Ren'Py San Martino Vice [EP1 v0.1] [SantoRosso]

[Babylon.]

I personally prefer the aesthetics of TS4 modded with custom textures for skin, hair, eyes, etc. , over the models and environments created with Daz3D and similar programs. While I find them perfect in terms of photorealism and detail, the women’s faces, the lighting and shadows, and the environments don’t really convince me. I guess it’s just a matter of personal taste. That’s why I decided to create the novel using TS4, to make the most of the endless possibilities offered by its fantastic modding community.

And yes, I’m going to keep the project well updated. I’ve already gotten the big hurdle out of the way, which was launching the release, crucial and harder because you need to firmly establish the mechanics that will be used throughout the game, as well as the aesthetic of the interface and menus. On top of that, I already have a ton of content ready and waiting for editing (filters and various tweaks) and integration into the game, so I’m confident that the next update will be released very soon.

9/10 devs that use daz3d create facial expressions strictly using morph sliders, and it shows (i made up that statistic)
not even a combination of sliders either. the one slider itself lol
you want a smile? smile 100%
problem is, often times the default morphs twist the characters faces in uncanny ways and end up looking like caricatures of human expression
you could circumvent that by sculping, combining morphs or any amount of post processing
9/10 devs will not do this (i made that up also)

the sims visuals look nice though. no complaints here

 

[santorosso]

Netori would be perfect for this game.

Now that I think about it... I believe the concept of Netori might be a bit more widespread, but (I don’t know if you’ve played my game) the possible scene with Ingrid at the nightclub would theoretically be considered Netori, or at least the beginning of it, wouldn’t it?

 

[Blizzard99]

Thanks for your kind words, my friend. Yes, one of the things I’ve really wanted to focus on is the presence of many dialogue options to make the game feel more realistic and allow each player to shape their character however they like. This also encourages playing in different ways, whether as a good or bad character. Even the answers you give during the first psychological therapy session will have a certain influence (though minimal, since explicit choices will always be available for every activity) on later events. With respect to corporate world, my goal is even more ambitious: the corporate world is just the necessary link that connects the MC to the world of San Martino, a city ruled by money, sex, power, and influence. But in the medium-to-long term, the game’s goal (while keeping the player grounded in the corporate world) is to fully explore everything that a city like this can offer: connections to the film industry, athletes, models, yacht parties, trips to paradise islands, and ventures into other types of businesses (pornographic films, wrestling). Some of these ideas already have images and even sexual scenes prepared, but I need to polish and incorporate them gradually.

The good thing about the different paths is that, in general, aside from those tied to the main storyline (which will gradually unfold), they depend on each girl specifically. This means that, on the one hand, there will be several options per girl (so there’ll be many overall (imagine progressing in a path with six girls, each having three possible paths; that’s 18 possibilities). But on the other hand, paths can also overlap and combine, making it possible to get the most out of the content.

You're welcome and you make me feel even more excited about this project tbh. A wealthy man exploiting and seducing women with the help of his wealth and influence does sound quite erotic. Why dream small, after all.

Now that I think about it... I believe the concept of Netori might be a bit more widespread, but (I don’t know if you’ve played my game) the possible scene with Ingrid at the nightclub would theoretically be considered Netori, or at least the beginning of it, wouldn’t it?

Netori needs more emotional investment between the woman and the man getting cucked imo. Although, you did a good job in giving the MC an option to create a wedge between the couple. That does fit right in with the theme.

 

[santorosso]

You're welcome and you make me feel even more excited about this project tbh. A wealthy man exploiting and seducing women with the help of his wealth and influence does sound quite erotic. Why dream small, after all.



Netori needs more emotional investment between the woman and the man getting cucked imo. Although, you did a good job in giving the MC an option to create a wedge between the couple. That does fit right in with the theme.

I’m glad to hear that, buddy! Honestly, I’m super excited about all the content I already have and the ideas that still need some refining. Let’s see if I can release the update as soon as possible, adding a few features that still aren’t fully developed, like cellphone apps.

As for the Netori thing, yeah, you’re right, it’s more complex. I do have some scenes planned that fit that definition. In the next update, there’s a teaser with a girl where, over time and depending on the player’s choices, Netori will eventually be possible.

Cheers!

 

[Babylon.]

It looks so ridiculous when a developer in all seriousness tells you that Sims models are better than Daz3d. There's nothing wrong with using Sims, it's much cheaper and easier to develop, no need to render scenes. But that's all good things to say about this kind of game.

they said "I personally prefer the aesthetics of ts4", not that it's better
in all likelihood, they find certain aspects of daz visuals to be uncanny and rather than taking the route of photorealism, incorporating that unnatural look into their game, they decided to commit to a more cartoonish appearance where exaggerated facial expressions don't stick out like a sore thumb. i don't get the feeling this dev is claiming to have a superior visual aesthetic, they're simply following their vision, based on their own criteria of preferences.

