Recommending Story-first games

[Mravac Kid]

Damn! Someone here mentioned the webcomic

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, and sure sent me down a rabbit hole. After binge-reading the first 500 strips I took a look at the number of the latest strip, and I realized I had almost 5000 more to go.
Now it is Sunday, and I've spent all weekend reading...

I've fallen behind schedule a few years ago, now I have some 1200 to catch up to.

 

[kotte]

And Supermodel: Defenders of Desire is finally out! I am almost afraid to try it, since I loved LLtP so much, and Belle has promised that this is going to be completely different. On the other hand, I'm happy that we won't just get a sequel.

My todo list is getting longer, though. I have a bunch of updates of games I like AND 3500 strips of webcomic to finish...

 

[jufot]

We recently talked a bit about exposition in the context of Simple Beginnings. I just watched

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(longer version on

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) where Thomas talks about how exposition works best when it's dramatic, hidden naturalistically, and is revealed at the last possible moment, in the smallest dose possible. Any deviations become noticeable, and noticeable exposition tends to be bad exposition. Hence, "show, don't tell."

I thought some of you might find it interesting as well.

 

[Slickjack]

Not yet completed, but being updated on a pretty regular basis:

https://f95zone.to/threads/the-interim-domain-v0-28-1-ilsproductions.114650/

Hmm, I was about to suggest "Price of Power" - then I saw it was already on your list. One I can almost suggest is:

https://f95zone.to/threads/companion-of-darkness-ch-9-berkili4.154533/

The language usage is the real drawback of "Companion of Darkness" - just how sensitive you are to the torturing of English is your own business. I find myself drawn by the story, although I feel confident that it may be a common theme in anime stories. I fear I'm the wrong generation to have been caught up in the anime invasion in the late 20th century, so I really don't know enough to make an informed judgement.

You could also try:

https://f95zone.to/threads/become-a-rock-star-v1-01-mr-jet.17836/

Not an earth-shattering story, but the language usage is no problem. It has the bonus feature of having been completed.

Just by the way, Jufot, that portrait representation you use is familiar and it's driving me crazy that I can't place the source. Any hints?

- sj

 

[Dessolos]

Not yet completed, but being updated on a pretty regular basis:

https://f95zone.to/threads/the-interim-domain-v0-28-1-ilsproductions.114650/

Hmm, I was about to suggest "Price of Power" - then I saw it was already on your list. One I can almost suggest is:

https://f95zone.to/threads/companion-of-darkness-ch-9-berkili4.154533/

The language usage is the real drawback of "Companion of Darkness" - just how sensitive you are to the torturing of English is your own business. I find myself drawn by the story, although I feel confident that it may be a common theme in anime stories. I fear I'm the wrong generation to have been caught up in the anime invasion in the late 20th century, so I really don't know enough to make an informed judgement.

You could also try:

https://f95zone.to/threads/become-a-rock-star-v1-01-mr-jet.17836/

Not an earth-shattering story, but the language usage is no problem. It has the bonus feature of having been completed.

Just by the way, Jufot, that portrait representation you use is familiar and it's driving me crazy that I can't place the source. Any hints?

- sj

my only issue with Companion of Darkness the lewd scenes feel like a copout just to introduce lewd scenes otherwise it's a good story. Personally for me the story would be better without the lewd scenes and find a different solution in the narrative I just do not like how they are baked into the story

 

[365 others]

Not yet completed, but being updated on a pretty regular basis:

https://f95zone.to/threads/the-interim-domain-v0-28-1-ilsproductions.114650/

Hmm, I was about to suggest "Price of Power" - then I saw it was already on your list. One I can almost suggest is:

https://f95zone.to/threads/companion-of-darkness-ch-9-berkili4.154533/

The language usage is the real drawback of "Companion of Darkness" - just how sensitive you are to the torturing of English is your own business. I find myself drawn by the story, although I feel confident that it may be a common theme in anime stories. I fear I'm the wrong generation to have been caught up in the anime invasion in the late 20th century, so I really don't know enough to make an informed judgement.

