VN - Ren'Py - Leaving DNA [Ep. 4.3a] [Impious Monk]

It’s hard to put into words just how incredible this game is. From start to finish, it keeps you completely hooked. The story is deeply engaging, and I found myself fully immersed about 90% of the time. Every character feels alive, masterfully written with real depth and personality. It even has the power to make you cry, especially when meeting a certain sweetheart.

From a storytelling perspective, this is easily one of the top five visual novels I’ve ever played. I’m writing this just after the ending of Episode 3, about to dive into Episode 4, and I’m absolutely hooked.

On the technical side, the developer seems to release updates every six months to a year. However, the sheer amount of content and the quality of renders more than make up for the wait—the updates are massive.

Honestly, there are so many great things to say about this game that it’s hard to list them all. It’s simply too good to pass up. For your own sake, give it a try.

Huge respect to the developer. This has been an absolute pleasure to play.

5 stars on all front.
Story: engaging but not silly or far-fetched (so far!)
Writing: the dialogues feel natural, and I really enjoy that the characters have principles and serious conversations and that you can really feel their inner emotional and intellectual life. They're not empty vessels, they have a life of their own.
Visuals: it looks great, and I appreciate the small changes in faces showing the characters reactions.

The one thing that bugs me so far? Someone having a mezzanine with no guardrail. And they're dancing drunk up there

If you relish the "novel" bit from AVN, playing this is a no-brainer. If you don't, play it all the same, you'll enjoy it!

One of the best VN's that I have played. The renders are really good and the story is also well written.

Its nice to see that all girls have their purpose. This VN is definitely not for anyone who just wants sex. Story is the most important aspect of this VN and it has not disappointed so far.

I have noticed that the update time is a bit slow but the dev makes up for it through the renders and playtime. There is no lag or anything like there is no scene just as a filler.

Would definitely recommend this game to anyone who wants a good story

I’ve played a lot of games from this site, but I can’t remember any other that hooks you THAT MUCH, damn... It might lack choices for some people, or the animations might not be the best, but the writing is what makes this AVN shine in all its glory. It’s all about the absolutely amazing, well-written, and captivating story, which gave me movie-like vibes so many times. As for other aspects, the graphics range from stunning to above average, the characters are likable and feel believable, and the music is okay, more or less (in my opinion, this is the only area that could be improved). Can't wait to see what will happen next, strongly recommended to play.

For those who like a game focused on history, you will definitely like this one because it is very good both in terms of the mysteries it has and the drama, the love interests are few but they are well worked and each one has their own story and their dramas, but they also have charisma. The protagonist is the type who is disbelieving in life, but not the boring type, but the type that you root for him to be happy and lastly, there is still the drama with his sister, which so far has been the one that has made me the saddest, I felt sorry for her. So this is an excellent game for those who like a good story and a good drama.

Masterpiece. An incredible story that's captivating from start to finish. Twists and turns throughout that engage you unlike anything else I've played before. Amazing writing, characters, development.

Decided to pick this up the day of the release on Steam, and I'm very glad that I did. And now that we're halfway through the 8 episodes, it's only fair I give it the five stars it deserves.
Very strong writing, both plot and characters (Colleen interactions have me in tears every time I play them), good looking renders, excellent music. Doesn't throw lewds at you at every corner, and doesn't treat the player like a horny idiot, both of which are appreciated.
Epsiode 4 ending will definitely ruffle some feathers. As for the love interests, Malena is still the best and most interesting girl here, with most questions still unanswered. After all, she's the one on the main menu screen for a reason.All I can selfishly ask for is more of her!
One of those times you wish you had a time machine, so you could skip ahead to the next episode release. Goes without saying, but if you happen to be reading this review, I strongly recommend checking this out if you haven't already.

Leaving DNA is one of best AVN that I ever played. The story very Engaging and Compelling it's one of those AVN that you will play for the story not for sex scene. The Emotional impact it does for me are realistic and compelling every character has deep and realistic feel to them. And Visual are Excellent maybe the best of All AVN that i played the scene are beautiful and refined i will totally recommending this all AVN Players..... A MUST PLAY AVN.

STORY 10/10
VISUALS 10/10
MC LOOKS 100/10 One of Best Looking MC
Li 10/10

Without a doubt the finest AVN on this site. While it is true that the sex scenes are sporadic and the animations are average, the overall presentation feels REAL: the story, the dialogue, the relationships, the emotions, everything is just so well-crafted.

