VN Ren'Py Succession [Demo] [Covert Ape]

[JJJ84]

Just finished the demo and gotta say I'm quite liking the premise and the characters.

Though I guess the two which stands out the most to me are Catherine & Claudia.

Catherine, because well I do have a weakness for LIs who initially have that bitchy & arrogant attitude/cold exterior but eventually melts with development of relationship with the MC.
And Claudia, while she's barely in this demo, her scene of how she meets with MC is the most memorable out of every single LI in the game (and ngl, I like her character design the most out of all the ladies).

So good luck with the game CovertApe. Looking forward to where the story leads with this one.

 

[jish55]

Hi there!

I got your feedback, thank you! It's really helpful. Will definitely take it on board as we continue to develop

Kitty isn't for everyone, I just feel it's important that MC isn't a blank slate for this story specifically.

Lady Ape
xx

As I brought up in a previous post, my only hope is that you don't sideline Kitty in this story (cause it already feels like it's being set up to focus mainly on the family, which means she won't be around much, especially since mc is currently staying at the mansion).

 

[khoasin]

Done the demo, shorter than i expected. The writting is not bad, mc is not a dumbass that take insults for no reasons, being a bouncer set this guy to be street smart and tough so please, never even let him have a choice of being a lil bitch.
Other characters's main roles in the story get revealed a little too soon i guess, like the uncle doesn't seem to be the actual threat but just a average greedy man always show out his meanie sides.
The predetermined to be 4x 10ep seasons may jinx this game very much since not many "seasonal" games actually finish their journey without constant meaningless dramas that drag the game way too long.
I hope the team can at least manage to release 1 episode per month to maintain the hype and hope of supporters, time is the hardest thing to handle.

Edit:
I guess that your plan is in 4 seasons mc will overcome all struggle to win the succession and got his girls's endings but i hope the race phase will finish sooner to leave rooms for the "being a duke" phase. Many stories focus too much on its premise and forget the goldmine of contents they standing on.

 

[CovertApe]

As I brought up in a previous post, my only hope is that you don't sideline Kitty in this story (cause it already feels like it's being set up to focus mainly on the family, which means she won't be around much, especially since mc is currently staying at the mansion).

Don't worry Kitty is here to stay if the MC wants her around.

 

[CovertApe]

Done the demo, shorter than i expected. The writting is not bad, mc is not a dumbass that take insults for no reasons, being a bouncer set this guy to be street smart and tough so please, never even let him have a choice of being a lil bitch.
Other characters's main roles in the story get revealed a little too soon i guess, like the uncle doesn't seem to be the actual threat but just a average greedy man always show out his meanie sides.
The predetermined to be 4x 10ep seasons may jinx this game very much since not many "seasonal" games actually finish their journey without constant meaningless dramas that drag the game way too long.
I hope the team can at least manage to release 1 episode per month to maintain the hype and hope of supporters, time is the hardest thing to handle.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you're enjoying MC, we don't want him to be a pushover, just a fish out of water who is navigating a new world. I think you might be surprised at where some of these characters go with their stories. I chose four seasons based on four locations where the family are based as part of the Duke's conditions. We'll do our best to release as fast as possible. Funding expediates this process so we can allocate more time to the project, with only one of the three team members able to work fulltime right now on the game. But even without funding, they'll still get released.

Lady Ape
xx

 

[CovertApe]

Just finished the demo and gotta say I'm quite liking the premise and the characters.

Though I guess the two which stands out the most to me are Catherine & Claudia.

Catherine, because well I do have a weakness for LIs who initially have that bitchy & arrogant attitude/cold exterior but eventually melts with development of relationship with the MC.
And Claudia, while she's barely in this demo, her scene of how she meets with MC is the most memorable out of every single LI in the game (and ngl, I like her character design the most out of all the ladies).

So good luck with the game CovertApe. Looking forward to where the story leads with this one.

Thanks so much for trying out the demo!

So happy you've found at least a couple characters you resonate with. There will be a few more introduced on the horizon, as well <3

Thanks again for your feedback!

