VN Ren'Py Friends in Need [S1 v0.85c] [NeonGhosts]

[NeonGhosts]

I played through the new update [of Friends Indeed, specifically], which has apparently jumped up to Chapter 8. I'm too much of a goody-two-shoes to notice the lack of dark-patch content, and overall I thought it was pretty good. That said, I am worried this game is growing too large for its own good: we spend a lot of time further developing Brittani, and jumpstarting Risa regardless of whether we shot her down, and as a result we barely have time to scratch the surface with Alex and Pepper. Oh, and we introduce four brand new characters as well.

I love nearly all the material we get, but I just don't see how the game can juggle this many balls in a satisfying manner. There just aren't enough hours in the day. At best, we'll get a lots of tasty snacks that never have the momentum to grow into anything larger. At worst we'll get frustrated as it takes literal years for the specific girl's content we're waiting for to update. I'd be thrilled to be proven wrong, but IMHO this game needs to reign in what we already have, much less continue to add more.

As for the specifics on what we got this time:

Spoiler: Chapter 8 - Random Thoughts

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tl;dr Good content, but with so many irons in the fire it can be tough waiting for your favorites to get their time in the spotlight.

EDIT:

Spoiler: Friends In Need v0.57 Addendum

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I appreciate the detailed review! That said, I'd file a lot of your critiques under simple difference of opinion/story preferences. Everyone has their thoughts about what the game should be, or where it should go. Everyone has their favorite characters. Everyone's someone's least favorite character, until I write a scene that makes the reader go, "Oh wait, I love them now."

The Lucien plot is what it is. Some people have had reactions that I consider a bit strange, i.e. "I'm feeling cucked by this guy," and I don't get that at all -- but okay. How much you like or dislike his plotline will probably vary based on how much you prefer a slice of life adventure versus something a little more focused and dramatic. But, I've been nudging things into place for this plotline to eventually pay off, since the beginning.

And I get it, there's a lot of balls in the air, and not everyone gets their time in the sun. I've said this before, but as the game progresses, I think a lot of this stuff gets easier to handle, not harder. As characters get their routes more or less locked in, and major sex scenes are finished for the love interests, there's just.. Less for me to juggle. As of now, a few of the love interests routes are more or less locked in. A few characters have had big, complex sex scenes, and won't need another. And if you squint, I think you can see the plotlines more or less coming together.

I'll just do a quick, top-of-my-head recap of what's going on with all the characters.

Spoiler

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[dudeipoop]

I appreciate the detailed review! That said, I'd file a lot of your critiques under simple difference of opinion/story preferences. Everyone has their thoughts about what the game should be, or where it should go. Everyone has their favorite characters. Everyone's someone's least favorite character, until I write a scene that makes the reader go, "Oh wait, I love them now."

The Lucien plot is what it is. Some people have had reactions that I consider a bit strange, i.e. "I'm feeling cucked by this guy," and I don't get that at all -- but okay. How much you like or dislike his plotline will probably vary based on how much you prefer a slice of life adventure versus something a little more focused and dramatic. But, I've been nudging things into place for this plotline to eventually pay off, since the beginning.

And I get it, there's a lot of balls in the air, and not everyone gets their time in the sun. I've said this before, but as the game progresses, I think a lot of this stuff gets easier to handle, not harder. As characters get their routes more or less locked in, and major sex scenes are finished for the love interests, there's just.. Less for me to juggle. As of now, a few of the love interests routes are more or less locked in. A few characters have had big, complex sex scenes, and won't need another. And if you squint, I think you can see the plotlines more or less coming together.

I'll just do a quick, top-of-my-head recap of what's going on with all the characters.

Spoiler

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probably been asked, and i know people hate the question, but i'll ask question. Do you have a timeframe for the next update?

 

[NeonGhosts]

probably been asked, and i know people hate the question, but i'll ask question. Do you have a timeframe for the next update?

