VN Ren'Py Our Red String [Ch.14.1.4 Beta] [Eva Kiss]

[SpyderArachnid]

Not sure why everyone is on here shitting on this dev, when there are games such as Summertime Saga or Love & Sex, that not only have worse quality updates, but literally make massive amounts of money for basically absolute mediocrity.

Not trying to take a side, but this is a poor argument.

Just cause other games are doing worse, doesn't mean people shouldn't express their disappointment here. Those games you mentioned have nothing to do with this game, so why does it matter if they are doing worse? There is always something out there that will be in worse shape than the one you're playing. Doesn't mean you should be grateful that at least your game isn't those ones. If you have genuine concerns, they shouldn't be dismissed because "Oh well, at least it's not <insert other game>".

I don't play Summertime Saga or Love & Sex. I play Our Red String. I could care less what happens with those other games that I don't play. I do care what happens with Our Red String though, because I play it. If I have an issue with development of Our Red String, I should be able to express my displeasure about it here. Regardless of what is going on in other games.

Like I said, not trying to pick sides here just think it's unfair to tell people they shouldn't complain here because it is worse in other games. This is the Our Red String thread. We should be free to provide feedback/express our opinions on this game without being limited because some other unrelated developer is doing a worse job that has nothing to do with this one.

 

[reyir]

Not sure why everyone is on here shitting on this dev, when there are games such as Summertime Saga or Love & Sex, that not only have worse quality updates, but literally make massive amounts of money for basically absolute mediocrity.

Isnt that summertime saga dev is the definition of milking by itself? cuz man, that dev is milking their game really hard and theres still people who supports them without accepting the fact that the dev can raise around at least 400k dollars between each update and the updates itself is very small and keep increasing the number of bug in the game

 

[JoJoPool]

Not trying to take a side, but this is a poor argument.

Just cause other games are doing worse, doesn't mean people shouldn't express their disappointment here. Those games you mentioned have nothing to do with this game, so why does it matter if they are doing worse? There is always something out there that will be in worse shape than the one you're playing. Doesn't mean you should be grateful that at least your game isn't those ones. If you have genuine concerns, they shouldn't be dismissed because "Oh well, at least it's not <insert other game>".

I don't play Summertime Saga or Love & Sex. I play Our Red String. I could care less what happens with those other games that I don't play. I do care what happens with Our Red String though, because I play it. If I have an issue with development of Our Red String, I should be able to express my displeasure about it here. Regardless of what is going on in other games.

Like I said, not trying to pick sides here just think it's unfair to tell people they shouldn't complain here because it is worse in other games. This is the Our Red String thread. We should be free to provide feedback/express our opinions on this game without being limited because some other unrelated developer is doing a worse job that has nothing to do with this one.

I love this game but the patreons need to take a stand and express that it's taking too long for updates, I get that it's not easy and the game is super complex but i thought the remaster (which took way longer than it should and didn't exactly change much story wise) was supposed to solve the issue and make it easier for the dev but nothing changed and the updates are still slow, then was the time we spent waiting for the remaster for nothing ? I think so but that's just my opinion.
the truth is when the patreons keep their mouths shut and keep giving away their money regardless of the issues surrounding the game that they're supporting then the devs turn into milkers because there are no consequences if they do so.... so why the hell not.
Anyway, I hope for everyone's sanity she sticks to one protag next time.

 

[Samsul Hidayat]

Well, and Stalkfap (Lena acts shocked at the obscene content Ivy posts at first). And club dancing (Lena brushed it off when Ivy mentioned it). Despite being a sexually liberated girl, Lena, at the beginning, chose to separate her sexual life which she keeps private and her nude modeling which she pursues to make art. And that she used to separate from her day job. Posing at the cafe made her come to terms with having to make her modeling a public knowledge. Stalkfap also blurs the line between parts of Lena's life, making her sexuality public as well (even if behind a paywall). She was shocked to know that Ed left lewd comments on her censored Peoplegram pics, imagine if she stopped to think that he also knows about her Stalkfap (it's linked in her Peoplegram after all) and if he subscribed, he probably jerked off to her solo porn. I think Lena copes with Stalkfap by imagining that it's some kind of faceless fapper crowd, and not the actual people she knows. She freaked out when she read a comment about someone referring to her by name and praising her posing at the life drawing event. But considering she advertised said event in her Peoplegram, it should be obvious to her that anyone who knows her by name and follows her on Peoplegram (like Ian, Perry, Ed, Jeremy, Robert and probably others) can also become her Stalkfap subscribers and comment on her content there, and even request custom videos.

