VN Ren'Py Completed Something to Write About: The Author [Ch. 7.1] [STWAdev]

[MrFriendly]

I'm sympathetic to Chris. I think she's a decent person who reacted horribly to a bad situation. That said, ghosting MC after his failed suicide attempt is a very serious betrayal of such a fundamentally important relationship in each of their lives. By arranging for a (temporary) job for MC and allowing him to stay in her home, she's made a start towards making amends. However, I feel she has a ways to go before she's square. They're talking again so I guess that's a step in the right direction.

I am curious to learn more about their relationship though since it is possible for the MC to have declared his love for her 9 years previously. That's a lot of water under the bridge. How did they get from there to here? She was obviously unhappy about MC moving west with Marie in tow...

Eh, her response to the MC's suicide attempt is incredibly normal, I've seen it before IRL. Not excusing it at all but that it is almost a standard response. That said, when she tried to talk to him the MC shut her down and out. So there was damage done by both of them. I'm glad they are working on it now.

I am right there with you about the intervening years, how the MC met Marie, etc. I also want to know more about the girl who tried to save him and who she may be... I am curious about her story.

As for the rest of the characters, since there isn't a redhead to choose (come on dev!) I am torn between Aoife (if we only get one thing out of playing this game it will be learning how to spell and say her name) and Lyndie. I am not a fan of Bea's or Kimmy (though I am sympathetic to her). For me neither of them are very likable, as for Kimmy it doesn't work in the story's favor that she came on so strong.

 

[HorizonD]

That girl who is in a coma and awakes at the end of ch. 3.
I'm curious about what the Dev planned for her.

 

[Glooskabe]

Really want to be able to help Kim with whatever is bothering her though, she seems in a bigger mess than everyone else.

I know, right? Still not sure how to play with respect to her. I have two saves: one with basically all-in on her (something like 13 or 14 points) and one where I basically stiff-arm, friendzone her after she ditches MC at the club (something like 5 points). I don't really like how either is playing with regard to her.

Something for Dev to consider (and maybe they already are): a couple of the options at the end of this update should happen regardless of whether anybody visits MC for the night. He should absolutely try to check on Kim again, and he should receive the text message from Chris.

 

[bcrr]

This is a really impressive game so far, missed the first few updates but I'm glad I picked it up here.

Definitely a game and a dev to keep an eye on. I don't have a problem with more mindless porn games, but it's always better to have characters and a story worth getting invested in. I prefer actual romance and character development in my porn, as much as I know that's a big ask.

Really love the whole cast and set up so far, and I really hope we have a chance to get to know the girls better and help them with their problems even outside of our chosen relationship. There's a decent chance I'll play this game again to explore another route or two, but I hope the story still feels somewhat complete for the whole cast whichever ending you end up reaching.

(Also totally hope that Kim and Beatrix can end up together if you don't pursue them. Those two as a couple would be a force to be reckoned with.)

 

[Glooskabe]

(Also totally hope that Kim and Beatrix can end up together if you don't pursue them. Those two as a couple would be a force to be reckoned with.)

Don't cross the streams!!!

 

[STWAdev]

I'm excited to see everybody's discord and thoughts on "Best Girl", especially as we approach midgame and the reveal of of our last LI. As I have mentioned I actually wrote 3 potential LI's to fit that slot and this Ch mentioned all of them in some way I'm curious if anybody puzzled them all out.

Something for Dev to consider (and maybe they already are): a couple of the options at the end of this update should happen regardless of whether anybody visits MC for the night. He should absolutely try to check on Kim again, and he should receive the text message from Chris.

I did consider this, but decided against it. With Chris I've assumed that by treating her coldly or in a manner that decreases her points she has decided that you have no interest in her and she's therefore not comfortable revealing her feelings again just yet. With Kim her ending was originally supposed to be the earlier phone call but I decided to bump it up just a bit. I can't say more because spoilers.

As for the rest of the characters, since there isn't a redhead to choose (come on dev!)

I have to tease just a tad, but somebody in our current batch is in fact a redhead in disguise.

