VN Ren'Py Abandoned Stray Incubus [S2 Ch.2a] [Flynn974]

[Lenesiah]

I'm a bit conflicted with this game...

Long story short : end of S1 is rushed in the relationship between char, it made me drop the game, and it hit hard, 'cause I really liked the game... I mean, beginning was "cute-ish" as in "the very first step of a game" story-wise & render-wise (use of the basics map "plainly", etc.) but writing was good enough to follow with decent amount of humor. Then, as the story progress, so did dev's experience with the engine, and the story felt more and more better, as well as the scene, renders and so on, and so forth. After 2 story arc, which were awesome and let me in awe and craving for more, unfortunately, "it went downhill".

... Well, to be honest, it's a bit of a stretch. "It wasn't up to the standards the game made me expect a this point". Story was still interesting, scene were great, sure... But there were almost no real connection between them, as if all of that was ready to serve, but some rushing matter made the dev cram it inside "because it needed to be finished" or something... Stats, as almost negligible they were before, made no sense at all, because you'll be fucking the girls anyway before closing the chapter, or something along the line.

And... Well, it has been like, 2 months by now ? IDK, but I can't forget this game, it feels like a breakup with a friend/lover because of a misunderstanding, some mistake and lack of effort from both side to patch up. I want to understand "Why ?", not to be judgmental, but to understand whatever reason there is, and to try to make peace with a somewhat lacking end of chapter 1 to, maybe, re-read the game and continue to enjoy it, because it's clearly worth it, but I can't really get over with for now...

Sorry for the renting, the game is good, on many layers, by itself, and by the feeling it convey from watching a person growth and being better with time. Whatever result from this post, I sincerely wish you all the best <3

 

[MagnusTempestus6]

Why?

IIRC early leaks resulting in the absence of the usual influx of patreon supporters with updates and dev struggling to make ends meet resulted in the project being almost canceled because dev would have had to go for a stable income instead of this. There are more factors playing into this and I am simplifying, but the gist of it was, as you very accurately put it...

cram it inside "because it needed to be finished"

or else it might not have seen the next update at all.
There was also some extensive criticism (and of course hate because people on the internet are dipshits by nature) because of points you mentioned and more. S2Ch1 had some issues in that regard as well. But Flynn has been quite active in working through that mud, so don't loose hope too quickly. This still has very good chances of coming around. Trust in the process, it's not like being on a pirate site is gonna cost you anything in that regard anyway
So maybe just see what the reactions to the next update are and then make your decision with that knowledge.

 

[Lenesiah]

IIRC early leaks resulting in the absence of the usual influx of patreon supporters with updates and dev struggling to make ends meet resulted in the project being almost canceled because dev would have had to go for a stable income instead of this. There are more factors playing into this and I am simplifying, but the gist of it was, as you very accurately put it...

or else it might not have seen the next update at all.
There was also some extensive criticism (and of course hate because people on the internet are dipshits by nature) because of points you mentioned and more. S2Ch1 had some issues in that regard as well. But Flynn has been quite active in working through that mud, so don't loose hope too quickly. This still has very good chances of coming around. Trust in the process, it's not like being on a pirate site is gonna cost you anything in that regard anyway
So maybe just see what the reactions to the next update are and then make your decision with that knowledge.

Ah, well, so it wasn't merely a feeling... Well, a shame it is, but it alleviate the pain a bit ! Thank for your answer, that helped a lot =)

I'll surely give the game another go, would be a shame to dismiss a game because the dev did it best despite the hard times. The more so when the game was this good & fun.

 

[hoshimota]

You're not imagining it, it's taken a big turn since ch. 11. Ultimately it seems pretty clear the dev is just rushing through it at this point and not putting the same level of attention and planning into each release. I was a huge fan of this until Ch. 12 hit. At this point it's like two completely different games. I hate to say it but I doubt we are going to see a return to how good it was earlier on.

 

[xceratxx]

I can't wait for next update damn! this winter gonna be massive for us who are wait for Stray incubus-eternum-badik-summer's gone.

 

[shitass1001]

You're not imagining it, it's taken a big turn since ch. 11.

"A big turn" is a huge stretch. These last two updates haven't been as good as the previous ones for sure, but it's not bad, and certainly nothing like the first 1-3 chapters of this game.
The dev released so many amazing updates for this game that when he releases a good update it's considered bad. Get a grip

Ultimately it seems pretty clear the dev is just rushing through it at this point and not putting the same level of attention and planning into each release.

Your evidence for this claim is two slightly subpar updates.

