VN - Ren'Py - New Antioch [R0.5] [TheRedMyst]

All in all, I am very impressed with the creator game and author of the story, I am eagerly looking forward to seeing more of it.

Some points that stood out;

• One of the few games here that actually has an intriguing and compelling story (so far). The characters are interesting and complex, with back story and their own issues, baggage, concerns and motivations.
• Models are good, mostly very attractive and not "inflated", disproportional or completely unrealistic.
• Interaction and choices seems to carry weight, how far and wide they carry we will still see, but its a very good start and choices do have mostly immediate noticeable impact.
• The writing, grammar and spelling are very good.
  Spoiler: Tiny Potential Spoil About "the world"

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• While sometimes there are some less serious moments that kind of detract from the plot where the writer does try and make silly lighthearted moments, I see this as something a first time VN creator and storyteller would do. It is not really fitting but it also does not "kill" the game or plot either. (its a small thing and something I personally can live with at the current dosage)

I hope that the story keeps the pace and intrigue it has created right to its conclusion. I also hope that we will be seeing regular and fair amount of content with each update.

This is one to watch and support! Keep it up

EDIT: Version 0.4 Review

Adding onto my previous review, I stand by it and if I could endorse this game any more, I surely would. It is the first game I rated 5/5 which is something I very very seldom do as I believe nothing is perfect but this game is very close for a VN.

Apart from visuals including cinematic, which are very well done. The game has a story that is not simply drivel and is structured to have a decent flow and buildup of suspense. Sometimes you think its the end of the update with a fade to black scene just to start the next part.

Update 0.4 was a decent one and left off with the player wanting to know what happens next.

I highly recommend this game to all here and implore, if you are able, to support the developer who has rightfully earned it with this project!

The renders look amazing. The game can easily contend with being a top-rated game like Eternum, BaD if the updates continue to be as good as the game has been till now.

I quite liked the extra interaction given with the personality/fighting style related information for making choices. Also, the choices are not just yes/no choices disguised in long sentences. It looks like choices will matter, but let us see in further updates.

The premise of the story can allow many things to happen, but what actually will happen is yet to be seen and I am eagerly awaiting what this dev has in store for us.

[R0.2 Public]

The writing is solid. It's damn good, actually, considering the generally low standards we are used to. That said, I did have some personal gripes with it.

While the writer has a good handle in weaving the humorous scenes with the more serious stuff, I had the undeniable feeling that I can't take this story seriously. Perhaps that's intended, but the goofy ass facial expressions and the numerous jokes and gags makes it rather hard to get immersed in the dystopian setting. It's not a sin to feature comedy in a dystopian setting (after all, Fallout did that and that seems like the prime inspiration for this game), but rather than dark humor, this game has something like Disney humor with all the exaggerated expressions, gestures and personas.

It was especially difficult to land on a consistently depicted MC because he is acting like a goofy ass dude one moment, then killing people in cold blood, then acting like a good dude, then being an asshole, then a naive guy, etc etc.

That said, the world building is pretty good, the English is exceptional, the dialogues are natural, and the renders are of high quality. It's definitely worth a play.

Review for R0.2 Public

Try as I might, I'm jut not into whatever the genre is called that mixes medieval fantasy (or middle ages in this case) with sci-fi/modern day technology. A personal problem, but when I see a dude in full roman armor whip out a taser it just breaks any and all immersion I had.

Even still, I'm giving this game 4 stars. It's almost a testament to its quality that I'm still enjoying this despite not being into the setting.

New Antioch is also not the game I thought it would be. I was expecting a darker and gritty experience perhaps akin to another popular post-apocalyptic game of the desert variety. While there is a lot of political intrigue and conflict, mixed with it all is humor. A surprising amount of humor actually.

I did find most of it funny, but it also sort of breaks that immersion I had of the MC being on this serious mission to take down an entire city. But since I'm not into the setting, I'm actually finding the humor working more for me? I definitely had to bend my expectations, but I think I now have a much better outlook on the game.

There's a fine line between me finding maledom either palatable or cringe, but it's working here for me so far. The MC isn't a cocky douchebag nor an "alpha" meathead, but rather just a likeable dude which is nice. He also happens to be the son of a feared warrior and has the skills (and intelligence) to match. I would like to see him shine more on the political/strategical side though, but it is early.

The love interests are hot, but I need to see more from a lot of them. I do hope they are more than "woman waiting for a real man to take charge" and have some real relevance and impact on the plot. I'm getting that vibe just a smidge, but I'm chalking it up to this being a maledom game. As long as they don't all turn into brainless robots as soon as the MC whips his dick out then I'm fine.

Overall the game is pretty solid. Atmospheric, lots of good world building, etc. I'm invested in the story and characters enough to want to play this again. Hopefully the next couple updates sew up the few doubts I have, but this was enjoyable so far.

