VN - Ren'Py - Abandoned - In a Scent [Ep. 4 Part 1 v1.035] [Domiek]

reviewed based on version 1.035, first time playing,

starting from the main menu, this game got me hooked, I like the music, the UI is simple but decent. Not much options in the settings but I can understand since the game is still in early development phase. What I strongly suggest is to add option to activate/deactivate textbox or to customize either the font colour or outlines. In some scenes I had hard time reading the text because it kinda overlaps with the CG/scene.

Story-wise, I like the premise. I love some good comedy. Yes, the MC is really obnoxious, but I am really interested in seeing the character development.

The character renders are exceptional. Not really the style I dig, but it has its own charm. The facial expressions suit the characters' own personalities. Animations are exquisite. The dancing scene is sick.

Overall, the game has potential. There's not much content right now, but I believe in the dev. I got to the end and was like "Wait, what? Is that it?", but I had fun. Looking forward for more.

This is the only game on this site that made me support authors patreon. I played and liked authors previous work but it is nowhere close to this one and it is great to see how much the author has improved.

The game itself is a kinetic novel which usually would be deal breaker and as author has said it is low brow comedy with humour that probably falls flat for some people but I personally just can't find myself caring about those things - it is written with so much heart and so much personality shines through every line of dialogue, every frame and music that I found myself completely smitten with this novel.

The character writing is especially great, those are characters that I will surely remember long after I finish the game and dementia takes me.

I really can't recommend the game more.

I wrote a massive review detailing all my points, but I tabbed out and clicked back in and F95 really likes just immediately deleting everything, so I'm just gonna be lazy summarise.

- the writing is cringe. the "humour" is total garbage for 70% of it and it clogs up the story
- the MC is totally irritating for most of the game. he has essentially zero redeeming factors as a protagonist
- no good passage of time, which gives me the impression that Domiek's too used to freeroam AVNs and didn't know how to pace/show time properly
- choices barely matter besides flavour text, which again may be due to Domiek being accustomed to freeroam. There, we could just choose, but trying to make an actual narrative has resulted in a very constrained experience

+ the girls are attractive and the lighting is an improvement over Domiek's previous work
+ the animations are nice and appreciated, but the one used in the promo art feels more like a bullshot and not representative of the majority
+ the dialogue for actual sexual build-up is good, so the total let-down for the humour confuses me

I'd give it a 7/10, but the fact Domiek made the 9/10 Personal Trainer and went to make this is disappointing. They have the skill to write something better, which is the only thing that really confuses me.

[Ep4 Part 1]

Pros:
-Top renders. Each scene has great lighting and interesting camera setups.
-All characters are visually interesting and all women appealing.
-It's actually pretty funny
-Frequency of sex scenes is decent and the scenes are hot

Neutrals:
-The game has animations and they don't suck...but imo they also don't add much.

Con(s):
-It's not really a game. Not a single choice has any impact on the plot. No branching whatsoever. All they ever do is skip (or not) sex scenes or turn a sex scene that *is* happening more (or less) lewd. I am really tired of kinetic novels and this game pretty much is one.

Warning:
if you can't handle goofy MCs that won't always win a.k.a losers and wouldn't mind making ass of themselves, then you won't enjoy. Seriously, MC is like that one friend that will always find a way to joke or say inappropriate shit but is good at heart. MC matches the energy of Adam from Workaholics or Derek from BaD in terms of goofiness.

Pros:

1. Writing is hilarious along with great cast of characters.
2. Girls are distinct and hot!
3. Animations (60 fps mod) puts this on a whole new level.
4. Renders are BANGER. Like seriously, it's very pleasing on the eyes.
5. Music is so fire, especially during H scenes.
6. Plot is really simple and straightforward. DO NOT READ TOO DEEP INTO IT. Game is mostly for the gaffs BUT Mc does act realistic in a sense that he WAS always that way based on starting scenes and there are some genuinely touching moments.

Cons: NONE. The game delivers what it was meant to deliver. There's a crass joke using the word homecoming that made me shit my pants, no cap.

Verdict: Abso-fucking-lutely pick it up. It's very lighthearted college/high school level humor with some actual touching moments.

Still on the fence:
The best review for this game is a couple of pages back by @dotawolfbrother . So make sure to check it out as well if you are on the fence.

The MC is definitely laying some pipes, don't miss out!

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

"In a Scent" is a wild, hilarious, and wildly imaginative visual novel that excels in every aspect, providing a top-tier gaming experience.

Storyline (5/5): The game's storyline is an absolute gem, masterfully combining risqué humor with a genuinely engaging narrative. The journey of the inexperienced young incubus in the human realm is a rollercoaster of hilarity and touching moments, making it an unforgettable experience.

Character Development (5/5): The characters in "In a Scent" are not just quirky; they're brilliantly crafted. Their growth and the transformation of the protagonist from an obnoxious troublemaker into a capable incubus are nothing short of remarkable.

Art and Graphics (5/5): The visual aesthetics of the game are exceptional. The character designs and backgrounds are a visual treat, and the way it handles adult content is tasteful and artistically done.