You could also try:

https://f95zone.to/threads/become-a-rock-star-v1-01-mr-jet.17836/

Not an earth-shattering story, but the language usage is no problem. It has the bonus feature of having been completed.

Just by the way, Jufot, that portrait representation you use is familiar and it's driving me crazy that I can't place the source. Any hints?

- sj

I agree with all your suggestions, but unfortunately, harem-type games are not well-liked here whether their story is well-written or not.

If they were. I'd recommend Harem Hotel as well. I have to admit that I started it because I thought it was one of these games with no depth that I use to kill some time (and sometimes neurons). But I was very pleasantly surprised.

It started as a sandbox-ish game, with the regular/crappy models from HS, not too much thought put into the characters, and a LOT of grind (although I did end up using the cheat to speed things up).

But then it started going deeper and deeper in each LI/character's story. I got completely hooked with Lin's story and it's impressive the way she's been evolving. Not to mention the same with Maria and several other LIs.

All in all, you can see not only the story evolving but I'd say that also the dev's technique and storytelling.

The major con I see of that game is that it's updated almost yearly, so I don't think there is much hope to get to see it completed soon.

 

[Birdnman993]

Is there any game like "Short Sad Stories"? I liked it a lot but it doesn't live up to its title and was very short.

 

[Canto Forte]

Short means skip and you miss it. A regular comic is 26 pages long, for sure this game has more pics in any of the stories.

Short

doesn't live up to its title

It says short for a reason - you read thinking about something else, you will forget it instantly.

short

That is what short means.

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

Hello everyone,

After quite a while, I'm here once again to share my project Twin Eclipse (and receive feedback from fellow players who like some story in their VNs.)

This update marks the end of the 1st story arc of Twin Eclipse. And I've tried my best to make the ending good enough to elevate the journey the comes before, and after.

On a related note, I'm fully aware that my style is not the most universally appealing, but I still humbly request you to stick around for as long as you can.

Spoiler: Some rambling

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Looking forward to hear your feedback

Download Links:

PC -

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Mac -

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[Jaike]

The timing may be poor after Arisushi's announcement, but I was going to recommend something too. And this time it's a game I hated really disliked because why not? It isn't like only the games I like are good or anything. The Ninth Street Bus. It's abandoned but it has endings. The story hits a lot of themes people here like. The visuals are very (soft) porny tho. I won't spoil you yet with the reasons I disliked it.

 

[Canto Forte]

Two supernatural based stories - their spice is promoted to come from the supernatural in their descriptions, not because of fate or because the players would make a big impact or because the characters would bring about their fate.
Going along for the ride might be sweet, as we know the sight seeing decor we would watch once we get into their rollercoaster rides; the issue coul only be that, just like in a movie theater or behind the TV, you can walk out at any time, close the game where the emotional overtones make it displeasing and go watch grass grow and regain your sense of self.

 

[jufot]

Looking forward to hear your feedback

Well done on completing book 1 Arisushi! I've already played up to 0.3b, so only the last bit was new to me, but if you want feedback, you shall have it

Spoiler

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[Deleted member 2577953]

Well done on completing book 1 Arisushi! I've already played up to 0.3b, so only the last bit was new to me, but if you want feedback, you shall have it

Thank you. Always grateful for the inputs and feedback

Spoiler

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Spoiler

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[365 others]

The timing may be poor after Arisushi's announcement, but I was going to recommend something too. And this time it's a game I hated really disliked because why not? It isn't like only the games I like are good or anything. The Ninth Street Bus. It's abandoned but it has endings. The story hits a lot of themes people here like. The visuals are very (soft) porny tho. I won't spoil you yet with the reasons I disliked it.

It has a FMC! I remember you had quite an opinion on most of the FMC in the games out there. Would you say this one does not fall into one of the categories you shared before?

I've been avoiding most (if not all) of the VNs with FeMC for very similar reasons as the ones you explained, but this being recommended by you makes me curious about how the story goes and how the FeMC behaves.