 

[Glooskabe]

I did consider this, but decided against it. With Chris I've assumed that by treating her coldly or in a manner that decreases her points she has decided that you have no interest in her and she's therefore not comfortable revealing her feelings again just yet.

I wasn't actually suggesting bypassing the point requirement. If points aren't there, what you said makes perfect sense. If points are there though, it makes sense for her to share this information with the MC without the player spending a decision on it. It's a game design question.

I mean honestly, all the choices on that menu are a bit strange from a game design perspective. Usually, the conceit of games like this is that the player is making decisions on behalf of the MC. In this case, we're actually make god-level decisions about the game. If we choose Aoife, we don't call her. She knocks on the door. Same with choosing Lyndie or the both of them together.

Just something to think about.

 

[Avaron1974]

As I have mentioned I actually wrote 3 potential LI's to fit that slot and this Ch mentioned all of them in some way I'm curious if anybody puzzled them all out.

I think I got 2, 3rd i'm unsure of.

First guess would be coma girl.
Second guess would be Aiofe's rival.

Third one I don't know, several women were mentioned and I haven't managed to puzzle through the process of elimination. I probably also missed something so will need to go through again to check.

Aiofe mentioned cousins, that was my first guess. I did originally think Aiofe's mother could be a thing but then thought rich mega bitch ... probably not. I know anything can happen in these games but still, probably not.

Then it dawned on me that Marie was mentioned as his ex but also as a cosplayer the girls have heard of which kinda hints she will probably turn up.

So.... I had Marie down as a possibility but could also be completely wrong.

(Also totally hope that Kim and Beatrix can end up together if you don't pursue them. Those two as a couple would be a force to be reckoned with.)

I do really like the idea of those 2 as a couple if not pursuing either of them. I think Kim needs someone and so does B, I do think their particular brand of broken could work together.

I'm excited to see everybody's discord and thoughts on "Best Girl",

Tough call really.

Chris we only really got to know this update and while she is great, she is in a rough patch with MC so she's one that needs time.

Kim and B are both fantastic characters that I want to get to know more of but they can't compete with the last 2.

Aoife and Lyndie are amazing. Both super adorable and compliment each other well. Picking between those is tough because they both fit similar roles in different ways.

They both fit the super nice, super adorable girl you have to love but while Aiofe is more confident and open, Lyndie is more shy and reserved. It's like 2 sides of the same coin so picking one side is difficult.

 

[STWAdev]

I wasn't actually suggesting bypassing the point requirement. If points aren't there, what you said makes perfect sense. If points are there though, it makes sense for her to share this information with the MC without the player spending a decision on it. It's a game design question.

I mean honestly, all the choices on that menu are a bit strange from a game design perspective. Usually, the conceit of games like this is that the player is making decisions on behalf of the MC. In this case, we're actually make god-level decisions about the game. If we choose Aoife, we don't call her. She knocks on the door. Same with choosing Lyndie or the both of them together.

Just something to think about.

That's a very good point , I hadn't looked at it from that perspective, I'll give it more thought and maybe see what I can do with it.

 

[Avaron1974]

Eh, her response to the MC's suicide attempt is incredibly normal, I've seen it before IRL.

This I have to agree with.

I nearly have been that friend but fortunately another friend talked me round. It's a tough situation for everyone, you can't wrap your head around someone you care about wanting to die and no matter how they answer it's never a good one so you try and put space there and think you may be a problem.

Both sides did the entirely wrong thing for whatever reason but there is no play book for that and while it's easy to pin blame you have to remember she is in love with him, he called her, she wasn't there when he needed her and he nearly died. That shit would eat at anyone. Sure it's fiction but that has been really well done.

 

[edgedy]

Lyndie is best girl. I like that she can do MMA, I think thats going to be important going forward.

 

[bcrr]

Aoife and Lyndie are amazing. Both super adorable and compliment each other well. Picking between those is tough because they both fit similar roles in different ways.

They both fit the super nice, super adorable girl you have to love but while Aiofe is more confident and open, Lyndie is more shy and reserved. It's like 2 sides of the same coin so picking one side is difficult.

