So I recently played this for the first time and overall I’m impressed. My 2 cents if I may (long post, so fair warning):
* Although the “copycat” power concept isn't new, I like the limitations that have been baked in right from the start. I also hope to see further limitations or struggles for the MC to overcome, as that’s what makes for solid character growth. Maybe he unintentionally hurts himself, or others, putting real fear into those close to him. Or he can’t use more than two powers at once, or maybe even some powers clash and have unintended effects when used together. Here’s to hoping...
* I’m really liking the personalities of the characters. With MC, you have this “normie” who has to navigate a high-school (hierarchy) setting where nearly everyone around him can flatten him. I’ve seen the complaints on this thread, but I think his personality is done well and matches the setting. He’s pretty brave when you think about his actions and who he’s standing up to.
Maybe you can argue he self-loathes a bit much, but, since he’s not immune to bullying, I can empathize with his depiction. I’m sure we’ll see a bit of evolution if Jacquesdor keeps with what he’s pulled off thus far.
* I also like the people immediately around MC. Fraser as a pseudo–narrator/guide is a nice touch. I also like the banter of Evelyn and Amber. Both take some pretty funny shots at the group. I’m also loving how Amber represents the unfavorable sides of superpowers, and I also like how shes managing to keep her head held high as best she can.
* The big one for me, I genuinely appreciate how trauma is a recurring theme of the game. And it seems like most of the characters have or continue to suffer from it. Again, Amber is great because we’re seeing her live through her struggles and those to come (possible forced relocation and separation). Then there’s the MC and Kyle, Parker and her husband, Moonsong and her brother (and parents?... can’t remember at the moment), the hint with Evelyn and her mom, not to mention her alcoholic father. No one is living a perfect life, and it’s not always power-related either. A nice contrast to the expected awe and fascination of a super power filled world. I liked it when X-Men would delve into this, so, again, love seeing it here.
I also read through the entire thread and wanted to address some of the arguments too:
* Regarding Parker, I empathize with the arguments from both sides. My guess, she’s a sex addict who’s using it as a coping mechanism. And her “having different guys over every other night,” (or whatever the line is), is in order to avoid attachment. I mean, she had the love of her life die during intimacy. How on earth do you get over that? Do you ever risk something like that happening again? Probably not. A stretch here, it may also explain why she likes younger guys too; less chance of them kicking the bucket during.
However, I also agree that sex addict isn’t always the best look for a character. I get it, it depends on the story, the genre, etc, and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I will agree with those saying her behavior during the birthday dinner is too much. The lead up car scene, where Evelyn talks about being nervous implies that the relationship with the MC, and indirectly with Parker, too, is on the cusp of change. Parker
knows this and says it too with her “shipping” comment. This was a solid heartfelt moment in the making. It also implies a closeness between Evelyn and Parker as well. But then, Parker flips the switch.
I sorta get it if Jacquesdor is pushing a possible trauma -> sex addict character point, but to act like this on essentially your son’s birthday, and in the presence of his best friend, someone close to the family, and someone he’s very much likely to start a real relationship with, is just too much of a stretch here. And if it’s
only to let the MC know he “has a chance,” with Parker, and not to reinforce trauma and that particular character trait (which it actually does, but
only if my assumptions about Parker's trauma are correct), then, again, it’s a bit too much.
* Lastly, the Evelyn arguments. In game, it pretty much says that Evelyn feels what her host feels. As in, she feels the sex and experiences the orgasms. What isn’t explained, is to what degree, and I think here is the crux of the arguments I’m seeing in this thread. Is she feeling exactly, like 1:1, what the host feels? Is she feeling every aspect; every kiss, touch, spark, chill, thrust, etc? Do her powers allow her to go beyond a mental aspect, as in, is she feeling the emotions of the host? Is she experiencing her own emotions, too, during the host’s sex? If so, to what degree?
I think if we were to hear her explain the degrees of, and differences in, sex between using her powers versus having the real thing with the MC, that could alleviate some of the issues others in the thread are having. However, if she is indeed feeling
everything, then I can understand the arguments against her and her sexual “innocence,” if you will. Not that she or anyone needs to be some doe-eyed maiden, but I do get the arguments, given the flashbacks and build-up to the moment when she and MC finally do the deed.
Anyway, I’m certainly looking forward to when things become clearer regarding trauma, personalities, perceptions, and the like. To you personally
Jacquesdor, I’d say just keep doing exactly what you're doing because it’s pretty darn good thus far.
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