VN - Ren'Py - Strangers on Paper [Ch.2 v0.2.2] [Gloomy Ghost Studio]

Something special is brewing here.

To start off, what a beginning to a story. It's not often that I find any visual novels that have the ability to make the characters feel like people, as opposed to characters that feel like they're being puppeteered by a writer. It's quite impressive.

The renders are beautiful, too. It's very clear that this is not supposed to be an episodic story, it's a movie in parts. The only thing I can think of that could maybe improve the world-building is to have more shots of just the environments, and the people in them. Though, there's still a tad too little story here for me to gauge the dev's vision, so I'd take this critique with a grain of salt.

Lastly, the story is very interesting so far. I'm a sucker for mean/closed off girls who's trust you have to earn throughout the story, so Becca was obviously the route I went down. The metaphors and emotions portrayed are done really well, and that's not just in comparison to other visual novels, it's also comparable to stories written by a team of script writers. So I have to give props there, given that, from what I know, this script is only being written by one person.

It's not often I'm excited for updates, but I'll be waiting patiently for the next update here!

A perfect introduction and promising start with high quality around the board in writing, renders, and plot.

What it makes up for in the lack of lewd content is the realness feeling of it all which I appreciate when it comes to story-driven novels like this.

It feels wrong to call this an AVN at this time, but excited to see where the dev takes this interesting and compelling beginning if this is just the first episode.

Strangers on Paper [Chp.1]

Pros:
+ Writing felt well thought out
+ Conversations and interactions between characters felt mostly genuine
+ Believable scenario and story premise
+ Characters felt likeable and real, relatable to some degree

Cons:
- Very linear feeling with obviously only two routes (might be a good thing to some audiences)
- Most choices don't seem that impactful yet (subject to change in the future)

Only the first chapter so far, but it started off fairly strong with character building and creating a believable situation and real-feeling environment. I feel it's definitely worth checking out and worth keeping on your radar for future updates. Support the dev!

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

One of those AVNs that starts out amazing; great visuals, writing that would be good enough if there was no porn (there aren't sex scenes so far), human characters, and a touch of realistic darkness.

I hope the next chapters are equally as good when they do get released.

No game has hooked me so quickly, storyline seems simple, yet the writing make it so interesting. Dialogues, renders... this is some oscar level writing, am just in awe. The girl amy was just perfect, she was looking good and yet was simple, and the pop culture references, the unique names of shots, birthday party crash, it is so repetitive in movies, but here it seems fresh. From all of this I can tell that the author is either a jingo of movies and literature, or he has done some professional course in filmmaking/writing.
Love it

In the sea of low-effort games, this one stands out. The developer clearly cares and pays attention to details.

Beautiful renders, with a nice cinematic feel to everything. The atmosphere and light work is excellent. Not sure about the top and bottom black bars - they add to the cinematic feel of course, but I hope this doesn't become the norm for all the games, as it will get tiring soon.

Girls look good, expressions are soft, subtle and mostly believable.

It has potential and is well worth a try even though it's pretty short for now and I don't know how the release schedule will be kept.

Hey Devs,

I wanted to somehow show you my support for the awesome work.
(If I could any other way, I would)

The dialogue is really lifelike and immersive, espesially alongside those beautiful renders, with the music complimanting everything.

So much so, that for the first time a game on this site made me feel like I'm waiting for the new episode of my favorite TV series to come out. It's a weird feeling to get out of a game. Unique, is probably the word that describes it best. I really believe that you have a gem here!


I know you had some mishaps that delayed your work,
so I also wanted to wish you good luck with that and everything!

[Chp.1]
I decided to give this one a chance; it was a unique and enjoyable experience. The game had a captivating storyline, characters, and beautiful art that drew me right in. I sincerely crave more. Overall, I highly recommend this visual novel game to anyone who enjoys a good story and a unique ambiance. It's a truly engaging and unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

so far so good, the renders are great . the story is intriguing . looking forward to the next update . keep up the good work and keep rolling out the updates more frequently is possible. best of luck with the project

Personally, it's difficult for me to like a game that's starting out, but this one was different, interesting story, very good performance, the girls I really liked, it's going to be difficult to choose who you'll follow until the end, the scenarios are excellent.

It's been a while since I played it, it was even when it was released, yesterday I played it again just to give it a quick reminder.

I really liked him, congratulations to the developer, may he continue with his project until the end

Ch. 1

This is the best single chapter I've ever experienced. It offers two paths, each of which can stand on their own. Even if no other chapter in this VN is ever published, I'd remain satisfied with the "meet-cute" story. It hints at a significant past and hopeful future, but reads like a complete vignette of a singularly magical night.

