Thanks so much for the warm response, already over 4,000 views!
I'm reading all the comments, even if I can’t reply to everyone directly. If you spot a bug or have a question, feel free to drop it here, just give me a little time to circle back between updates. I'm still getting used to Ren'Py so there are some improvements to be made.
For those curious about the art style and process:
Everything is built in Daz Studio, including the backgrounds. I use a mix of custom figures (many sculpted with FaceGen) alongside some characters you may recognize. Every frame is fully rendered in 3D, then heavily post processed in Photoshop, with redrawing, filters, and adjustments done by hand. The goal was to create something that stands apart from typical Daz VN visuals while keeping strong character consistency. Silver Lake exists in 3D form, albeit more like a television filming set for each scene.
As for content and player choice:
This version of the game covers the same core story as the original, with expanded scenes and new content added. I’ve designed it so that most sexual or relationship paths are entirely optional, if you don’t want to engage in a specific act or pursue a certain character, you won’t have to.
You can skip scenes, characters, and locations depending on your choices. While a few key moments, like an encounter with Lorie on Day 4, are currently more “on the rails,” I plan to expand those into branchable interactions as the game grows so you could ignore her if you wanted. My goal is to give players meaningful control over their relationships while still telling a focused, character driven story.
You’ll be able to complete the game completely abstinent if you choose, or you can sleep with everyone, which will affect your ending. The game tracks who you’re involved with and how you interact with them, and these choices shape outcomes. There’s also some more outlandish and unconventional content I have in mind for the future. Group scenes etc but that’s all peripheral while the core plot remains about your character’s journey and the people they choose to bring along.