VN - Ren'Py - In Her Service [v0.68] [Blue Factory Games]

10/10
Amazing game with a few branching paths and high player agency. Though make sure you're a man of culture who enjoys netorare or netorase because that's the bulk of this game's content. Our MC is a servant with a girlfriend and her daughter, and his little "family" is corrupted by their masters. The game as a vanilla path and it's decent but clearly not the focus. What I like the most about this game is that it has a distinct artstyle different and long high framerate animations. The game is not made on commonly used DAZ Studio or HS1/2, it's made on Virt a Mate which is a worse rendering tool that the aforementioned tools but the developer more than makes up for it by using an interesting artstyle which IMO really suits the game's aesthetic. My only complain is that Henry (our male master) looks comical but it's not a big deal. Overall this game does what it wants to do really well and the developer as already planned all the "endings" so I trust he will not drag the story too long or rush it.

TL;DR = nice game that focuses mainly on cheating and swinging. But you can also go for pure love route or NTR.

Story: 5/5
Pros:
+ You follow the MC and his life as a servant in a noble house. You are dating another servant female, but things will start getting complicated when you get atracted to a house lady. A lot of romance tension will come.
+ Great thing in this game is that you a have a choice in this game. Your choices can lead you into 3 different paths:
1.) You can go for pure love route, where MC will only focus on his girlfriend and they will be happy.
2.) You can go for cheating and swinging route, where MC and his girlfriend will get involved with the lady of house and her fianceé. There is a lot of variation in this route based on your choices.
3.) You can go for NTR route and cheating, where MC will be an asshole to his girlfriend and she will cheat on him.
+ There is also this very good subplot, where (Iris) 18years old daughter of the girlfriend is getting atracted to the MC. It is really hot.

Art and Sex stuff: 4/5
Pros:
+ Renders are good.
+ Girls are hot.
+ The daughter of MC's girlfriend is SUPER hot.
+ Sex scenes are good.
Cons:
- Sadly a lot of erotic scenes happen during night almost without any light. So it is really hard to see anything on the images.

Gameplay and rest: 5/5
Pros:
+ This is typical VN with choices.
+ Choices have big impact on the gameplay. You can go into 3 different routes. And your choices will often influence reactions of other characters in those routes.
+ English is decent.
+ The game has a soundtrack. It gives the game nice ambience.
+ There is a lot of content. I think it took me over 6 hours to finish current version the game.
Cons:
- The game is a bit slow burn at the start. But after a while things will get interesting.

To sum it up:
I really enjoyed this game and I will definitely reccomend this.

Overall, I really like the game. The storytelling, the plot and intrigue is so far, very interesting and has kept me coming back for more. I have not played thru this latest version fully yet but so far I am hooked. My only complaint is the amount of clicking necessary to get thru some of the dialog. The Dev implemented the dreaded three dot forced pause (meaning you have to click three separate times to progress the conversation passed the stupid periods). Stop it! Especially when there are other three dot pauses that are navigated thru with just one click. What are you doing, bruh? Don't make me Ctrl passed dot pauses and risk missing some good dialog, please. For future updates, I implore you to seriously rethink implementing the three dot pauses. Think of the children!!!

Other than that, this could easily be a five star rating from me!

A warm, compelling story, amazingly well, if simply, told. This is a quality tale which, apart from the increasingly monotonous and constantly distracting three dots, two dots, one dot pauses throughout, I am finding ever more engrossing as it develops.

Although centred around the sexual element, as one always hopes/expects, of course, that it will, the brilliantly original setting and hierarchically fairly complex scenario is extremely well and variably used, despite all of the action being confined, so far at least, to the upstairs and downstairs of the house.

The characterisation is masterfully managed. This creator, aware of it or not, has an exceptional aptitude not only for telling a story using this specific visual genre, but effortlessly excels in giving us all the information and background we need about the characters and their predicament through dialogue and interactions alone. Despite the relatively complex and intriguing premise of the story and the hierarchical boundaries that initially at least seem rigidly to separate the three servants (Jack, Sylvia and her daughter, not his, Iris) from both the mistress of the house and soon after, Henry, her soon-to-be forced upon her, husband, is all conveyed through a seemingly naturally concise style of dialogue. The creator has no need of, nor is ever tempted to unnecessarily employ, lengthy exposition at all. He/she achieves it all visually, expressively and through dialogue alone. That, to me, particularly in this genre, is a highly commendable talent and achievement indeed.