They also just fit that 'bubbly extrovert and her chosen adopted introvert' dynamic so incredibly well choosing between them honestly feels like a crime, lol

 

[Glooskabe]

They also just fit that 'bubbly extrovert and her chosen adopted introvert' dynamic so incredibly well choosing between them honestly feels like a crime, lol

Which is exactly why... Oh, never mind.

 

[STWAdev]

I think I got 2, 3rd i'm unsure of.

First guess would be coma girl.
Second guess would be Aiofe's rival.

Third one I don't know, several women were mentioned and I haven't managed to puzzle through the process of elimination. I probably also missed something so will need to go through again to check.

Aiofe mentioned cousins, that was my first guess. I did originally think Aiofe's mother could be a thing but then thought rich mega bitch ... probably not. I know anything can happen in these games but still, probably not.

Then it dawned on me that Marie was mentioned as his ex but also as a cosplayer the girls have heard of which kinda hints she will probably turn up.

So.... I had Marie down as a possibility but could also be completely wrong.

I'd say your deductive skills are quite up to snuff. The cousins while not a setup for this particular game are a setup for something, as is the Aunt. The other guesses are beautimus.

 

[Glooskabe]

I'd say your deductive skills are quite up to snuff. The cousins while not a setup for this particular game are a setup for something, as is the Aunt. The other guesses are beautimus.

Ava's pretty smart, but don't tell her I said that. She'll get a big head!

 

[bosp]

Not at all I completely get where you and others are coming from, it was a calculated risk and unfortunately one that doesn't seem to have payed off. I take this as an opportunity to grow and improve which is all you can strive for as a creator. I'll look at the rough first start and see what I can do to improve future installments., I really do appreciate people taking the time and giving constructive criticism.

Not really, I think your story and character development are surprisingly well thought out and executed.
I would not call Kim bitchy, guess I am used to reading a lot between the lines - everyone comes with some baggage of their own and try to cope with it the best they can.
It can clearly be seen she is pretty broken and acting up as she does to not show any weakness.
I genuinely felt sorry for her after the MC phone call and kept wondering about the demons she is trying to fight.

If I can give you my 2c here... try to tell your story the way you envisioned it in the first place - it's well structured and if you deviate from your vision just because someone doesn't like some character acting bitchy or slutty or crazy and you go on defensive and try to please everyone - you will lose it.

This VN is thoroughly enjoyable as it is. Keep up the good work.

 

[bigmacaroni]

I see a sub auditioning a Dom, and I kind of have a feeling that Sir is going to become Daddy if MC responds favorably. And based on his background with Chris, I think he's going to. Of course, I could be projecting...

See, I got that vibe too, hope we're not reading into it and STWAdev gives us the option of having Aoife call the MC Daddy during lewd scenes!

also it probably goes without saying, but she's best girl to me

 

[Sawdogg06]

This is becoming one of my favorites. i currently subscribe to 4 games currently and trying to convince myself to add this one. Hope the wife doesn't bitch too much. Great story, awesome characters, will definitely have to play multiple times to get full story will my favorites. Right now it is a toss up between Aoife and Chris. I am looking forward to see what happens with the coma patient. Glad to read that she woke up. This dev deserves more patreon support.

 

[bcrr]

Which is exactly why... Oh, never mind.

I mean, maybe I didn't really articulate my point there, but I wasn't just trying to parrot back what Ava said.

Like, with Aoife and Lyndie it's more than just 'one is an extrovert and one is an introvert', as someone who's been adopted by an extrovert before I can say it's a very specific type of dynamic and one I hope to see their route explore in more detail. Like, for the extrovert having a friendship like that gives them someone to absorb some of their excess energy and someone who will listen to them talk for hours at a time, for the introvert you get someone who will actually reach out and engage with you and provide necessary human contact you wouldn't seek out on your own. It's symbiotic, and can make for really deep and meaningful relationships. It's a big part of why I'm glad they have a poly route.

 

[LordSinner]

My favorite part of this update was the fact there was almost no Kim in it. I have never seen one character nearly ruin a story for me before, but she managed to almost do just that. If Marie is the last LI I will be very disappointed because for me she would be instantly put in with Kim, B and Chris as someone to ignore as much as the game would allow.