 

[Tlaero]

Spoiler: Some rambling

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You absolutely have every right to be proud of this. Finishing book 1 despite the real life challenges you're going through alone is worthy of praise, but, more importantly, it's good.

Let's start with your art. I think you've proven that you can create a compelling game with the artwork you draw. Yes, it's not as good as the professional's stuff you started with, but it is enjoyable. And you're going to continue to improve as you make more. I especially liked what you did with the panels on Surya's "date."

I understand the "why" of it, but I'm going to suggest one smallish change anyway.

Spoiler

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Story wise, you've got a unique setting, an interesting plot, good storytelling, and the beginnings of a great "voice." I hope you continue to make visual stories and that we get to see your inevitable growth. You're off to a great start.

Mechanically, I suggest doing an edit pass or two. Focus especially on verb tenses.

Tlaero

 

[jufot]

Still, my hope was that - when the game ends, the players would understand all that 3DCG as just Kavin's magic messing up the world.

Ah, that's so clever, and it completely went over my head! As expected, really

that section also ties into one of my older kinetic novels, An encounter from the past.

I knew I recognized that look from somewhere! The music during the festival was also from one of your previous games, right? Perhaps even that one?

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

You absolutely have every right to be proud of this. Finishing book 1 despite the real life challenges you're going through alone is worthy of praise, but, more importantly, it's good.

Let's start with your art. I think you've proven that you can create a compelling game with the artwork you draw. Yes, it's not as good as the professional's stuff you started with, but it is enjoyable. And you're going to continue to improve as you make more. I especially liked what you did with the panels on Surya's "date."

Thank you very much I'm glad you liked it.

Also, very happy to hear that you found my art enjoyable. It is only thanks to the kind words of encouragement I've received (here and on patreon), that I was able to keep going on that regards.

I know I have a long way to go, but I will do my best to keep improving.

I understand the "why" of it, but I'm going to suggest one smallish change anyway.

Spoiler

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I totally get what you mean. I made it that way so that (when the Transition from 3dcg to 2d happens) there won't be any doubts on the audience's mind, whether that was chandra or not. But there must be other ways achieve that. I'll see if I can come up with something interesting.

Story wise, you've got a unique setting, an interesting plot, good storytelling, and the beginnings of a great "voice." I hope you continue to make visual stories and that we get to see your inevitable growth. You're off to a great start.

Mechanically, I suggest doing an edit pass or two. Focus especially on verb tenses.

Tlaero

(Yeah, I definitely need to proofread/edit the whole script again. Now that book one is complete, I'll probably do a couple of dedicated sessions for it.)

Once again, thank you for the kind words. It really helps a lot and allows me to keep moving forward.

I'll do my best to improve my skills and keep telling the best stories I can.

 

[Deleted member 2577953]

Ah, that's so clever, and it completely went over my head! As expected, really

Oh, that one's probably on me too.

I have this insane obessession to not overtly explain the inner workings of my stories, and let the audience figure it out.

But sometimes I end up overdoing it. This might just be one of those times

I knew I recognized that look from somewhere! The music during the festival was also from one of your previous games, right? Perhaps even that one?

Ohh.. I'm happy you know of/remember that game.

Using the some of the same music in Zia and Twin Eclipse was intentional. But if I have the same music in those old games too, then that's just a happy accident

 

[jufot]

I have this insane obessession to not overtly explain the inner workings of my stories, and let the audience figure it out.

But sometimes I end up overdoing it. This might just be one of those times

No no no, it makes plenty of sense. It just takes longer to register with those of us at the back of the class. It's a lifelong affliction, don't worry

 

[jufot]

The timing may be poor after Arisushi's announcement, but I was going to recommend something too. And this time it's a game I hated really disliked because why not? It isn't like only the games I like are good or anything. The Ninth Street Bus. It's abandoned but it has endings. The story hits a lot of themes people here like. The visuals are very (soft) porny tho. I won't spoil you yet with the reasons I disliked it.

That was very nice. I've seen two endings, and that feels enough. I didn't run into anything too objectionable (though I can imagine darker endings I've avoided), so I'd be curious to know what you didn't like about it.