Ren'Py Sweet Times [v0.18.9.1] [SLG-Dev]

[Midnight Ghost]

Oh, so much this. I restarted a new game and got through the prologue, suddenly nothing. I went through the libby & sarah scene though the laptop but I have absolutely no clue what to do in Sandbox mode. No one in the house, no indication of where I should go, the only external option was Joey's Cafe, where there's someone at the cafe, but clicking on them does nothing. Talking to Jane is less than useful.

So... WTF, nothing lets me know what to do/where to go, from the folders available there's plenty of content available, I just have absolutely no clue how to get to it. Maybe once the walkthrough is updated it'll add some hints on where to go, but without the walk through adding something, this game is currently useless.

Yeah you need to talk to Libby on mon wed or fri, you can then go talk to jane in the office. Jane will tell you that she can't see you in the office unless Libby is working the front(mon wed fri) otherwise she's out there herself on tues/thur.

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[Sterling_Archer77]

How do you get the Mel scene? Is it just random?

 

[I don't really know]

This will probably come off a bit straight forward

The first and second image are of Footjobs

How much Femdom or Foot content are available in the game?

 

[Joshy92]

wat made u change your mind?

I really like the writing i think it's better than a lot of games on here.

 

[viper217]

To the developer, a slight change to your intro to bring your story right up to current times. Instead of Your are a young man having recently lost you parents in a car accident change it to You are a young man having recently lost your parents in a autonomous car accident. Far more future proof, I recommend this change to all developers who continue to have the MC parents die in car accidents. Why couldn't it be a boating accident, carbon monoxide poisoning, plane crash, house fire, mountain lion attack, there really are so many ways to go.

 

[anon280]

I really like the writing i think it's better than a lot of games on here.

agreed, it has some genuine dialogue in it's writing

 

[anon280]

Sandbox games aren't actually immersive. When it comes down to actually playing the game, the sandbox elements don't actually add anything to the experience, rather they only end up being a waste of time. Whether your focus is telling a story or making great porn, clicking around mindlessly and finding empty environments and just being lost doesn't add anything to either of those. And its waste of time for players while also draining a huge amount of development hours, that doesn't go towards actually telling the story.

The rendering and characters are great.
But I've seen too many games that start off with a lot of cool elements like this,
But eventually lose direction and are abandoned.
If you are greedy, you may miss the point, so it may be better to be faithful to VN itself.

Tangent on sandbox and aesthetically driven VNs below

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[177]

The moment it becomes "freeroam" its just plain old bad. Gave up after 10 min of nothingness

 

[Pinsel]

Yeah, i i usually don't play sandbox-games, because of the above mentioned reasons. One of the best sanbox-games is
Lust Academy. Why?

There is a charactersheet where i can read all about some character and what i have too do. And i have acces from everywere
I can skip time anytime, from everywere
I have acces to the Map anytime, from everywere.
There is no ned to go in my room and laptop for reading messages or texting. I have a Phone
I can move, by klicking on doors, or i use shortcuts for direktly entering a room
You dont like one, you dont have too play his/her playtrough completly.
If i like to go direktly to an event, i can do that in the calendar. From everywhere, anytime.

I hope the developer can improve his game some, because story and quality is good so far. But the sandbox... it took my 10 min to find the shoes, so i could go out, and a other 10 for finding the garden door. wtf

 

[Faxe10%]

Unplayable sandbox for me...waste of time...if you don't like sandbox games avoid this one as it's one of the worst IMO. The Twelve Labors of Hercules were simpler...lol

 

[-DEV-Phil-]

Thank you very much for all the feedback, and after the numerous messages, I would like to speak up once again.



First, a brief mention of the OpenWorld, and hopefully for the last time from my side:



For the next update, I will include a strong disclaimer at the start of the game, warning everyone that they have the option to visit the OpenWorld after the prologue.
If they do not wish to do so, they will be directed straight to the classic VN part and won't have to navigate through the rooms.

I believe that providing the option for players to deviate from the classic VN path (currently accessible through the PC in Dave's room) is a good idea, considering that the game I've built essentially consists of three different VNs, intertwined into one, where each new story part revolves around a journey with one woman.
It's a different approach compared to other games, but it's my thing, and I want to continue it that way.

The OpenWorld serves as a space for supporting characters. For example:

Jane, in the upcoming story parts, probably won't play a major role anymore, but I really like the character model and it would be a shame not to do anything more with her. She won't have a huge story arc, but through what you could call side quests, I'll give her and players who may also like her the opportunity to shed some more light on her life.

I think that when additional story parts featuring the main women, Libby, Victoria, and Mel, are introduced, the whole thing will also become clearer and more understandable.

Currently, everything is still in the development phase, and I believe that's also a significant aspect that many seem to overlook.

Essentially, this project has been in development since the beginning of the year. Roughly speaking, I started two years ago, but the past two years (of which I didn't work on this project for one year) were mostly a learning process for me. I learned how Daz Studio works, how to improve the quality of my renders, and how to enhance various aspects. However, since the beginning of the year, I can say that I have reached the rendering quality I aimed for. Of course, there's always more to learn, but I'm very satisfied with the foundation I have now.