I was a huge fan of this until Ch. 12 hit

Translation: "I really liked this story until it took one mistep and now I spend my days complaining to other people who like the story"

I hate to say it but I doubt we are going to see a return to how good it was earlier on.

Why? People like you are so negative for no reason, if you dont like the game anymore cant you just leave?

Flynn has proven before that he can improve his craft, the evidence for this is in this game, the first 1-3 chapters arent really that good (not bad either), and it quickly picks up and becomes one of the better VNs on the market. I have faith that Flynn will find his stride once again

I can't wait for next update

Me too, the cliffhanger on the last update has me so excited to see more.

 

[thekkiller]

what i think is happening with the latest chapters is that the dev wants to focus more on the plot but he cannot just not do sex scene because the people would go crazy mad so he is been making these quick scenes to kinda get over it

 

[abirvg]

what i think is happening with the latest chapters is that the dev wants to focus more on the plot but he cannot just not do sex scene because the people would go crazy mad so he is been making these quick scenes to kinda get over it

Erm, no..?
I think his approach towards sex scenes didn't change - except they are more frequent now, tightening up the plot scenes with sex scenes.
They are still jarringly separated, but at least the pace is faster and - as a result - there are fewer 'yawning' moments during gameplay.

There's much room for improvement, sure. But I like the last updates the most. And that's by far.

 

[Slickjack]

what i think is happening with the latest chapters is that the dev wants to focus more on the plot but he cannot just not do sex scene because the people would go crazy mad so he is been making these quick scenes to kinda get over it

If he really wanted to focus on advancing the plot, why have the latest update (s2 chapter 1b) have virtually nothing but spinning his wheels with a pointless and ridiculous tournament that didn't even fit the context provided by the preceding chapter?

I quote from my posting to this thread #2928:

" Season 2, 1a, finds the Ninja Village in a wary state due to the fears of it being soon attacked. After all, the MC is dropped in belt-rank for having left the village with Keres Annie and Yumi due to the threat of an attack on the Village which the MC ignored. Yet, upon the wayward trio's return to the village, everything stops to hold a previously unannounced tournament! So, the danger to the Village is sufficient to warrant penalizing people who leave the village, but not such a danger that they can expend their energy taking part in a meaningless tournament. Had an attack occurred during the night following the tournament, who had the energy to defend the Village? In addition, the day following the Tournament, we see the MC and Tamara accepting new jobs for the Ninja Village. How can the Village accept new missions if no one can leave the Village due to the threat of an attack?"

While I can assume that the dev (Flynn) has some grand scheme in mind to bring this story/game to a conclusion, he didn't manage to do much to advance the story.

- sj

 

[Zareem]

Final batch of peeks:

 

[shitass1001]

Final batch of peeks: View attachment 4102371
View attachment 4102375
View attachment 4102376
View attachment 4102377
View attachment 4102378

you should put these in a spoiler, some people dont like sneak peeks

 

[CravinRaven]

It's still early in the story (Rolling up on Ch3), and I'm not putting it down yet, but I am struggling with some aspects.
(Hence why I'm putting this here. Might not play enough of the game to justify a review, and I'd like to voice an opinion, but don't want to affect the rating over personal, non-quality-related issues. Will update or delete this, and possibly write a real review, depending on where I land when I put it down/if I finish it.)

Admittedly, I was already hesitant going in, since one of the implications of the incubus/succubus archetype is a degree of non-consent that I'm not generally comfortable with (a fact that's already been touched upon [Get it?] in the first chapter with Seira.)

The primary issue I have is the fact that the MC looks like 2010 Justin Bieber with elf ears and a literal horse cock.
I know the MCs in these things have a tendency to put most porn stars to shame, but this is kind of ridiculous.
I can attribute some of it to the fact that he's an incubus, but it could be half the size and he'd still be the biggest MC I've played in an AVN, and I've burned through most of the popular titles so far.
(BaD, Once in a Lifetime, Eternum, Ripples, LoF, Broken Dreamers, Love of Magic, Projekt Passion, and several others)
Plus, even the goblin had a bigger dick than most MCs in other games, which leads me to believe this is either a stylistic choice, or a fetish for the dev (and probably many players, I imagine.)
More power to him either way, but it's not for me. I just can't take it seriously knowing that you could literally kill someone with that thing. Aside from the fact that you could just, you know, beat someone to death with it, there's a good chance anyone on the receiving end of that thing would bleed out before it was finished with them. If it weren't fantasy, I doubt I could suspend my belief enough to continue.