 

[santorosso]

they said "I personally prefer the aesthetics of ts4", not that it's better
in all likelihood, they find certain aspects of daz visuals to be uncanny and rather than taking the route of photorealism, incorporating that unnatural look into their game, they decided to commit to a more cartoonish appearance where exaggerated facial expressions don't stick out like a sore thumb. i don't get the feeling this dev is claiming to have a superior visual aesthetic, they're simply following their vision, based on their own criteria of preferences.

Thank you, my friend, for correctly interpreting my words and defending them. Indeed, I explicitly mentioned that this is a matter of personal preference. On the other hand, I did emphasize that photorealism is superior in Daz3D, but I really enjoy the appearance of Sims 4 because the modding community for the game is fantastic and has something very important that, in my opinion, many Daz3D-made games lack: good taste in the overall style, clothing, facial features, decor, etc. Many Sims 4 CC creators have that refined sense of style. And for me, the style of Sims 4 (ultra modded, of course, not vanilla, hahaha) is more appealing. As we discussed (and you pointed out) the expressions in other systems leave much to be desired in other respects.

It looks so ridiculous when a developer in all seriousness tells you that Sims models are better than Daz3d. There's nothing wrong with using Sims, it's much cheaper and easier to develop, no need to render scenes. But that's all good things to say about this kind of game.

Regarding creation, I completely agree with you (naturally) that it’s far cheaper, 1000% cheaper, no doubt about that. But as for it being easier or faster, I don’t entirely agree, or at least, it’s not much faster. Creating models in Daz3D gives you millimetric freedom that Sims 4, by its nature as a game rather than a dedicated model creation system, simply doesn’t have. You have to use a lot of modders' poses, take advantage of the dynamically generated expressions and animations in Sims 4, and deal with the game itself like a cat and mouse process in many scenes, which makes achieving optimal results quite time-consuming.

In addition, I take special care (unlike in other Sims 4 VNs, such as Insimology, where the developer didn’t focus on this aspect) to avoid abundant visual glitches in Sims 4, such as an arm clipping through a wall. There are more of these issues than you might think, and they increase the development time significantly. Of course, using modders’ animations saves you the effort of creating custom animations, which is a big advantage. But believe me, I spend over 12 hours a day working on this, and progress is very slow, my friend.

 

[Babylon.]

Thank you, my friend, for correctly interpreting my words and defending them. Indeed, I explicitly mentioned that this is a matter of personal preference. On the other hand, I did emphasize that photorealism is superior in Daz3D, but I really enjoy the appearance of Sims 4 because the modding community for the game is fantastic and has something very important that, in my opinion, many Daz3D-made games lack: good taste in the overall style, clothing, facial features, decor, etc. Many Sims 4 CC creators have that refined sense of style. And for me, the style of Sims 4 (ultra modded, of course, not vanilla, hahaha) is more appealing. As we discussed (and you pointed out) the expressions in other systems leave much to be desired in other respects.

one thing i didn't even think about is the style and fashion sense of the sims 4 modders
it's objectively superior
in truth, the vast majority of the assets you see for daz are made by men, whereas most sims cc is made by women. women who actually know how women dress, style their hair and do their makeup, i could attest to this, speaking as someone who has like 10 gigs of sims mods (i'm cooked ik)

 

[santorosso]

What the hell did I read? Some kind of super style that Sims modders have that Daz3d doesn't. Or are you saying that your game has some special stylish clothes compared to Daz? Daz is full of clothes for every taste and style, not to mention the quality. Praising some ancient game that was outdated when it came out. Mods aren't going to improve anything significant there.
Look at those legs and what's under that dress.
View attachment 4458334
And they scold the facial expressions in Daz but praise this.
View attachment 4458339

What you're reading are just opinions, nothing more, both Babylon's and mine. I'm sorry if you don't like the aesthetic, fortunately, you're free not to play.

 

[Babylon.]

What the hell did I read? Some kind of super style that Sims modders have that Daz3d doesn't. Or are you saying that your game has some special stylish clothes compared to Daz? Daz is full of clothes for every taste and style, not to mention the quality. Praising some ancient game that was outdated when it came out. Mods aren't going to improve anything significant there.
Look at those legs and what's under that dress.
View attachment 4458334
And they scold the facial expressions in Daz but praise this.
View attachment 4458339

sheesh bro i won't lie, you're coming across a bit aggressive with the judgement right now
the sims slander is greatly unappreciated


anyways, check this out

you don't see a whole lotta stuff like this for daz do you?
this is one of many creators that produce these assets, almost all of which are free. very useful for small-budget indie creators
i'd say they're pretty stylish, tasteful and appropriate. not everyone wants (or needs) fanservice, upskirts and titty pouches in every render yk, sometimes a nice, decent visual can be appreciated. i've taken to creating my own outfits, mostly because of the lack of availability of cheap, tasteful assets. a blessing in disguise i think, because i quite enjoy it, and my game has added originality as a result.

in terms of expressions, again, that is just the look the dev is going for/likes best. i'd say that the majority of what devs on here manage to put together using daz often looks much wilder. even some of the most successful games on this site manage to look very strange, quite often. this is coming from someone that uses genesis 8

 

