Recommending Story-first games

[Sunzuut]

Instead of solving sudokus or eating holiday candy, I whipped up a small script that parses this thread and looks for references to games.
It then generates a page where you can see where in this thread each game was mentioned.

I was thinking that this can help all the people that wants to find more than the games on the OP list, but think it is too hard to wade through all of the the 214 pages.

I took some shortcuts, for example, I only count a game if it is referenced with a link, and if the link points to the "Games" forum on this site. I know this means that I will miss a lot of goodies that don't have a game thread here, but I will leave that as an exercise to the reader.

Since I didn't have the energy to host the HTML page somewhere, I turned it into BBCode, which made everything a lot uglier, and posted it here:

Jufot's Story-first thread - Compiled

You are a beauty! Thanks for the list!

 

[rafaaa]

Games i recommend: Dreamland,Hot Sand of Antarctica,Alpha, Omega,Westview Academy,Letter to my Dream,Origin Story,Time Heals,Nothing is Forever,Yesterday's Crossroads,Race of Life,Lineage or Leagcy,A Thousand Rounds,The Grey Dream,The Neverwhere Tales,Elite Garden,Blank Canvas,Move the Chains,Law School,Project «Mnemosyne»,No Such Luck.

 

[jufot]

Finally caught up with a few games.

Short Sad Stories has ended simply and beautifully. If you haven't tried it before, now is a good time to try the full game.

Elsaverse: Past, Present, and Future was a tease! It gives just enough of a taste of things to come. I can't wait for the next game in the series, Gemini.

Office Rivals was on my backlog because I liked the dev's previous game. Unfortunately, it's not for me. It has a majorly annoying anime protagonist with incel vibes, and fantastic artwork isn't enough to make up for it.

Mythos keeps me invested but this was the weakest update by far. Very little of note has happened. This should have been part of the final chapter. Still, I like Lisa as an LI. She's a legitimate alternative to Tara, who is by all accounts the canon LI.

Ashes of War continues to build its well-written story. The world is expansive and easy to immerse yourself in. The relationships, unfortunately, are tropey and my earlier optimism seems misplaced. Still, any sex and romance is ignorable and the rest works perfectly fine as a sci-fi novella if you're in the mood for some good reading.

Arabella 1890 is a delight. This chapter is all about Elaine's seduction of Arabella, and the latter's aroused confusion and futile resistance. It's Victorian pornography set to classical music and decent illustrations. What's not to like?

Still on the backlog are Elvensang, Lycoris Radiata, Summer's Gone and Being a DIK, all of which I'm hopelessly behind on

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

I hope it's alright to post this here.

The completed 0.1 version of my game "Twin Eclipse" (formerly called "All aboard the Mayura Express" is out now)



It's a 2D visual novel about the daily life of two sisters living under the same roof, and how they deal with the various people in their lives (and each other.)

While the game will deal with several mature themes, it is no longer an erotica in any sense. And since f95 specifically asks for at least nudity its games, I can't really create the usual game threads for this one.

However, this story-first games thread is the one place where I feel the audience wouldn't mind the lack of outright sexual content, and so ...

I humbly request anyone interested to give this release a try and share your thoughts with me.

And, to those who played this game the last time I shared it here -- some very important, new content has been added that would change the entire tone of the series. So, please do play the new section if you can.

PC -

You must be registered to see the links

Mac -

You must be registered to see the links

---

Major spoilers ahead!! If you have already decided to play the game, do not read this until you've played this recent release!!!

Spoiler

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

 

[jufot]

I humbly request anyone interested to give this release a try and share your thoughts with me.

I'm yet to be disappointed by anything of yours. They are always a delight. I did not see that coming and I wouldn't have thought that was your destination by chapter 1. Keep it coming

 

[Regularus]

While the game will deal with several mature themes, it is no longer an erotica in any sense. And since f95 specifically asks for at least nudity its games, I can't really create the usual game threads for this one.

Are you sure about this ?
Unless i'm not looking at the right thread for the rules about the games that can be posted here, i don't see where nudity is a requirement for a game to be posted on f95, the requirement is that the game must be adult :
https://f95zone.to/threads/game-uploading-rules-2023-05-12.524/

1. Game Rules

1. The games uploaded to the site must be adult in nature, do not upload games simply because they contain sex scenes or nudity (example: The Witcher). Note that the No-Sex tag refers to softcore porn content, not SFW games.
2. All games must have a full English translation, or be playable in case it's a no-story game.
3. Multiplayer or online games are not allowed.
   1. Games with online features (update checks, leaderboard, etc) are allowed as long as they can be played offline. A note about it and instructions on how to block the internet connection must be added to the OP.
4. Pay attention to General Rules 7 and 10, and remember that permissions can be revoked after release if banned content is added later.
5. Except for banned content, games and links shared on the site will not be removed under any circumstances.