I'm personally looking forward to the opportunity for Lena to start putting her Athletics to practice and start dancing with Ivy now that Seymour cut off most of her opportunities for modeling. She can probably replace the Art Gallery with Cafe and opportunity at Wildcats/Axel with Billy. Stan can't really finance Lena long-term so Lena might have to reconsider her position on dancing at the club. It seems like Seymour makes Lena choose between her artistic sensibilities which she can only realize through songwriting and posing at the cafe, or finding ways to capitalize on her sexuality publicly, just like Ivy.

I've always wanted Lena to pursue her songwriting career more seriously, so Seymour's interference might be a blessing somewhat.

 

[BlandChili]

Well, and Stalkfap (Lena acts shocked at the obscene content Ivy posts at first). And club dancing (Lena brushed it off when Ivy mentioned it). Despite being a sexually liberated girl, Lena, at the beginning, chose to separate her sexual life which she keeps private and her nude modeling which she pursues to make art.

For sure, but that's also why I bring up that the player gets to really determine some of the elements to those events. Lena acts shocked, yes, but she also decides for herself to pursue it or not. Ivy doesn't force her to or doesn't manipulate circumstances such that Lena has not choice in the matter.

I think that opens a more semantic argument about whether or not corruption requires consent or not, so I'll just say that it's at least content that can be argued to be corrupting.

Posing at the cafe made her come to terms with having to make her modeling a public knowledge. Stalkfap also blurs the line between parts of Lena's life, making her sexuality public as well (even if behind a paywall). She was shocked to know that Ed left lewd comments on her censored Peoplegram pics, imagine if she stopped to think that he also knows about her Stalkfap (it's linked in her Peoplegram after all) and if he subscribed, he probably jerked off to her solo porn. I think Lena copes with Stalkfap by imagining that it's some kind of faceless fapper crowd, and not the actual people she knows. She freaked out when she read a comment about someone referring to her by name and praising her posing at the life drawing event. But considering she advertised said event in her Peoplegram, it should be obvious to her that anyone who knows her by name and follows her on Peoplegram (like Ian, Perry, Ed, Jeremy, Robert and probably others) can also become her Stalkfap subscribers and comment on her content there, and even request custom videos.

The player is corrupting poor lil' Lena.

I'm personally looking forward to the opportunity for Lena to start putting her Athletics to practice and start dancing with Ivy now that Seymour cut off most of her opportunities for modeling. She can probably replace the Art Gallery with Cafe and opportunity at Wildcats/Axel with Billy. Stan can't really finance Lena long-term so Lena might have to reconsider her position on dancing at the club. It seems like Seymour makes Lena choose between her artistic sensibilities which she can only realize through songwriting and posing at the cafe, or finding ways to capitalize on her sexuality publicly, just like Ivy.

Yeah, I look forward to see more of the athletics stat too. I also hope it will be relevant for more directly sexual situation like with Ian/Cindy. It'd be kinda funny if Eva included something ridiculous like Ian/Lena doing that dumb helicopter manoeuvre. I'd like to see her at least try a sexual scene with them once where the POV shifts and both their stats factor into the options.

My only real specific want would be for Lena to have more ideas independently. I don't mind corruption, but I love when my female MC's can be independently sexual. It would be awesome if Lena could scandalize Ivy in some way, how I don't know, it would just be fun.

 

[BloodyMares]

My only real specific want would be for Lena to have more ideas independently. I don't mind corruption, but I love when my female MC's can be independently sexual. It would be awesome if Lena could scandalize Ivy in some way, how I don't know, it would just be fun.

So far the only scandalous thing that comes to mind is seducing Mike. It's Ivy who acts shocked when Lena tells her.

 

[BlandChili]

So far the only scandalous thing that comes to mind is seducing Mike. It's Ivy who acts shocked when Lena tells her.

Yeah. I kinda hope for a kink that Ivy would be surprised by, like I said I wouldn't be entirely sure what that'd be though. Perhaps her getting into open relationship with two individuals will do more than amuse her.

Ivy works with exposing herself for approval and money, but I wonder if she draws the line somewhere. Say if Lena got a porn route, something more interesting than what Ash got in GGGB, maybe she'd consider that a step too far? Fucking in a studio for all to see.

Otherwise it'd be fun if we got some more dom/sub situations or some type of roleplay. I wonder if Ivy gives a damn about that sort of thing, so far most of her sexual tastes seems somewhat vanilla, just go and get dicked she says, even though she kinda approves of all the sex toys Lena can buy in the shop.