Lady Ape
xx

 

[nerevarforget]

While I'm here, I'll give you a small tip. You seem very malleable. Maybe too much so. I don't know if you picked up on it yet, but you will inevitably run into (you already have) some people that are self-inserting way too hard. They play these games for the single minded purpose of living out their incel fantasies. This means all the women need to pass their purity test and be worthy of their attention. You saw how some people fixated on the non-monogamous starting point of the relationship with the stripper. And well, her stripper status is another strike. She belongs to the streets, in their minds, regardless of what kind of nuance you want to put on that relationship set up. Then you see the gold digging mother accusations. I mean, she could very well be a gold digger, but the potential drama or narrative potential that may derive from that is meaningless to them. She is a bitch that is ruined, she ain't pure of heart. Of course, not everyone is this extreme, but if you have some ideas in mind for the characters that deviate from the generally good girl archetypes whose motives are simply to be the best girl for the MC, be prepared to filter out some of the "feedback." Like you may want to give the step-girls selfish motivations for choosing MC over the brother, but perhaps that ruins these LIs for some players.

Take feedback that aligns with your vision, but don't just try to please everyone.

Nice job insulting people and blanket projecting that onto everyone who was displeased with the character. I'm not going to speak for everyone who was unhappy with her, but I'll explain why I was.

This is a porn game. Everyone has different sexual preferences. Something I'm personally not into is "loose women", whether that be strippers, camgirls, onlyfans models, or sexually promiscuous love interests. That's not self insetion or "incel fantasies", that's just a matter of being turned off by it. A good example is not liking something like rape porn—that doesn't mean someone is "self inserting", they just don't like rape.

The developer is specifically asking for feedback. People are giving feedback. Don't get on your moral high horse because you personally disagree with said feedback.

 

[khoasin]

Nice job insulting people and blanket projecting that onto everyone who was displeased with the character. I'm not going to speak for everyone who was unhappy with her, but I'll explain why I was.

This is a porn game. Everyone has different sexual preferences. Something I'm personally not into is "loose women", whether that be strippers, camgirls, onlyfans models, or sexually promiscuous love interests. That's not self insetion or "incel fantasies", that's just a matter of being turned off by it. A good example is not liking something like rape porn—that doesn't mean someone is "self inserting", they just don't like rape.

The developer is specifically asking for feedback. People are giving feedback. Don't get on your moral high horse because you personally disagree with said feedback.

Didn't expect many normal person here but better than trying to be the "im not like the others" guy.
And yes, me too personally do not found "promiscuous" characters my likings but i'm never gonna demand the devs to "fix" them for my taste.
If the devs want their characters to be likable then they will give them likable traits, same as promiscuous characters, as long as the overall story can be built well with them.

 

[Shabrani_Goudou]

Wow, 4 seasons of 10 eps ? well good luck.

Also, this is a goddamn snake basket, I would have loved the option to gtfo of the mansion asap, just for funsies, but I guess there wouldn't be a game in that case, so, yeah.

 

[Beast Within]

Didn't expect many normal person here but better than trying to be the "im not like the others" guy.
And yes, me too personally do not found "promiscuous" characters my likings but i'm never gonna demand the devs to "fix" them for my taste.
If the devs want their characters to be likable then they will give them likable traits, same as promiscuous characters, as long as the overall story can be built well with them.

dev asked for feedback and in that feedback there are also suggestions. dev can take it or leave it. it is feedback for his consideration. hell, a few posts up he even mentioned he wanted the players to ask for tags. so I dont know what your point is.

I wont even bother with the self projecting dude who called eveyone who dont like sex workers incels.

sex workers of any kind and promiscuous lis have never worked in a harem game no matter how hard the devs tried to make them appealing. you are here since 2019. I am suprised you didnt notice.

 

[Naps-On-Dirt]

Enjoyed this intro. I can't tell you how happy I am that this game's models have human proportions. Pay no attention to those that think women's breasts don't stop growing until age 40 so all milfs should have huuuuge boobs.

