VN Ren'Py Completed Freeloading Family [v0.32] [FFCreations]

[GaveMyHeartAway]

Ok finished it up.

Thoughts:

Pacifism route still fucking blows. I'm sorry to say it. But it really does. There is nothing worthwhile in it, to me outside of dipping in to get Alice to grab your dick before she goes off to fuck someone else. I was hoping there might be something interesting you'd get for skipping out on watching Melody masturbate, but there isn't.

On another replay, my issues with the MC come a little bit more into focus. Even doing the perversion route he is just milquetoast as all get out until he randomly decides to be assertive. It's actually a fair bit of tonal whiplash. A perfect example of this is actually the Melody scene from 0.51, the MC is totally fine with Leah and Alice, then suddenly hates the idea of her. Basically, his internal monologue is consistently passive, but then you get the option to randomly be assertive. It's an issue.

The Leah scene was both cool and awful. Cool in that hey, Leah is hot. Awful as it's one of the more cliched ways of keeping the main character from actually having 'the sex' that I've seen. It's OK for the MC to have sex without dragging it out into eternity. They can fuck early on, the porn game police will not break down your door and throw you to the ground for promoting premarital fornication.

But honestly, and I fully admit that this is a pet peeve of mine... the rubbing on the outside of the pussy instead of sex is nothing but a transparent stalling tactic. Period. There is no good story reason that the MC should not have actually fucked Leah. Especially as he seems to have forgotten that he was a virgin and was acting very much like he was not.

Finally, there is not nearly enough interaction with the Step-sis-friend. Look it's fine if their interactions were limited in the first couple of days because of school, and the detentions or whatever. Now it feels like every day it's some new excuse to not share more than a few sentences with her. It feels like the biggest conversation that she and the MC have had thus far is about her fucking someone else. The interactions they DO have are usually highlights, but it still feels like wheel spinning. Truth or Dare would have been a great time to learn more about Alice, but she bows out early on. We learn nothing new about her. Hell, both of the biggest revelations about Alice come from someone else, and they are both missed opportunities for drama with her.

Highlights are still the scenes with Melody, even if she did back out on her promise to fool around with you from the night before. The dialog still pops at its best, and the characters are well drawn and fit their types well. I love the nickname running joke thing as well. Still, want to see where this goes and I hope that the annoying stuff gets pared back going forward.

I absolutely agree with you, and as I pointed out in my earlier post, pacifism route feels like it's there to give you the impression that there is some kind of choice, while in reality there absolutely isn't. On pacifism route you feel like you are being "punished" for being a "good" guy, and while there are some exclusive scenes for that route, it is so underwhelmed compared to perversion. But, I get it, game is still in early development, so I will give it a benefit of doubt that both paths will get equal at some point (but if it continues like this, we wont see that in a long time to come), but right now it's not worth it, because there is only one option if you want to experience this game, and that being to choose red in dialogues.

 

[Siddington]

Maybe it's just the way I was raised, but a lie is a lie. It doesn't matter how long it takes for the truth to come out or be discovered; two years, two days or two seconds. State of mind has nothing to do with it - she lied.

Exactly, I'm not sure why there's any confusion about this really. She lied straight to his face when first confronted for crying out loud.

 

[Siddington]

To me the lie is clearly because she cares about the MC and fears what her "brother" will think of her if the secret was discovered, but it doesn't make the situation any less deceptive. I feel this could of worked if we, the player, had been given any choice in how things proceeded from that point but we weren't. It's understandable why she would want to hide this imo as it really doesn't show her in a very positive light. The dialogue seems to point to her being more worried about her family finding out she sleeps with women than anything else. For me it's also the fact that she treats sex so casually and happily fucks around apparently no strings attached that put me off. This works fine if the aim of the game is to just bang each female and move on to the next but I was hoping for much more than that with Alice. Unfortunately she has been relegated to just another hole to fill when she could of been so much more.

