This review was written based on the available content in the 0.05.3 version.
This game really does go the distance with including most types of hypno content. Thankfully, the creator of this game happens to be interested in enough of the same sub-genres that I am, executing it in a way I like. So when something hits correctly, it really hits. This being more variety though, there is plenty of content that just didn't do it for me. Turning into a statue for eternity, for example? Hard pass. Your mileage may vary, but I find it unlikely you'd be disappointed by this if you're anything like me.
General game play is fine, with the player being tasked with going to specific locations to trigger events, completing them, and then returning home to pass time/sleep as the general loop. Some of the interiors are a bit too large but I've seen far worse in other RPGM titles. Its traversable and the layouts aren't confusing or frustrating, and the player is given ample direction about where to go and what to do. There are some random events that could be "missable" if you don't know where to look, but I think that as more content is added it will be unlikely the player will accidentally skip over things, as they mostly appear in the same places, and don't appear to be progression-gated (I.E., you've gone too far so now that event is inaccessible). There are some side quests that need to be discovered by entering various points on the map, which the total map size being what it is, it's totally fine and allows for some exploration and natural discovery. There are a few sections that are a bit tedious, but nothing outright frustrating and its either optional or entirely skippable. Although, some events do have multiple ways of being played out. If you really wanted to see every variation, a second play-through may be warranted when the game is completed. As an example, you could mind control someone to be under your command, or you could melt their brain to the point that they can't function in normal society anymore. Some of these options are obvious, others aren't. Just in case, I recommend saving often on multiple saves so as to not lock yourself into a route you don't want accidentally.
The character models are general good, and the environments are detailed enough to be believable. The thing missing is sound and music. Some things have sound, like doors, but other things you'd assume to have sound, like the spirals or other brainwashing techniques, are completely silent. Currently, there's basically just dead silence for most of the game. I'm not sure if there's plans to add it later, but it really didn't ruin the experience for me. It's a little weird, but better than ill-fitting stock music, like hearing Benjamin Tissot's "Sexy" in an h-scene. Don't do that.
Finally, the writing. It's actually really good. There's a solid storyline, with enough exposition if you want it to explain the basic premise. Characters don't speak in stilted ways, and the dialogue is to the point and not overwritten. Nothing is over-explained or ridiculous in it's phrasing. Considering this is an ESL game there's relatively few typos and grammatical errors to be found. I wouldn't have known if the author didn't outright state as much. The h scenes are on the short side, with a clear pull towards quantity over quality. That being said, they're well written and again, strike the right chord.
I'll definitely be watching this one. There's enough elements here that have already coalesced into a good product, so I'll be eagerly anticipating the next updates. I don't see this losing any points from this point, so we can only go up from here.
This game really does go the distance with including most types of hypno content. Thankfully, the creator of this game happens to be interested in enough of the same sub-genres that I am, executing it in a way I like. So when something hits correctly, it really hits. This being more variety though, there is plenty of content that just didn't do it for me. Turning into a statue for eternity, for example? Hard pass. Your mileage may vary, but I find it unlikely you'd be disappointed by this if you're anything like me.
General game play is fine, with the player being tasked with going to specific locations to trigger events, completing them, and then returning home to pass time/sleep as the general loop. Some of the interiors are a bit too large but I've seen far worse in other RPGM titles. Its traversable and the layouts aren't confusing or frustrating, and the player is given ample direction about where to go and what to do. There are some random events that could be "missable" if you don't know where to look, but I think that as more content is added it will be unlikely the player will accidentally skip over things, as they mostly appear in the same places, and don't appear to be progression-gated (I.E., you've gone too far so now that event is inaccessible). There are some side quests that need to be discovered by entering various points on the map, which the total map size being what it is, it's totally fine and allows for some exploration and natural discovery. There are a few sections that are a bit tedious, but nothing outright frustrating and its either optional or entirely skippable. Although, some events do have multiple ways of being played out. If you really wanted to see every variation, a second play-through may be warranted when the game is completed. As an example, you could mind control someone to be under your command, or you could melt their brain to the point that they can't function in normal society anymore. Some of these options are obvious, others aren't. Just in case, I recommend saving often on multiple saves so as to not lock yourself into a route you don't want accidentally.
The character models are general good, and the environments are detailed enough to be believable. The thing missing is sound and music. Some things have sound, like doors, but other things you'd assume to have sound, like the spirals or other brainwashing techniques, are completely silent. Currently, there's basically just dead silence for most of the game. I'm not sure if there's plans to add it later, but it really didn't ruin the experience for me. It's a little weird, but better than ill-fitting stock music, like hearing Benjamin Tissot's "Sexy" in an h-scene. Don't do that.
Finally, the writing. It's actually really good. There's a solid storyline, with enough exposition if you want it to explain the basic premise. Characters don't speak in stilted ways, and the dialogue is to the point and not overwritten. Nothing is over-explained or ridiculous in it's phrasing. Considering this is an ESL game there's relatively few typos and grammatical errors to be found. I wouldn't have known if the author didn't outright state as much. The h scenes are on the short side, with a clear pull towards quantity over quality. That being said, they're well written and again, strike the right chord.
I'll definitely be watching this one. There's enough elements here that have already coalesced into a good product, so I'll be eagerly anticipating the next updates. I don't see this losing any points from this point, so we can only go up from here.