A comment about Catherine, the resident tsundere. Be careful not to gate all progress of her warming to the MC behind player choices that pit spending time with her vs another LI or some other activity. There are obviously players who have already professed their devotion to her and look forward to being crushed under her heels or whatever, but there are others with a little more self respect just kidding guys! that won't put up with her until she can at least be civil. Devs often cause a chicken-and-the-egg situation where the tsundere only becomes less prickly through choices, but a player not blinded by lust has no motivation to choose in her favor so the character gets sidelined and forgotten. Also the choices with tsunderes are often to return the abuse (verbal or otherwise) to show you have a spine to "earn their respect" or some such crap, instead of something mature like setting boundaries with them. (Like "don't talk to me until you can do so without yelling and insults.") Maybe a femdom path is planned for her, but a platonic path where she eventually treats the MC as a peer and friend would be a welcome addition.

Yeah, a lot of people don't like pre-existing relationships, so that'll get you complaints. As long as you provide an out for the MC early on so those who want to can choose to end it with Kitty, the grumbling will keep to a minimum.

Dev asked for what characters we liked best, from the scenes so far my favorites are Kitty and Suki. There wasn't enough interaction with Claudia but from her character page I expect she and the MC will get along well. Howie seemed like he may be cool but there wasn't much showing his opinion about what went on so we'll have to see. Grayson is a douchelord and has a very punchable face, but I'm sure all that is as intended. I was pleasantly surprised that Miriam wasn't an aggressive cougar with giant tits, I hope she stays that way.

 

[JJJ84]

A comment about Catherine, the resident tsundere. Be careful not to gate all progress of her warming to the MC behind player choices that pit spending time with her vs another LI or some other activity. There are obviously players who have already professed their devotion to her and look forward to being crushed under her heels or whatever, but there are others with a little more self respect just kidding guys! that won't put up with her until she can at least be civil. Devs often cause a chicken-and-the-egg situation where the tsundere only becomes less prickly through choices, but a player not blinded by lust has no motivation to choose in her favor so the character gets sidelined and forgotten. Also the choices with tsunderes are often to return the abuse (verbal or otherwise) to show you have a spine to "earn their respect" or some such crap, instead of something mature like setting boundaries with them. (Like "don't talk to me until you can do so without yelling and insults.") Maybe a femdom path is planned for her, but a platonic path where she eventually treats the MC as a peer and friend would be a welcome addition.

I think taking an example from recent games, probably Catherine's tsundere aspect could be a right fusion between the LI Bella from OceanLab's "Summer's Gone" & LI Mathilda from GleenX Studio's "SnowStorm" (though, if the FemDom is being considered, for that would be completely different examples than ones I've given, since I'm not really into femdom, so.....)

Guess it would depend on whether the devs are willing to try out other games & study characters in those games to see if they have any value they can add to their own characters.

 

[Pr0GamerJohnny]

Nice job insulting people and blanket projecting that onto everyone who was displeased with the character. I'm not going to speak for everyone who was unhappy with her, but I'll explain why I was.

This is a porn game. Everyone has different sexual preferences. Something I'm personally not into is "loose women", whether that be strippers, camgirls, onlyfans models, or sexually promiscuous love interests. That's not self insetion or "incel fantasies", that's just a matter of being turned off by it. A good example is not liking something like rape porn—that doesn't mean someone is "self inserting", they just don't like rape.

The developer is specifically asking for feedback. People are giving feedback. Don't get on your moral high horse because you personally disagree with said feedback.

There's nothing wrong with one's fantasies focusing on 1-on-1 meaningful relationships. However, do note in your prior post your sticking point was specifically on the women's fidelity while unburdened by the mc's. Expecting porn fantasies of chaste women mixed with a caddish MC is exactly what I'd imagine des was characterizing as 'incel fantasies' above.

 

[Naps-On-Dirt]

I think taking an example from recent games, probably Catherine's tsundere aspect could be a right fusion between the LI Bella from OceanLab's "Summer's Gone" & LI Mathilda from GleenX Studio's "SnowStorm" (though, if the FemDom is being considered, for that would be completely different examples than ones I've given, since I'm not really into femdom, so.....)

