VN Ren'Py Not Going Back [Ch.3.1] [Cicada]

[3J1E]

Both. Right now neither of them have any sex scenes, Ellie has a bit more dialogue but those 2 are the least featured main LI so far. And without wishing to explicitly spoil future content plans, those 2 are the LIs whose first sex scenes come the latest into the game. I've mentioned before that unlike some game here there definitely isn't an equal balance of content between LIs, because, for me personally, that sometimes leads to forced interactions that don't necessarily suit the character's personalities/stories or whatever (like you said about them developing at the right pace). But yeah, their amount of content will increase as time goes by, but the more reclusive/shy girls will end up with less screen time generally overall. (and it may not be the easiest to get or stay on their paths either)

Thanks a lot for replying, it's great that you're in this thread and answering questions! I usually like to run monogamous solo romantic routes with the slower LIs as my favourites, no sharing, no threesomes, no side girls, no forced content. As long as you can do those types of routes then I'm in! It's fine if their paths aren't the easiest, it's a good thing if you have to properly commit to them.

I do agree that the sex scenes don't need to be completely balanced between LIs. It makes sense that the 'easier' LIs have more scenes. I don't think that's a problem at all as long as the slower burn LIs still have a decent amount of scenes over the game, not just one or two sex scenes in the final chapters! If you can get together with the slower LIs by around the half way point of the game that still gives plenty of time with them before the end of the game, but I'm sure you've got the pacing planned out.

I disagree a bit in terms of general interactions being unevenly balanced though. I think particularly for the shy, slower LIs it's important to have lots of interactions earlier in the game. The whole appeal of those paths is seeing the build up and the gradual development of the relationship and their personality, which makes the sex scenes better when they finally come! Without all the build up screen time they would just be another quick and easy LI that happens to appear later in the story!

Anyway, sure you know what you're doing and it sounds like the game fits well with what I'm into. Have it on my list to buy or support in the future once there are relationships and sex scenes with Alice and Ellie in the game, whenever that is!

 

[cicadaNGB]

Thanks a lot for replying, it's great that you're in this thread and answering questions! I usually like to run monogamous solo romantic routes with the slower LIs as my favourites, no sharing, no threesomes, no side girls, no forced content. It's fine if their paths aren't the easiest, it's a good thing if you have to properly commit to them.

I do agree that the sex scenes don't need to be completely balanced between LIs. It makes sense that the 'easier' LIs have more scenes. I don't think that's a problem at all as long as the slower burn LIs still have a decent amount of scenes over the game, not just one sex scene in the final chapter! If you can get together with the slower LIs by around the half way point of the game that still gives plenty of time with them before the end of the game, but I'm sure you'll have the pacing planned.

I do disagree a bit in terms of general interactions. I think particularly for the shy, slower LIs it's important to have lots of interactions earlier in the game. The whole appeal of those paths is seeing the build up and the gradual development of the relationship and their personality, which makes the sex scenes better when they finally come! Without all the build up screen time they would just be another quick and easy LI that happens to appear later in the story!

Anyway, sure you know what you're doing and it sounds like the game fits well with what I'm into. Have it on my list as one to buy or support in the future once there are relationships and sex scenes with Alice / Ellie in the game, whenever that is!

You're welcome! I always like getting an opportunity to talk more about the game and answer questions, engaging with the people who are interested in the project is genuinely my favorite part.

For this game at least I very much wanted the world to feel alive and real, so I wanted choices to matter and lead not just to major consequence but also subtle things. This extents to relationships in the game where some things might seem like small decisions but may actually influence certain paths. Hard to explain without spoiling stuff. But the point is everything is optional, so you should always be able to play the way you want, it just might not be easy to do it first try (part of my desire to make a game where things can go wrong, or at the very least lead to unintended consequences).

I hope that the slower burns will be worth the wait. I look at my plans and feel like one in particular will very much be a big moment that I hope people will like, but we'll see. There's plans for at least 3 major scenes with each main LI in the game (the one with the most currently planned is 7, so that gives a rough idea on variance).

Your next point is valid, I get what you mean. I think I'm going to build up those characters in such a way that they won't feel quick and easy when the time comes, it more so that very early on they don't fit into the structure of the story yet, so their screen time is limited by that. A little later things will happen in a way that it'll make more sense for these characters to seek out the MC than it would currently. Again a little hard to explain exactly without going into to much detail. But I'm definitely hoping that those slow burn LIs will still feel complete as characters even if through x chapters they may not appear as much.