There's also an issue with some of the female characters looking too young as well. Particularly Gabbie, who looks like a child with cartoonishly large breasts. I suppose it's a good thing her breasts are as large as they are, or else she alone would be liable to make this game illegal in many countries.
Really, though, it's less the youthful appearances, and more the contrast between girls. Seira is clearly a mature adult woman. Annabelle is clearly a college age girl. Yet next to them, Torr and Yumi look like teenagers. Never mind Gabbie. Without the contrast, you could make a case that it's just the art style, but as it stands, you could probably justify putting a loli tag on this game.

Another minor issue I have is the chime sound whenever a point is earned. It's minor, very minor, but it's such a sharp noise that happens a little too often (Thus far, anyway. Again, I've barely started. It could slow down, or maybe get altered.)
Like I said, very minor issue, but since I'm voicing them anyway, I figured I'd throw it in.

I'm going to muscle through a bit more, at least through a couple sex scenes, but so far, I don't know how I'm going to be able to take it seriously. Hopefully the story/characters/etc. are as good as the reviews suggest, because I'm doubtful that I'll be playing this with my off hand at any point.
Additionally, if anyone feels like they have something to say about the game that might help motivate me, I'm open to it.
Even light spoilers would be acceptable, if it'll spare me from missing out on something particularly good.

 

[shitass1001]

It's still early in the story (Rolling up on Ch3), and I'm not putting it down yet, but I am struggling with some aspects.
(Hence why I'm putting this here. Might not play enough of the game to justify a review, and I'd like to voice an opinion, but don't want to affect the rating over personal, non-quality-related issues. Will update or delete this, and possibly write a real review, depending on where I land when I put it down/if I finish it.)

Admittedly, I was already hesitant going in, since one of the implications of the incubus/succubus archetype is a degree of non-consent that I'm not generally comfortable with (a fact that's already been touched upon [Get it?] in the first chapter with Seira.)

The primary issue I have is the fact that the MC looks like 2010 Justin Bieber with elf ears and a literal horse cock.
I know the MCs in these things have a tendency to put most porn stars to shame, but this is kind of ridiculous.
I can attribute some of it to the fact that he's an incubus, but it could be half the size and he'd still be the biggest MC I've played in an AVN, and I've burned through most of the popular titles so far.
(BaD, Once in a Lifetime, Eternum, Ripples, LoF, Broken Dreamers, Love of Magic, Projekt Passion, and several others)
Plus, even the goblin had a bigger dick than most MCs in other games, which leads me to believe this is either a stylistic choice, or a fetish for the dev (and probably many players, I imagine.)
More power to him either way, but it's not for me. I just can't take it seriously knowing that you could literally kill someone with that thing. Aside from the fact that you could just, you know, beat someone to death with it, there's a good chance anyone on the receiving end of that thing would bleed out before it was finished with them. If it weren't fantasy, I doubt I could suspend my belief enough to continue.

There's also an issue with some of the female characters looking too young as well. Particularly Gabbie, who looks like a child with cartoonishly large breasts. I suppose it's a good thing her breasts are as large as they are, or else she alone would be liable to make this game illegal in many countries.
Really, though, it's less the youthful appearances, and more the contrast between girls. Seira is clearly a mature adult woman. Annabelle is clearly a college age girl. Yet next to them, Torr and Yumi look like teenagers. Never mind Gabbie. Without the contrast, you could make a case that it's just the art style, but as it stands, you could probably justify putting a loli tag on this game.

Another minor issue I have is the chime sound whenever a point is earned. It's minor, very minor, but it's such a sharp noise that happens a little too often (Thus far, anyway. Again, I've barely started. It could slow down, or maybe get altered.)
Like I said, very minor issue, but since I'm voicing them anyway, I figured I'd throw it in.

I'm going to muscle through a bit more, at least through a couple sex scenes, but so far, I don't know how I'm going to be able to take it seriously. Hopefully the story/characters/etc. are as good as the reviews suggest, because I'm doubtful that I'll be playing this with my off hand at any point.
Additionally, if anyone feels like they have something to say about the game that might help motivate me, I'm open to it.
Even light spoilers would be acceptable, if it'll spare me from missing out on something particularly good.

The game gets significantly better after chapter 3, I would recommend sticking with it. The MCs dick size is a bit nuts, but it gets better down the line, another way to look at it is that he is an incubus so it might make sense he has major dong.

The nonconsent angle does come up but its never horrible, usually the characters inhibitions get lowered a bit.