Guess it would depend on whether the devs are willing to try out other games & study characters in those games to see if they have any value they can add to their own characters.

I haven't played SnowStorm, I'll take a look. I know that I really disliked Bella and refused to finish trying her path because the MC decided he loved her before I as a player forgave her for her prank against the step-sister. But she is a perfect example of a tsundere that you're forced to interact with (which I hated, I didn't want to do any of the shopping or sneaking around with her) in order to make her be less hateful, but is so repulsive in the first place that I get away from her as soon as the game allows. So all the work the dev put into her path is wasted on players that require a little bit of work on the tsundere's part to be palatable. Bella never came close even ON her path, at least for as far as I got.

I know it is considered uncouth to discuss other games' characters and I do apologize for that, but as the dev kinda asked for this sorta input I hope it will be forgiven.

 

[JJJ84]

I haven't played SnowStorm, I'll take a look. I know that I really disliked Bella and refused to finish trying her path because the MC decided he loved her before I as a player forgave her for her prank against the step-sister. But she is a perfect example of a tsundere that you're forced to interact with (which I hated, I didn't want to do any of the shopping or sneaking around with her) in order to make her be less hateful, but is so repulsive in the first place that I get away from her as soon as the game allows. So all the work the dev put into her path is wasted on players that require a little bit of work on the tsundere's part to be palatable. Bella never came close even ON her path, at least for as far as I got.

I know it is considered uncouth to discuss other games' characters and I do apologize for that, but as the dev kinda asked for this sorta input I hope it will be forgiven.

I mean, I really love Bella as a LI, but it is what it is I suppose.
Different strokes for different folks, some will love a LI, some will hate a LI.

I think I remember dev of this game saying before with every LI, the player can decide whether MC romances or not?
But I'd guess there still would be at least some degree of minimum interaction even if the relationship is kept platonic & not romantic.

 

[CovertApe]

I haven't played SnowStorm, I'll take a look. I know that I really disliked Bella and refused to finish trying her path because the MC decided he loved her before I as a player forgave her for her prank against the step-sister. But she is a perfect example of a tsundere that you're forced to interact with (which I hated, I didn't want to do any of the shopping or sneaking around with her) in order to make her be less hateful, but is so repulsive in the first place that I get away from her as soon as the game allows. So all the work the dev put into her path is wasted on players that require a little bit of work on the tsundere's part to be palatable. Bella never came close even ON her path, at least for as far as I got.

I know it is considered uncouth to discuss other games' characters and I do apologize for that, but as the dev kinda asked for this sorta input I hope it will be forgiven.

Any feedback (even comparisons to other characters in the AVN sphere are welcome - I am here to gather ALLLL the information - and it will also let me know which games to check out.) On the note of the tsundere in the room - I think many people will love Catherine's path. She is a fierce woman, but she is also afraid and we know what most creatures do when they are scared - they lash out and make themselves look as big as possible. While I present many of the girls with well known tropes and stereotypes on first glance, I think they will surprise you, too. I don't like women to be too 'cookie cutter' in their types without going absolutely left field with their presentation. (Disclosure: I am a woman myself, so this information is crucial as I have a different perspective on this genre and how women are presented. But I need perspective on how women are perceived by the opposite sex, too.)

Thanks for all your feedback and discussions!

Lady Ape
xx

 

[CovertApe]

Enjoyed this intro. I can't tell you how happy I am that this game's models have human proportions. Pay no attention to those that think women's breasts don't stop growing until age 40 so all milfs should have huuuuge boobs.

