Recommending Story-first games

[bacienvu88]

Alright, I have another strong recommendation! There isn't much of a story, so it won't go on the list, but it's so, very good. Meet Camp Klondike!

Interesting. I remember trying that game at some point. Not sure why I not played more though.

 

[jufot]

Holy smokes! The new _Corporate Culture_ update is out! But I'm not going to have time to play it until Sunday

I finally had a chance to play 0.4.5. It's by far my favourite update. Suffice to say, my obsession with Elsa continues to grow I've shared some thoughts here.

 

[Raife]

I finally had a chance to play 0.4.5. It's by far my favourite update. Suffice to say, my obsession with Elsa continues to grow I've shared some thoughts here.

I haven't snatched the time to play the update, yet, but might have a moment this evening.

One of the _many, many_ things I _love_ about CC is the dialogue... which tends to highlight Elsa's ambiguous motivations. You get the sense that both she and Edward annoy the hell out of each other at times... and yet they can't quit each other, either.

Each episode tends to raise more tantalizing questions. For example, we now have a very good idea how Edward ended up in his wrecked, wretched state at the beginning of the game... but we still don't have a clue how Elsa became... what she is. I hope Edward eventually figures out that discovering that secret is worth its weight in gold.

 

[jufot]

I hope Edward eventually figures out that discovering that secret is worth its weight in gold.

Indeed. Elsa's background and motivations are the central point of the game for me, far more than Edward's journey. It's therefore quite frustrating that she repeatedly deflects his attempts to learn something, anything about her. It fits well with her character, but leaves me (let alone Edward) properly irritated

 

[Raife]

Indeed. Elsa's background and motivations are the central point of the game for me, far more than Edward's journey.

The fact that I still don't have the slightest clue where the plot is headed... is a _very_ good sign.

 

[jufot]

So, Hillside's latest update is out. It was fun! I like that things are finally moving along a bit faster. My only complaint is that Suzi's thing with her roommate sending a pic to MC was complete nonsense. "I hate you for no reason, but I secretly want to fuck you" is for cheap Brazilian telenovelas, not Hillside

 

[jufot]

The fact that I still don't have the slightest clue where the plot is headed... is a _very_ good sign.

I've been thinking about this. What do we really know about Elsa?

Before I start, I should mention that I don't think Elsa ever lies in the game. Omits things or deflects questions, sure, but never actively lies. Why I believe that is a topic for another post.

OK. She is well-educated, articulate. Independently wealthy. She knows enough about the corporate world to be jaded and cynical, but as a junior finance analyst, she's too young to know from personal experience. Maybe she grew up around such corporate types and came to resent it. She is also extremely well-connected. She got the CEO of a rival oil company to give Edward - a literal nobody - an interview, just so she can have someone vouch for his skills.

When Edward picks Elsa up at the police station, she says she had met a guy at the club and threatened him with her lawyers. But she chose to call Edward instead because she's worried that calling the lawyers would have unpleasant consequences. It sounds like her family is not only rich, but influential, and likely don't approve of her life choices.

She claims she has a boyfriend who's currently out of the country. On one hand, it makes sense. Someone in her position in life, with her intellect and looks is seldom single. On the other hand, an imaginary boyfriend acting as man-repellant would be understandable.

She only ever wears black, white, or shades of grey. Even Edward notices it. It gives her a cool, detached air of authority and feels more than a fashion choice.

George, the barber who cuts Edward's ridiculous hair, asks Elsa to give his regards to "Mrs. Sut-" before she cuts him off. Elsa's surname is Kristiansen. She says her mother is a school teacher, her father a dentist, and that they have nothing to do with her money. So, who is Mrs. "Sut"? Grandparents? Adoptive parents? Some rich people that Elsa has some other ties to?

The story takes place in London (numerous references to it) and when Edward asks Elsa where she is from, she says she was born here and is therefore a citizen (that's not true in the UK, but it's probably not important). Obviously, that's not what Edward was actually asking, but she seemed intent on deflecting. It likely ties to her family situation above.