 

[CoalPhelps]

Otherwise it'd be fun if we got some more dom/sub situations or some type of roleplay. I wonder if Ivy gives a damn about that sort of thing, so far most of her sexual tastes seems somewhat vanilla, just go and get dicked she says, even though she kinda approves of all the sex toys Lena can buy in the shop.

Well, how does that indicate she's vanilla? She's not going to tell Lena to "Gag this fucker and give him a good strap-on", is she? She's just pointing out to Lena that it's time for her to unwind and pursue the fetishes she likes.

 

[BlandChili]

Well, how does that indicate she's vanilla? She's not going to tell Lena to "Gag this fucker and give him a good strap-on", is she? She's just pointing out to Lena that it's time for her to unwind and pursue the fetishes she likes.

I'd almost respect her more if she did.

 

[jimmyjambles]

Lena faces much bigger challenges than Ian. She loses her job and money to live on, her parents are seriously ill, her ex-boyfriend is a stalker and a psychopath. Lena's antagonist is a very dangerous and powerful person. Seymour can really ruin her life. And I am very interested in how Lena's path will develop in the future.

Ian? He's doing well so far. And calmly. The conflict with Minerva is easily resolved, drama is possible in the future if your Ian fucks everything that moves, drama is likely due to cheating with Cindy ... and that's it.

That's where I'm at. Lena faces a number of compelling challenges. With her aggressive ex, and a shallow and pushy co-worker, and a subtly predatory patron, and doing nude modeling to make ends meet, she's under threat from multiple directions. Ian isn't exactly flush with cash either, but their two environments are just so emblematic of the completely different societal pressures men and women deal with. Ian is out there getting a piece of every ass, while everyone wants a piece of Lena's, whether she's into it or not. It's refreshing and unexpected to see any gender realism get depicted in an adult VN, while still being entertaining instead of just depressing.

 

[sztrb]

Not trying to take a side, but this is a poor argument.

Just cause other games are doing worse, doesn't mean people shouldn't express their disappointment here. Those games you mentioned have nothing to do with this game, so why does it matter if they are doing worse? There is always something out there that will be in worse shape than the one you're playing. Doesn't mean you should be grateful that at least your game isn't those ones. If you have genuine concerns, they shouldn't be dismissed because "Oh well, at least it's not <insert other game>".

I don't play Summertime Saga or Love & Sex. I play Our Red String. I could care less what happens with those other games that I don't play. I do care what happens with Our Red String though, because I play it. If I have an issue with development of Our Red String, I should be able to express my displeasure about it here. Regardless of what is going on in other games.

Like I said, not trying to pick sides here just think it's unfair to tell people they shouldn't complain here because it is worse in other games. This is the Our Red String thread. We should be free to provide feedback/express our opinions on this game without being limited because some other unrelated developer is doing a worse job that has nothing to do with this one.

I think its all about perspective and it feels like some developers get far more harshly treated and more criticised than others. Especially since they have a proven track record of finishing games unlike others who get paid more. So, not only is their quality content better overall, but their updates are bigger by far.

 

[fute8848]

Not sure why everyone is on here shitting on this dev, when there are games such as Summertime Saga or Love & Sex, that not only have worse quality updates, but literally make massive amounts of money for basically absolute mediocrity.

Those games sucks , but what do I care , I don't even play them

 

[Solomon Grundy]

I think its all about perspective and it feels like some developers get far more harshly treated and more criticised than others. Especially since they have a proven track record of finishing games unlike others who get paid more. So, not only is their quality content better overall, but their updates are bigger by far.

Show me a poster who tries to tear down a dev with a proven track record of quality work, and I will show you a jealous, petty, entitled little sad sack.

 

[fute8848]

That's where I'm at. Lena faces a number of compelling challenges. With her aggressive ex, and a shallow and pushy co-worker, and a subtly predatory patron, and doing nude modeling to make ends meet, she's under threat from multiple directions. Ian isn't exactly flush with cash either, but their two environments are just so emblematic of the completely different societal pressures men and women deal with. Ian is out there getting a piece of every ass, while everyone wants a piece of Lena's, whether she's into it or not. It's refreshing and unexpected to see any gender realism get depicted in an adult VN, while still being entertaining instead of just depressing.