Fucking amazing.

Beautiful renders, sweet story so far, good writing/wording. Personaly I'm not into the bad/drugs kinda chicks that come running back to you but both LI's seem to be very nice. This could be the next big thing...looks really promising

Excellent first chapter. Beautiful art, very promising storylines. Two very different, but equally alluring LIs.
The cheerleader story is so well written, that I feel it's wasted on a free AVN. I'm sure at some point the two story arcs will clash/merge, there are easily two separate AVNs that could come out of this creation. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of future development. I just hope it doesn't take too long.

Best of luck dev.

Pros:

1. Renders are captivating and unique!
2. LIs are gorgeous and very nicely written with unique personalities
3. Plot is really nicely established even with the first release
4. Best friend is pretty cool and Mc is likeable.
5. Music is fitting

Cons: None. Very rare for first releases.

Verdict: Abso-fucking-lutely pick this up if you love a good story heavy AVN.

(Insert Palpatine Voice) We will watch your career with great interest ...

[Chp.1]

I usually get more in depth in my reviews, but I'll just mirror what everyone else is saying.

The artistic merit of this VN is off the charts, both for the writing and visually.

It's an incredibly well-written character study. The dialogues are on point, portraying natural interactions between individuals, rather than feeling like they are characters on screen.

If you are in it for more than a fap, I can't see how someone could be disappointed with this one.

The artistic value of this adult visual novel is so great that this might become an instant classic. The writing is superb, the art is very aesthetic with great sense for details, music that supports the overall mood and a plot and characters that are mysterious and emotionally rich. SoP is tragic, romantic, intimate and thought-provoking. It is not a VN for laughs or lewd desires, at least at this point.

This reminds me of games like Life is Strange, which brought me to the visual novel genre in the first place. But it's an even more grown-up approach, much more melancholic in its world building. That's a vibe that I fully embrace by the way.
The MC isn't a Chad, it's an average guy who is both relatable and appealing to me. Everyone just feels very alive and has room to grow and develop, as it should be.

Strangers on Paper Chp.1 Review

This game blew me away with its quality and great writing!

1) Content
The story is intriguing and you can see it was carefully planned. There are only two LIs (for now), Becca and Amy. You can choose to 'pursue' one or the other but the story then continues completely different. I have played both and my opinion is that the romance was beautifully done. You don't really see that in many other adult VNs. Also, there are actually no sexual scenes, only a bit of nudity, but I didn't mind it because it just makes me hungry for more. The characters seem really developed, and I like the relationship the MC has with his friend (he's not an average fuckboy prick like in many other VN's.)
2) Visuals
The renders are absolutely stunning in this one. It almost feels like they have some sort of a filter over them, making the colours look really vibrant. The lighting is great, and the character design too. The dev didn't choose generic models.I liked the animated parts too.
3) The playability
The fact that branching was done right in this one is enough for me. The story is gripping, the characters are interesting and have personalities, making the game worth playing. The background music and effects are nice, and overall I really like how this game turned out. Great job!

One of the best opening chapters I've played on here, maybe the best. Well written, great character building, beautiful to look at, so polished!

Really looking forward to future updates and seeing where this goes! I liked be LIs, as both seen very different and also quite complex, but Amy just blows me away.

You really must try this game, Amazingly beautiful to look at, great composition, lighting, and the writing and setups are all being done so well! Truly a gem already!

Review for Episode one
Normally, I do not review episode ones and rather review after some updates have past. But this game already deserves that five star review. Wow, this game has really impressed me.

The way the characters are presented is so intrigueing, I feel like I've never been so interested in the love interest of a game the way I am with these ones. As in they show decent enough interest in the MC there is a hint of mysteriousness about them and their personalities are so well defined.

Especially, if you play both routes you will be able to see how much difference there is in the choiches of the love interests or mood of the love interests if the MC was not with the love interest compare to if you did choose to be with the love interest. Most devs would leave that part out, and not show how the love interest feels or what the love interest would do if you were not on their path. But by adding it, the choice because more meaningful.

The dialogue in itself is simple yet effective and the graphic are simply amazing. What an effort for an episode one. I would really really recommend giving this game a try.

First release easily dethrones most other VNs on this site. This one is among a few selected games here that are actually plot-driven, and more importantly, the narrative seems well-organized and well-planned for future updates. The visuals are cinematic, and the models are exquisitely realistic. No weird creepiness by the MC and no intentionally lewd things without context. Without a doubt, this is the most promising new release I have ever seen. I sincerely wish the best for the devs. We need more people like you in the AVN circle.