---

That's it. Two years of development and that's about all the information we have on her. And of course, there is nothing in there at all about her motivations

 

[bacienvu88]

There is a new update for The Seven Realms as well. And people are silly as usual, "oh no, other people are having sex in my porn game!!!!!".

 

[vneotpolemus]

I've been thinking about this. What do we really know about Elsa?

Before I start, I should mention that I don't think Elsa ever lies in the game. Omits things or deflects questions, sure, but never actively lies. Why I believe that is a topic for another post.

OK. She is well-educated, articulate. Independently wealthy. She knows enough about the corporate world to be jaded and cynical, but as a junior finance analyst, she's too young to know from personal experience. Maybe she grew up around such corporate types and came to resent it. She is also extremely well-connected. She got the CEO of a rival oil company to give Edward - a literal nobody - an interview, just so she can have someone vouch for his skills.

When Edward picks Elsa up at the police station, she says she had met a guy at the club and threatened him with her lawyers. But she chose to call Edward instead because she's worried that calling the lawyers would have unpleasant consequences. It sounds like her family is not only rich, but influential, and likely don't approve of her life choices.

She claims she has a boyfriend who's currently out of the country. On one hand, it makes sense. Someone in her position in life, with her intellect and looks is seldom single. On the other hand, an imaginary boyfriend acting as man-repellant would be understandable.

She only ever wears black, white, or shades of grey. Even Edward notices it. It gives her a cool, detached air of authority and feels more than a fashion choice.

George, the barber who cuts Edward's ridiculous hair, asks Elsa to give his regards to "Mrs. Sut-" before she cuts him off. Elsa's surname is Kristiansen. She says her mother is a school teacher, her father a dentist, and that they have nothing to do with her money. Grandparents? Adoptive parents? Or maybe the "Sut"s are some rich people that Elsa has some other ties to?

The story takes place in London (numerous references to it) and when Edward asks Elsa where she is from, she says she was born here and is therefore a citizen (that's not true in the UK, but it's probably not important). Obviously, that's not what Edward was actually asking, but she seemed intent on deflecting. It likely ties to her family situation above.

---

That's it. Two years of development and that's about all the information we have on her. And of course, there is nothing in there at all about her motivations

Elsa's secret is intriguing. I hope sqwl can land the reveal; I'd be disappointed if she ends up just being a corporate spy.

 

[jufot]

There is a new update for The Seven Realms as well. And people are silly as usual, "oh no, other people are having sex in my porn game!!!!!".

I just played it. The lengths the dev seem to go to avoid upsetting the delicate sensibilities of the people on that thread is... sad. There are multiple choices to cater to these people and it always, always comes at a cost. In this case, it ruins both the story and the characters.

We've been told repeatedly that vampires are very loose and open with their sexuality, with no real attachments and a taste for public sex. So, why is it an option to not see anything in a scene where an orgy is explicitly mentioned to be taking place?

Likewise, Leyala's agency as a person is entirely discarded for catering to these people. She has no opinions, no strongly held beliefs on anything! She's just a glorified sex doll at this point. You can say to her "I want to finger you in front of the entire vampire court" and she'll say oh sure, no big deal. You can also tell her not to do anything sexual and suddenly, she's "yeah, I wouldn't have been comfortable with that anyway." Which is it? What does she think?

I'm going to wait for one more update, but I'm inclined to remove the game from the OP.

 

[bacienvu88]

I just played it. The lengths the dev seem to go to avoid upsetting the delicate sensibilities of the people on that thread is... sad. There are multiple choices to cater to these people and it always, always comes at a cost. In this case, it ruins both the story and the characters.

We've been told repeatedly that vampires are very loose and open with their sexuality, with no real attachments and a taste for public sex. So, why is it an option to not see anything in a scene where an orgy is explicitly mentioned to be taking place?