And now I am working on expanding the game and making it a great experience.

And here's the point that I always have to remind myself of when gaming other games.

This is, how should I say... Alpha?

I really don't care if someone likes an open world or not, and it's completely fine to express that.
My main goal in this forum is to get tips on improving the experience. Sure, you don't like open world? That doesn't help me at all because it's already in the game. Tell me what you don't like, and I can try to work around it and make it a better experience for you.
Yes, my open world is currently empty, but maybe you should see it as a starting point. In the last update, I added the ability to visit Mel at night and have outdoor conversations with Vic. In the next update, there will be points in the pool and more. Updates keep adding more and more to that.

Basically, I'm painting a picture right now.
You can only see the initial strokes, but give me time and maybe something will come out of it that you'll enjoy. Maybe not, and that partly depends on you.
Saying that "the stroke there is black and it is shit, fuck you" is absolutely useless.

Hey, I don't like the black stroke there, but maybe try it in red, it might look good."
You won't be able to change the direction of my stroke, but I'm happy to receive help with coloring.

And I've read it more often, "It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to get to the cafe."

Sorry, but the exclamation mark above the shoes is only in the game because of Cookie. I actually wanted to leave it out. I hate it when games are cluttered with HUD elements, and I will continue to try to keep them as minimal as possible in my game.

If you want it to be really fucking easy try Pornhub, from here on you usually reach the goal in 2-5 words.

So to all those who have been following this project for a while, thank you very much for your trust and feedback.

This update 0.18.7 had less of a storyline and was more for the feet guys who message me all the time on Discord, the ones who know they're being referred to.
It was important for two things, to demonstrate how scenes will be replayable in the future and to test the new movie player. And I think both were well received, even though feets are not everyone's cup of tea (including mine), I tried to incorporate that here and maybe made some people happy.

And for all those who see potential in this, but feel like it's not happening fast enough,
Just check out my

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if you have a little extra each month, I appreciate any support here.

But one last thing,

What's this all about?

Maximus0 1.00 star(s)
It's 100% a visual novel. Not a single sandbox element at all. No locations. There's nothing to do besides read dialogue.
The story is pretty generic. Absolute waste of my time.
The renders are nice though.

If everyone complains that my open world is so empty, and then I receive a negative review because I don't have one, I slowly lose interest in this forum.

Sure, please rate your experience as you currently have it, but please keep in mind that we are at the beginning of the journey here.

If you liked some of it, come back in 1-2 months and maybe there will be more of that.

Until then, thank you for your time.

Phil

 

[Nezron]

game was going so well, getting to know the girls... then BAM. SANDBOX MODE... click on a bunch of doors in the house, no clue where to go. I just don't get it... is it a cry from the developer.... "Please go find something more entertaining" ??? because that is what sandbox click click click does to me.

sucks I was getting into it. But not enough to endure clicking on doors trying to find something to do.

and sorry to the developer, I should have read the above post first. my bad.

 

[-DEV-Phil-]

game was going so well, getting to know the girls... then BAM. SANDBOX MODE... click on a bunch of doors in the house, no clue where to go. I just don't get it... is it a cry from the developer.... "Please go find something more entertaining" ??? because that is what sandbox click click click does to me.

sucks I was getting into it. But not enough to endure clicking on doors trying to find something to do.

and sorry to the developer, I should have read the above post first. my bad.

Don't apologize, I need to apologize.

Today, I learned something new again. As mentioned above, I will incorporate a disclaimer, and at the end of the prologue, I will let the player decide once again whether they want to play in the classic VN style or visit the open world mentioned above.

I will implement that in version 0.18.8.

After each update, there are always comments from people who are completely surprised by the open world. I know how easy it is to skip or overlook things, so I can't entirely blame the player. I will make it even more obvious.

Best regards,

Phil

 

[Nezron]

Don't apologize, I need to apologize.

Today, I learned something new again. As mentioned above, I will incorporate a disclaimer, and at the end of the prologue, I will let the player decide once again whether they want to play in the classic VN style or visit the open world mentioned above.

I will implement that in version 0.18.8.

After each update, there are always comments from people who are completely surprised by the open world. I know how easy it is to skip or overlook things, so I can't entirely blame the player. I will make it even more obvious.

Best regards,

Phil

I know you have done a lot of work on your game, and you have an idea of what you want to make. I really liked the prologue. I know you said you want to keep the sandbox for introducing or keep using side characters. But unfortunately given an option people like me will totally skip sandbox, will probably not see your hard work if they are only in sandbox...

well anyway I will check out 0.18.8 when it comes out... best of luck. peace.

 

[CamaroFan432]

Don't apologize, I need to apologize.

Today, I learned something new again. As mentioned above, I will incorporate a disclaimer, and at the end of the prologue, I will let the player decide once again whether they want to play in the classic VN style or visit the open world mentioned above.