I hope you like it when you get around to playing! I'd love to say that it's going to be some time soon, but that'd be a lie. I do very much appreciate it being on your list.

 

[3J1E]

You're welcome! I always like getting an opportunity to talk more about the game and answer questions, engaging with the people who are interested in the project is genuinely my favorite part.

For this game at least I very much wanted the world to feel alive and real, so I wanted choices to matter and lead not just to major consequence but also subtle things. This extents to relationships in the game where some things might seem like small decisions but may actually influence certain paths. Hard to explain without spoiling stuff. But the point is everything is optional, so you should always be able to play the way you want, it just might not be easy to do it first try (part of my desire to make a game where things can go wrong, or at the very least lead to unintended consequences).

I hope that the slower burns will be worth the wait. I look at my plans and feel like one in particular will very much be a big moment that I hope people will like, but we'll see. There's plans for at least 3 major scenes with each main LI in the game (the one with the most currently planned is 7, so that gives a rough idea on variance).

Your next point is valid, I get what you mean. I think I'm going to build up those characters in such a way that they won't feel quick and easy when the time comes, it more so that very early on they don't fit into the structure of the story yet, so their screen time is limited by that. A little later things will happen in a way that it'll make more sense for these characters to seek out the MC than it would currently. Again a little hard to explain exactly without going into to much detail. But I'm definitely hoping that those slow burn LIs will still feel complete as characters even if through x chapters they may not appear as much.

I hope you like it when you get around to playing! I'd love to say that it's going to be some time soon, but that'd be a lie. I do very much appreciate it being on your list.

Thanks, I understand you don't want to give any spoilers but I like the idea of choices having consequences and those consequences sometimes being a little unpredictable.

Depending on how long the game ends up being I'm not sure if some LIs only having 3 scenes sounds a little slight, but I don't think it's always helpful to break it down into just numbers anyway. I'd rather have 3 really well done extensive scenes with build up and feeling than 10 throwaway scenes where there's no emotional connection with the LI. Also understand that you want characters to appear in the story when it makes narrative sense. Will trust you that the slower LIs will still have the character development they need to feel believable, I'm sure it will be fine!

One of the downsides of waiting for the slow burn LIs to get scenes is that by definition it's sometimes a long wait! It is annoying having to be patient, but personally I find the payoff worth it. I still prefer to experience the progression to at least the start of a LI relationship and sex scenes all in the first play through rather than bits and pieces. It'll get there and I'll be back once it does, whether that's in a year or two or however long. No rush and good luck in the mean time!

 

[Dessolos]

I finally got around to playing the update I kept delaying it for one reason or another. Wouldn't be surprised if the next update is over 25% done at this point . I only ended up with 14 saves Got to go back to fix my Lucy and manwhore save. Sometime in the last 6 - 8 months or so I started to make a main / roleplay save where I make choices how I would make them or things that sound fun to me. I thought that save was gonna end up as a monk save at first then Melody and Ellie and how their interactions and path is shaping up to be so far feels like it's the most nature for me on how I would do things.

Honestly it's kind of crazy to think how different my ranking of the girls are now I replayed the game + the update.

My old Ranking ( only doing top 5)

1. Mia
2. Imogen
3. Tegan
4. Rachael
5. Ava

my new Ranking

1. Imogen
2. Melody
3. Bobbie / Bonnie ( I can't ever get the names correct but the one you had the date with)
4. Ellie
5. Mia

Mia being downgraded so much was the biggest surprise for me and I still like her alot and she was only downgraded cause I just ended up liking others more. Tho I hope to see more Mia with glasses she looks so good like that.

Imogen was almost my favorite my first time playing and this update just honestly gave her the push she needed. While Melody , Bobbie and Ellie on their path and interactions felt the most natural to me too. While Melody and Ellie felt like they would fit my personality on how I would do things , well Ava does as well but I feel like I need to see more while I saw enough of the others. I also find it funny im pretty sure my 2nd favorite is a side girl and I think she might stay high on my list for awhile

 

[Invictus7]

I finally got around to playing the update I kept delaying it for one reason or another. Wouldn't be surprised if the next update is over 25% done at this point . I only ended up with 14 saves Got to go back to fix my Lucy and manwhore save. Sometime in the last 6 - 8 months or so I started to make a main / roleplay save where I make choices how I would make them or things that sound fun to me. I thought that save was gonna end up as a monk save at first then Melody and Ellie and how their interactions and path is shaping up to be so far feels like it's the most nature for me on how I would do things.

