VN Ren'Py Completed Retrieving The Past [S3 E.6 & Epilogue] [MrKnobb]

3.80 star(s) 78 Votes
Discussion Reviews (78)
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spooge_nugget

Member
May 7, 2017
448
653
The past two episodes have been a little "meh" for me.
I wish Vicky's and Nicky's make up didn't look like it was plastered on. It's just as much of a turn-off in a game as it is in real life. I mean, it looks like you'd literally have to scrape it off.

Avaron1974 said:
I kiss my friends, it's something we've always done.
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On the lips? I mean I know kissing on the cheek as a form of greeting/parting is common, but on the lips isn't particularly common as far as I'm aware (maybe it's more common in certain age groups?)
I know some families kiss on the lips, but I believe it's more common to do so on the cheek.

Avaron1974 said:
A lot of women are very touchy feely. When we have girly nights we'll stick a movie on, throw the sofa cushions on the floor and cuddle up.
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I see nothing wrong or weird about that.
Even straight guys hug, put their arms round each others shoulders,etc. (they don't tend to "experiment" with same sex friends as commonly as females do however, to my knowledge)
 
Lucifer_Morningstar

Lucifer_Morningstar

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May 20, 2017
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MrKnobb Not trying to be an asshole but by the time episode 5 of Season 1 was around, there were at least a few scenes here and there. What happened this time?

I loved all the Yakuza, action and all the other parts that made the storyline more visually spectacular. But we are at episode 5, and I am bored of reading, no offense. Storyline-wise season 1 was amazing as it had some kind of balance, but season 2, all I have been doing is reading. Don't take this the wrong way. I love storyline, character development, etc. I am waiting for that reaction on Adam's face when Jensen comes out of the dark in front of him.

Just my opinion I guess, I think you are focusing on too many characters for each update, to a point where you have to add lots of lines for each character storyline per update. I think it has become 90-10, 90-storyline and 10-scenes.

Sorry, I have been holding this back since last two episodes, had to let it out. You may have your own set of challenges, issues, and problems, regarding the development. I apologize in advance if I am speaking like a dick without the knowledge about such aforementioned challenges.
 
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RogueKnightUK

RogueKnightUK

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Lucifer_Morningstar said:
MrKnobb Not trying to be an asshole but by the time episode 5 of Season 1 was around, there were at least a few scenes here and there. What happened this time?

I loved all the Yakuza, action and all the other parts that made the storyline more visually spectacular. But we are at episode 5, and I am bored of reading, no offense. Storyline-wise season 1 was amazing as it had some kind of balance, but season 2, all I have been doing is reading. Don't take this the wrong way. I love storyline, character development, etc. I am waiting for that reaction on Adam's face when Jensen comes out of the dark in front of him.

Just my opinion I guess, I think you are focusing on too many characters for each update, to a point where you have to add lots of lines for each character storyline per update. I think it has become 90-10, 90-storyline and 10-scenes.

Sorry, I have been holding this back since last two episodes, had to let it out. You may have your own set of challenges, issues, and problems, regarding the development. I apologize in advance if I am speaking like a dick without the knowledge about such aforementioned challenges.
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It's a consequence of where the story currently is.

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Lucifer_Morningstar

Lucifer_Morningstar

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RogueKnightUK said:
It's a consequence of where the story currently is.

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I get all that man. I also understood without you saying that its because of where the storyline lies at this point. But to be frank with you, since the last two updates or so, storyline seems to be stuck around the same bush, forget Jensen getting some action. That's all I am saying. I played episode 5, closed it the moment the niece scene started where she visits him at the lakehouse and all that. IMO, you could have avoided that. I guess its all these little pieces, attention to almost everything, that is adding to the storyline drag. But hey, like you said RogueKnightUK, I guess even the smallest of the smallest arcs matter.
 
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Deleted member 167032

Deleted member 167032

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Dude I hear you. I had LOTS of comments regarding Series 1 that it was too fast and a mess with most people who did not follow the story. Myself and then later Rogue when he joined in felt we had to develop the characters so that you the reader can feel for them and feel with them and not feel like you are rushing through a convoluted mess.

