I will preface this by saying this game intrigues me. The plot is interesting thus far, and the quality of production Faerin is notable for is certainly to be found here. This game is ambitious and more detailed than his previous project, likely a reflection of self-improvement and expanding horizons, as it were. I honestly am impressed, and it will be fun to watch this game grow, as it has a great deal of potential. I encourage others to be patient while this game comes to fruition because it definitely has a lot of mechanical and aesthetic features that will take a lot of work to iron out and balance. That said, I will offer some criticism in some of the aspects I have observed to date in hopes that it will be useful.
I will discount the bugs and lack of content that has already been noted by others. Frankly, it wouldn't be fair to score a fledgling game on such things, but I will be sure to report anything I notice. So far, I've found nothing new that hasn't already been addressed.
The dialog needs some work in my opinion. The uneasiness and tensions in both suspense and relationship aspects is shallow, and borders on cliche, as though a teenager was being forced to write a short story for the sake of turning in a paper to avoid a failing grade. The clamoring for words and constant iteration of "uhm" is not realistic even by modern standards. This is hardly worthy of the bar that has been established.
The graphics quality is incredibly well done, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the artwork and scenery in the future. However, like many of the games here, it falls into the same trap- cartoonish, disproportionate bodies attributed to otherwise beautiful, realistic 3D artwork. The female form is a wonderful thing, don't misunderstand me, but in damn near every single game, regardless of theme or genre, every woman has a pair of goodyear blimps on their chest, and the ass looks like two hogs fighting over a Snickers bar.
There comes a point when exaggerated hourglass figures, even in a fantasy setting, stops being sexy and attractive, and simply becomes an irritation to the audience and detracts from the story or game itself. This one is at high risk to do just that. Be a rebel, go on a limb, and change it up. The game will stand out all that much more from the others and possibly even attract a more diversified audience. Not everyone that plays these games is a walking jar of hormones; some actually appreciate the creativity and substance of a project much more than "just another picture of 3d porn." A lot of us I suspect don't even give a damn about the porn parts. Sure, sex sells (if you can call it that), but does the game want to stand out and be unique, or just another part of the hive hoping to get noticed in a sea of clones?
This should go for all devs. The goal should not be an animated arms race by which game makers outdo each other with even bigger tits and malformed characters that lived in Chernobyl too long. Even your most fervent supporters in the market will get bored. Your goal should be to force the others to get as creative as you if they want to keep up. More and more, devs are afraid to rock the boat. Capsize it once in a while, and you'll see passengers swimming to your ship.
Don't take this critique as a rebuke; take it as words of encouragement from someone who really wants to see your work flourish. I just happen to be brutally honest.