I want to get it out by the end of February, but that may be a bit ambitious. Most of the scenes should move pretty fast, but there’s three or four sex scenes in here, and those always take a long time.

 

[Dessolos]

oh damn I didn't even expect an estimated timeline to be that soon even if you have no delays I was expecting like April or May but then again it did feel like this update was cut in 1/2 or something as it was shorter than expected.

 

[Master of Puppets]

I appreciate the detailed review! That said, I'd file a lot of your critiques under simple difference of opinion/story preferences. Everyone has their thoughts about what the game should be, or where it should go. Everyone has their favorite characters. Everyone's someone's least favorite character, until I write a scene that makes the reader go, "Oh wait, I love them now."

The Lucien plot is what it is. Some people have had reactions that I consider a bit strange, i.e. "I'm feeling cucked by this guy," and I don't get that at all -- but okay. How much you like or dislike his plotline will probably vary based on how much you prefer a slice of life adventure versus something a little more focused and dramatic. But, I've been nudging things into place for this plotline to eventually pay off, since the beginning.

And I get it, there's a lot of balls in the air, and not everyone gets their time in the sun. I've said this before, but as the game progresses, I think a lot of this stuff gets easier to handle, not harder. As characters get their routes more or less locked in, and major sex scenes are finished for the love interests, there's just.. Less for me to juggle. As of now, a few of the love interests routes are more or less locked in. A few characters have had big, complex sex scenes, and won't need another. And if you squint, I think you can see the plotlines more or less coming together.

I'll just do a quick, top-of-my-head recap of what's going on with all the characters.

Spoiler

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I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about this post makes it sound to me like you're saying the game is almost over. Is that so or am I just imagining it?

 

[Karmadive]

I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about this post makes it sound to me like you're saying the game is almost over. Is that so or am I just imagining it?

I don't think he's indicating the story is almost over. I think it's more it's starting to get into the main plotline he was heading towards with the main story conflict. Up to this point it was kinda progressing as a slice of life novel with no main plot pushing it forward beyond meeting new people.

Now I think he's presenting the Dramatic turn that pushes the story forward that a lot of stories introduce only after meeting all of the main cast.

 

[RC-1138 Boss]

I appreciate the detailed review! That said, I'd file a lot of your critiques under simple difference of opinion/story preferences. Everyone has their thoughts about what the game should be, or where it should go. Everyone has their favorite characters. Everyone's someone's least favorite character, until I write a scene that makes the reader go, "Oh wait, I love them now."

The Lucien plot is what it is. Some people have had reactions that I consider a bit strange, i.e. "I'm feeling cucked by this guy," and I don't get that at all -- but okay. How much you like or dislike his plotline will probably vary based on how much you prefer a slice of life adventure versus something a little more focused and dramatic. But, I've been nudging things into place for this plotline to eventually pay off, since the beginning.

And I get it, there's a lot of balls in the air, and not everyone gets their time in the sun. I've said this before, but as the game progresses, I think a lot of this stuff gets easier to handle, not harder. As characters get their routes more or less locked in, and major sex scenes are finished for the love interests, there's just.. Less for me to juggle. As of now, a few of the love interests routes are more or less locked in. A few characters have had big, complex sex scenes, and won't need another. And if you squint, I think you can see the plotlines more or less coming together.

I'll just do a quick, top-of-my-head recap of what's going on with all the characters.

Spoiler

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Seriously those are deserving of being put into some sort of character sheets.

 

[Dessolos]

I appreciate the detailed review! That said, I'd file a lot of your critiques under simple difference of opinion/story preferences. Everyone has their thoughts about what the game should be, or where it should go. Everyone has their favorite characters. Everyone's someone's least favorite character, until I write a scene that makes the reader go, "Oh wait, I love them now."

The Lucien plot is what it is. Some people have had reactions that I consider a bit strange, i.e. "I'm feeling cucked by this guy," and I don't get that at all -- but okay. How much you like or dislike his plotline will probably vary based on how much you prefer a slice of life adventure versus something a little more focused and dramatic. But, I've been nudging things into place for this plotline to eventually pay off, since the beginning.

