VN - Ren'Py - Ethereal Ties [v0.4] [NevenVN]

Man choices are completely redundent and the protag isn't very bright is he.
examples:

1. His ex-gf has a split personallity and she is aware and on good terms with her. Mc then says to her face he is going to rid her of the other half, as soon as he found out. emmm ok ? why would he say that before letting the doctor know of this and have her evaluate the power first? completely stupid and of course no consequence for his stupidity. This type of thing happens regularly. (also she is literally only there for sex with Mc. I don't think he even cares about her in the slightest. they haven't exchanged a word outside of sex or the leadup to it.)
2. He is so coordinated and fit, knocking out dudes twice his size and dodging a knife no problem. As soon as someone is following him he runs straight into a crate in the middle of the road and stumbles flat on the ground like an idiot...
I could go on but you get it.
Every time you would think "ok and now the game will give me a choice of how to handle this situation." nope, the very cool protag-kun is handling everything on his own and very poorly at that.

The renders and character designs on the other hand are really really good, including the animations. (even though I could care less about the cinematic walking sequences) Clearly this is were the Devs forte really lies. I do like that the Dev is at least trying to wove in a story and not just sex.

Sad that it's playing too much into your average power fantasie trope. Mc is pretty much a really fit combat expert but hasn't trained a single day in his life. All girls fall instantly for him because.... he is nice to them ? He has zero moral flaws, a goody two-shoes... aside from using girls for their bodys, but of course the game never adressed this.
Hell his lesbian sister (miss me with that roommate shit) has sex dreams of him, despite not liking dick in the slightest. Btw the fact she likes pussy is never mentioned ever again and has literally no play in the story haha.
In theory, the story has enough potential. it's not terrible, but the writing relies to much on stupid cliches and wish fullfillment to really do something interesting with itself.

Version reviewed 0.2. (almost) Spoiler-free.

Major elements 18/30:

Minor elements 8/15:

The project has a lot of raw potential that still needs to be fully realized. There are two really important points to work on to help the game reach its potential: developing the story and increasing the tension it creates through more interactions between the various elements, particularly focusing on the character of Hann, and improving scene direction and post-rendering.

The characters have captured my attention and entertained me, and I know that this game, with the right adjustments, could become one of the best in the genre. Since it’s a new project and I see great potential that can be easily tap in with fairly simple changes, I’ve decided to give it an extra star on trust, despite the real rating.

I will follow the project with interest and recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy vibrant, breathing characters in the prime of their lives, facing paranormal situations and living their everyday life.

Really good first release, it has an interesting story and the scenes are well made, characters feel alive and not bland like others games of the genre were they just want to fuck you right away, solid first first impression, cute characters, good passing and very well made models, 5 stars for now!

So far it's pretty good.

Story -it's okay, didn't see much, but it's enjoeable.

Renders are good. Animations are present, so it's good.

Spelling and writing itself... There are some moments, where my inner grammar nazi wants to make out some buns of the dev, but it's really a minor thing. But you need someone who shall checkin out your writing.

There are some instant cuts halfway to the end of phr... , but at the same time not everyone can read fast enough to... I was forced to rollback a couple of times because of that. It's not convinient for some players, so maybe player need more time for these kinds of transitions.

Achivements. I liked that idea, it gave the game some charm. Characters looks interesting.

BOOBA is present. (Wanted more tho, but we shall see in the future).

Overall, it's a good start. I would even give it a solid 5, but my inner grammar nazi won't allow it.