Yep what u said are the exact beauty of the game, or at least parts that i like ; somewhat realistic but not too depressing

 

[Geralt From Rivia]

I love this game but the patreons need to take a stand and express that it's taking too long for updates, I get that it's not easy and the game is super complex but i thought the remaster (which took way longer than it should and didn't exactly change much story wise) was supposed to solve the issue and make it easier for the dev but nothing changed and the updates are still slow, then was the time we spent waiting for the remaster for nothing ? I think so but that's just my opinion.
the truth is when the patreons keep their mouths shut and keep giving away their money regardless of the issues surrounding the game that they're supporting then the devs turn into milkers because there are no consequences if they do so.... so why the hell not.
Anyway, I hope for everyone's sanity she sticks to one protag next time.

AH SHIT. HERE WE GO AGAIN

 

[Solomon Grundy]

AH SHIT. HERE WE GO AGAIN
View attachment 1947423

You have to somewhat admire the moxy though. "You people who pay for this need to step the fuck up and put pressure on the dev so I can get my free shit faster!!"

 

[jimul18]

You have to somewhat admire the moxy though. "You people who pay for this need to step the fuck up and put pressure on the dev so I can get my free shit faster!!"

I wouldn't go that far and as misguided as the accusations are there is an kernel of truth in there. In my opinion the, and I think I expressed it some weeks ago, the remaster was not only underwhelming in terms of changes (except for Stan) but a missed opportunity to clean up things to speed up development and make it easier on EK.

How to move forward, I'm not sure but maybe it would help to commit to a fixed release schedule. There was a South Park documentary that showed how they manage to get a show done in 6 days (I know they have a giant team...) where other shows like the Simpsons take month. In it Trey Parker (who is basically the sole writer even though there is a writing room; thats the analogy to EK) explains that he had to learn to accept 90% as good enough, saying that if he went back and re-wrote or fixed every small detail that bugged him the show would never get released. Being forced to hand in an episode on Wednesday made him a better creator. This is still compatible with the gardening approach (even though I also like Parkers approach of first outlining then trying to replace "and" with "but" or "therefore").

 

[miljonersolar]

I'll stick to what i've said in most threads like this.
Y'all sound like whiny brats. Like the creator has a life. And fans of A song of ice and fire are laughing at you.

 

[Doppelgang]

I think Lena's "corruption" comes off (and will hopefully continue to come off) as different than in most other games because she's a way more carved out character. She doesn't end up in those situations because she's weak-willed and incredibly horny/kinky without knowing it, but after what feels like a real negotiation between her rational, "good girl" side and her more dirty, slightly nymphomaniac side. In GGGB, good Ash and bad Ash are so far apart that they barely feel like variations of the same person.

For Lena, it's rather that she's put in situations where she's got to choose between completely different alternatives that are tempting in different ways, but where both alternatives fit equally well with who she already is. When she's got to decide if she wants to attend the first photoshoot with Seymour, the line between "Oh fuck it, it's a good chance for my career, I'm just gonna do it" and "It's tempting, but I'm not sure about his motives, I better stay away" is pretty thin, despite how different the consequences are.

I think Lena's most important trait in that sense is that she's really, really got a thing for being desired. We see it in the photoshoots with Seymour, Axel and Stan, and we see it in how she gets off on making Mike cheat and tell her that she's hotter than his girlfriend. We also see it with Jeremy, who she seems to enjoys seducing exactly because he's Louise's boyfriend and Ian's best friend. If he gives in, it doesn't just mean that he wants her, it means that he wants her so damn much that he's willing to risk his relationship with his best friend to get a taste of her. Being-desired-jackpot!

As BlandChili also touched upon, it's debatable whether any of that counts as corruption in the classical sense of the pornographic category, but it's sure as hell bound to lead her into gradually more depraved situations that Lena's rational self will feel terrible about being involved in. In that sense I think it's a good middle-road to satisfy both those who want a well-written story, and those who mostly just want a classical corruption story. And for the latter there's also Seymour and Axel, who are likely to offer slightly more traditional corruption paths for Lena.

 

[Doppelgang]

You have to somewhat admire the moxy though. "You people who pay for this need to step the fuck up and put pressure on the dev so I can get my free shit faster!!"

Apart from that argument, I think that post was one of the more sensible critiques I've seen during the Mayhem of the last few weeks, just to mention that first. But this critique, that developers always turn into "milkers" once they find out that they won't lose their followers if the updates take longer, necessarily rests on one weird premise: That everyone is just looking to do as little as possible to earn their money. I don't think I know anyone with such a poor work ethic; and besides, if you want to earn easy money, it's a horrible idea to start making adult VN's, as almost no-one make a decent living from it—and if you do, it's not likely to happen until several months or years of building subscribers.

And if you're not just looking to get away without doing anything, it sure doesn't help that everyone stops supporting you—except if you believe that old cliché that every artist needs to be poor to make good art, that is.