From the first scene to the end of episode 3 I was gripped by everything, from deep empathy with the victims, really immersed myself into the life of the MC and the mystery is better done than most TV/Movies.

Honestly, it is a clear 6/5, best on site.

Overall excellent AVN so far. A little lacking in sex scenes, but when the story and characters are compelling, it heavily makes up for it. I also appreciate how much the plot moves along with each episode, the first was a good introduction to the world and characters, the second expanded on it and introduced real stakes, and the third has kicked things up a notch and gotten things really moving. The characters are all very fun to interact with and see their stories, I am enjoying Jamies the most, but I can understand why the others might be favorites as well. Overall, I want more, and can't wait for more updates. 9.8/10

I really liked the game. At the start it was quite boring and i almost dropped it. But when the story developed it become a very good game in my opinion. The personality of the characters are very interesting and the plot capvating. In the path that i choose i didn't see any sex scenes at all, but this doesn't strike me as a downside to give less than 5 stars

Great VN with interesting and intense story and well written dialogue. Characters are realistic and believable, girls are good looking, MC is likeable and yes, the game is a slow burn, but feels very natural - I chose Jamie's path.
Have to say, I shed a tear or two in this one.
Looking forward to next update.

I can't lie this game is 10/10. I have never had a games story line that had me so hooked. Other games just seem to give too much information and just drag out and make me wanna do something else but I actually care bout the story line. The love interests are good looking and realistic. Just perfect.
The only let down is aminations during sexual scenes are a bit meh. But still one of best played so far, that good I'm writing a review. I can't wait till episode 4.

I don't think I've ever been this captivated by the plot in an AVN. Exceptional!

I fell in love with legal dramas after watching Francis Ford Coppola's the rainmaker and more recently Netflix's Lincoln Lawyer. This game is near about right up there with them in my opinion.

I've always been prejudiced in favour of the defence attorneys because it felt like they were the ones standing up for the little people. But this VN opened my eyes to the fact that the prosecution is also just as important and both are important cogs without which a democracy cannot function. Never thought I'd be talking about this stuff while reviewing a porn game, but that just goes to show how exemplary of a game this is.

The chadacters are likeable. The mc feels like a real person. In fact I even find myself roleplaying as him. Instead of thinking about which dialogue options would get me the most sex scenes (there are maybe half a dozen of them spread throughout the chapters, not counting the "dream sequence (?)"), I am thinking about what would the character actually say? Maybe he'd be someone who's emotionally stunted who just can't commit to healthy relationships based on mutual trust and understanding. But not consciously. Or perhaps, now that he's in his 30s, he's starting to realise that there needs to be a conscious effort on his part to undo the years of emotional repression that he has subjected himself to. The LIs are also likeable characters who feel like real people. I don't just want to pound them but actually for the mc to date them and for them to companions to the mc in his quest. Which brings me to the next point.

I'm absolutely enthralled by the story. I genuinely cannot wait to learn what happens next. I am constantly at the edge of my seat. Not that there are in jump scares or anything of the sort. No that would be cheap. But it's just the setting and the evolution of the story. Who's lying? What are the missing pieces? What's going on with this special organization? And what happened between the og members?
But to me the most important part is, what's going to happen to the sister. She's a developmentally challenged young woman and the first time the MC visits her, and her carer is reading to her, ngl, my eyes were a smidgen wet. I don't think I've ever wanted to protect a character this much in a VN. Best thing is that it doesn't feel forced. It doesn't feel like the game needs you to care for her. But you end up doing so just the same. The illusion of choice. Brilliant.

I hope the the dev gets as much support they need and then some. I too will buy it if I ever have the means. But till then I wish them the absolute best and nothing else.

"Leaving DNA" is a captivating visual novel that took me on a thrilling journey through a world of genetic mysteries and moral dilemmas. The story is rich with twists and turns, keeping me hooked from start to finish (Episode 3).

The protagonist, whose choices drive the narrative, is complex and relatable, making the experience feel personal and engaging. The girls in the game are wonderfully crafted (love Jamie), each with her own unique backstory, personality, and connection to the central mystery. Their interactions with the MC are heartfelt, sometimes tense, and always meaningful, adding emotional depth to the story.