A comment about Catherine, the resident tsundere. Be careful not to gate all progress of her warming to the MC behind player choices that pit spending time with her vs another LI or some other activity. There are obviously players who have already professed their devotion to her and look forward to being crushed under her heels or whatever, but there are others with a little more self respect just kidding guys! that won't put up with her until she can at least be civil. Devs often cause a chicken-and-the-egg situation where the tsundere only becomes less prickly through choices, but a player not blinded by lust has no motivation to choose in her favor so the character gets sidelined and forgotten. Also the choices with tsunderes are often to return the abuse (verbal or otherwise) to show you have a spine to "earn their respect" or some such crap, instead of something mature like setting boundaries with them. (Like "don't talk to me until you can do so without yelling and insults.") Maybe a femdom path is planned for her, but a platonic path where she eventually treats the MC as a peer and friend would be a welcome addition.

Yeah, a lot of people don't like pre-existing relationships, so that'll get you complaints. As long as you provide an out for the MC early on so those who want to can choose to end it with Kitty, the grumbling will keep to a minimum.

Dev asked for what characters we liked best, from the scenes so far my favorites are Kitty and Suki. There wasn't enough interaction with Claudia but from her character page I expect she and the MC will get along well. Howie seemed like he may be cool but there wasn't much showing his opinion about what went on so we'll have to see. Grayson is a douchelord and has a very punchable face, but I'm sure all that is as intended. I was pleasantly surprised that Miriam wasn't an aggressive cougar with giant tits, I hope she stays that way.

Again, thanks so much for your feedback <3

We love human women with realistic qualities. Really happy you've resonated so well with them (and wanted to punch the same ones I do ).

Lady Ape
xx

 

[JJJ84]

Any feedback (even comparisons to other characters in the AVN sphere are welcome - I am here to gather ALLLL the information - and it will also let me know which games to check out.) On the note of the tsundere in the room - I think many people will love Catherine's path. She is a fierce woman, but she is also afraid and we know what most creatures do when they are scared - they lash out and make themselves look as big as possible. While I present many of the girls with well known tropes and stereotypes on first glance, I think they will surprise you, too. I don't like women to be too 'cookie cutter' in their types without going absolutely left field with their presentation. (Disclosure: I am a woman myself, so this information is crucial as I have a different perspective on this genre and how women are presented. But I need perspective on how women are perceived by the opposite sex, too.)

Thanks for all your feedback and discussions!

Lady Ape
xx

Thanks for taking the feedback of us with warm reception, especially given we are simply ranting out opinions .

I do wish the talk about Kitty and loose woman/LI's fidelity etc etc talk would stop from people though.
My personal thoughts on the matter putting aside, both sides have shared their takes on it and it just seems to be going on and on.
Such matter ongoing I just don't see it boding well for this thread with endless argument back and forth.

Same issue was present in another game's (name which I won't mention) thread on this site, and at one point it had gotten so bad that a moderator had to intervene and did a mass-deletion ("mass cleansing") of whole bunch of posts because the thread became a literal dumpster fire of in-fighting mess.

Here's hoping both sides of that debate just move on (instead discuss other more positive aspects of the game) and history doesn't repeat again here.....

 

[tornasunder4994]

i was intrigued by the game and honestly hope that the implication of sandbox was misleading. i would like to see where the story goes and sandbox is for the most part a VN killer.

 

[CovertApe]

Thanks for taking the feedback of us with warm reception, especially given we are simply ranting out opinions .

I do wish the talk about Kitty and loose woman/LI's fidelity etc etc talk would stop from people though.
My personal thoughts on the matter putting aside, both sides have shared their takes on it and it just seems to be going on and on.
Such matter ongoing I just don't see it boding well for this thread with endless argument back and forth.

Same issue was present in another game's (name which I won't mention) thread on this site, and at one point it had gotten so bad that a moderator had to intervene and did a mass-deletion ("mass cleansing") of whole bunch of posts because the thread became a literal dumpster fire of in-fighting mess.

Here's hoping both sides of that debate just move on (instead discuss other more positive aspects of the game) and history doesn't repeat again here.....

I agree. We're just here to make love not war (and sexy games, obviously.)

I hope there's a little something in the game that suits everyone's 'perfect girl' tastes, and it's totally ok if they don't live up to every single person's expectations. The girls are who they are.

Lady Ape
xx