I'm not at the end of this update (I'm at the part where you play a board game) but geez, I didn't expect this game to have such good writing. It's almost uncanny in a way because it feels like the writer for this game has professional experience. One of the biggest writing strengths of this author was to do the "show don't tell principle". This principle can be used during a suspense scene to let the audience see the potential conflict and develop anxiety in them.

Seemingly minor details are used to pay off situations in a big way, which is the staple of a great movie. If the game continues in this direction, I have little doubt that the author will have a bright future in whatever endeavor they choose.

I will say that I prioritize writing over smut, so if you go in looking for a quick "fix" you may be disappointed.

Edit - I really like the story as I've stated already. So far, my only criticism is that for some reason, the author is shoehorning in many misogynistic characters later in the story. When it was just Enzo, it was charming (that was part of his character) but when a guard, a prisoner, some girls boyfriend and a fighter are saying the same kinds of things as Enzo, it makes me roll my eyes.

It feels less about characterization and more about showing "how cool and awesome" the MC is compared to these sexist guys when the MC doesn't need that at all. I also roll my eyes equally in games where all the males are white knights and the MC is "this cool dude who puts women in their place" blah blah blah. This is moreso a gripe then anything and the game is still amazing.

Quickly rocketed towards the top of my most anticipated games. An intriguing premise; a good blend of humor, action, and suspense; and love interests that are genuinely intriguing characters on their own.

Very good start to the game. Unfortunately, no lewds in chapter 1 but the writing is great and the world building is superb. If the next chapters are of the same quality than this will be an amazing game.

Pros: holy....fuck. absolute banger for a starter, MCs a fucking viking looking alpha gigachad but you can shape his personality how you want based on choices, characters are very well written, Renders are AM-A-ZING, Music is delightful, Plot will actually pick up in next chapter and I can already sense it has HUGE POTENTIAL to deliver. Writing is very top notch to match the whole setting, humor is used very very well (scene near the bar was hilarious), MC also cares for his bro so I love him for that.

Cons: nothing really honestly. If you are expecting lewds there's none cuz it's new. But honestly the game can carry itself even without them cuz plot is so good. With that said there will probably be some in future and will probably be slow burn or random one night stands cuz MC seems mature but could be going from place to place like nomad so normal relationship building will be difficult (im hoping for former with some romance and slow burn tho who knows..)

Verdict: Absolutely play right now!! Even with just one chapter in the writing, renders, and the characters are just lovely. Not too much lore but not too little either. Honestly hope the quality remains same or surpasses with next update. Goodluck!

(Insert Palpatine voice) We will watch your career with great interest.

Very strong start, and lots of choices, some people might dislike the lack of a sex scene but I think the premise of the story is excellent and it seems like you can lean into the "Dreadwolf" name of your father's legacy or become someone new, someone who shows mercy, I can't wait to see what episode two brings.

Great start so far! Well written, atmosphere with smart usage of music is good, even had a pretty impactful choice early on which I hope continues to pop up. Renders are pretty good as well, looks exciting for sure.

A promising start to the game, and I'm eagerly looking forward to more! The story seemed intriguing, and the writing was pleasant to read. The characters and renders looked great, and I also enjoyed the humor in the game. You just earned another supporter!

It's an enjoyable read, leaves me wanting to know more. The art is pretty good as well though there is a bit of uncanny valley. The music and sound is used well to amplify the scenes rather than just thrown in like in many games. Definitely going on my watch list.

Another really good looking start. Im Glad i found this game because it has a really good story which seems very interesting, it has very good writing, the dev is able to convey emotion with his writing and the choices seem to really matter, It has a good soundtrack and good visuals, of course ther is no sex scene or anything like that in this first update so not much to say about that, but from what ive seen everything is awesome. Only thing that wasnt great so far was the acial expressions. Sometimes they just make the characters look weir or dumb and the women so far werent too hot in my opinion. Giana was fine but the other two werent really hot so well see where this will go.

Overall tho it was amazing and im looking forward to more updates i think this game is definetly worth trying out.

Great start to the game. Got a lot of potential. All the characters (including Li's) look like they've actually lived a life before meeting mc. They've got scars and other such stuff which makes them look a lot more real. Also the dialogue is surprisingly witty in a non cringey way. The mc also looks badass. Really looking forward to more. Keep at it.

Lots of promise in this very early release. The setting and plot feel fresh and exciting.
The visual style is impeccable, the renders feel real, characters have dirty faces, scars, real character. The lighting and camera angles are beautiful and dramatic.
I'm really excited to see how this game develops,with this very early release it feels like they have created a vast, well built world to explore.

Great story and can potentially become a massive game! I support the dev to the fullest and congrats him on his endeavours for putting a simple game play yet you feel control over the game which is why it can become a massive game in the future!

Gritty, witty...and, um...titty? Welcome to New Antioch city!
Your arrival will be in 0.3? 0.4?! Dunno, but it'll be cool.

