VN Ren'Py Seeking Closure [v0.8] [Captain Crystallo]

[Captain Crystallo]

Just to give a different perspective, I was happy with the way you presented it (happy is not quite the right word, but hopefully you know what I mean). I care about the journey and the romantic development with LI or LIs I choose on that path. If it's emotional and hard hitting, then the journey becomes even more meaningful.

I knew from the very start that a murder was going to happen, not who obviously, but I knew that it would be someone close. The state MC starts in, it was not going to be a random stranger. There is no way it was going to be someone like the barista (Jeremy?). It was going to be someone who he cared about.

I think I said in an earlier post that Chapter 8 really explained a lot of the earlier stuff and connected it all together (a lot closer than before anyway). I now understand why MC was so depressed and why we discovered him like that in Chapter 1, and the journey he has had to undertake to get mentally right again.

Just my 20c, but not everyone is disappointed with how it was done.

Once again, I'm very grateful for both the positive feedback and for voicing a different take on the events that unfold in the game.

I'm definitely not dismissing your outlook (or my own vision for that matter), but I think it's also important to be open to potentially finding ways that can make the game better for more people without ruining its narrative core.

 

[Ragnar]

Which one? Because there are a few variations. It isn't that it's bad. It isn't that it's especially traumatic for the player or anything like that, there's definitely *way* rougher shit out there. It's that asking people to get attached to LI's (whether you're on their route at that moment or not) only to then have them get raped and/or murdered doesn't really fit the rest of the game and I can't imagine that the typical player who enjoys the game up until that point will be the same type of player that will be thrilled to continue past that point. Though IDK, I could be wrong there.

Adding the old "skippable but not avoidable" isn't going to really help all that much there, at that point you may as well just leave it as is. I don't know that adding more branches to the ?4? that were there with that scene alone is a great idea either lol.

I guess it just depends on what tone you want to set for the remainder of the VN, is it one where LI's are disposable - don't get attached because shit's going to get rough? Or is it just that you want a traumatic catalyst to kick off some headfeels for the characters so that the present makes more sense going forward?

But you don't want a toned down rape scene, you want to change the game's story.
I bet if the sacrificed one was a dude nobody would care

 

[Captain Crystallo]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying people will drop it entirely. Sorry that's my bad for not thinking things through before speaking. Maybe it'll help if I say more about how I'm thinking and less about what I "imagine" lol - so, following the ending, SC has gone from something I'm eagerly anticipating the release of a new update for to something I'll cautiously check out in a while. That's what I meant before.

I'm all for darker themes, broaching more serious topics and even darker VN's at times, I'm fine with the MC being vile, I'm fine with the entire world being vile - what I'm not so keen on is a more romance themed VN with a bit of a mystery going on having a LI get raped and/or killed off in the middle of it.

Yeah, absolutely that's been a part of it - I was thinking the MC had killed someone, that someone slowly narrowing down over the chapters. How much of that is what was actually foreshadowed and how much of it is a shoddy memory over a couple years though, I'm not sure

Those are completely fair thoughts and a reasonable reaction to have. I'd imagine it will be shared by a large percentage of players since 80% of the game is very much a slice-of-life romance story, even if darker themes were foreshadowed from the start.

For now, though, most people who were going to download this chapter (and my supporters) have downloaded it already, since the game is gradually getting pushed back in the "Recently Updated" list, so the damage was already done. I'll wait to see if more people provide their feedback, and then make the decision about reworking or not reworking parts of this chapter.

 

[risky0]

I haven't played the current version.
Who died, who got raped, just because nothing happened to the LI I chose doesn't mean I don't care about the others, it's a big deal breaker.

I don't think you should bother making an alternative route if the outcome is not going to change. Whatever you do, it's very disturbing.

Can someone tell me who died and who was raped? I don't think I can play this update...

 

[artofwar]

But you don't want a toned down rape scene, you want to change the game's story.
I bet if the sacrificed one was a dude nobody would care

I mean, I played this chapter a bit over a week ago and held my tongue for a while there, until I saw the dev say:

It's something I've been heavily pondering myself when writing the script, and I might change it both here and for the Steam release. As you said, the events are traumatic enough on their own without going that far. It arguably doesn't add enough to the story (despite probably being more realistic) while potentially rubbing a lot of players the wrong way.

I was prepared for it to just be my problem, and I was fine with that if that was what he was going for. Kinda didn't seem that way when I saw that though.

Still, if you want to say that nobody would care if they don't get raped? Someone important to the MC is kidnapped, the entire time he's running around like a headless chicken, completely impotent. He finally manages to catch on to what's going on and where and again, even with backup he's completely useless. Things *can* turn out in a way that isn't quite so dark (currently) - but even in the best case he's little more than a mere annoyance. A LI being kidnapped and beaten while the girl you've been looking for being murdered isn't exactly nothing, either. To me, that's enough of an impetus to explain why our pretty sensitive MC is a sad sack in the beginning.

 

[Dr.TSoni]

I knew from the very start that a murder was going to happen, not who obviously, but I knew that it would be someone close. The state MC starts in, it was not going to be a random stranger. There is no way it was going to be someone like the barista (Jeremy?). It was going to be someone who he cared about.

