Ren'Py - Demons of the Hearth [v0.8] [Konvel]

  1. 4.00 star(s)

    Semantics

    Interesting characters, solid writing, and a mostly solid plot. There's also a satisfying amount of content for a first release, though it only has four sex scenes so far, if that's what you play games for.

    The issues for me:

    The game starts with an explanation of what's going on in the world from a neutral viewpoint and feels a bit expositiony, though I don't generally mind that in small doses. But said intro likes to drop names/terms without explaining them. For example, I spent a while wondering if "under the banner of Mastema" was referring to a nation, ruler, or diety and it took a handful of scenes to get the answer, even though it's relevant for the intro's context.

    The reasons for the conflict and the characters and motivations of the human king and the demon lord aren't really delved into. I don't mind this, because I assume motives and reasons will be explored later, but it could be annoying if you dislike MCs that seem to act with limited information/reasons, as the main character doesn't have a stated reason to get involved. I don't mind this either because he's - put vaguely to avoid spoilers as much as possible - inhereted the will of two who do seem to have ample motives, and will very likely develop some of his own reasons as the story goes on. But I could also see that rubbing some the wrong way.

    Navigation is probably the biggest issue. It feels like it could use a map (Maybe a map with areas that branch off into sub-areas, as there are quite a few exact locations), but the bigger issue is the fact that there's no way to tell where any character is at any given moment beyond memorizing their three-day schedule. A game where you have to find characters to see events needs a way to *find characters.* (Edit: As of 0.2, a much-improved map/navigation system has been put in that addresses both ease of getting around, and easily locating characters.)

    I also hope some characters that are presented as major characters but don't yet have events will eventually share the spotlight.

    Definitely interesting so far, and I'm eager for more.