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

The game oozes sensuality and atmosphere. The characters are well written with a good amount of dimensionality to them. Events are interesting and avoid the pitfalls a lot of AVNs suffer in copying each other's scenes in a slightly different context. Everything feels personal in this game.

It's beautiful to look at, a lot of time was spent on camera angles (I hate flat, face on, presentation. Having film-like camera angles immediately shows skill and engages the eyes), and the lighting is beautiful and sensual.

The developers have really nailed the "first try" - I don't think there's a better "first episode ever" out there.

2 main characters Amy and Becca have distinct personality and has their own problem and easily relatable with most of people. The interaction with them feels personal, and has quite interesting direction.
It also has a lot of video game and film reference that isn't forced at all, I find it very funny.

In short:
A very good writing.

Strangers on Paper (Chp.1)

So, I normally don't leave reviews for VN's that are only on their first release unless they are super impressive. Well, here we are.

PROS:

• The renders are absolutely stunning, and I like the anamorphic aspect ratio which compliments a lot of the renders and gives a different feel, although sometimes it cuts off certain details which is the trade off from using it instead of 16:9. Some people may not like it, because of the black bars, but I think it works really nicely here and is used tastefully.

• I am a big fan of how there are just two LI's, Becca and Amy (at least so far.) Not every VN needs to be a harem with 10-20 chicks jumping all over the MC, I really hope this becomes more common having just a couple LI's that can be fleshed out properly, thankfully it seems that's the direction this story is headed so far. Both LI's are very attractive, but I only played Becca's path so far as I immediately started crushing on her when she showed up. I'll get to Amy's path. Becca's path already has me hooked however, I am a sucker for paths like hers, it's going to be a rollercoaster, I can already tell and I am all for it.

• The writing is very good, dialogue is quite realistic and natural which is sadly very rare. It's sad that I am impressed by this as it should be a standard, but deserves praise nonetheless.

• The MC is interesting and again, quite realistic and grounded in terms of writing. Sometimes his dialogue made me cringe a little bit, especially with Becca but this was intentional and makes sense given the contextual circumstances and situation with Becca's character, it wasn't just cringe for the sake of it, and I appreciate that the MC would acknowledge when he was being cringe too, self aware MC's are always very much welcome.

CONS:

I hate how painful waiting for future updates is going to be, I am hooked already. I seriously can't name any real cons for now.



Extra/final thoughts :

- I'll say it again, I really like how there seems to only be two LI's in this, finally a VN with a focus of quality over quantity instead of jumping between 10-20 different girls all the time (at least for now). I also like that the LI's are already in some form of a relationship/commitment (Amy getting married, Becca has some sort of a thing going with Nancy) instead of being single and ready to jump the MC from the get go, because it gets boring having no obstacles/competition for the MC. It adds spice to the story, especially when you see Becca turn Nancy down later because she's falling for the MC, you wouldn't be able to pull that kind of sentiment off without having her involved with another person.

- This is a VN that actually seems to deserve the "romance" tag so far, I really enjoyed Becca's path. Going to try Amy's soon, but I already love Becca...always a sucker for the mysterious tsundere archetypes like her, and the chemistry and building of her relationship with the MC is nice. I love how near the end she was a nervous mess in front of the MC when speaking to him, was a nice detail and contrast to the beginning where it was the MC in her place being a nervous wreck. Small details like that are always really nice, it shows the writer put a lot of thought in to the material.

5/5 - awesome start, well done gloomyghost. I cannot wait for more!

Strangers on paper [chp.1]

Truly a top tier game. Top tier in terms of visuals and story. Felt like I'm watching a movie. And devs got a good taste in movies too. Loved the movie references. Yep game is indeed inspired from many movies out there. This a true gem for those who loves slowburn romances. Writer and artist did their homework.

Chapter one goes to becca. Amy was innocent and nice but I loved Becca's path. Man both paths truly worth. Seems like Amy gonna shine in chapter 2..

If you also love playing nice story wise games. Surely try this. Man it's indeed worth. Keep up the good work dev. Eagerly waiting for next chapter ( take your time cause I'm sure it's really worth waiting ).

+ Visuals
+ Story
+ Writing
+ Slowburn

I liked this game so much that it made me stop lurking on this site and write my first review ever, even after months being here.

Technically speaking, everything from presentation, interface, sounds and renders are of great quality, the LIs designs and the lighting/posing especially are top notch.

The dialogue between characters feels organic, and the themes surrounding the game so far feels emotionally deep and mature. Is the type of VN that I could play for the story only.

Overall the game oozes passion and quality from the devs, congratulations on your first release and I awaits ansiously for the next one <3 !

This was a really good start and I hope it stays consistent throughout. Very well written characters so far. Both Amy and Becca are very different but equally interesting in their own way. Visuals are gorgeous and even the music was a nice touch.

Great storytelling, beautiful artwork!
Interesting paths with both Amy and Becca, although I think that Becca's character is more intriguing.

The interesting thing is that there are no lewd scenes here...but it was really gripping. I think that is a true quality of a great writer.

The renders have sort of like a cinematic feel to them, I like it.

Very good first release and description of tags, future tags, and the ones that will never be included. Feels like a bold thing to do, but at least the audience knows what they can expect. Keep up the good work!!

Few games have gripped me at first release like this one. Beautifully rendered with great "camera work", many close up shots that pull you into the story, but never overdone, and a colour palette that fits the mood. It's a visually beautiful game.

The character design is great, the girls are pretty and realistic looking with small 'imperfections' that only enhance the feeling that you are looking at real people.
A feeling further enhanced by the fantastic script and completely believable dialogue.
Everyone in the game feels like normal people, the MC is neither a super chad or a misunderstood angsty teen, just a young man at a difficult moment in his life and the two girls have their own stuff they are going through that we've only seen a little of so far.
Extra points for the male friend who escapes all the common tropes so many AVNs use. In Strangers on Paper, he's just a regular guy who cares about the people around him and tries to help as best he can.

The way the characters engage, or try to engage, with each other in their hesitant and fumbling ways again brings home how normal this story is. Not cliché or boring, definitely not uninteresting , because this is a story about regular people experiencing regular things, but done in a sensitive and empathetic way.

I'm truly amazed that they still do something like this these days. Immersive story, beautiful language, perfect renders, lots of humor and drama at the same time. A real adult novel, where the adult part is not about porn, but about people and their struggles, fears, insecurities; about love, friendship and dreams. Thank you, devs, you did amazing job! And the "wololo" thing is priceless

Absolutely blown away by the game so far. The characters, renders, and writing has been top notch all around. Character interactions actually feel genuine and natural. On top of having good grammar as well. This is a multiple playthrough game. But both of the paths LI's are interesting in different ways. Originally I thought I was going to only enjoy Becca's path. But with how well written and interesting the characters are, I ended up really enjoying Amy's path as well. The game isn't going to be a long drawn out game but it's one that is clearly crafted with love. The amount of detail put into each character is well worth the playthrough. Couple that with the beautiful renders and you've got one of the best new releases. If you enjoy good dialogue, renders, and characters then you should definitely check this game out.

this may be my first and last review ill ever write but i felt as if it was necessary. in my haste i haven't even finished the first chap im like 5 minutes in but i can tell alot of effort was put into this. i may be one of the few people on this site that genuinely plays these games for the stories and not the sex scenes. I've seen alot of people be really harsh on devs, when these projects are like their children. Of course constructive criticism is good for improvement but you get my point. I've rambled alot but my point is to the devs continue to pursue your passions i can tell you care about this project