Sound and Music (5/5): The game's soundtrack and sound design excel in setting the mood and complementing the humor. Any voice acting, if present, enhances the experience, adding depth to the characters.

Gameplay and Mechanics (5/5): The game's user-friendly interface and the impact of player choices on the narrative are well-implemented. "In a Scent" strikes the perfect balance between interactivity and storytelling.

Length and Replayability (5/5): The game's length is ideal, and its multiple endings and branching paths make it highly replayable, ensuring you'll keep coming back for more laughs and surprises.

"In a Scent" deserves a full five-star rating across all aspects. It's a comedic masterpiece in the world of visual novels, unapologetically pushing boundaries and offering a gaming experience that is both hilarious and touching. If you're open to a wild and raucous journey filled with laughter and absurdity, "In a Scent" is an absolute must-play.

Great game, seriously, just a great game.

At the beggining you may think it is a little too crazy, but if you just accept it's oddly concept you will find your self genuinely laughing and liking the storie being told.

It has great (and I dare say best) jokes and funny dialogs I have seen, perfectly for the strange universe of the game. The MC is just... perfectly bizzare and unique, I endedup really loving him.

The LIs are also really well and beautifully built.

I'm eager for a new chapter to come and I'm also thinking about supporting the dev.

Good animations with good dialogue in h-scenes. No sandbox or annoying storyline to follow, pretty straightforward high quality game. Scenes have good progression without taking forever with teasing like many other games.

Great soundtrack, plenty of animated scenes, a very light-hearted story and hilarious dialogue. This genre desperately needs more games like these that don't take themselves too seriously. I honestly hate VNs and I still think this one is an absolute must-play.

Very good game. Animations are pretty good and it's funny most of time.
I hope for some good updates soon. For now the game is finished in three or four hours.... Good job dev, hope from for the best.

A nice easy to follow story. It's like those comedy movies you watch on monday nights when you don't have anything to do yet it's still not bedtime.
Yet, the budget is high and the movie ends up being pretty good.
The dev did a 10/10 job for this genre. I don't think there is any room for improvements because it's just good.

Some of the most funny and clever writing in a visual novel, and it has a distinct writing style, the main character is hilarious, and it skirts the taboo by acting like what is happening is taboo when it is all a lie perpetuated by the main character. I love it!

Production value seems decent but has a lot of weak points to mention. Dev mentions that the tone is a raunchy comedy. I don't dislike the writing really but can't praise it either. The setting is whatever I guess, comedy value is below LOL, a grin or an occasional laugh most of the time. I expected a slowburn within family and occasional hook up outside of house to keep our dicks warm but no MC quickly got sexually involved with all of the 3 females so I can't foresee a future appeal for this game. A change in pacing is needed asap to not make this a boring game. Dev needs to introduce new characters, new conflicts. The story consists of 5 characters and MC fucks 3 of them regularly, so like what the next update will bring, other than new renders and a simple sex scene with the ma? With another empty update game can fall into a state of staleness.

I am reviewing EP4.

it may be not the best of the best but it has some very nice unique features. first of all the story is rather dump but well written and to my surprise it is seriously funny instead of just cringe-funny or funny only in a trashy way.

The animations are of the best. I have never seen that good natural and fluent animations by an "indie"-developer. It's very worth the try even if it is rather short up to now.

Hope the dev will keep it up and finish with updates soon.

Really great game. Fantastic renders, very sexy, good writing, funny, doesn't take itself too seriously without being stupid - it gets a bit close to crossing that line in the early parts but overall the tone is good.

Well goddamn this is good! It would be good for the humor alone, and that's impressive, because I'm a cranky asshole who doesn't like anything. But it also has sexy sex scenes! With animations! And not the poor 1 second loops that shouldn't exist. They're good animations that add something. Sexy sex, hilarious humor, beautiful babes, special story, top marks!

I rarely review games but I have to give huge props to Domiek for creating an excellent story! Consistently funny, sexy, and well written. Each character's relationship with the protagonist takes its own path and I can't wait to see where it's all going.

My first review, what to say..?

After experiencing countless games through this site, this is the first that made me go through the trouble of voting and writing something along with it and I'll keep it short.

Good story, doesn't keep dwelling on some unrelevant bullshit but actually keeps the(very entertaining) ball rolling without stalling.

I like the renders and the style that's chosen for this VN, fits it perfectly.

Humorous and parody games always carry some inherent risk in a sense that peoples humor is on a spectrum, can't please them all. I hope devs do not change their course on this in the future as this game makes me laugh like crazy at times.

What else is there to say? I hope the game gets a Steam page soon, I'd love to support it outside Greedeon.

ITs one of the best in here, its fun, its hot and naughty. Girsl and renders are amazing and i love all the dirty talk in it (also the jokes and all the funny stuff the dev put in it). A huge improvement from the first game (Personal Trainer) which was a lot of fun too. All in all everyone should try this one, only bad thing is having to wait for the new releases but it is worth to do it!

Actually laugh out loud funny. Even if this wasn't primarily a porn game, its a brilliant story and the MC is genuinely a laugh as much as he starts out as a douche. I really hope this keeps going, absolute gem.
"My name is .... but you can call me daddy" "the fuck?" Pure fucking gold.