and they are easy to find and view.
- A huge amount of customization - both with the character and in terms of clothing.
- Peculiar art. I put it under good because it is quite different than most. It's not really something that turns me on, but that isn't the point of a text-based game I feel.
- There are many traits - and that is pretty cool as you get them depending on your play style. Though, can you really only be an angel if you are a virgin - does that actually make sense? I don't think so, but this is probably not the place for that discussion.
The in-between
- It took me some time to realize, but nonetheless the game becomes quite grindy. Especially the school days feels very repetitive busy-work. There should be ways to either mitigate them or make them more interesting. For instance a school trip to the lake or farms.
- Various characters can become infatuated with you. I think it would be interesting if I could pick my own love interest. Sure, someone may be into the MC, but that doesn't make it mutual. Currently it makes it mutual, and I find it quite annoying when my character exclaims "I'm already in a relationship with X" when my character isn't.
- The possibility of being assaulted needs to be balanced. Currently, you can get assaulted in broad daylight on the beach, bus or wherever. It's honestly a bit much and it breaks the immersion. Yes, I know the MC is attractive, but still.
The bad:
- The game needs a better journal/quest system - I've missed time-sensitive events because of a lack of reminders.
- There are times where the dialogue simply doesn't make sense. I will keep it spoiler-free, but for instance a very shy person goes from "ple-please have sex with me" and if you agree they immediatly goes to "you like that you slut?". It doesn't really make much sense and it breaks character. Or having consensual sex also sometimes use the same lines that a sexual assault use.
- A bit more information on how and where to find quests would be pretty neat. The information is not that well conveyed in the game.
I hope this review was helpful to you!