 

[Tlaero]

The completed 0.1 version of my game "Twin Eclipse" (formerly called "All aboard the Mayura Express" is out now)

I don't get much of an opportunity to play other people's games, but I've heard great things about you, Arisushi, and was excited to try this out. I definitely enjoyed it.

I really like the art. There's something about hand drawn art that really speaks to me, and this is good.

I also like the setting, clearly India (or a facsimile thereof) but with the possibility of being more.

And I liked the characters, especially the main one. It's nice to see adults with adult issues acting like adults. I'm really glad you didn't go cheap and show her in the shower. Most every other game around here would have not only gone for the cheap nudity, but it would have unrealistically had her masturbate.

I liked that this wasn't just dialog. You did a lot more storytelling with people's inner thoughts than is typical in F95 VNs.

There were some English issues. Some grammatical stuff. A number of word choices that were off, etc. It pulled me out of the story a little bit, but I'm trained to see these things since I spend so much time editing my own writing. It wasn't bad, and wouldn't keep me from reading the story, but I'd suggest a few edit passes.

I need to go to a spoiler for the biggest piece of feedback.


Act 1 and the first half of Act 2 were good, but didn't necessarily hook me. I was going to read through to the end because of your reputation here, but if I didn't know anything about you, I may or may not have continued past Act 1. The spirit though, definitely hooked me and made me want to see more.

This is a real storytelling challenge. Part of the reason it was such a hook was because it was unexpected. But if you lose people before you get there, the unexpected nature of it doesn't help you.

I wonder if there's anything you can do early on to let us know that this story isn't just going to be a slice of life in India, but is going to be paranormal. There were hints on the train, but they're only visible on looking back after meeting the spirit. Doesn't need to be anything big. We just need to know that there's more to this than meets the eye.

I don't want to impose my will on you, so take this advice with a grain of salt. But, if you'd like, I'd be happy to brainstorm ideas with you.


Tlaero

 

[Rodrigo Tannuri]

Guys, does anyone know if there's a post where I can ask for information about a certain game?
I forgot the name of one. On the ship, the protagonist's wife/friend was involved with two lesbians in a camshow.

 

[Raife]

I need to go to a spoiler for the biggest piece of feedback.

My reaction to _Twin Eclipse_ was very similar, Tlaero, particularly to your point about storytelling momentum and retaining reader attention (in your spoiler).

Twin Eclipse is great, but it's biggest issue is retaining player interest until the plot takes a turn. I played through the first 1.5 acts in a sort of relaxed, semi-meditative state... primarily because I enjoyed the art and because I was (slightly) curious about where Arisushi was going... not because I found the story particularly compelling.

When the turn finally came, I _was_ hooked. But will most players stay engaged long enough for the story to gain momentum?

It's similar to my complaint about noping's first game, _Alive_. He (the dev) has a brilliant plot twist in mind, and understood the MCs backstory and reasons for his (disengaged, floating) behaviour... but we (the players) do not. So a player must be extremely patient until the plot reveals itself. I don't think most players are that patient.

Hooking players from the beginning strikes me as essential, particularly in story-first games that don't rely on porn. One of the best recent examples I can think of is _Shards of the Past_. Garou dumps the player right in the middle of a propulsive scene, which grips us _immediately_. There was no need for excessive exposition or introduction... we learn a great deal about the MC and the NPCs right away in a rather naturalistic way, as they react to events.

Let me be clear: I enjoyed Arisushi's new game a great deal. But... I wonder if the way it opens might deter some players.

 

[kotte]

I played through the first 1.5 acts in a sort of relaxed, semi-meditative state... primarily because I enjoyed the art and because I was (slightly) curious about where Arisushi was going...

Sometimes, it's enough for me that I just enjoy the style of writing.
Like this little gem:

As the conversation continued, their perception of time began to enter the strange space where the world was moving both too fast and too slow.
The little nods of the head, and the subtle gestures of the hands were studied with an intense interest, but under the guise of a casual glance.
Slowly the words were interruped by little chuckles...
Chuckles which intermittently transformed into loud laughs...
Laughter which started appearing more and more with each passing sentence.
While the ebb and flow of the conversation changed at every beat, the exchange of the self never stopped.
Twenty minutes passed.
Thirty minutes passed.
And before they knew it a whole hour had passed.
And the two of them eventually returned to their seats.