And I get it, there's a lot of balls in the air, and not everyone gets their time in the sun. I've said this before, but as the game progresses, I think a lot of this stuff gets easier to handle, not harder. As characters get their routes more or less locked in, and major sex scenes are finished for the love interests, there's just.. Less for me to juggle. As of now, a few of the love interests routes are more or less locked in. A few characters have had big, complex sex scenes, and won't need another. And if you squint, I think you can see the plotlines more or less coming together.

I'll just do a quick, top-of-my-head recap of what's going on with all the characters.

Spoiler

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That's one thing I love about your game I love how all of your characters have some kind of story development going on for them even ones that might need more attention. Can't say that for other AVN's alot of times it's only like 2 maybe 3 LI that get the level of detail yours have right away.

 

[robrize2169]

i would like to see Guy get serious about self defence after being clocked by that loser Jamie. however, in his defence, Jamie hit him from behind as he was turning, so he couldn't really defend himself there. just would have liked to see Guy get up and punch the assholes lights out and let him know his uni plans just went out the window. a bodyguard is a pussy move, learn some martial arts like a real alpha. Guy needs to protect his women.

 

[Maviarab]

i would like to see Guy get serious about self defence after being clocked by that loser Jamie. however, in his defence, Jamie hit him from behind as he was turning, so he couldn't really defend himself there. just would have liked to see Guy get up and punch the assholes lights out and let him know his uni plans just went out the window. a bodyguard is a pussy move, learn some martial arts like a real alpha. Guy needs to protect his women.

He's a lover not a fighter

 

[Dessolos]

a bodyguard is a pussy move

When I saw he mentioned bodyguard. All I could think of is what if he got Alex to be Nicki's bodyguard cause of Brent, while probably wouldn't make much sense at least yet. I think be funny and potentially good bonding and perhaps we can see a angry Nicki as I think angry Nicki sex would be hot.

 

[Dark Silence]

i would like to see Guy get serious about self defence after being clocked by that loser Jamie. however, in his defence, Jamie hit him from behind as he was turning, so he couldn't really defend himself there. just would have liked to see Guy get up and punch the assholes lights out and let him know his uni plans just went out the window. a bodyguard is a pussy move, learn some martial arts like a real alpha. Guy needs to protect his women.

Well, we shouldn't even have been there. Fuck Risa and her bs. I still say it should've been a choice. Still haven't played it yet, but, since it's not a choice, time for me to put Risa on the dark path and make her life a livin Hell.

 

[SlapE]

Well, we shouldn't even have been there. Fuck Risa and her bs. I still say it should've been a choice. Still haven't played it yet, but, since it's not a choice, time for me to put Risa on the dark path and make her life a livin Hell.

This is gonna make poor Joshy sad to hear. Meanwhile he will be doing everything he can to help her, and probably something to do with holding her hand, spoiling her, and likely something to do with cummy kisses as well. You know... just Joshy things.

 

[Dessolos]

This is gonna make poor Joshy sad to hear. Meanwhile he will be doing everything he can to help her, and probably something to do with holding her hand, spoiling her, and likely something to do with cummy kisses as well. You know... just Joshy things.

not gonna lie im on the fence of being like Joshy and being a simp for her as well. One one hand the way neon can make some of these characters look sad and desperate just with just their facial expressions makes me kind of feel bad for Risa and want to help her. That and she has pierced nipples and that is a weakness of mine. However she did trick us / lie to us that we were taking her home. So right now I'm a bit undecided but am leaning towards putting her on the simp list and keep a watchful eye on her however it won't be joshy level of simping lol.

 

[Dark Silence]

not gonna lie im on the fence of being like Joshy and being a simp for her as well. One one hand the way neon can make some of these characters look sad and desperate just with just their facial expressions makes me kind of feel bad for Risa and want to help her. That and she has pierced nipples and that is a weakness of mine. However she did trick us / lie to us that we were taking her home. So right now I'm a bit undecided but am leaning towards putting her on the simp list and keep a watchful eye on her however it won't be joshy level of simping lol.