[santorosso]

sheesh bro i won't lie, you're coming across a bit aggressive with the criticism right now
the sims slander is greatly unappreciated
View attachment 4458463

anyways, check this out
View attachment 4458425
you don't see a whole lotta stuff like this for daz do you?
this is one of many creators that produce these assets, almost all of which are free. very useful for small-budget indie creators
i'd say they're pretty stylish, tasteful and appropriate. not everyone wants (or needs) fanservice, upskirts and titty pouches in every render yk, sometimes a nice, decent visual can be appreciated. i've taken to creating my own outfits, mostly because of the lack of availability of cheap, tasteful assets. a blessing in disguise i think, because i quite enjoy it, and my game has added originality as a result.

in terms of expressions, again, that is just the look the dev is going for/likes best. i'd say that the majority of what devs on here manage to put together using daz often looks much wilder. even some of the most successful games on this site manage to look very strange, quite often. this is coming from someone that uses genesis 8

It’s actually funny because he’s literally taken two exceptions in a very twisted way. The thing with the legs and the skirt is there and I noticed it myself (I didn’t like it but I ended up leaving it in, maybe I’ll tweak it in the next update). BUT there isn’t another image like it where something similar happens as far as I know. Regarding the facial expression he posted, it’s in the top 3 most exaggerated or cartoonish expressions in the game but overall the characters’ expressions in the game are much softer and more realistic than that. So he’s trying to extrapolate two exceptional examples to the entire game.

Hey, everyone is free to have an opinion, just like we’re sharing our thoughts about the comparison between TS4 and Daz3D in certain visual aspects... but creating conflict out of nowhere just because their opinion differs from others... incredible, hahaha. And to top it off, they even went to the trouble of taking screenshots and uploading them here. Well, I guess the world has all kinds of people.

Again, opinions are free, and everyone has the right to criticize, but I still find it curious how someone can go as far as to take and upload screenshots and, in a NON-constructive way (otherwise it would be OK), focus on pointing out and emphasizing in the thread the flaws they believe a game has. Without a doubt, when the goal is to criticize the criticism isn’t objective or constructive...

 

[Babylon.]

It’s actually funny because he’s literally taken two exceptions in a very twisted way. The thing with the legs and the skirt is there and I noticed it myself (I didn’t like it but I ended up leaving it in, maybe I’ll tweak it in the next update). BUT there isn’t another image like it where something similar happens as far as I know. Regarding the facial expression he posted, it’s in the top 3 most exaggerated or cartoonish expressions in the game but overall the characters’ expressions in the game are much softer and more realistic than that. So he’s trying to extrapolate two exceptional examples to the entire game.

Hey, everyone is free to have an opinion, just like we’re sharing our thoughts about the comparison between TS4 and Daz3D in certain visual aspects... but creating conflict out of nowhere just because their opinion differs from others... incredible, hahaha. And to top it off, they even went to the trouble of taking screenshots and uploading them here. Well, I guess the world has all kinds of people.

Again, opinions are free, and everyone has the right to criticize, but I still find it curious how someone can go as far as to take and upload screenshots and, in a NON-constructive way (otherwise it would be OK), focus on pointing out and emphasizing in the thread the flaws they believe a game has. Without a doubt, when the goal is to criticize the criticism isn’t objective or constructive...

their demeanor came across as quite strange and antagonizing right off the bat, so i already guessed there would be some lack of sensibility there. honestly, i'm just surprised by the immediate verbal hostility. i'm really not sure where that's all coming from, and it really is quite strange to go through the game for the explicit purpose of finding things to criticize.
approach anything with that attitude and you're bound to dislike it.

i wouldn't consider any of what was said there as criticism, they're all nitpicks, built on personal preference, conveyed in a vindictive way. overall unproductive behavior.

maybe i made a mistake by saying that some sims mods are "objectively superior". i guess they didn't like that at all. i don't think you need to be hearing any comments like that on your first release, so i just felt inclined to say something

 

[santorosso]

I uploaded the screenshots and what? I was interested in this game because it has a black MC, I tried it. Taking a screenshot and taking a few seconds to upload it, what's weird about that to emphasize it? I provide examples unlike you, not just empty words. Your absurd statements about the superiority of the Sims caught my attention

I respect your opinion, buddy, just as mine or Babylon's is also worthy of respect. However, I simply think your comments didn’t come across as very constructive, nor did they seem to come with a positive predisposition. And yes, the fact that you’ve even tried my game and that it caught your attention is already a source of pride for me, but I think your critique is based on a claim I never made (that Sims 4 is better). I only shared my opinion that, in some aspects, I personally like it more than Daz3D. I never said one was better than the other.

Still, I respect your opinion, don’t get me wrong, and I do believe you can take something positive from every critique... but starting from an assertion I never made and doing so in a way that was rather... let’s say, lacking subtlety, is a bit frustrating. Every developer has strong enthusiasm for their game and spends countless hours bringing it to life.

Regarding the images, what I meant was that you explicitly took and shared screenshots here to point out a flaw and a facial expression you didn’t like, which felt somewhat unnecessary. However, best regards.