Honestly it's kind of crazy to think how different my ranking of the girls are now I replayed the game + the update.

My old Ranking ( only doing top 5)

1. Mia
2. Imogen
3. Tegan
4. Rachael
5. Ava

my new Ranking

1. Imogen
2. Melody
3. Bobbie / Bonnie ( I can't ever get the names correct but the one you had the date with)
4. Ellie
5. Mia

Mia being downgraded so much was the biggest surprise for me and I still like her alot and she was only downgraded cause I just ended up liking others more. Tho I hope to see more Mia with glasses she looks so good like that.

Imogen was almost my favorite my first time playing and this update just honestly gave her the push she needed. While Melody , Bobbie and Ellie on their path and interactions felt the most natural to me too. While Melody and Ellie felt like they would fit my personality on how I would do things , well Ava does as well but I feel like I need to see more while I saw enough of the others. I also find it funny im pretty sure my 2nd favorite is a side girl and I think she might stay high on my list for awhile

off what I've played my personal list would be
1:Mia
2:Imogen
3:Ellie
4:Teagan
5:Bobbie
Honorable mentions is Lucy and Melody tho I wont lie and say they aren't fighting tooth and nail for Bobbie and Teagans spot haha. They might move up depending on the next update.

 

[Meiri]

Well since we doing ranking, I think mine currently would be:
1: Imogen
2: Mia
3: Ella
4: Bobbie and Bonnie (can't decide / leaning towards Bobbie)
5: Molly

Imogen and Mia are very close, before last chapter Mia was actually first for me but Imogen has won me over, although it could still change...

 

[cicadaNGB]

Nice seeing Imogen at the top of a lot these lists (and generally seeing her popularity grow after ch3). Wasn't sure exactly how her scene in ch3 was going to be received, really, thought maybe some people might have considered it was too rushed/sudden perhaps, but it seems that's not the case, which is nice.

Still a lot to come, though, of course, so remember not to commit too early ... Who knows what might happen that could change your perspectives on things?

What I will say is that the next update may sell some people on one girl in particular - and may put others off her completely. If you're even on her path atm. We'll see. Her story is a fairly big reason the upcoming prelude to ch4 exists narratively, but I guess you'll see more once the prelude and ch4 itself are both out. I really like it as part of a character arc, but in a not dissimilar way to the Imogen stuff I'm not 100% sure what the reaction may be. I guess it depends on if I'm able to write it correctly.

 

[Dessolos]

Nice seeing Imogen at the top of a lot these lists (and generally seeing her popularity grow after ch3). Wasn't sure exactly how her scene in ch3 was going to be received, really, thought maybe some people might have considered it was too rushed/sudden perhaps, but it seems that's not the case, which is nice.

Still a lot to come, though, of course, so remember not to commit too early ... Who knows what might happen that could change your perspectives on things?

I will say for me I kind of do think Imogen did happen a little bit quick for my taste would of liked a bit more build up to it , like a proper date or something , like with Bobbie. Though it could be I didn't expect it after seeing her get pissed off from that 1 girl. But at the same time it kind of felt natural to me because it feels like it made sense for the type of vibe / personality she gives off. So it is and isn't rushed to me since it does feel very fitting for her character but it did leave wanting it to happen differently.

 

[cicadaNGB]

I will say for me I kind of do think Imogen did happen a little bit quick for my taste would of liked a bit more build up to it , like a proper date or something , like with Bobbie. Though it could be I didn't expect it after seeing her get pissed off from that 1 girl. But at the same time it kind of felt natural to me because it feels like it made sense for the type of vibe / personality she gives off. So it is and isn't rushed to me since it does feel very fitting for her character but it did leave wanting it to happen differently.

Cool, that's kinda what I was aiming for. People thinking it's rushed is okay, I'm mostly trying to avoid doing things that seem wildly out of character. By the end of the game I want to be able to go back through and be able to draw a line through everything each character does and have valid justification for it all, ideally. (even if it doesn't necessarily make sense in the moment). That's the goal, at least.

