Tbth, I only DL'd because there just seems a be a real slump in decent games coming out recently... I was just looking for something a bit different-ish with decent-ish art and this game popped up in the "New Releases" section. I almost didn't DL it because I thought Haley looked too much like Lizzy Border from the 80's Metal Band \m/ (in the OP title screen)- Note to Dev: That really isn't a flattering picture of her, considering how stunningly she's rendered throughout the rest of the game.
She is absolutely gorgeous!
This game is a hidden gem for many reasons, as I found out, and was pleasantly surprised by- yes, even though it's "that" topic. Lol This game actually does something not a lot of the other ones do- they let things happen. There's no talisman, book, potion, alien, pill, demon, wand, etc.,.- it just happens because...it happens.
It's also really refreshing to see the girl instigate things, while the brother is completely oblivious. It's obvious he cares about her and you're presented with some dialogue options that show you care, and then there are some that show you "care+". I really like the way it played out- you're even given the options like you have no interest in her whatsoever... C'mon though, HOW could you say know to that redhaired beauty?! I know I can't watch "Brave" without sportin' a chub. Lol What can I say? Merida replaced Ariel and I didn't even see it coming.
The art is exceptionally well done and so are the renders. The locations actually look like people live/work in those location. They aren't just randomly filled with generic assets to make it look habitable- it looks like people would live in the places. The ladies, oh the ladies are cute, sexy, adorable, and amazing.
Adriana- She's not holding up too badly for a "mature" woman. I'm still unsure about the pro/con of getting the HJ at dinner...
Sandra- Not normally a fan of sistahs, but I wouldn't mind getting "down with swirl" for some of that dark chocolate.
Alana- Hasn't really been given a whole lot to do yet, but she isn't hard on the eyes.
Lisa- She looks/acts like so much damaged goods, but looks/acts like she's be a whole lot of fun.
Diane- (I'm about to become a blasphemer...) She's attractive, but not really into ginormous fun-bags.
Haley- The crown jewel in this game. Even if she were only a side character, she'd still be the one that I'd have to- have to pursue. I think I'm in Love. Lol Haley is just the cutest li'l thing!
Last, but not least- the story is solid with a decent premise, BUT it's how it's written that really makes it stand out from similar games. The banter and interaction between Haley and MC is done really, really well. They act like a brother and sister, maybe if they were still 7 with larger vocabularies- but their dialogue is and sounds believable. What I love the most about it how playful, teasing, coquettish, shy, and fun Haley seems through her words and the renders- and how that attitude is conveyed. If I were planning on going against accepted, established societal norms with my sibling- there is no one I would rather do it with than Haley.
This was a whole lot of fun and truly engaging. I'm just kinda disappointed that it ended on such a cliff-hanger... This is definitely going to be game that I keep my eye on and cannot wait for the next installment. Also, props to Dev for giving some love to the Samurai movies- classics.