I've been following this thread for a while, even commented a couple of times, but due to life circumstances hadn't played the game! I started once, got as far as the MC's first trip to Eternum and then wasn't playing games much at all for a while, and when I got back into it, had so many I wanted to try or continue that I did a very wrong thing and started skipping content to get to the 'good stuff'. I also wasted too much time on grindy sandbox games for the lure of a certain character (mostly never getting there), making me even more inclined to skip in games where I could.
I knew I didn't want to treat Eternum that way. I tried skipping through some and it was obvious that unlike many games which all feature the same plot in different settings, here I was really missing a lot by not reading every line.
So I resolved to stop playing at all until I could let go of the need to play everything and the desire for instant gratification. I achieved that some time ago, but by then was occupied with other things.
A couple of days ago I finished the latest episode of Ripples, which was first on my list of games I wanted to play properly, with full attention. Eternum was second.
I've played up to the conversation with Idriel the first time the MC enters Eternum. A little before I stopped the first time. I'm deliberately not rushing things.
I have very little criticism so far. Some minor language glitches, a scene in the classroom where it appears Chang may be part cat, because I don't think the human body is meant to bend like that. Nothing worth getting excited about.
Before I get into what I really liked, there is one thing. I wish writers would stop using the 'oops, I walked in on him naked, omg his cock! I must have him' trope. This version played out in a way I enjoyed, but there must be better ways to start these relationships. Same with the MC noticing 'omg her boobs!' I know physical attraction is important, but maybe play up the emotional aspect more when talking about people who obviously love each other and for whom a physical relationship could be a logical next step. We could have 'wow, she smells good' when they hug, 'what's that feeling I'm getting when she glances over at me and why does she look away as soon as I notice?', subtle touches, accidental and not so accidental, and more like that. Again, same with the 'oh, I'm accidentally in a position to see her naked, let's stick around and watch and if she catches me I'll compliment her and that will turn me from a creepy voyeur into someone she wants to bang.' I deliberately played that scene with Dalia by having the MC immediately announce himself and so miss seeing her naked because I want him to be a good guy. I don't care if she will forgive him for creeping on her. I want him to not need forgiveness.
I offer this criticism because I think we have something here well above the quality of the average VN. These tropes don't seriously undermine that, and I can see them presented as 'classic humourous encounters' in the VN world, but I was slightly disappointed. We're not getting the typical 'older sister/roommate who isn't nice to the MC but you know they'll fuck eventually' and 'younger sister/roommate who is easily influenced' vibes - Penelope and Dalia seem better conceived characters than that, so it felt less inspired than the rest.
Then I mostly forgot about it because I'm liking just about everything else, and the initial setup seems about the least important thing in the story.
Chang is a bit of a wannabe player whose concept of women is not exactly enlightened, but his reaction to Mikaela, and the fact that he clearly has the MC's back, make him endearing, and I wish only good things for him (and that he grow up a little in his attitude toward women).
Annie is super adorable. I am looking forward to watching the development of her relationship with the MC.
Luna! Currently my favourite (sorry Annie!). She's cute and weird and that story she told at the café showed a dark sense of humour with which I can totally get on board. And of course I want to know what's up with the gloves (don't tell me!)
Axel is a cliché villain/bully, but he'll be entertaining, no doubt. The MC isn't even slightly intimidated by him and that has to sting.
I don't know enough about Penelope and Dalia yet to get a proper handle on them. But Penelope's willingness to help out the MC for the contest at the café speaks well of her.
Alex seems cool. Like she'll be difficult to get close to, but once you do, I imagine she's someone worth knowing.
I've read enough here (so far avoiding any serious spoilers) to know that all is not what it seems in the world of Eternum. I'm taking notes as I play.
I know most everyone here is far ahead of me. I'm in no hurry to catch up, but I'll be focusing exclusively on Eternum until I get there. One VN at a time from now on, and I'm going to be much pickier about which VNs those are.