This novel seems even more impressive to me personally, because when it comes to AVNs I have over time become devoted almost exclusively to the more photo-realistic, Daz-style of storytelling. That being the case, I would not usually, even in passing, have been drawn (no pun intended) to this more basic, seemingly hand-drawn, sketchy, at its best moody and highly atmospheric style of rendering.

I nevertheless very quickly found my almost instinctive aversion to so different a visual style melting away only to become almost unconsciously hopelessly engrossed in this heartwarming and so astutely observed story using this natural combination of smoothly written dialogue and extremely expressive characterisation and illustration. This despite my impression that English is not this creator’s native language.

Having said all that, greater wonders awaited upon beholding the quite brilliant animated sequences and the revelation, to me at least, of yet more unexpectedly impressive talent. I was not only absolutely amazed by (of course) such amazingly skilful use of shadows and darkness but also confounded and instantly smitten with the sheer realism of the acts and the exceptional fluid unity of movement in the two animated characters' union. Also, the quite breathtakingly erotic intensity achieved in the animated depiction of the sexual encounters, not only at the story’s beginning between Jack and Sylvia, the servant couple, but most electrifyingly, as they develop between Jack and the mistress of the house, Talia, who I found to be, as her character developed, both physically and emotionally, the epitome, in my eyes, of the sultry femme fatale, yet possessing, astonishingly again, an initially tightly concealed heart of gold.

This is an utterly engrossing, truly intriguing story, both narratively and visually. In return for such unexpected and consistent pleasure, once the creator receives, as I expect him to, the requisite acceptance of his submitted application/profile both to Patreon and Subscribestar, I fully intend to subscribe. This is exceptional artistry and a very worthy cause, which merits our support and encouragement and in which I accordingly intend to give to the fullest extent of my budget.

The game has a modern setting that includes elements of nobility, which adds an intriguing twist to the story.
The characters are depicted with depth and complexity, showcasing realistic flaws and imperfections that contribute to their development and possible corruption.
The game’s visuals, including the use of light and shadow, create a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
The sensual and intimate scenes enhance the overall unique experience of the VN.
The design, graphics, and renders are impressive, showcasing the talent and effort of the developer.
The plot has an interesting direction and potential; adding more characters could enrich the story and expand its tags.
If themes like corruption, infidelity, or swing appeal to you, this VN is worth exploring.
It would be exciting to see how the character described as a "slave" might progress to a noble status.

This is an AVN with character which is a really strong point.
The base story is interesting, maybe it isn't told the best way - dev doesn't seem to be a pro writer - but it's quite ok and I often find myself being curious of more details.
The characters are pretty well defined and have some depth in general, well the daughter a bit less but startred developing by 0.65 as well.
The tension between the Mc and mistress is probably one of the strongest points. I'm curious where the story leads and if it's possible to get some more or less happy outcomes at the end.
The cheating scenarios are kinda brutal in a way, but it's also as if Mc can't really decide what he wants. Resign with your choice and don't make drama out of it I guess, or keep it up if you really an't decide, not sure if the internal drama should be really there for all paths?

I really like the women. They don't look anything like other VNs characters which is super refreshing. They certainly aren't the usual plastic perfect girls, even though they are beautiful and have something attractive about them, even the girlfriend who is really not a beauty ideal but is still kind, can be loving, and is perfectly bangable.

The lightning (or lack of) gives a certain mystery character to the scenes, but it also means you basically see less so it's not ideal. I would say overall this VN is not really what I consider 4*, it's more like 3-3.5 objectively, but it gets an upgrade from me because it has some sort of charm that I really like. Can't wait for updates!