Likewise, Leyala's agency as a person is entirely discarded for catering to these people. She has no opinions, no strongly held beliefs on anything! She's just a glorified sex doll at this point. You can say to her "I want to finger you in front of the entire vampire court" and she'll say oh sure, no big deal. You can also tell her not to do anything sexual and suddenly, she's "yeah, I wouldn't have been comfortable with that anyway." Which is it? What does she think?

I'm going to wait for one more update, but I'm inclined to remove the game from the OP.

They didn't even have to remove the choices. Just rephrase them so that they are like the other choices in the game. "I want to finger you in front of the entire vampire court" and then she is uncomfortable with it. Then have the choice "We can skip the sex act today, but you will sooner or later have to come to terms with this" or "This is how the vampire court is, you don't have a choice" (with +1 asshole).

 

[Raife]

I've been thinking about this. What do we really know about Elsa?

OK. She is well-educated, articulate. Independently wealthy. She knows enough about the corporate world to be jaded and cynical, but as a junior finance analyst, she's too young to know from personal experience. Maybe she grew up around such corporate types and came to resent it. She is also extremely well-connected. She got the CEO of a rival oil company to give Edward - a literal nobody - an interview, just so she can have someone vouch for his skills.

---

That's it. Two years of development and that's about all the information we have on her. And of course, there is nothing in there at all about her motivations

There's one other tiny breadcrumb: when they begin working together on Edward's project, he describes her knowledge and contribution as very 'practical.' A person with practical knowledge generally acquires it via experience, or via observing someone else, rather than in a classroom -- I strongly suspect this means she grew up around someone with a spectacular business skillset.

If you are right, jufot, and she never lies... then her parents can't be that source of practical knowledge -- but someone else close to her might be (e.g. aunt, uncle, grandfather). We also already know, from the post-police station dialogue during their walk, that she did not come by her most outstanding characteristics from her mother... except, perhaps, for her loyalty.

I also keep returning to that GoT conversation with Lucy early in the game... the relationship being described is _exactly_ what Edward and Elsa seem to be building. Thus... I'm inclined to trust her to always do what _she_ thinks is best for Edward... regardless what he thinks.

Elsa still isn't an LI. But she could become the greatest LI of all time, at least by my reckoning, if the plot continues to follow its current trajectory. (Who do you think the woman speaking in the rain is during the very first scene of the game? I know who I want it to be...)

 

[Raife]

So, Hillside's latest update is out. It was fun! I like that things are finally moving along a bit faster.[/ispoiler]

Agreed... it was a fun update, but I didn't like the Suzi scene either. On the other hand, the building Charlotte-Kaylah rivalry in my playthrough... could become spicy. They already have a professional rivalry, leavened by a degree of affection and respect... but it could get personal in interesting ways!

 

[jufot]

when they begin working together on Edward's project, he describes her knowledge and contribution as very 'practical.' A person with practical knowledge generally acquires it via experience, or via observing someone else, rather than in a classroom -- I strongly suspect this means she grew up around someone with a spectacular business skillset.

That's a very good point, and Edward's thoughts on that just came up today on the other thread

Elsa still isn't an LI. But she could become the greatest LI of all time, at least by my reckoning, if the plot continues to follow its current trajectory.

Oh, definitely. I'm really curious about how sqwl will turn her into an LI because at this point I can't see it.

(Who do you think the woman speaking in the rain is during the very first scene of the game? I know who I want it to be...)

I had completely forgotten about that! I had to play it again just now.

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In our fair City, where we lay our scene.

If this is indeed Elsa, it lends credence to my theory that her family and whoever "Mrs. Sut-" is, are two separate households.

On the other hand, the building Charlotte-Kaylah rivalry in my playthrough... could become spicy. They already have a professional rivalry, leavened by a degree of affection and respect... but it could get personal in interesting ways!