Also there's hopefully going to be a few onboarding moments for each path, so in this instance if someone turns down the Imogen scene here you're not off her path and there'll be later date to explore a further relationship with her. Similar to say Mia's path, you're not going to have to have got her ch2 scene to be on her path in the future (it just might make it harder)

 

[Meiri]

Cool, that's kinda what I was aiming for. People thinking it's rushed is okay, I'm mostly trying to avoid doing things that seem wildly out of character. By the end of the game I want to be able to go back through and be able to draw a line through everything each character does and have valid justification for it all, ideally. (even if it doesn't necessarily make sense in the moment). That's the goal, at least.

Also there's hopefully going to be a few onboarding moments for each path, so in this instance if someone turns down the Imogen scene here you're not off her path and there'll be later date to explore a further relationship with her. Similar to say Mia's path, you're not going to have to have got her ch2 scene to be on her path in the future (it just might make it harder)

I like that, I recently replayed her part and I thought she took the refusal pretty well so it's nice that you can reconnect later for those that felt she was going too fast. In my original save I did the scene, although I had some doubts about agreeing, but more because of being a bit shy for being in a public place than for going too fast.

 

[Invictus7]

Nice seeing Imogen at the top of a lot these lists (and generally seeing her popularity grow after ch3). Wasn't sure exactly how her scene in ch3 was going to be received, really, thought maybe some people might have considered it was too rushed/sudden perhaps, but it seems that's not the case, which is nice.

Still a lot to come, though, of course, so remember not to commit too early ... Who knows what might happen that could change your perspectives on things?

What I will say is that the next update may sell some people on one girl in particular - and may put others off her completely. If you're even on her path atm. We'll see. Her story is a fairly big reason the upcoming prelude to ch4 exists narratively, but I guess you'll see more once the prelude and ch4 itself are both out. I really like it as part of a character arc, but in a not dissimilar way to the Imogen stuff I'm not 100% sure what the reaction may be. I guess it depends on if I'm able to write it correctly.

I rather think she was done well imo, feels natural to me at least, as for comitting too early, yea lol guess well have to wait and see since its still rather early into the story. Is there a specifica mount of chapters or updates planned? Id imagine we'd have more of a concrete list by the 5th or 6th chapter assuming it goes 15 overall.
Speaking of which is there a eta on the next update or not yet? Im interested to see who your referring to tbh

 

[cicadaNGB]

I rather think she was done well imo, feels natural to me at least, as for comitting too early, yea lol guess well have to wait and see since its still rather early into the story. Is there a specifica mount of chapters or updates planned? Id imagine we'd have more of a concrete list by the 5th or 6th chapter assuming it goes 15 overall.
Speaking of which is there a eta on the next update or not yet? Im interested to see who your referring to tbh

There is a specific number of chapters/updates planned, yes. But it's not as easy an answer as that. Without spoiling anything, there's going to be 11 chapters, technically. And 11 different updates. But they're not the same. The next update is a prelude to chapter 4 before the full ch4 itself at a later point. Hard to explain it clearly without completely outlining certain plans I have. Suffice to say I'm not going to be sticking to a traditional release structure, or structure generally, for updates and chapters. Everything's intrinsic to the narrative, even extracurricular stuff like releases themselves. It's fascinating to me to see what little things people are going to pick up on.
But yeah, to answer your question in an actually helpful way, there's going to be 11 updates. We're 3/11 right now.

A couple weeks ago or so I made a guess on a patreon dev log of around a March 2026 release, based on how many renders I'm guessing I'll need to make and my current rate of progress. But this is slightly misleading, kinda, because for the past month I've been working 'full time' on the game, more or less, so if/when I have to go and get a job again things may slow down. My hope though is to get the ch4 prelude out spring next year, with the full ch4 before the end of the year (ideally around this time next year).

Interestingly enough, I'm about to start work on part 1 of the 3 scenes concerning the girl I mentioned in that quoted post. I'm somewhat anxious about how it'll all turn out, as it's a fairly major (set of) moment(s) so I'm hoping when I read it back to set up the renders it'll still read well to me but if not I'll have to rewrite. But yeah, still a fair few months until I get to see what people think of it.

Thanks for your comments, by the way. Means a lot, I appreciate it!

 

[cicadaNGB]

dev log cross post from itch

Hello!

Attached below are some previews from the last month.

Currently I'm at 8/17 scenes for the chapter rendered. In the previous dev log here I mentioned a total of 12 scenes for the next update; as you can tell, this had expanded over the past month to 17. This will be the final total now, though, as pretty much all of the update has been written, so I can't see any reason I'd need to add a whole scene any time soon.