Spoiler: 0.6 Spoilers

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[Valeck]

Yes Alice at the moment is a lying slut,shes gorgeous so we going to have sex when the chance is given.
But romance is not so much in the picture for me anymore.

 

[GaveMyHeartAway]

To me the lie is clearly because she cares about the MC and fears what her "brother" will think of her if the secret was discovered, but it doesn't make the situation any less deceptive. I feel this could of worked if we, the player, had been given any choice in how things proceeded from that point but we weren't. It's understandable why she would want to hide this imo as it really doesn't show her in a very positive light. The dialogue seems to point to her being more worried about her family finding out she sleeps with women than anything else. For me it's also the fact that she treats sex so casually and happily fucks around apparently no strings attached that put me off. This works fine if the aim of the game is to just bang each female and move on to the next but I was hoping for much more than that with Alice. Unfortunately she has been relegated to just another hole to fill when she could of been so much more.

That's one way to look at it. The other one is that if you look at all the dialogues you had with her and her friend, they did it intentionally, just to have "fun" with you and see the look on your face. When you see them in the hallway, you clearly can hear and see that they are giggling at that, even making fun of you, so that whole act that she was worried what you will think falls in the water. Also, everyone seems to already know about them (as Melody pointed out), so they just made fool of you for shit and giggles. In my book, that is not innocent lie, that's just plain lying for all the wrong reasons, while making complete idiot of the person you are supposed to care about.

 

[deoclitian]

Yes Alice at the moment is a lying slut,shes gorgeous so we going to have sex when the chance is given.
But romance is not so much in the picture for me anymore.

probably but i doubt it will be to soon ... in the next update Alice probably will tell mc just how much she likes/loves him and best case scenario mc will get a handjob , while Leah comes over and fucks her again because ... why not ?
curious about Leah how she will react from now on, will she go all bitch mode again or from now on she`s in a "good mood" which would be totally inconsistent with her behaviour ... but than again maybe she`s bipolar (only logical explanation), hope she doesn`t skip on her meds if that`s the case

 

[Siddington]

That's one way to look at it. The other one is that if you look at all the dialogues you had with her and her friend, they did it intentionally, just to have "fun" with you and see the look on your face. When you see them in the hallway, you clearly can hear and see that they are giggling at that, even making fun of you, so that whole act that she was worried what you will think falls in the water. Also, everyone seems to already know about them (as Melody pointed out), so they just made fool of you for shit and giggles. In my book, that is not innocent lie, that's just plain lying for all the wrong reasons, while making complete idiot of the person you are supposed to care about.

Cannot argue with a single point you make here. I guess I was just clinging to the last vestige that Alice mite not be a total manipulative bitch and had some redeeming features but it's hard to look past these things and think that. She'll get what she wants eventually and do anything she feels like in the meantime. Makes it hard to believe that her "headache" during the Truth or Dare game was anything but part of her and Leah's plan all along. The MC is honestly just along for the ride in this game thus far.

 

[GaveMyHeartAway]

Cannot argue with a single point you make here. I guess I was just clinging to the last vestige that Alice mite not be a total manipulative bitch and had some redeeming features but it's hard to look past these things and think that. She'll get what she wants eventually and do anything she feels like in the meantime. Makes it hard to believe that her "headache" during the Truth or Dare game was anything but part of her and Leah's plan all along. The MC is honestly just along for the ride in this game thus far.

Yeah, it's just one of the many ways for you to "suffer" on pacifism path lol. Oh, how I would like for just one scene, ONE scene on that path, where you snap, and put them in their place. And it wouldn't be out of a blue, it would seem right, and the only logical way for MC to evolve. Like "I tried to be a good and understanding guy, but the more I try, the more you are pushing me over the edge, it's over, you blew it", and then tables completely turns in your favor. Then she tries to get on your good side, but you are like "Nah I'm good", and make her feel like shit to realize what she has done. Melody for now feels like the only girl there, who didn't try to manipulate you, and the only romanceable character atm.