I had my eye on this game for some time but didn't play it until now because of the mixed reviews. I get where the criticism is coming from, but man... am I glad I gave it a chance anyway! The dev did something a bit different story wise and I must admit the result is far from flawless. But for NTR / voyeur lovers this game is an absolute must play.

Below I made a list of pros and cons. If you read them you might wonder why I rated this game 5 stars, but for me the positives easily outweighed all the negative points. At the same time I understand why someone with the same arguments could also rate this game with 2 stars. Just give it a try and decide for yourself.

POSITIVE:

• exciting NTR game with refreshing character dynamics (not your typical loser MC, slut GF, alpha antagonist)
• fantastic animations and well-crafted sex scenes
• slow burn with a good build-up in suspense and corruption
• smoking hot women with nice tits and realistic bodies, no generic Ren'py models
• the new model of Iris is gorgeous! If she's ever included in the NTR/swinging route I'll write a letter to F95 and request this rating gets bumped up to 6 stars
• lots of content (even if you skip the boring parts)
• choices matter

NEGATIVE:

• weird setting, strange story and somewhat inconsistent character roles
• render quality (especially at start of game) isn't always optimal
• not sure what the dev had in mind with Iris, but her storyline floats completely apart from the others
• most of the (background) story and side characters aren't super interesting
• too much boring filler text and dialogue that's written like you're reading a book (although this also contributes to character development which makes that you actually care for them)

Long story short:
The slow burn burns a bit too slow at the start of the game, but once the fun starts this game really delivers. I loved that the story is told almost exclusively from the male protagonist POV, which means you don't get to see everything (a great feature for any NTR game). And you can easily click through most of the boring parts and still understand what's happening.

PS: recommended to play with the Walkthrough Mod so you don't accidentally get locked out of certain routes.

I am enjoying this unique story. Completely different tone and ambiance than most of the games I have played here. I don't really have anything negative to say. The developer updates regularly, usually twice a month, which is extraordinarily quick. They aren't huge updates but at least you know the game is in active development.

This review is written during the development of this game. Review for v.0.64 of this game:

• Render: 4/5 Characters aren't extremely jaw-dropping like the ones in Inceton games, Because I Love Her, Fetish Locator, etc. But the characters themselves are rendered that way to highlight and stereotype the personalities that they project/perpetuate - Sylvia is unconfident but caring and faithful (unless you corrupt her); Talia is condescending, haughty and wanton; Iris is youthful, energetic and innocent
• Setting: 2/5 The game is centered on the mistress (Talia) estate and it makes certain sense that the MC (a slave) is stuck in the household doing chores, but it could be better when Talia brings the MC outside to do errands and stuff. Seeing the same kitchen and rooms after too many times can kind of drive you crazy.
• Story: 3.5/5 Story revolves on the difference between nobility and the common folks' approach to love and life, but it gets somewhat uninteresting because the whole game is you being stuck in the household. Story can be improved on by creating scenarios for the MC to venture out of the estate . However, I like the fact that there ARE CONSEQUENCES to infidelity, the corruption, and how the characters navigate in their uncertainties. Given the many alternative scenes that you can encounter due to numerous different decisions you make during the game, it'd be helpful to have a guide or include gallery unlock tips in the gallery. A good takeaway from the story is that you have a powerful female figure that actually actively involves the MC in her debauchery acts, instead of making the MC a bystander or just a prop in the background. Definitely way better than other games where there's a more powerful female character.
• UI: 3/5 The gallery feature only has scenes without the dialogues. What it needs is to include the dialogues and also let you select the variables that are dependent on the choice you make, so that you can have a more tailored experience when visiting the gallery feature.

I think this game is heading in a good direction, but it needs some kind of rework to iron out some of the flaws highlighted above.

Really didnt like the look and feel of the game. Characters loo kinda "cheap" and the writing is dull. The story itself is rather predictable. I would like the creators to revisit the beginning and make it a bit more interesting, the fact that there is a black screen with text doesnt make it appealing at all.
Im happy to try it in once more in the future after a few updates, but intil now its not good.

This is a surprisingly good game. A lot of sexual tension between the characters with a good progression to more and more explicit scenes.
Often I see games either go all in from the get go or keep the player hanging with only promises of what may come. This game, in the current state (0.63b), strikes a great balance between those extremes.