The game's art is stunning, with detailed character designs that really bring each girl to life. The atmosphere is immersive, drawing me deeper into the narrative with every choice I made. The way the game explores themes of identity, ethics, and what it means to be human left a lasting impression on me.

Overall, "Leaving DNA" is a gem for fans of mystery and sci-fi, offering a thought-provoking experience that's as beautiful as it is intense. Highly recommended and one of my personal favourites.

Review based on Ep. 3.

One of my overall favourites. As a fan of procedural cop shows, I was very much into playing an AVN with such vibes, and boy, did Leaving DNA deliver.

Pros:
1) Very good visuals.
2) One of the best stories in AVN gaming, and it actually has screentime to help it develop.
3) The MC is very capable and handsome, but has his limits and flaws.
4) Great writing. Visiting the MC's sister is… difficult, in a good sense.
5) Humour.
6) The number of LIs is not that great, but they are very well-made, and I absolutely adore Jamie and Malena.
7) Specific girl: Jamie. She's the best "childhood friend" and "friend's little sister" ever because, as she and the MC are older than most examples, she's not some little girl but a successful adult woman and a professional in her own right. And still unbelievably cute.

Cons:
1) A bit too much involvement of the topic of rape. I feel uncomfortable being unable to punish the perpetrators right away.
2) That friend's story in the cafe early on… Well… Coulda been shorter.
3) Little sex so far.

5 stars!

Excellent! Mind-blowing, Fantastic, Legendary, Amazing, Jamie for life ! Amazing story, well-developed characters, well-researched and engaging scenes, beautiful renders, deep characters, fantastic side characters

Definitely in my top 5 favorite VN's. If you don't mind going through emotional content you are going to enjoy this. The only negative thing I can say is that I wanted more, so can't wait for the next episode to come out.

As at end of Ep 3, this is a great game so far. Interesting story, great writing and characters, a couple of hot LIs and a strong but flawed MC. It looks to be strongly romantic and, at times, emotional.

Too Long; Won't Read: Leaving DNA is easily one of the best VNs on this site, but it won't be for everyone. The heavy themes this game tackles may cause distress to some people, and the focus is on building realistic relationships over gratuitous sex. With the pace of updates announced and observed, this game won't be finished until 2026 at the very least. You have been cautioned!

That said, a more in-depth review of individual aspects:

• Story: Brutal and realistic, there is no attempt to sugarcoat the hardships some people may face in their lives (sexual assault of all categories, childhood trauma, gang violence). It isn't portrayed graphically, but it can still resonate with actual victims. The courtroom elements are fairly "realistic", but all my experience is from Hollywood so take that as you will.
• Characters in this drama are all portrayed well enough, though some choices are way too on the nose in regards to their consequences - to the point that there are a few moments in the story where you have to make "out of character" choices in order to stay on certain paths. The MC is an
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• Art: Superb quality, not the best I've ever seen, but those that beat this game are even slower to develop and require 4K displays to take full advantage of - a.k.a. not really feasible for the average consumer. For comparison, playing a game like Dreamland makes my M3 Macbook dangerously hot, this one does not. Sure, that one has even more detailed scenes & animations, but it is not worth it to hear the fans spinning on a desktop PC while playing a "simple" VN game.
  • The music tracks are finely selected... when there is music. Only emotionally charged scenes have some, with some casual exceptions. Courtroom scenes have none whatsoever, and makes an already "tedious" experience of just reading text worse. Not to say bad, just worse overall.
• Animations: In my single playthrough of the game so far, I've come across exactly zero. I doubt this is the result of my choices within the game, as it seems the game doesn't feature any scenes for any path so far. Certainly a negative, but I have to point out the fact that this game will not be sex-focused at all. There will be sex, but it won't be the reward nor the catalyst for plot (there may already be sex in the game, but it probably requires "riskier" choices than mine). This is a methodical character-builder game, and sex is a byproduct of the choices you will make. This isn't your quick-wank game, not by a long shot.

Overall, I give this game (Episodes 1 - 3) a 5/5 stars, not because it excells in all aspects of the visual novel genre, but because it goes beyond in some - and lags in others.

Be warned: this game will take a long time to complete, and updates are scheduled at a 8-month release cycle, with the last (Episode 3) released in Q1 of 2024. Should you still decide to give this story a whirl, and love it - prepare to wait for it to finish in several years (unless the solo developer can drastically improve their workflow by hiring more animators).