Saying that yes Season 2 is... kinda dragging I agree. But as Rogue has pointed out, just like I had to "rush" Season 1, we have to slow down Season 2... Season 3 we hope to fix this by bridging S1&S2 together by mixing Story/character development.

In between the genetics and Illuminati type group out there I/we are trying to weave a love story.

Not a simple task. I think most VN's here on F95 do not have the plot we are trying to weave and rightly so, we can't all do the same young boy goes to college...

So if you'd be willing to stick it out a little while longer, see what Season3 will bring. Maybe we get it right and find the right balance which is action / love and porn...:unsure:

Lucifer_Morningstar said:
I get all that man. I also understood without you saying that its because of where the storyline lies at this point. But to be frank with you, since the last two updates or so, storyline seems to be stuck around the same bush, forget Jensen getting some action. That's all I am saying. I played episode 5, closed it the moment the niece scene started where she visits him at the lakehouse and all that. IMO, you could have avoided that. I guess its all these little pieces, attention to almost everything, that is adding to the storyline drag. But hey, like you said RogueKnightUK, I guess even the smallest of the smallest arcs matter.
Click to expand...
 
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RogueKnightUK

RogueKnightUK

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Lucifer_Morningstar said:
I get all that man. I also understood without you saying that its because of where the storyline lies at this point. But to be frank with you, since the last two updates or so, storyline seems to be stuck around the same bush, forget Jensen getting some action. That's all I am saying. I played episode 5, closed it the moment the niece scene started where she visits him at the lakehouse and all that. IMO, you could have avoided that. I guess its all these little pieces, attention to almost everything, that is adding to the storyline drag. But hey, like you said RogueKnightUK, I guess even the smallest of the smallest arcs matter.
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Jensen's relationship with Andi, to whom he was essentially her main 'father-figure' and surrogate dad, has a direct bearing, of course, on his current situation. It has to be as strange situation for any late-teenage girl to suddenly discover she has a father, and oh yeah, he's that really hot dude you were flirting with and lusting after. But it isn't just about him. Jensen has a family, and reminding players that he is close to them, cares about them, is an important part about who he is, what his character is about.

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Practically speaking, as co-writer, Jensen wants his family to all know each other, and anyone else close in his life. Andi could well play a key part in making the daughter feel more assured, more at ease. Even able to offer the perspective that, hey, just because I'm blood doesn't mean I don't see he is super-hot, but also, having a crush is a pretty normal and regular thing. It's fine to have a crush and never act on it. The scene you closed is where we set her appearance up, with why she is going to be meeting the girls soon.
 
Lucifer_Morningstar

Lucifer_Morningstar

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MrKnobb said:
Dude I hear you. I had LOTS of comments regarding Series 1 that it was too fast and a mess with most people who did not follow the story. Myself and then later Rogue when he joined in felt we had to develop the characters so that you the reader can feel for them and feel with them and not feel like you are rushing through a convoluted mess.

Saying that yes Season 2 is... kinda dragging I agree. But as Rogue has pointed out, just like I had to "rush" Season 1, we have to slow down Season 2... Season 3 we hope to fix this by bridging S1&S2 together by mixing Story/character development.

In between the genetics and Illuminati type group out there I/we are trying to weave a love story.

Not a simple task. I think most VN's here on F95 do not have the plot we are trying to weave and rightly so, we can't all do the same young boy goes to college...

So if you'd be willing to stick it out a little while longer, see what Season3 will bring. Maybe we get it right and find the right balance which is action / love and porn...:unsure:
Click to expand...
I hope season 3 brings the game at a proper balance.
Also, Loved that "The Ghost of The Yakuza" (I hope I got that name right) character. He has a potential to have a spinoff series of his own, maybe an origin story, I feel so. Beautiful writing there, sold me that character really well.
 