The render quality may not be the best in the world, and it's clear that the bodies of your wife and your "competitor" weren't the focus of development. The scenes with your "mistress" clearly stand out in quality, but that actually helps the game, since it is mostly about the tempation of the exciting "other woman". So it makes sense that your wife is rather plain in comparison. And the game actually manages to make her sexy enough in the actual scenes involving her; it's only her standard clothing that appears kinda bulky.

I'l also not the biggest fan of the whole noble/slave background. It feels tacked on to the modern setting, and I don't think it would habe been necessary. A servant couple vs a rich employer would have worked just as well imo.

There is a bit of genuine netorare, although you really need to work to find it (at least I did). But mostly it's about sexual temptation of both the main character and his wife, and of course the resulting infidelity, mainly involving the main character. But even the most obviously netorare path doesn't (yet) devolve into pure "alpha"/"beta"/"omega" clichés, while on the other hand you neither get to be the all conquering alpha male. And that is certainly a good thing for this story, so I hope it stays that way.

Review as of v0.62

Visuals
They’re OK, nothing is going to blow your hair back in terms of the character models or the renders overall.

Poses are lazy, and it’s pretty evident the dev is just taking the characters and placing them front and center with no depth, using the environment as a backdrop essentially. These begin to feel cyclic, and boring.

First lewd scene sees the characters with plenty of privacy, but they keep their clothes on? Seriously, wtf?

Animations exist, they’re relatively fluid and not bad. It’s a shame that’s overshadowed by inferior renders/textures etc.


Characters
Sylvia has an attractive body but she’s not very pretty. Typical wife/mother figure. Considering she’s one of two main LIs I can’t believe how boring she is.

Iris is pretty generic, both in appearance and demeanor. LOTS of missed opportunities with her.


Story/Dialog
The writing style of this one is odd to me. It’s cold, emotionless, and nearly everything is just a blunt statement. All text appears italicized, which is also odd; generally italics symbolize inner monologue/thoughts or narration.

The initial setup of the backstory/plot, while easy to understand, fall a bit flat. We don’t know why the family are slaves, we don’t know why their mistress chose them, etc.

Minimal lewd content. Disappointing. In fact, dev goes out of their way to avoid showing it to us!
As you play through, each day feels like a repeat; there’s just nothing exciting happening.

Other
This is one of the few AVNs I’ve played where you can’t change the MC’s name/set it at the beginning. Disappointing, as this is such a standard feature anymore.

There is music present, but the choices are honestly bad. Adds no value to the game. It also...like...shifts between the same 2 tracks in the same scene? It’s just bad. Dev has no clue about what kind of emotion you want to evoke out of a given scene, and clearly hasn’t circled back to actually play their own game to see how distracting it is to constantly alternate between generic tracks. Play this one on mute.



Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this one. It’s rough. The story concept is fine; great, even. But 100% of it feels rushed and unpolished. I’d give it 1 star for the concept, and generously another star because overall it’s not among the worst I’ve played. It’s just not good. I wasn’t able to finish the end of this update, and even with skipping a lot of dialog, I tried.

The distinctive visual style makes this VN stand out. The play of light and shadow, the intimate atmosphere, the sensual scenes all create a unique experience.

The characters are well written and really feel like real people, with their own vices and shortcomings, which gives room for their corruption.

If you are interested in swing, corruption or cheating, I recommend giving this VN a chance.

I like where the story is going . Keep up the good work . It will be good if you add some more characters into the story which may give us more tags . So far its going good . I hope the slave guy in the story raise up to Nobles lol . Cheers

a modern world where nobility exists.. kinda odd... but the story and the concept...DEV clearly has talent the design the graphics the renders are rally good definitely a good game with good potential

Introduction was rough. Who is sylvia, who is iris? why do i need to be awfully called jack? Ok now I know who sylvia cow-lady is. Why am i forced to be her partner? Oh wtf, I have a mistress who 'acquired me'??