I personally think Gabbie looks good, I like the short stack kinda look. but I can understand how someone might not like it. if she didnt have such big breasts then I would agree with your point about her. I 100% dont think the other characters look like teens, yes they are young, but teens is a stretch. Maybe this is a testament to my tolerance for younger looking characters being higher, I dont know.

Like I said it gets far better after chapter 3, worth playing just for the story in my opinion.

 

[amyxzin]

I'm a bit conflicted with this game...

Long story short : end of S1 is rushed in the relationship between char, it made me drop the game, and it hit hard, 'cause I really liked the game... I mean, beginning was "cute-ish" as in "the very first step of a game" story-wise & render-wise (use of the basics map "plainly", etc.) but writing was good enough to follow with decent amount of humor. Then, as the story progress, so did dev's experience with the engine, and the story felt more and more better, as well as the scene, renders and so on, and so forth. After 2 story arc, which were awesome and let me in awe and craving for more, unfortunately, "it went downhill".

... Well, to be honest, it's a bit of a stretch. "It wasn't up to the standards the game made me expect a this point". Story was still interesting, scene were great, sure... But there were almost no real connection between them, as if all of that was ready to serve, but some rushing matter made the dev cram it inside "because it needed to be finished" or something... Stats, as almost negligible they were before, made no sense at all, because you'll be fucking the girls anyway before closing the chapter, or something along the line.

And... Well, it has been like, 2 months by now ? IDK, but I can't forget this game, it feels like a breakup with a friend/lover because of a misunderstanding, some mistake and lack of effort from both side to patch up. I want to understand "Why ?", not to be judgmental, but to understand whatever reason there is, and to try to make peace with a somewhat lacking end of chapter 1 to, maybe, re-read the game and continue to enjoy it, because it's clearly worth it, but I can't really get over with for now...

Sorry for the renting, the game is good, on many layers, by itself, and by the feeling it convey from watching a person growth and being better with time. Whatever result from this post, I sincerely wish you all the best <3

I think I can understand your feeling. For me, e.g.

Spoiler

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

Most of the scenes were delivered in a way that makes sense, but the absolute cherry on top left me with very conflicting feelings, despite loving everything up until that moment.

 

[SilentType]

No need to pretend the writing in this game has ever been anything other than passable, but the latest updates are just a poor anime ripoff that feels like it was written by a 14 year old.

 

[AlexTorch]

Some people really need to read the FAQ:

Q) There's this inconstancy in the story (basically this part doesn't make sense or contradicts another part).
A) Please note that I'm not G.R.R.M here. I'm not a great story teller and my story will surely have minor (if not major) plot holes. Please feel free to point them out. But please be friendly about it. Any honest and constructive criticism is welcome.

I see people talking shit, nobody giving constructive criticism how he can do better...For me at least, i liked the story, there is some minor things that i can say that i don't like and we don't have choices (mostly my personal preferences) but nothing that i could say "what that fuck is this shit", for his first game, flynn974 is doing a great job, hell, just look at the difference in the chapters, from animation, jokes, music, story, he is getting better and better at every update.

 

[Juerhullycin]

end of season 1 irritated me to no end, those mind fairy cunts where completely pointless patting and we couldn't even gut them after escaping their attack, then the sex scene with Annie out of nowhere. Didnt even touch season 2 yet.

 

[packor]

I see people talking shit, nobody giving constructive criticism how he can do better...

I don't agree. It seems like people having been voicing negative opinions, but most have been civil about it. Negative feedback is not negative criticism. I can't judge the validity of their opinion, nor have I tried to, since I haven't actually played any new versions since my review.

 

[AlexTorch]

I don't agree. It seems like people having been voicing negative opinions, but most have been civil about it. Negative feedback is not negative criticism. I can't judge the validity of their opinion, nor have I tried to, since I haven't actually played any new versions since my review.

Agree with being civil (at least in the last pages), but since "the story is bad" help in anything? Why not for example "this happened and i'm not a fan, maybe could be nice if we could do this and that other than the way is" or for example what Juerhullycin talked about the end of season 1? That is a really good example of a good critisicm, just saying "i don't like the story" or "story is passable" don't help in anything in the developer do somenthing better. Why you don't like? What you think could change or he do better? That's a good way to help the developer.
For example, i don't liked that we killed the fury, but since was that or her keep killing people i choose to kill her, i don't like, but i choose the lesser evil in my opinion, see the difference?

 

[shitass1001]

end of season 1 irritated me to no end, those mind fairy cunts where completely pointless patting and we couldn't even gut them after escaping their attack, then the sex scene with Annie out of nowhere. Didnt even touch season 2 yet.

why are you here?