I totally agree, the beginning of the story makes it clear that something had gone incredibly wrong in the past to leave the MC in that state.

 

[Captain Crystallo]

I mean, I played this chapter a bit over a week ago and held my tongue for a while there, until I saw the dev say:



I was prepared for it to just be my problem, and I was fine with that if that was what he was going for. Kinda didn't seem that way when I saw that though.

Still, if you want to say that nobody would care if they don't get raped? Someone important to the MC is kidnapped, the entire time he's running around like a headless chicken, completely impotent. He finally manages to catch on to what's going on and where and again, even with backup he's completely useless. Things *can* turn out in a way that isn't quite so dark (currently) - but even in the best case he's little more than a mere annoyance. A LI being kidnapped and beaten while the girl you've been looking for being murdered isn't exactly nothing, either. To me, that's enough of an impetus to explain why our pretty sensitive MC is a sad sack in the beginning.

I think I should clarify what exactly I was referring to when I said I was considering a change, in case it wasn't clear.
I was thinking about removing the rape part and just having the girl be beaten up and traumatized, similar to how you suggested, but for the paths that lead to the LI dying, those would remain mostly the same (maybe less focus on showing the bodies and stuff like that). I could also make it easier to achieve an ending that avoids death, but not remove it completely.

 

[AlexMpog]

I haven't played last update yet, though I do have some thoughts on this matter too.

Personally, when I play these games, I'm looking for a good story that can bring out strong emotions - joy, sadness, and everything in between. The greater the variety of emotions, the merrier.
There are games here - pretty successful ones, in my opinion, where the main love interests and/or core characters die (either optionally or as part of the canon story). At least four games come to mind immediately. I remember crying like a baby over some scenes, and yet, those games are among my favorites.

As for changing the story: if I were a developer, I'd stick to the core narrative in this case. All those events are what shaped the MC into who he is. It was obvious from the beginning that something terrible had happened - it was just a matter of time. In fact, that mystery partially kept me hyped and wondering.

Creating a censored version for those who can't handle certain content is one thing. But completely removing that event and altering the story? That's something else entirely.

Same goes for some earlier posts in the thread asking for a harem route. Personally, I don’t think adding a harem path and turning characters into mindless Pokemons in the process would do the story any good (especially considering that the game was never meant to be a harem).

Anyways, that's just my 2 cents.

 

[artofwar]

I think I should clarify what exactly I was referring to when I said I was considering a change, in case it wasn't clear.
I was thinking about removing the rape part and just having the girl be beaten up and traumatized, similar to how you suggested, but for the paths that lead to the LI dying, those would remain mostly the same (maybe less focus on showing the bodies and stuff like that). I could also make it easier to achieve an ending that avoids death, but not remove it completely.

To me at least, that would be a lot more digestible while still delivering a bit of a gut punch.

 

[MiltonPowers]

I haven't played last update yet, though I do have some thoughts on this matter too.

Personally, when I play these games, I'm looking for a good story that can bring out strong emotions - joy, sadness, and everything in between. The greater the variety of emotions, the merrier.
There are games here - pretty successful ones, in my opinion, where the main love interests and/or core characters die (either optionally or as part of the canon story). At least four games come to mind immediately. I remember crying like a baby over some scenes, and yet, those games are among my favorites.

As for changing the story: if I were a developer, I'd stick to the core narrative in this case. All those events are what shaped the MC into who he is. It was obvious from the beginning that something terrible had happened - it was just a matter of time. In fact, that mystery partially kept me hyped and wondering.

Creating a censored version for those who can't handle certain content is one thing. But completely removing that event and altering the story? That's something else entirely.

Same goes for some earlier posts in the thread asking for a harem route. Personally, I don’t think adding a harem path and turning characters into mindless Pokemons in the process would do the story any good (especially considering that the game was never meant to be a harem).

Anyways, that's just my 2 cents.

That's gotta be worth 20c at least my friend.

 

[Boehser Onkel]

soooo
the "oh-so-funny best-bro "
says



its the worst case scenario if a npc-best-bro says this
question :
how long do i have to play to get rid of him ? or be able to ignore him

and for the review of the past - do we have to chose a LI there ?
i mean i tried to upset lara to ignore her , but have to visit her later


reminder : that's just questions - before some fanboy goes ballistic as always ...

 

[Captain Crystallo]

soooo
the "oh-so-funny best-bro "
says

View attachment 4772150

its the worst case scenario if a npc-best-bro says this
question :
how long do i have to play to get rid of him ? or be able to ignore him

and for the review of the past - do we have to chose a LI there ?
i mean i tried to upset lara to ignore her , but have to visit her later


reminder : that's just questions - before some fanboy goes ballistic as always ...

Sebastian will get less screentime as time goes on, and he'll become a little less tropey over time too, but there's a lot of him at the start.

You don't have to pick a LI in the past, but it's very much recommended since 90% of the game up until now is happening in the past.

The second visit to Lara is the last mandatory Lara section, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

[Boehser Onkel]

Sebastian will get less screentime as time goes on, and he'll become a little less tropey over time too, but there's a lot of him at the start.