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

Are you sure about this ?
Unless i'm not looking at the right thread for the rules about the games that can be posted here, i don't see where nudity is a requirement for a game to be posted on f95, the requirement is that the game must be adult :
https://f95zone.to/threads/game-uploading-rules-2023-05-12.524/

That's the thread I looked into as well. But it was this particular line that caught my eye:

"Note that the No-Sex tag refers to softcore porn content, not SFW games"

I always assumed it meant something like -- "don't add your games in here unless they have at least soft porn levels of content in them".

Or am I somehow totally misreading it?

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

I'm yet to be disappointed by anything of yours. They are always a delight. I did not see that coming and I wouldn't have thought that was your destination by chapter 1. Keep it coming

Thank you. Always grateful for the continued support & encouragement Will definitely keep giving my best to the project

Sometimes, it's enough for me that I just enjoy the style of writing.
Like this little gem:

That was one of my most favorite sections to write. Happy to hear you liked that

 

[kotte]

That's the thread I looked into as well. But it was this particular line that caught my eye:

"Note that the No-Sex tag refers to softcore porn content, not SFW games"

I always assumed it meant something like -- "don't add your games in here unless they have at least soft porn levels of content in them".

Or am I somehow totally misreading it?

Try it, and see if you get away with it. What's the worst that can happen?

Having a game thread makes it a lot easier for your fans (such as myself) to keep track of new releases.

And if you are removed, I suggest you use the post in this thread where you presented ver 0.1 and just update it when you do new releases. I don't know how others do it, but I have a way of seeing when a specific post is updated.

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

I don't get much of an opportunity to play other people's games, but I've heard great things about you, Arisushi, and was excited to try this out. I definitely enjoyed it.

I really like the art. There's something about hand drawn art that really speaks to me, and this is good.

I also like the setting, clearly India (or a facsimile thereof) but with the possibility of being more.

And I liked the characters, especially the main one. It's nice to see adults with adult issues acting like adults.

I liked that this wasn't just dialog. You did a lot more storytelling with people's inner thoughts than is typical in F95 VNs.

There were some English issues. Some grammatical stuff. A number of word choices that were off, etc. It pulled me out of the story a little bit, but I'm trained to see these things since I spend so much time editing my own writing. It wasn't bad, and wouldn't keep me from reading the story, but I'd suggest a few edit passes.

Thank you so much for taking the time to play the game, AND sharing your thoughts in such detail. I truly appreciate it.

(Yeah, I was really lucky to get Sidh onboard for the art. He really brings a special charm to the world of Twin Eclipse.)

As for the dialogues -- I am somewhat aware of my shortcomings, where it is not a 100% grammatically sound, and comes off unintentionally clunky every now & then I'm trying my best to fix that by revising and rewriting them as often as I can at various stages. But I still have a long way to go.

I'm really glad you didn't go cheap and show her in the shower

I'm really glad you didn't go cheap and show her in the shower. Most every other game around here would have not only gone for the cheap nudity, but it would have unrealistically had her masturbate.

THAT was something I deliberately wanted to avoid. So, I'm very happy that someone actually noticed (and appreciated) the decision.

I won't say I'm beyond those kind of fan-service moments myself. I have done them in my own works in the past (although, I try to be as tasteful about it as I can, and request my artists for the same).

But I just wanted to work on a project where "titillating the audience" did NOT have to be a priority in any way.

---

I need to go to a spoiler for the biggest piece of feedback.


Act 1 and the first half of Act 2 were good, but didn't necessarily hook me. I was going to read through to the end because of your reputation here, but if I didn't know anything about you, I may or may not have continued past Act 1. The spirit though, definitely hooked me and made me want to see more.

This is a real storytelling challenge. Part of the reason it was such a hook was because it was unexpected. But if you lose people before you get there, the unexpected nature of it doesn't help you.

I wonder if there's anything you can do early on to let us know that this story isn't just going to be a slice of life in India, but is going to be paranormal. There were hints on the train, but they're only visible on looking back after meeting the spirit. Doesn't need to be anything big. We just need to know that there's more to this than meets the eye.

I don't want to impose my will on you, so take this advice with a grain of salt. But, if you'd like, I'd be happy to brainstorm ideas with you.


Tlaero

My reaction to _Twin Eclipse_ was very similar, Tlaero, particularly to your point about storytelling momentum and retaining reader attention (in your spoiler).

Twin Eclipse is great, but it's biggest issue is retaining player interest until the plot takes a turn. I played through the first 1.5 acts in a sort of relaxed, semi-meditative state... primarily because I enjoyed the art and because I was (slightly) curious about where Arisushi was going... not because I found the story particularly compelling.