When I play again, Gabby's update, I'm going to make Risa's life painful. Never thought I'd treat anyone that way in the game, but, no choice = no choice for Risa's path.

 

[Dessolos]

When I play again, Gabby's update, I'm going to make Risa's life painful. Never thought I'd treat anyone that way in the game, but, no choice = no choice for Risa's path.

man even if I change my mind and put her on the no simp list later since im undecided right now I don't know if I can do anything bad to her with how good Neon is with showing emotion through facial expressions. When I replayed the game recently on the good path and did the Ashe date. I was going through the dialogue options for fun before reloading and picked the one to send her home instead of sleeping with her. How sad she was and looked I felt like I was a piece of shit that deserves to get dark path'd by someone if I went with that option for real. So I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to do asshole / dom or dark path choice to anyone I might dislike in this game.

 

[Karmadive]

I doubt we will get a choice written in with the situation around Risa. It seems like this is possibly setting up the main conflict of the game. Which sadly I'm more interested in the Slice of Life type of gameplay and really was not looking for the darker conflict this seems to be setting up. Still waiting on next update.

Again like NeonGhosts said difference of opinion and what I'm looking for in the game. He had this planned from the beginning and has been working towards it.

 

[Zerackon]

man even if I change my mind and put her on the no simp list later since im undecided right now I don't know if I can do with how good Neon is with showing emotion through facial expressions. When I replayed the game recently on the good path and did the Ashe date. I was going through the dialogue options for fun before reloading and picked the one to send her home instead of sleeping with her. How sad she was and looked I felt like I was a piece of shit that deserves to get dark path'd by someone if I went with that option for real. So I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to do asshole / dom or dark path choice to anyone I might dislike in this game.

So relatable, can't bring myself to be the bad guy in this game, all characters are so likeable, and i know that if i was in MC's position in real life, i would the same, having a hard time being mean to people in need and taking advatage.

At a later date Ashe tells about her life a bit more and starts crying, got the choice of hugging or kissing, went with Kissing and she got upset so i felt i had to go back and do it right instead, and usualy i stick with my choices, even the bad ones in games.

 

[Dark Silence]

man even if I change my mind and put her on the no simp list later since im undecided right now I don't know if I can do anything bad to her with how good Neon is with showing emotion through facial expressions. When I replayed the game recently on the good path and did the Ashe date. I was going through the dialogue options for fun before reloading and picked the one to send her home instead of sleeping with her. How sad she was and looked I felt like I was a piece of shit that deserves to get dark path'd by someone if I went with that option for real. So I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to do asshole / dom or dark path choice to anyone I might dislike in this game.

Well, I didn't sign up for any forced paths. So, Neon gave us no choice with Risa and her drug buddies, so, I have no choice but to turn her into a slave. Her life is goin to be Hell with me.

I doubt we will get a choice written in with the situation around Risa. It seems like this is possibly setting up the main conflict of the game. Which sadly I'm more interested in the Slice of Life type of gameplay and really was not looking for the darker conflict this seems to be setting up. Still waiting on next update.

Again like NeonGhosts said difference of opinion and what I'm looking for in the game. He had this planned from the beginning and has been working towards it.

I agree. There won't be any choices added in, so Risa gets the dark path.

 

[Deleted member 313508]

Well, I didn't sign up for any forced paths. So, Neon gave us no choice with Risa and her drug buddies, so, I have no choice but to turn her into a slave. Her life is goin to be Hell with me.


I agree. There won't be any choices added in, so Risa gets the dark path.

I honestly can't tell if this is really an overreaction to a small lack of agency on the player's part or a reaction to Risa's storyline in general. I mean, we didn't get a choice to go to the store for more coffee or say 'fuck it' and stay home either.