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

[DatGuy20]

I understand the dev wants to make a realistic game, but for the sake of balancing the content, I wish deleting characters from paths would just stop. It makes it harder to keep the paths balanced in terms of content, makes the diverging plot more complicated to develop, and will piss off fans of missing content. Is the dev trying to pull a bait and switch with the dark path? Is the dev going to add random dark moments with random girls on the dark path? If so, isn't that more work for the dev?

Point being, it's a dumb way to develop a novel. Keep it simple, have the LIs on all paths, and try to balance the content between paths. MC has unlimited money, I'm sure there are ways to keep them around to use.

Edit: This used to be a game I went up to bat for. Gave it 5/5 stars and recommended everyone support the dev for relatively quick updates and solid content. But lately I cannot help but feel let down by the lack of updates and the scaling back of certain content.

It's not even getting scaled back? They just have no reason to stay around if you go too dark. There's only a few who do have reasons to stay. Nicki for example basically has no serious ties to the city other than you being her best friend and if you're abusing her she'd rather just leave then try to avoid one of the richest people in the city.

 

[ArDZer]

Dev Update! 12/2/25

Hey, folks! Hope all's well with you and yours this week! My little part of the world got smacked with a snowstorm, but I'm pretty far south, so I didn't get the worst of it. Hope you're all staying warm and cozy out there!

Tonight I'm running what should be the last of the Season 1 renders I need to finish it off. After that I'll just need to plug those in, do some testing, and publish the update. My plan is to have it available by this time tomorrow night for the highest tier, and then an accelerated release schedule for the remaining tiers. Sorry for the long delay! It's been a beast, but I'll be happy to have it mostly off my plate.

I say mostly because, while I'll be publishing the last remaining chapters of S1, I'll still be releasing little quality-of-life updates to tweak and improve things, when I have the time. Things on that list include:

• Adding the text short stories. I've already figured out how to do this, it just remains to actually.. Do it. The plan is to add triggers at certain parts of the game, where those stories (and the mini-games) are unlocked. But, I'll also add it to the very end of the game, so everyone with a completed save file will have them unlocked, too.
• Adding the OG Chapter 1. I'll probably do this in January. It won't take me long, I just really don't want to screw with it right now. u_u
• Adding character profiles. This has been something I've wanted to do for a long time, providing art and basic background info on the various characters, so that people can refer back to it to remember who's who. Again, I'd like to have these change and update based on what you learn about a character, but I'm not sure how in-depth I'll get. I need to play with the format a bit, and see what's reasonably possible for me.
• Sound effects, music, and better animations. This remains an off-in-the-distance plan, because I want to do it right, rather than just slap something together.
• Miscellany. Fixing clothing poke-throughs, weird expressions, clumsy narration, etc. as I notice it.

All that said.. I'm ready to put S1 in my rearview for now. It's been a long, exhausting slog these past months, trying to work on the upcoming chapter while also sorting through my old mess. So, as soon as S1 is published, I'll be moving to finish off the upcoming chapter. I need to do Gabby's ero scene, and make a few little additions to a couple of scenes, and then that'll be done.

As soon as the upcoming chapter's done, I've got a mini-sode written that I'd like to get out ASAP. Unlike the previous ones I've done (Blue Valentine, Foe at a Low, A Slave to Desire) this one takes place in the present, from our hero's POV. It's just something that doesn't really fit neatly into a chapter, but I think makes for a fun little standalone event between larger chapters. This is a format I've wanted to explore for a while now, doing little 200-300 image installments between bigger chapters. I'm curious to see what you all think of it.

And at some point, I should also make time to enjoy the holidays..

But, that's it for me, today! I've got some renders to process and some code to look over. Season 1 will hopefully be out tomorrow, and the new chapter within the next two weeks. Until next time, take care of yourselves, and thank you for your support!

The girl from the 2nd picture, Indigo I think it's her name. Will she have the opportunity to be introduced through a different scene? If one didn't "interview" her when Madison called the protagonist to invite him at her and Gabby's place (and there was the matter of the apology as well).

 

[Lightaces]

The girl from the 2nd picture, Indigo I think it's her name. Will she have the opportunity to be introduced through a different scene? If one didn't "interview" her when Madison called the protagonist to invite him at her and Gabby's place (and there was the matter of the apology as well).

Depending on the route, there is another scene where it is made clear that he knows and has met with Indigo in the past. Saying more would spoil something cool and important.

 

[MagicMan753]

I am glad we are close. I have been itching for a full replay. Some new stuff, some stuff I don't fully remember. Can't wait. I may not be able to get to it instantly, cause other novels amd games but hopefully before end of year.
The one thing I did wish got changed was doing more at end of Ashe date instead of just one, but I know Neon said could make it in Steam/Final, so hope it does, cause that is something I have been clamoring for.

But yeah, good job Neon on all your hard work, can't wait to play and set up multiple paths.

 

[Eternamite]

ok

 

[moondrake]

So if the release is coming out for the $15 tier on Neon's patreon today, how long until it hits the f95 waters?