Interesting. In my playthrough there is no rivalry as MC has rejected Kaylah's advances, so it came as a very pleasant surprise when Kaylah disclosed that interaction to Charlotte. It showed that Kaylah's motives are pure, as I've argued a while back over on the game thread

 

[bacienvu88]

Interesting newish game: Chrome Lifelines

MC is a Merc in a cyberpunk world (corpos vs rebels kind of thing). Focus seem to be on androids and human augmentation. Still only first chapter, but story is promising. No obvious porn concessions for the story so far.

 

[jufot]

Interesting newish game: Chrome Lifelines

MC is a Merc in a cyberpunk world (corpos vs rebels kind of thing). Focus seem to be on androids and human augmentation. Still only first chapter, but story is promising. No obvious porn concessions for the story so far.

I love the game and I'm a supporter on Patreon. Thanks for reminding me of it, I'll add it to the OP.

It does have one of the most ridiculous penises ever, if only briefly, so keep that in mind

 

[Raife]

Interesting. In my playthrough there is no rivalry as MC has rejected Kaylah's advances, so it came as a very pleasant surprise when Kaylah disclosed that interaction to Charlotte. It showed that Kaylah's motives are pure, as I've argued a while back over on the game thread

In my playthrough, the MC accepted Kaylah's advances, because -- while he is in love with Charlotte -- he cannot believe that she would be attracted to him (consider his confidence/self-hatred issues, and Charlotte's inability to express her feelings). This sets up a rather fierce competition for the MC's affections, where Charlotte has every advantage... except, critically, for initiative and confidence.

I 100% agree with your view that Kaylah's motives are pure... her internal monologue on the beach scene makes that clear. She's just after a bit of fun... and would not shy away from 'beating' Charlotte fair and square. (This gives Dark Blue some great plot options, though... including a scenario where Kaylah might develop genuine affection for the MC.)

 

[Raife]

BTW -- one thing that I love about both _Hillside_ and _Corporate Culture_ is that I always discover something new with additional play-throughs, even if I play exactly the same path.

• In the latest _Hillside_, I admire how the dialogue with Charlotte layers on top of her earlier interactions with the MC... and how the thread of teasing is used to conceal longing.
• Have you noticed how the cat perches on Edward's bike, after the MC and his friend semi-crash at the end of their sodden night out on the town? It's just a tiny detail... but adds life to the world.

Such discoveries are rare in games like this -- but these games are unusual, aren't they?

 

[bacienvu88]

BTW -- one thing that I love about both _Hillside_ and _Corporate Culture_ is that I always discover something new with additional play-throughs, even if I play exactly the same path.

• In the latest _Hillside_, I admire how the dialogue with Charlotte layers on top of her earlier interactions with the MC... and how the thread of teasing is used to conceal longing.
• Have you noticed how the cat perches on Edward's bike, after the MC and his friend semi-crash at the end of their sodden night out on the town? It's just a tiny detail... but adds life to the world.

Such discoveries are rare in games like this -- but these games are unusual, aren't they?

Not that unusual. At least not in the good games in my experience. It shows the love and care the dev put into their game.

I have replayed Dog Days of Summer at least 15 times (I have lost count at this point, I often try different routes etc. in that game). And I usually find some details I had missed. Either because I got onto a new variation or I simply didn't pay attention previously. And I find that amazing.

Then there is Caribdis with Eternum and Once in a lifetime who usually likes to put little details everywhere that enrich the experience.

My Bully is my Lover and Life Changing Choices by NiiChan are also games that put a lot of details into the game.

I really like anything that enhance the world building in stories, so I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.

 

[bacienvu88]

I love the game and I'm a supporter on Patreon. Thanks for reminding me of it, I'll add it to the OP.

It does have one of the most ridiculous penises ever, if only briefly, so keep that in mind

Not MC though, and they are pretty merciless in ridiculing it in the game as well. If I remember correctly the term used was "Elephant trunk".