When the turn finally came, I _was_ hooked. But will most players stay engaged long enough for the story to gain momentum?

It was my intention to keep the first two acts as normal as possible (maybe a little mundane even), and then throw that "twist" at my audience almost out of nowhere.

Not only because it makes for a good surprise, but also because that tone of "simple nothingness" is going to be an equally important presence in the game.

But you're definitely right in the fact that - the lack of any special incentives / hook at the beginning might cost me some (If not a lot) of my audience.

And Tlaero thank you for offering to brainstorm some ideas for it, that's super-kind of you.

While I'm a little on the fence about adding any obvious hints to what's coming, I do want to give the audience a reason to stick around a little longer.

So, (if it isn't too much of a bother) I'd love to take up on your offer and discuss this further in private

 

[Raife]

Sometimes, it's enough for me that I just enjoy the style of writing.

Totally agree, kotte... the quality of Arisushi's writing kept me playing, too. But decent writing is this thread's 'fetish' as it were... and we don't exactly represent a large slice of AVN players. It's an extremely high quality slice, needless to say, but apart from the hardcore vore people, we're probably close to the smallest niche of players.

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

Totally agree, kotte... the quality of Arisushi's writing kept me playing, too. But decent writing is this thread's 'fetish' as it were... and we don't exactly represent a large slice of AVN players. It's an extremely high quality slice, needless to say, but apart from the hardcore vore people, we're probably close to the smallest niche of players.

I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry over the fact that - "those who like good stories" are just as niche as "hard-core vore consumers".

Then again, maybe it shouldn't be that big of a surprise, considering the main purpose of this site. Maybe there's a different place out there for the story-oriented VNs. (If anyone knows any such places, please let me know. I really do not know how to "internet".)

Still, I had depressingly hearty chuckle reading that. Thanks

 

[Regularus]

On the positive side, despite the obvious "sex and porn = a lot more money than any other adult themes" as shown from the patreon things, there are still developers that try to write a story with their AVN.
And i'm very happy that this thread focus on those, it's very helpful when looking for some good adult story in VN format in the middle of the thousands of AVN that are found on this website

If there's another popular board that focus on story based VN with adult/mature themes unfortunately i have not found it yet, the only other places where i found discussions about visual novels were only about "all age" and mostly about only anime/manga styled VN that aren't my cup of tea.
And that's mostly why i came on F95 as it seemed to be the most popular (i mean in term of amount of people discussing) place for AVN without a focus on mostly anime/manga, but i found out since then that AVN here is at least 90% about only porn (not even about sexuality themes, i mean just porn) and not really adult stories.
Still at least there are some good story based AVN around fortunately.

 

[Tlaero]

I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry over the fact that - "those who like good stories" are just as niche as "hard-core vore consumers".

There's what seems to be an interesting effect here. Consider travelling along the line from "video" to "text" when talking about sexual stuff.


If anyone does stories in Adult Movies (Porn) it's a tiny, tiny niche.

Adult Visual Novels have both pictures and text, and story based ones are a niche, but a MUCH bigger one than in Porn.

Adult Text Novels (The Romance Genre) are almost entirely text (maybe one cover image) and tend to have more story than most VNs. While they're also a niche, they're a very large and successful one.


One might conclude that, in sexual situations, images are the enemy of story.

Tlaero

 

[Mravac Kid]

One might conclude that, in sexual situations, images are the enemy of story.

I'd say in large part it comes down to whether the images are there to complement the story or as is often the case in both porn and adult games the story is there just to connect the images.

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

There's what seems to be an interesting effect here. Consider travelling along the line from "video" to "text" when talking about sexual stuff.


If anyone does stories in Adult Movies (Porn) it's a tiny, tiny niche.

Adult Visual Novels have both pictures and text, and story based ones are a niche, but a MUCH bigger one than in Porn.

Adult Text Novels (The Romance Genre) are almost entirely text (maybe one cover image) and tend to have more story than most VNs. While they're also a niche, they're a very large and successful one.


One might conclude that, in sexual situations, images are the enemy of story.

Tlaero

Never really thought of it that way until now. But yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

The next big question though, is - which one is easier to succeed in?

A platform that provides high visibility but also has users that mostly avoid unique stories -OR- the ones where the story is appreciated, but the visibility is very low due to the endless competition?

I always believed f95 is one of the best platforms to reach out to AVN audience. I doubt I'd find any webnovel platform that can garner as many audience for a work done by a newbie or a total nobody.

(Or maybe I'm just relying on this site too much, and using it as a crutch. I don't know.)