Models are varied, one very slim, next one built like a buffalo. Oh but might as well forget the slim one exists. You only get forced to mount the buffalo and the masculine mistress

Writing seems ok, but it is really jarring to have things like "said iris" as if reading a book, when the ui already tells you who is speaking.

Renders arent bad, but they are odd. The characters look like cutouts over the scene because... well I suspect they are. That's not too bad except the lighting rarely matches

Amazing buildup of the story. Unique art and quality animations. This game is one of the gems that rarely show up in a year. Hope the artist will hold course, stick to the quality delivery of regular updates and not get intimidated by impulsive reviewers that dont understand the tags. Keep up the good work !

At first glance, a decent enough story. I like sharing/ntr games, so I happily gave this one a try, and.... it was okay. Average.
Pros: There's a lot of content.
Seems like NTR is avoidable, for those who prefer.
The female renders are solid - the MC's wife in particular is excellent.

Cons: First off, there's a lot of content.... and most of it's pretty dull.
The world is extremely uninteresting and nonsensical (knights and noble families and slaves in the modern world.... how original...)
The *male* renders are ATROCIOUS. The guy who the MC's wife cheats with looks laughable - genuinely, as in I laughed out loud when I first saw him.
There is a (step?) daughter who disappears halfway through the game. Maybe it's explained? Idk, by then I was pretty bored.

I guess if you can get past the renders, this might appeal to you. It's not the worst story, not the best, and the islands of excellent content get lost in the ocean of mediocrity.

It was a really good game, great start and hopefully it will develop well into the future. At first I thought that the renders of the character looked a bit stiff but once you get playing I was very surprised on how detailed some of the expressions were.

A lot of people will be curious how it handles certain tags, so I'll start by saying this is one of the minority of 'NTR' games that's far more just a swinging game and isn't an abusive betrayal fetish thing like most. There are more intense paths if you want them, but for the most part you just play a romantic couple who are indentured servants for a horny noblewoman and you all start to get an eye for each other. Nobodies trying to seduce your girl away from you or anything like that, and though the mistress may primary have an eye for you, she's fully willing to bring you both aboard.

Overall, it's a good game of exploring love in a complex master-servant dynamic where nobody has to be evil. The girlfriend is sweet and wifely, the mistress has a very seductive aura yet is reasonably respectful of boundaries, and the other male, Henry, is a pretty good bro. Good characters all around with a great premise.

That said, the game has some issues with story and choice. Mostly in that it feels like the writing expects you to be more a cheater than you can be. You get choices either to fall for the mistress early, or resist her temptations, but regardless of what you do there's still a mini-arc where your girlfriend gets angry at you thinking you betrayed her. If you did cheat on her this of course makes sense, but if you've been picking the resist options then she has little more to get angry over than feeling like you're cheating. This unintentionally ends up making the girlfriend seem unreasonable and unlikable, which is really bad for a player who's on the girlfriend 'route'. I respect the game needs some drama for arcs to happen, but it needs some larger path differentiation there. You pretty much get very similar reactions to having cheating sex as you do giving your owner a foot massage, which seems like a pretty normal duty for an indentured servant.

As for art, the girl designs are pretty hot, the girlfriend in particular has a fantastically soft inviting body and as a bush lover I'd also like to voice my appreciation for their inclusion too. However, as for the renders themselves, I looks like they're using Virtamate or another real-time renderer rather than Daz, and it's older assets and weaker lighting definitely show (ie. the poor bumpy normal map texture of the mistress' breasts in the first preview image). The posing and light arrangements aren't bad by any means and have a pretty noir style I like, but the dev may need to step up his game even more to compensate for the asset limitations. On the other hand though, Virtamate lets them more easily use thrust vectors and mocap resources for the animations which puts them a big step above many of the crudely animated DAZ scenes out there. Overall, not the best renders, but they're certainly servicable and get the job done.

I'll be really curious to see how this one develops as it goes, hopefully it's able to maintain it's sorta mutual corruption loving swingers thing, as that's a real rarity of it's genre. This feels like it's setting up a nice story where a group of flawed characters all sorta help each other find something they're missing, and I'm eager to see that if so. It's definitely a game I'll keep an eye on.