VERSION: 0.10.5
SexNote, superficially, is an erotic satire of the DeathNote anime which, oddly for a western title, exhibits several of the tropes common to that medium. It is, nevertheless, an extremely welcome addition to the array of independent adult games and a supremely promising one for fans of MILFs with big tits!
As of this release, a signficant degree of content remains incomplete or merely planned, none of which is a blackmark against it given the early revision value. As such, any objective measure of quality must be rooted in the existing content and, in that respect, SexNote ranks easily amid the upper tier of animated games.
Although several assets throughout the game, notably the town map and certain interface elements, are in dire need of replacement, the character art is both uniquely stylized and utterly gorgeous. While higher-resolution, or merely vector-based, images would be ideal, as the women appear pixellated when "taking a closer look" at them (an in-game option during which the camera pans slowly along their body), the moment-to-moment interactions and subtle bits of animation aptly demonstrate the creativity poured into arranging such a diverse cast.
True, certain characters resemble others in more mainstream media (my initial reaction to seeing the artist's rendition of Hinata Hyuga was shock), the characterization is sufficiently distinct that any similarities lend themselves more to an air of admiring-homage rather than some paltry imitation.
Better yet, SexNote features a wealth of animated events, unilaterally of a sexual nature and all worth watching. There, however, the glowing praise halts: while undeniably an improvement over a single, static image, the manner in which these scenes are animated leaves much to be desired. Altering the speed of their playback, which can be accomplished at whim by the player, reveals the middlingly few frames from which they are comprised. The result is a stilted, almost robotic attempt at motion that somewhat undermines the effort.
Mechanically, SexNote plays in a fairly stereotypical fashion for the genre and its engine of choice: the features you'd expect are all present, from a reliable one-click save system to GUI-hiding and navigation via highlighted environmental cues. There is some attempt at originality in the narratively-driven "magic meter" mechanic, which sees you gathering magic (either clicking on resources after entering an alternative dimension of each room or automatically by passing through them) as a resource both to fuel your abilities and sate the needs of your "shinigamy" spirit.
Best of all, for a bonafide deviant such as myself, SexNote permits the player to specify both the name and relationship of several key individuals throughout the plot. This accommodation, which more developers ought to embrace, ensures both that incest-lovers and those who despise the fetish can comfortably enjoy the narrative escapades they prefer.
Prior to closing, however, I would like to address an earlier allusion I referenced to silly anime tropes. Notably, our protagonist, the player, exhibiting the reticence and wooden-reactivity so prevalent among anime men. Whereas the average male teenager would react to bare breasts with overt carnal hunger, here the player exhibits a sort of stolid composure that seems strikingly unfitting. Faced with the large, exposed tits of a statuesque MILF, he doesn't so much as blink, much less swallow or achieve a semi.
He's also, seemingly, reluctant to embrace the numerous opportunities presented for some sexual liasons up until the moment they occur, at which point he idles through them passively. No passion, no youthful need or desire. A few grunts, groans, beads of sweat, wide-eyed expressions or whines of suppressed lust would help sell the idea that the player isn't a souless automaton.
ART ---------------------------- 8 / 10
ABOVE AVERAGE. Further development appears to herald a fabulous game and what already exists is worthy of some acclaim. Keep an eye on it as things progress.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITIQUE: Consider seeking some (or further, as the case may be) aid with environmental art, the town map, notably, demands some loving attention. Animations should also be touched up, if only to include more frames and, ideally, further motion throughout the body (I would suggest a look at MnF games for more fluid, handmade examples, provided their style is suitable for the engine); some alteration to the expression of the player-character, for example, would help to sell the idea that he's enjoying the experience.
SexNote, superficially, is an erotic satire of the DeathNote anime which, oddly for a western title, exhibits several of the tropes common to that medium. It is, nevertheless, an extremely welcome addition to the array of independent adult games and a supremely promising one for fans of MILFs with big tits!
As of this release, a signficant degree of content remains incomplete or merely planned, none of which is a blackmark against it given the early revision value. As such, any objective measure of quality must be rooted in the existing content and, in that respect, SexNote ranks easily amid the upper tier of animated games.