TL/DR: Sadly, most smut stories with a strong masculine protagonist have the narrative clout of a tuna sammich. New Antioch bucked that trend harder than this protagonist is going to buck some needy holes. It features a refreshing genre medley of sci-fi , fantasy, vault-dwellers, lost city of Atlantis, 7-kingdom's (except there are only four), Rome, and tabletop gaming...yep tabletop gaming. 0.1 came in swinging like mike Tyson if you insulted his tiger, his speech impediment, and doped him with 60 mg of Methamphetamine.

0.4 Update. The progression sexual content in the game has knocked it down a star for me. The MC is a shower and not a grower, was hoping he had a mega cock, he does not. . The chicks are all too busty, and there is too much cuckoldry netori themed stuff where the NPC cuck male is there for the content for my tastes. The added profiles and map are awesome UI additions though!

+A lot of the characters are funny as fuck- including the MC's hommie.
Dante was funny as hell. Giana was funny as hell. Stavros was funny as hell. The only character that wasn't somewhat charismatic is Ollie- but he was supposed to be a duplicitous little shit.
+ The real talk UI conversation (used for Dante) where the MC deduced tells about him is rather fun.
+ There are a bunch of non-typical tensions to play around with in a smut game. Its not like a typical AVN where most of the struggle is the MC overcoming being a fucking wimp. He struggles with concepts like duty vs morality. Making sacrifices for the greater good. And very, very soon- crippling trust issues?
+ Looks like a bunch of the LI are going to be starting as enemies. Slow burn enemies to lovers arcs are beautiful if done with nuance.
+ MC looks great. He is what would happen if you force fed Adam Driver testosterone and he was from Biggus Dickus' bloodline.
+ The gals are hot.
+ UI is clean and moderately customized.
+SE and Music fits the setting. I've heard a lot of it in other content- but works well with the themes and is coded in smartly.
+Fast paced, but not overly fast paced.
+Rice-wine as a tell was cool. MC aint a dumb-ass. Plenty of little moments where he got to shine for more than brawn.
+ Sea-gull kun is a chad.
+There is a dog.
- you cannot pet the dog.
+...yet. Pray it is an actualized story arc
+ The Map and Ui elements are robust and aid immersion.

- It has been 30 minutes since I played 0.1 and 0.2 isn't out yet.
- reproduction crisis can be a pretty uncompelling plot device that serves just to front-load sex scenes. Hopefully, it is something cooler here with some lore behind it. (I.E. the Necrophage in Mass effect)

Spoiler: Nit pick about 0.1 ending.

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- Netori where the cucked dude is present for the scene. Gross.
- The scene content isn't all that hot.
- Wish the MC has a megacock like the plot implied.
- No petite or short LI.
- Mc looks stupid with his short haircut.

(Note: This review is for 0.1 release. Entire thing is subject to change later down the line or after 1.0 releases)

Okay, my dumb comment on the OT aside, I liked this one overall. Setting and lore reminds me more of "Degenesis" rather than "Fallout," what with society regressing to a somewhat fuedal state (complete with "magic" and cults) in a post-apocalyptic future but with futuristic tech hidden under the earth and just waiting to be uncovered (with the results varying from beneficial to potentially apocalyptic). And I quite like the former, really. Still wonder how that's all going to blend in the future though (like will we be seeing computers and robots and other futuristic tech side-by-side with people wearing armor and swords and guns as we delve deep into the story or once we reach the titular city? Time will tell I suppose).

Also give props to the storytelling. Expository dialogue doesn't sound too "as you know-y" and feels more like a natural part of conversation between characters (at least to me). Sequential storytelling is also on point. Some of the shots really make me feel immersed in the setting and can be a bit cinematic at times (which is a plus). And speaking of shots, the location render choices are just...wow. I appreciate it when devs actually take the time to render/utilize locations in their settings that make you as the VN reader WANT to go there. So...that's a plus to me I suppose.

I think my biggest gripe with this release is the length. I know it's early days and this IS the dev's first game so I can understand why the dev might not want to bite more than he/she could chew. That said, this release could've been supplemented with at least SOME sort of adult content (other than seeing Mateo's (MC) magnum dong, anyway) to whet the appetite and also add a little to the runtime. Seems only fair, IMO, especially since this is supposed to be an AVN I believe.

As for everything else (character render quality, music, sound ambience, MC design)...they're all...okay. Not much of a standout so far but...they're all okay. MC design for one is cool (though the hairstyle really could use some work IMO...like I'm fine with long hair in fact I dig a character with long hair...it's just the style that bothers me, but I feel like that's just a "me" problem). But every other character...yeah they all feel "just" okay, I suppose.

Overall, gripes aside, it's a good first release, and I'm curious to see where this story leads.

(Also how much will I have to pay the dev to just make an after credits outtake in 1.0 of the main cast just playing Magic and Manticores? Just...just asking)

I'm not a "story-driven" porno gamer but can appreciate a good story. This is the first update, there aren't any h-scenes yet, but it's one of a handful of examples on this site of something I can read for more than ten seconds without blanking out. Gfx are p good too, didn't see any anims.

Anyway, 4/5 for the effort and wish dev the best.