The render count for the chapter at the moment is 572. I'm guessing the final total to be somewhere in the 1400-1600 range. So while I'm almost halfway through the scene count for the chapter, I'm anticipating the later scenes will contain more renders, so I'm more like one third of the way finished.

For more comprehensive updates on things, as well as extra previews images most weeks, and special weekly 4K renders for certain tiers, feel free to support the game over on

You must be registered to see the links

. Financial support is by no means necessary, but is much appreciated!

Thanks!

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[Dessolos]

looking like we get some Ava time I can't wait she is my most anticipated girl to get to know

 

[cicadaNGB]

looking like we get some Ava time I can't wait she is my most anticipated girl to get to know

You'll hopefully enjoy the next update, then. Ava gets a lot of screen time!

 

[Skylaroo]

Ava is just super interesting for me because right now we don't know much yet about her. Looking forward to see how her story unfolds.

 

[cicadaNGB]

Ava is just super interesting for me because right now we don't know much yet about her. Looking forward to see how her story unfolds.

I'm actually pretty nervous about it, truth be told. Without spoiling anything, obviously, what I can say is that it's not the easiest to write while keeping it feeling natural and realistic. It's easily the most 'risky' story to try and tell, not because there's anything particularly dangerous or taboo in it, but because it's the one that could easily fall incredibly flat and be objectively bad storytelling if not written well. I'm honestly somewhat anticipating a mixed reaction to it when the next update comes out, some people might like it, but I think a fair few people may not (and not just people who don't like the base idea, but again I'm worried about the execution).

I hope I'm able to write it well enough. But there's a not insignificant part of me that thinks I'm doing it wrong. It's a part that's integral to her character, but my concern I think comes down to whether any of it feels too rushed or out of nowhere. I'm hoping that it will all make sense and feel natural, but yeah, it's certainly something that's going to test my writing ability.

(worst comes to worst it's 1/8 main LIs so the other 7 should hopefully be good even if it this one doesn't work out as i hope)

 

[MagicMan753]

(worst comes to worst it's 1/8 main LIs so the other 7 should hopefully be good even if it this one doesn't work out as i hope)

Ava is one of my more hyped ones, not my favorite girl, but I got to say, don't love this type of statement.

It feels as if it doesn't work out or isn't received well, its like you are just giving up on her, from this type of statement, is how it feels.

I just don't think you should put this type of statement out, like oh well, at least the other 7 girls will get treated well if nothing else. Just would feel bad for fans of her, and others interested.

Cause in that case it would feel pointless for her to be a main girl in first place, with this philosophy. Not trying to attack, just my thoughts on this and some slight feedback.

 

[Justaphase]

Ava is one of my more hyped ones, not my favorite girl, but I got to say, don't love this type of statement.

It feels as if it doesn't work out or isn't received well, its like you are just giving up on her, from this type of statement, is how it feels.

I just don't think you should put this type of statement out, like oh well, at least the other 7 girls will get treated well if nothing else. Just would feel bad for fans of her, and others interested.

Cause in that case it would feel pointless for her to be a main girl in first place, with this philosophy. Not trying to attack, just my thoughts on this and some slight feedback.

But you know what it's like on here. One person's "oh I like that girl even more now!" is another's "she's ruined for me now!" It's how it always is, so it's perfectly normal to not be 100% sure how something is going to land with everyone.
I'm also interested in Ava, I look forward to seeing alot more of her and what's going on with her and Joey.

 

[cicadaNGB]

Ava is one of my more hyped ones, not my favorite girl, but I got to say, don't love this type of statement.

It feels as if it doesn't work out or isn't received well, its like you are just giving up on her, from this type of statement, is how it feels.

I just don't think you should put this type of statement out, like oh well, at least the other 7 girls will get treated well if nothing else. Just would feel bad for fans of her, and others interested.

Cause in that case it would feel pointless for her to be a main girl in first place, with this philosophy. Not trying to attack, just my thoughts on this and some slight feedback.

It's not that I'd be giving up on her story, it's just I don't know if I'm good enough to write it well. She's one of the characters I'm most excited about, particularly when her first scene comes around it's my favorite possibly in the whole VN. But only if I get the build up right. Which is why I'm nervous about it.

It's just with Ava specifically she's the only one where I feel like I may fail in correctly developing her character, for some people. The raw idea is good, but it's just some may not feel I execute it well enough, for whatever reason. And with the statement you referenced it's not that I personally would give up on her, it's just that from a player perspective if someone doesn't like the way I approach the story, hopefully they'll still like one of the others.