Although several assets throughout the game, notably the town map and certain interface elements, are in dire need of replacement, the character art is both uniquely stylized and utterly gorgeous. While higher-resolution, or merely vector-based, images would be ideal, as the women appear pixellated when "taking a closer look" at them (an in-game option during which the camera pans slowly along their body), the moment-to-moment interactions and subtle bits of animation aptly demonstrate the creativity poured into arranging such a diverse cast.
True, certain characters resemble others in more mainstream media (my initial reaction to seeing the artist's rendition of Hinata Hyuga was shock), the characterization is sufficiently distinct that any similarities lend themselves more to an air of admiring-homage rather than some paltry imitation.
Better yet, SexNote features a wealth of animated events, unilaterally of a sexual nature and all worth watching. There, however, the glowing praise halts: while undeniably an improvement over a single, static image, the manner in which these scenes are animated leaves much to be desired. Altering the speed of their playback, which can be accomplished at whim by the player, reveals the middlingly few frames from which they are comprised. The result is a stilted, almost robotic attempt at motion that somewhat undermines the effort.
Mechanically, SexNote plays in a fairly stereotypical fashion for the genre and its engine of choice: the features you'd expect are all present, from a reliable one-click save system to GUI-hiding and navigation via highlighted environmental cues. There is some attempt at originality in the narratively-driven "magic meter" mechanic, which sees you gathering magic (either clicking on resources after entering an alternative dimension of each room or automatically by passing through them) as a resource both to fuel your abilities and sate the needs of your "shinigamy" spirit.
Best of all, for a bonafide deviant such as myself, SexNote permits the player to specify both the name and relationship of several key individuals throughout the plot. This accommodation, which more developers ought to embrace, ensures both that incest-lovers and those who despise the fetish can comfortably enjoy the narrative escapades they prefer.
Prior to closing, however, I would like to address an earlier allusion I referenced to silly anime tropes. Notably, our protagonist, the player, exhibiting the reticence and wooden-reactivity so prevalent among anime men. Whereas the average male teenager would react to bare breasts with overt carnal hunger, here the player exhibits a sort of stolid composure that seems strikingly unfitting. Faced with the large, exposed tits of a statuesque MILF, he doesn't so much as blink, much less swallow or achieve a semi.
He's also, seemingly, reluctant to embrace the numerous opportunities presented for some sexual liasons up until the moment they occur, at which point he idles through them passively. No passion, no youthful need or desire. A few grunts, groans, beads of sweat, wide-eyed expressions or whines of suppressed lust would help sell the idea that the player isn't a souless automaton.
ART ---------------------------- 8 / 10
+ Gorgeous designs gleefully embracing various female figures. Beautiful breasts of every size!
- Rudimentary animation. Pixellation becomes readily apparent when zoomed.
DIALOGUE ------------------ 7 / 10+ More than adequate for the medium, demonstrates vast array of personalities.
- Largely uninspired, often lacks foundational motivations. Formatting leaves something to be desired and can hinder a swift reading.
GAMEPLAY ------------------ 6 / 10+/- Interactions are smooth and yield the expected result, no glaring exploits or hurdles.
INNOVATION --------------- 5 / 10+ Premise and overarching plot-points are unique.
- "Spells" are automatically applied in pertinent scenarios, robbing the player of agency and the opportuinty to experiment. Progress with certain women is gated behind achieving progress with others in arbitrary fashions. Acquiring a positive relationship with characters is contingent on grinding mundane activities.
SCORE =============== 26 / 40ABOVE AVERAGE. Further development appears to herald a fabulous game and what already exists is worthy of some acclaim. Keep an eye on it as things progress.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITIQUE: Consider seeking some (or further, as the case may be) aid with environmental art, the town map, notably, demands some loving attention. Animations should also be touched up, if only to include more frames and, ideally, further motion throughout the body (I would suggest a look at MnF games for more fluid, handmade examples, provided their style is suitable for the engine); some alteration to the expression of the player-character, for example, would help to sell the idea that he's enjoying the experience.
