VN - Ren'Py - Something Better [v0.2.1] [Detarco]

Something Better v0.2.0 Review

***Disclaimer***
I should preface all this by saying I am typically not a fan of Adult VNs that focus mostly on story with little lewd content. Much of my criticism will be in comparison to an average porn focused Ren'Py game.

Story: 4.5/5
The story is honestly solid and clearly well thought out by the developer. Although there is VERY little player agency as 95% of the game is purely linear. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, just keep in mind that it's not your typical free-roam Koikatsu VN. It's clear the dev wanted to tell more of a story rather than focus on NSFW content.

Art: 3/5
In terms of what is out there, the art is relatively average. I DO like the character models and the lighting for scenes is very warm and pleasant. But there isn't anything that stands out to me.

Gameplay: 2/5
As I said before, the story is incredibly linear with not really much player choice. It's not so much of a game as it is just an actual Visual Novel. So if you came here for more of a "dating sim" type game like many of the VN's on this site are, you will be disappointed. So keep that in mind going into it.

Sex scenes/NSFW Content: 3/5
All pretty average, and I personally feel like there wasn't that much lewd content overall. And when there was, it wasn't outstanding.

Nitpicks:

• Some of the dialogue felt a bit forced with some characters.
• The gallery doesn't really make sense to me. It's all just still pictures of the characters. When I see a gallery in an adult VN, I usually think of it as a place to go to revisit past lewd scenes/animations. It sucked when I couldn't go back to see sex scenes I previously had seen.
• I already said this before, but I wish I had more choice in the matter. I know the dev wanted to tell THEIR story but a little agency goes a long way.

TL;DR
The story is really good, character development is solid, and the dev clearly has a vision here, but I feel like there wasn't as much lewd content. The game is super linear and felt more like I was being guided along a story. The game is NOT a porn game with some story, its a story game with some porn. If that's something you're into then you'll enjoy this game a lot. If you're wanting something more tantalizing, then its best to look someplace else.

Foreword: I'm pretty hetero (i think) but I pushed myself here to explore all that this game had to offer (since I'm a sexual scientist at heart). Therefore, the conclusion of my study is:

Don't do yourself disservice by sleeping on this beauty.

I'm a proud handholding, pat-giving, hug seeking, kiss-loving fucko. I eat the fuck out of wholesome/story-focused games and generally try to avoid debauchery-plagued fuckfests. This game right here is on the right track.



Pros:

1. Writing is impeccable. The humor lands so naturally that it looks off the cuff most of the time.
2. Lore is turning up to be rich, it's confusing a bit but it's deliberate.
3. Music is nicely chosen
4. Sound effects are well implemented
5. Renders are pretty!
6. UI, Gallery, choices, character bios, settings are clean.
7. Characters are distinct, beautiful (various body types), and very well written. They speak normally and the nuances in the way they speak matches their personality.
8. Femboys are piece of work <3

Cons: I loved every bit of it but here's some suggestions that probably will be implemented.

1. H-scenes could definitely be made more romantic and exotic along with increasing their length for next release (I suspect this will be the case since we will get to know em more in depth which would amplify the romance).

Verdict: Abso-fucking-lutely pick this up now!! If it doesn't make sense who the main character is or what is happening, I believe its done deliberately so that every character gets good amount of screen time. The foundation is being built nicely so that lore progresses nicely down further.

(Insert Palpatine Voice) We will watch your career with great interest....

Go play it already my kind stranger

A great VN with a colorful cast of loveable characters, pretty cool, with very promising story. Personally I really enjoy Sol and Koneko, the first due to the shy but feisty personality she brings to the table meanwhile Koneko brings a lot of happiness and energy to every scene she's in.

Great worldbuilding, banger looking characters, interesting narrative that leaves you wondering and wanting to know more and pretty hilarious dialogue at times as well. It's too early to say too much about the characters individually, but they are undoubtedly unique and stand out from each other. Overall, it's a great start to what I believe will keep on getting Something Better.

For a prolog it's very good. The lighting is top notch and I can't believe this was done in KK. The expressions match the conversations very well and I love the details like the tail wagging or hair swaying. The music used is not the same generic free songs we keep hearing in every other game here. I can't wait for more.

A very solid character based VN with multiple PoVs.

The opening scenes sets an interesting backdrop that contrasts with the opening of the story well. The characters and story unfolds at a solid pace and the sex scenes come without waiting too long.

The graphics are well done for Koi and you can tell the author took a lot of care and effort to make them stand out. Good camera angles, colors, composition and posing make the story engaging.

The best part of the VN so far is easily the characters, which have distinct personalities and solid dialogue. Some of the slang misses me but overall each character has a distinct voice. Their relationships are introduced without info dumping, the author doesn't hold back to introduce inter-character conflict early on.

My favorites so far are Sakura, Gari, and Koneko (way too fucking cute). The director appears to be a bit of a catalyst type figure. Yo is an interesting character I'd like to see more of but I get the feeling that won't happen any time soon.

The story mostly stays wholesome and cute in tone with the hint of a lot of unpleasantness hiding just around the corner.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of the story.

An adorable game filled with incredibly cute characters and a wonderful sense of intimacy from the very well done renders. Has a interesting mystery set up and deals with the heavy themes in a way that still keeps the overall positivity and light hearted tone that it's going for.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Something Better and look forward to seeing where it goes from here.

PS. I'll die for Koneko she is too cute, it's uncontrollable