 

[Burt Reynolds Mustache]

I think a lot of these issues could have been resolved with more Alice time, especially during truth or dare like I said. There are inconsistencies, that much is certain, and sometimes it feels like what comes across to some players, and what is intended to come across to players are two different things. Early on the MC feels like the standard virgin character, if more submissive than most, with Alice being the hot stepsister or friend who is now living with him and they are about on the same level. We then have the jump to the whole Leah situation and that is where a lot of people get lost.

The intent is that Alice is afraid of what people will think and she is scared to tell her brofriend about it. He's totally cool with it, and they tease each other sexually and all that fun stuff. In execution, it feels like Alice and Leah are playing with the MC's feelings and taking him for a chump. Where before that Alice at least was the one person who didn't feel that way. The MC is supposed to consider it sexy, many players as can be seen here felt like she was betraying the MC.

So again the intent is:

1. Alice and MC like each other but are in a will they won't they dance. Both are sexually experienced.
2. Alice isn't trying to hurt the MC's feelings as she is actually in love with him, but can't admit it.
3. Alice likes fucking around with people, and Leah is just someone to pass the time. She goes out of her way to explain this to the person she actually wants.
4. The MC is totally cool with the object of his affection fucking around with someone else in front of him after she teases the ever-loving shit out of him.
5. Leah also wants the MC, and she hints heavily that he should make a move on Alice.

But all of it is easily read as

1. MC likes Alice and she likes to tease him and has him locked in the Friend Zone. She is far more sexually experienced than the virgin MC.
2. Alice is playing with the MCs feelings as she's actually been seeing someone behind his back the entire time.
3. Alice is laughing with Leah about deceiving the MC about the nature of their relationship. Her attempts to reassure the MC that she likes men are more to keep her little pet in line. She will tease him, but always leave him hanging.
4. The MC is so whooped he can't even stand up for himself and relegates himself to jerking off while the LI is getting fucked hard right across the hall.
5. Leah is just continuing to string the MC along.

And that's the problem, and why the lack of Alice during the last part of Truth or Dare was such a glaring omission. We need those interactions with her to solidify where the relationship is going, and how.

 

[Skylaroo]

Which has yet to be proven. Stringing the MC along for favors doesn't mean bi.

Sexual preference does not need to be proven by sexual acts. A virgin can be straight, homosexual, bisexual, or whatever other sexual preferences they have.

 

[Ares02]

ML wasn`t hot, she was average or common

and this is why I thanked for her not being based on the abovementioned girl :biggrin:

 

[GaveMyHeartAway]

I think a lot of these issues could have been resolved with more Alice time, especially during truth or dare like I said. There are inconsistencies, that much is certain, and sometimes it feels like what comes across to some players, and what is intended to come across to players are two different things. Early on the MC feels like the standard virgin character, if more submissive than most, with Alice being the hot stepsister or friend who is now living with him and they are about on the same level. We then have the jump to the whole Leah situation and that is where a lot of people get lost.

The intent is that Alice is afraid of what people will think and she is scared to tell her brofriend about it. He's totally cool with it, and they tease each other sexually and all that fun stuff. In execution, it feels like Alice and Leah are playing with the MC's feelings and taking him for a chump. Where before that Alice at least was the one person who didn't feel that way. The MC is supposed to consider it sexy, many players as can be seen here felt like she was betraying the MC.

So again the intent is:

1. Alice and MC like each other but are in a will they won't they dance. Both are sexually experienced.
2. Alice isn't trying to hurt the MC's feelings as she is actually in love with him, but can't admit it.
3. Alice likes fucking around with people, and Leah is just someone to pass the time. She goes out of her way to explain this to the person she actually wants.
4. The MC is totally cool with the object of his affection fucking around with someone else in front of him after she teases the ever-loving shit out of him.
5. Leah also wants the MC, and she hints heavily that he should make a move on Alice.

