I thought I'd review early since I think some of the other early reviews are from people who haven't read DiscipleofVirginia's Autumn Boulevard or played much in the horror genre and so aren't aware of what to expect, and I'd like DoV to keep working.
In a nutshell (some of this review might be flavored by Autumn Boulevard, which Of Birds and Bees seems to be imitating quite a bit):
This is a typical "she loves orgasms so much she can't resist rapes" corruption plot, but with some unique flavoring:
- very atmospheric horror (good use of music/sound, good art and staging, and classic use of heightened domestic normalcy to create a looming sense of supernatural dread)
- grotesque sexual elements, in keeping with the Lovecraftian horror (e.g., bimbo appearance even for non-bimbos; freakishly ugly rapists; mutilation; gross-out kinks; etc.)
- above average storytelling: real plot/mystery, likeable characters with something to lose, etc.
Given how consistently this is following Autumn Boulevard in tone, art, plot, and kinks (although simpler in plot and gameplay, helped by the move to Renpy), I assume these reflect DiscipleofVirginia's personal interests. If that increases the chances of a finished game/VN, more power to him/her! But I will say that for me, personally:
- I think the "overwhelmed by pleasure" corruption genre is overdone, and it wasn't that great to start with: it ends up destroying MCs (and thus the stories). At least DiscipleofVirginia works hard to add some depth to it (e.g., the MC explains to herself that she's desperately alone, etc.). But I wish corruption games/VNs would try some new reasons for MCs to get corrupted, and I think DoV is a good enough developer to do it. For example, instead of the desire for pleasure caused by massive orgasms, have the "corruption" entirely driven by drugs/blackmail/tricks. (Those are already in this VN and much of the genre, but only to start scenes, which then end with the MC discovering mind-blowing pleasure for inexplicable reasons.) And in the case of this particular story, the insanity element means the MC could submit to things while out of her mind or believing she's hallucinating. Allowing the MC to stay proud/arrogant and outraged would keep the corruption feeling fresh for longer. (One thing I liked about Autumn Boulevard was that the MC was so compelled by their mission and impending death that even being raped wasn't that big of a deal. I think having the Of Birds and Bees MC realizing she's losing her mind or something might help excuse some terrible decisions too.)
- It's very common in the genre (and in this VN) to switch into the rapists' heads to hear them thinking dirty about the MC. But it ruins a lot of the scariness of those characters. DiscipleofVirginia's plots are interesting in that he/she often makes the rapists human enough (or enemies horrific enough) that the rapists can go from ally to enemy and back in a matter of a couple scenes. So maybe getting in their head helps humanize them and also foreshadow stuff for people just here for the sex scenes. But I'd love to have some mystery too: is the creepy guy next door just unlucky in his looks? or does he have a torture dungeon downstairs?
- The exaggerated body parts (outrageous lips, breasts, butt, bellies, jowls, body hair) is not an interest of mine. I appreciate that having every character carrying an element of the grotesque around them is in keeping with the horror element, but it's just immersion-breaking for me. (I will say, Amy's transformation is surprisingly modest and effective. And the other blonde sidekick girl -- Amanda?? --- is bimbo-ish enough to make the point without being over the top too). I can almost overlook the ludicrous hips/butts -- that seems to be in every game these days (perhaps pervasive obesity is redefining our perception of beauty?) -- and I actually like the rapists/villains in corruption games being visible evil/gross, but at a certain point, the exaggerated body features (especially the overarched eyebrows and the LIPS) just break immersion. (I actually do like that the MC's lips give her a kind of sarcastic, skeptical smirk that helps explain her attackers' resentment.)
I can tell when I enjoy a game when I -- as a professional writer -- want to get involved to make sure it doesn't fail (and unfortunately, Patreon never seems to be enough). I did have that instinct here, so I'll be keeping a very close eye.