You don't have to pick a LI in the past, but it's very much recommended since 90% of the game up until now is happening in the past.

The second visit to Lara is the last mandatory Lara section, if I'm remembering correctly.

thanks

 

[camube]

Personally, when I play these games, I'm looking for a good story that can bring out strong emotions - joy, sadness, and everything in between. The greater the variety of emotions, the merrier.
There are games here - pretty successful ones, in my opinion, where the main love interests and/or core characters die (either optionally or as part of the canon story). At least four games come to mind immediately. I remember crying like a baby over some scenes, and yet, those games are among my favorites.

can you name the games for me? one is acting lesson or leap of faith. What are the other 3?

 

[Punto]

Seeking Closure Walkthrough mod v0.7.1

Please read the install instructions, it will not work unless you do what I wrote.

Spoiler: Install

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

Updated to version 0.7.1: 9 December, 2024

Hey all, since it seems like Zinacke is busy or otherwise not able to update the current mod. I've decided to pick up the mod and update it for v0.7.1.

As a side note, since I've changed how the scripts for the chapters are, I'm not 100% positive that it will work with old saves. But so far it seems in my testing, it only throws you a few lines backwards from where the original save was made.

Hope you enjoy the mod and as always if there's any issues or something you think is missing, just throw me a DM or reply to this post.

Cheers

And of course, credits to Zinacke for making the mod I've used to make this new version.

Please update your mod for v.0.8

 

[Anteron]

I haven't played last update yet, though I do have some thoughts on this matter too.

Personally, when I play these games, I'm looking for a good story that can bring out strong emotions - joy, sadness, and everything in between. The greater the variety of emotions, the merrier.
There are games here - pretty successful ones, in my opinion, where the main love interests and/or core characters die (either optionally or as part of the canon story). At least four games come to mind immediately. I remember crying like a baby over some scenes, and yet, those games are among my favorites.

As for changing the story: if I were a developer, I'd stick to the core narrative in this case. All those events are what shaped the MC into who he is. It was obvious from the beginning that something terrible had happened - it was just a matter of time. In fact, that mystery partially kept me hyped and wondering.

Creating a censored version for those who can't handle certain content is one thing. But completely removing that event and altering the story? That's something else entirely.

Same goes for some earlier posts in the thread asking for a harem route. Personally, I don’t think adding a harem path and turning characters into mindless Pokemons in the process would do the story any good (especially considering that the game was never meant to be a harem).

Anyways, that's just my 2 cents.

Games where LIs die are generally seen as bad. Some have good ratings, but those are mainly left from before it happened...

Maybe something like that should have a tag....

 

[FillyPunk]

Just discovered this game, and I like it quite a bit. Enough to actually make a post for the first time on this site since I started visiting it and will likely support it on patreon since I want to see this game completed.

Has anyone discovered all the possible combos for the main event of the episode(Referring to the kidnap/rape/death scenarios)?

I enjoy the darker undertones of the game, especially since it does seem like healing from it is a primary focus, but would like to find the 'happiest' alternative based on what characters I'm interested in for my main future play through. Also interested in seeing how some of the darker paths play out.

But I do think that the degree to which some of this occurs is maybe a little heavier than most people would like, which will limit the audience. ( I think having someone close to the MC kidnapped, MC finds them and gets violently beat down by the two. Later MC plans an escape, but during the escape Samantha dies would be enough to explain the PTSD while being more paletable for a larger audience. )

 

[Boehser Onkel]

so , our mc is on vacation
he met , naturally , the receptionist of the hotel

now



how does this make sense - even if he knows her sister its weird imo
remember here - the mc is a guest at the hotel/cabin , on vacation

or the fact that he thinks to invite that shady dude he met with anna on the bike trip

i get neck pain from shaking my head
i have to admit i dont get the story so far - to much ppl that the mc consider as friends he just met 1 day before
hope it gets better with more sense later

another point i dont get :
the mc goes to a place where something terrible happend in his past - to propose to his current girl ?

 

[Boehser Onkel]

You can use a switch at the begining to play a censored/uncensored version or something like that.
That way you have both, your own vision and a toned down violence version for some players.

That is probably the way to go. Thank you for your advice.

like in the deluca family (lunas story)
but i am not that far here to have solid opinion - just read a few comments

as for changing story parts :
its your vision of the game - dont change it on player demands
but yeah , if a rape/murder scene of a potential LI is shown maybe make it skippable
avoiding it would make the game obsolete no ?
there are a few games with this kinda setup , and well ...

 

[AlexMpog]

can you name the games for me? one is acting lesson or leap of faith. What are the other 3?

DM-ed you to avoid off-topic discussion. As you can see there're much more than 5 games, some of them are pretty famous.

Games where LIs die are generally seen as bad. Some have good ratings, but those are mainly left from before it happened...

Maybe something like that should have a tag....

Disagree with your statement "Games where LIs die are generally seen as bad", you don't like it and consider it bad, that's fine, we all have different opinions, though it doesn't mean that everybody shares your perspective. The same about ratings.

I agree with "creating a corresponding tag", that will allow people to skip games with this type of content.