RogueKnightUK

RogueKnightUK

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Lucifer_Morningstar said:
I hope season 3 brings the game at a proper balance.
Also, Loved that "The Ghost of The Yakuza" (I hope I got that name right) character. He has a potential to have a spinoff series of his own, maybe an origin story, I feel so. Beautiful writing there, sold me that character really well.
Click to expand...
You'll be seeing more of him for sure. After all, we can't not explore whether the enemy of one's enemies is truly an ally, can we? ;)
 
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LP83

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BadFox1

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OK Gotta give my two cents. Personally for me it isn't season two that is messed up, it was season 1 was a bit rushed and to the point. If season 1 was slower it would help season 2. IMO season 1 was more of a typical PORN VN where season 2 is more story. NOW, saying that I truly LOVE this story and the buildup that is happening in season 2. I liked season 1 but 2 for me is bae. I'm more of a good story with some great porn kinda player so this is RIGHT up my alley. The vanilla porn vn is MEH at best for me. The Vicky/Jane kiss was a little out of place but it didn't make me want to stop playing and at no point did I think NTR LOL. Keep up the good work team! Can't wait for season 3!
 
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Simple answer, when i did that episode i wasnt aware of the save issue ill have going into Season 2...
So a save point made sense, but you can ignore it as Season 2 starts with a choice regarding the girl you are going forward.

Gandalf78 said:
short Question: Why do I have to Save at the End from S01E06 when I start from the Beginning on S02?
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JerryC

JerryC

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Mar 5, 2019
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Hey :)

So, you know, I thought about giving some opinion about the game in its current state, after playing episode 5.

This episode is still building up relations between characters, as well as between them and us - the reader. We can feel the tension slowly craving its way up, with signs showing something big is approaching. While we could easily be fooled by focusing on the girls struggle to sort their unusual situation and understand their respective feelings, some little hints here and there very nicely distilled keeps us almost unconsciously in an alert state.

The game is, simply put, totally awesome. Multiple storylines, steady pacing, thoughtful staging, dreamy girls, it has everything. It's not a quick fap - you're here to build something with the girl(s?) of your choice, and when it will eventually get to the point where you can have her, oh man, it will be so worth the wait. I just love feeling the relationship building steadily, yet not being a nice and calm river. It's tough, like any love relationship is. It's hard to give yourself, as a woman, hard to commit to someone, as a man... And this is greatly shown in RtP! Of course with a bit of fantasy, so that's perfect :)

I love every minute of it, keep going guys, you're one of the very best games around here!
 
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RogueKnightUK

RogueKnightUK

Co-Writer: Retrieving The Past
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JerryC said:
Hey :)

So, you know, I thought about giving some opinion about the game in its current state, after playing episode 5.

This episode is still building up relations between characters, as well as between them and us - the reader. We can feel the tension slowly craving its way up, with signs showing something big is approaching. While we could easily be fooled by focusing on the girls struggle to sort their unusual situation and understand their respective feelings, some little hints here and there very nicely distilled keeps us almost unconsciously in an alert state.

The game is, simply put, totally awesome. Multiple storylines, steady pacing, thoughtful staging, dreamy girls, it has everything. It's not a quick fap - you're here to build something with the girl(s?) of your choice, and when it will eventually get to the point where you can have her, oh man, it will be so worth the wait. I just love feeling the relationship building steadily, yet not being a nice and calm river. It's tough, like any love relationship is. It's hard to give yourself, as a woman, hard to commit to someone, as a man... And this is greatly shown in RtP! Of course with a bit of fantasy, so that's perfect :)

I love every minute of it, keep going guys, you're one of the very best games around here!
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Thanks for that. Very much appreciated.

For me, there was one key scene that really highlighted the particular approach we've taken with RtP and it's characters. It was the scene where Vicky finally tells Jensen about her past. Feedback from several players, here and elsewhere, all picked up on several nuances of the scene that were unspoken. Players who were paying attention were successfully able to read not just the expressions, but also pick up on the things that were not said just from having gotten to truly know the characters.

Players saw Vicky's strength and defiance in that scene, even though her words were all about pain and defeat, and that beyond anything else told me we'd gotten it right. Not just in that scene, but in all the scenes that made the players familiar enough with both characters to 'read between the lines'. That's the sign that the characters, artificial constructs of mere renders and words, were 'real' enough.
 
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3.80 star(s) 78 Votes