Recommending Story-first games

[jufot]

Thoughts on Zero End's new update? It's out on

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.

I absolutely loved it, and it's now one of my favourite VNs, way up there with Corporate Culture.

Lilith: I want a moment like this to stretch out forever, and I want the tragedy of it ending, for it would have no value otherwise.

We finally find out what caused the schism between Marie and Caleb, and it's heart-rending. With all the supernatural background, I didn't expect the cause to be such a human tragedy. On that topic, the only other VN which has been remotely in the same ballpark is Alpha, Omega and here, Zero End outshined even that.

Suddenly, everything falls into place. The events of that day explain everything that came after, and why it couldn't have happened any other way.

I've always preferred a celibate playthrough for Zero End. The game actively rewards it, but with this update, I'm more sure than ever that this is the story of Caleb and Marie. Other LIs, while excellent characters, are only pursuable as a concession to the audience. They work much better narratively as platonic friends.

This lovely little exchange exemplifies the star-crossed lovers arc so well:

Caleb: And why'd you bring me here?
Caleb: You must have known I wouldn't agree with what you're doing.
Marie: Must I have?
Marie: Last time I saw you, you'd done something that's as cruel as anything I've done.
Marie: How was I supposed to know you spent the years since then in penance?
Caleb: ...
Caleb: You didn't really need me, though. So why get me here?
Marie: ...
Marie: Maybe I knew, deep inside, that you'd want to stop me. Maybe I wanted you to.
Marie: Maybe it was a cry for help.
Caleb: Was it?
Marie: I don't know. I'm not in touch with my feelings, remember?
Marie: We'll just have to find out...
Marie: But, at the end of it all, can you save me from myself?
Caleb: Yes.
Marie: ...
Marie: You don't need to stay, you know. You're not... tainted... yet...
Caleb: ...
Marie: But if you do, you'll end up tainted, like me.
Marie: It's your choice.
Marie: Or maybe you will save me from myself.
Marie: Maybe you'll purify my corrupted heart.
Marie: ...
Marie: Will you fix me or will I make you worse?

It's worth mentioning that there is a BIG HINT in the script that you'll only be able to save Marie if you haven't used the book at the end of chapter 1. Something to keep in mind.

The main plot aside, there was a lot to enjoy in the details:

• Lilith's expanded mythology was lovely. The origins of her curse paint her in a much more... human light. It's wonderfully tragic characterization, especially the game's take on Adam, Eve, and the snake.
• The subway segment is reminiscent of The Trainman and Mobile Avenue in The Matrix. Leah and her compatriots suffer and seek safety, like Rama and his family did.
• I liked both of the early endings. The one where you save Alice was especially poignant. Being alive is not the same as living, and this was a thoughtful reminder. The other one is much darker. I liked that Marie realized, at the very last second, that she had pushed Caleb too far. She tries to say "but I loved you", but it's too late.

It's rare to see a VN author go from strength to strength like this, but it's such a pleasure to read when they do. I really can't wait for the next chapter. It was that good!

So, what did you folks think of it?

 

[Lynava]

Eh tried it but the system with the choice of gods and the dialogue that depends on it repulsed me.

 

[Finuee]

Thoughts on Zero End's new update? It's out on

You must be registered to see the links

.

I absolutely loved it, and it's now one of my favourite VNs, way up there with Corporate Culture.


We finally find out what caused the schism between Marie and Caleb, and it's heart-rending. With all the supernatural background, I didn't expect the cause to be such a human tragedy. On that topic, the only other VN which has been remotely in the same ballpark is Alpha, Omega and here, Zero End outshined even that.

Suddenly, everything falls into place. The events of that day explain everything that came after, and why it couldn't have happened any other way.

I've always preferred a celibate playthrough for Zero End. The game actively rewards it, but with this update, I'm more sure than ever that this is the story of Caleb and Marie. Other LIs, while excellent characters, are only pursuable as a concession to the audience. They work much better narratively as platonic friends.

This lovely little exchange exemplifies the star-crossed lovers arc so well:


It's worth mentioning that there is a BIG HINT in the script that you'll only be able to save Marie if you haven't used the book at the end of chapter 1. Something to keep in mind.

The main plot aside, there was a lot to enjoy in the details:

• Lilith's expanded mythology was lovely. The origins of her curse paint her in a much more... human light. It's wonderfully tragic characterization, especially the game's take on Adam, Eve, and the snake.
• The subway segment is reminiscent of The Trainman and Mobile Avenue in The Matrix. Leah and her compatriots suffer and seek safety, like Rama and his family did.
• I liked both of the early endings. The one where you save Alice was especially poignant. Being alive is not the same as living, and this was a thoughtful reminder. The other one is much darker. I liked that Marie realized, at the very last second, that she had pushed Caleb too far. She tries to say "but I loved you", but it's too late.

It's rare to see a VN author go from strength to strength like this, but it's such a pleasure to read when they do. I really can't wait for the next chapter. It was that good!

So, what did you folks think of it?

I am now tempted to try it. This thread is doing wonders to increase my "games pending to try" list

 

[Bombmaster]

jufot
thx for the preview of the update, waiting with bated breath to play.
hope that some things are different, but im going to try monk run and give a chance do Marie.

ZeroEnd is a gem, but i guess the sandbox rpg vibe with skills put some people off.