Yea same. A paradigmatic example is Freshwomen, where I tried it a while ago cuz visually it's pretty amazing, but once u start to play it, the story is such a joke that it's untenable to continue playing (also the MC's overexaggerated and stupid facial expressions were extremely grating)
For me, an engaging story (preferably at least somewhat realistic) always comes first. The next thing I look for - interesting LIs, both personality-wise and good-looking, I mean. Even if the story isn’t great, I can still enjoy a game if I really connect with some of the characters.This isn't meant as self promotion. I happen to like the discussion and be a dev as well. Although my game is currently only up to chapter 2 and it is AI art, I wonder if that's a factor in your search for reality? I know AI art can be quite dividing here, although my main focus is on the romantic/mystery story line and less on the visuals. I wonder what your thoughts are. Secrets in Focus.
Chasing Sunsets is a personal favourite as well. The art was amazing and the story was great too. I liked how they limited the number of LI's to keep the realism in check.
If you had to choose between a great story and horrible visuals, or the other way round?
, anyway, yeah, for me, art is definitely not the main factor, story is.
Cool, thanks for the rec. I've yet to play any HS art style games yet and there's a ton of rlly good ones it seemsFor me, an engaging story (preferably at least somewhat realistic) always comes first. The next thing I look for - interesting LIs, both personality-wise and good-looking, I mean. Even if the story isn’t great, I can still enjoy a game if I really connect with some of the characters.
Visuals are probably the last thing I consider. I can play with mediocre or even rough art if the story hooks me. Now & Then is a good example, visuals aren’t exactly its strong point, but narrative kept me going.
That said, it’s all subjective. What one person finds engaging, someone else might find boring. Take Chasing Sunsets (the one you mentioned), - top-tier art for sure, but the story felt extremely dull to me. There were a few girls I liked a lot, but none of them are main LIs, so it just didn’t click (I still finished it though just not from my 1st attempt).
I got side tracked a bit
Haven’t actually played a game that uses AI visuals yet, maybe Secrets in Focus will be the first one .This isn't meant as self promotion. I happen to like the discussion and be a dev as well. Although my game is currently only up to chapter 2 and it is AI art, I wonder if that's a factor in your search for reality? I know AI art can be quite dividing here
Chasing Sunsets is a personal favourite as well. The art was amazing and the story was great too. I liked how they limited the number of LI's to keep the realism in check.
If you had to choose between a great story and horrible visuals, or the other way round?
I agree with the rest here. I will sometimes not even play a game that looks good, just because the story doesn't interest me. I'm more into realism, so that limits the game I play a bit.
Depraved Awakening was one of the first AVNs I played and I really enjoyed it, so when I saw the same dev had made City of Broken Dreamers, I figured I had to give it a shot.
Glad you put Domino Beach. I had remembered it after I had already made a few comments so didn't want to spam lol. Also Move the Chains as well, tho I haven't yet got around to playing it (have it downloaded).
Move the Chains is great solid story, great visuals, interesting characters. Definitely worth a try if you're not playing anything else
Currently playing Broken Promises haha! I remember the other day I mentioned I was gonna check it out and yea I'm rlly liking it so far. I was in the middle of a first play through of a few games (Fog of War, Grey Dream, Leaving DNA) so I'll get back to those after.
I actually haven’t played Formula Zero yet. Gonna add it to my list.
This game has an absolutely amazing start, and I really appreciate that the story is something original and dives into the world of F1. Emma is incredible, I can't wait to see how it develops
I recently started playing this (currently at the first party), and while there doesn't seem to be much of a story (more slice of life or whatever it's called), everything is just, idk, very natural. Also bonus points for no frat jackets (MC even asked Sam about them); nobody does that shit, it would b super cringe
I haven't played the update yet, but I was wondering when we'd meet her.