But all of it is easily read as

1. MC likes Alice and she likes to tease him and has him locked in the Friend Zone. She is far more sexually experienced than the virgin MC.
2. Alice is playing with the MCs feelings as she's actually been seeing someone behind his back the entire time.
3. Alice is laughing with Leah about deceiving the MC about the nature of their relationship. Her attempts to reassure the MC that she likes men are more to keep her little pet in line. She will tease him, but always leave him hanging.
4. The MC is so whooped he can't even stand up for himself and relegates himself to jerking off while the LI is getting fucked hard right across the hall.
5. Leah is just continuing to string the MC along.

And that's the problem, and why the lack of Alice during the last part of Truth or Dare was such a glaring omission. We need those interactions with her to solidify where the relationship is going, and how.

Well, I for one am not deluded that all of that is happening behind MC back. We gotta remember that we didn't even know her until few months ago, and that we are transferring to her school, so I assume that whole Leah thing started way before she even knew MC. From that side of the things I sort of can understand why she would keep quiet. BUT, what is absolutely wrong is how she chose to proceed with that, keeping MC in the dark intentionally, just for fun with Leah, and making complete fool of you in the process, while sending you mixed signals. There is nothing misleading in that. It's plain and simple no matter how you look at that. They are just using you, and the fact that you are trying to be nice and understanding. :test3:

 

[Valeck]

They are just using you, and the fact that you are trying to be nice and understanding. :test3:

And we dont even have a choice to not be that way

 

[GaveMyHeartAway]

And we dont even have a choice to not be that way

Well, technically perversion path is there to make it less obvious. But, it's just that, less obvious, and in the end, it's almost same, difference being you don't feel like shit on that side of the story (which is sort of better?). I think I spilled enough :test3: in this thread, but I'm just trying to be of help to devs with my criticism, and seeing that many players feel like me, gives me impression that I'm not the only one with these kind of opinions.

 

[Siddington]

And we dont even have a choice to not be that way

And therein lies the main issue with this imo, you have no real choice. You're along for the ride and nothing you do will change that regarding Alice and Leah. The MC is just being strung along on a short leash. Take into account Leah's comment from the Truth or Dare game. "...tomorrow night if you see an opportunity, I'd take it" It's almost like she knows an opportunity is definitely going to present itself tomorrow night...The MC is a little pawn to be maneuvered around on a whim. I'm not saying it isn't going to be interesting to see it play out but it would of been nice to have some choice in the matter. Alas it doesn't look to be that kind of game. Reminds me a lot of Sister, Sister, Sister in that the MC feels at the mercy of other characters all the time.

 

[armion82]

I realy need to play the game again to see what happen since 0.4
Probably like most games we should check 0.10 for some sister/brother real action.I do hope we don't need to wait for 0.15 or even 0.20 for the things to go MC's way.

 

[Yuri_Boyka]

:FeelsBadMan: so much potential ruined by a bad writer

 

[Joi_fan]

I think some you guys are taking this way too seriously. Chances are even your parents lie to you, let alone your partner. Now just because Alice lied about Leah (both video game characters) is making you that uncomfortable to the point of not wanting a relationship with her, then maybe, just maybe this game is not for you (I know this line is overused but true on this case).

I think last month was somewhat justifiable the heat they got because of the ending of 0.5, but they recognized that and even corrected. With this update I'm still trying to figure out why are they being attacked that much, the last 2 pages a lot is not even constructive criticism, is downright criticism or personal attack. Let's chill guys.

 

[UncleVT]

I think @V.A. Laurie is a very good writer. In both games he's doing he moves away from the cliches and provides different stories out of the ordinary. There'll be those who like it or not, but surely we won't find a game with the same boring plots written to please but without any twist or at least one interesting and different thing that found so much around here.

 

[V.A. Laurie]

Thanks @Joi_fan and @UncleVT !