I will implement that in version 0.18.8.

After each update, there are always comments from people who are completely surprised by the open world. I know how easy it is to skip or overlook things, so I can't entirely blame the player. I will make it even more obvious.

Best regards,

Phil

I think the biggest problem right now is, that nobody has a clue how to trigger events or the main story parts. My suggestion therefor would be, why not include a progress tracker/questlog, that is easy to access via a button in on of the corners. The renders do look good, but most people are tired of wandering around in empty rooms without a clue. Too many sandbox games do that, it's the major mistake most devs make besides adding horrendous stat grinding, but some devs are even able to add that to VNs.

 

[Cirdon]

I followed your advice and selected the VN items from the PC.

There's one.

Exactly One.

So I followed the instructions Midnight Ghost was nice enough to provide to me and I got to Janes office, had that conversation, cleared some stuff out of the store room, etc.

I didn't understand why that had to enable foot fetish stuff and couldn't just be take pictures of a beautiful woman and lusty shenanigans can ensure, but having read your message I now understand why that was the case.

I really don't care if someone likes an open world or not, and it's completely fine to express that.
My main goal in this forum is to get tips on improving the experience. Sure, you don't like open world? That doesn't help me at all because it's already in the game. Tell me what you don't like, and I can try to work around it and make it a better experience for you.

Tips on improving the experience: MAP, clicking on doors and crap is painfully show and just because of target size I will always go to the MC's bathroom instead of the exit first.

Idle behaviors to pass time other than clicking on the bed. Watch TV, take a shower, go for a hike, look for jobs online, surf porn, play adult games, whatever. If you're trying to make it more immersive, give me ways to pass the time that don't break that immersion.

Phone, with the calendar in it so I don't have to keep returning to the MC's room to look at it.

Status screens of the ladies and what I'm doing with any of them. Do not expect the player to remember that they were going to take pictures with Jane when it's been three months since they were able to start that journey. I, the player, shouldn't have to take notes in order to remember things that happen in your game, the MC should have a journal/status screen to remember them for the player.

This game's vibe doesn't really fit Quests/Quest lists, but a journal that the MC updates or just productivity software / todo list that the MC uses to keep track of all the new things he's learning and needs to do make perfect sense with the vibe of the game.

Yes, my open world is currently empty, but maybe you should see it as a starting point. In the last update, I added the ability to visit Mel at night and have outdoor conversations with Vic. In the next update, there will be points in the pool and more. Updates keep adding more and more to that.

There are Zero entries for Mel in the calendar. There's no time that I as a player, am aware she's in the house to interact with, why is that?

I found Victoria outside once Saturday afternoon, once Sunday morning, and nowhere to be found Sunday afternoon though the calendar says she should be in the garden.

I remember an earlier version of the game where I went to work with Victoria and got hired to work with her, I can't see any obvious way to trigger that happening. I can't see any way to trigger the swimsuit shopping trip talked about in the prologue, etc.

 

[-DEV-Phil-]

I followed your advice and selected the VN items from the PC.

There's one.

Exactly One.

So I followed the instructions Midnight Ghost was nice enough to provide to me and I got to Janes office, had that conversation, cleared some stuff out of the store room, etc.

I didn't understand why that had to enable foot fetish stuff and couldn't just be take pictures of a beautiful woman and lusty shenanigans can ensure, but having read your message I now understand why that was the case.



Tips on improving the experience: MAP, clicking on doors and crap is painfully show and just because of target size I will always go to the MC's bathroom instead of the exit first.

Idle behaviors to pass time other than clicking on the bed. Watch TV, take a shower, go for a hike, look for jobs online, surf porn, play adult games, whatever. If you're trying to make it more immersive, give me ways to pass the time that don't break that immersion.

Phone, with the calendar in it so I don't have to keep returning to the MC's room to look at it.

Status screens of the ladies and what I'm doing with any of them. Do not expect the player to remember that they were going to take pictures with Jane when it's been three months since they were able to start that journey. I, the player, shouldn't have to take notes in order to remember things that happen in your game, the MC should have a journal/status screen to remember them for the player.

This game's vibe doesn't really fit Quests/Quest lists, but a journal that the MC updates or just productivity software / todo list that the MC uses to keep track of all the new things he's learning and needs to do make perfect sense with the vibe of the game.



There are Zero entries for Mel in the calendar. There's no time that I as a player, am aware she's in the house to interact with, why is that?

I found Victoria outside once Saturday afternoon, once Sunday morning, and nowhere to be found Sunday afternoon though the calendar says she should be in the garden.

I remember an earlier version of the game where I went to work with Victoria and got hired to work with her, I can't see any obvious way to trigger that happening. I can't see any way to trigger the swimsuit shopping trip talked about in the prologue, etc.

To much of what you wrote, a clear yes.

I just realized, how are people supposed to know what I'm planning for the game if I don't tell them?

So here are a few things:

A side menu - as I have mentioned before, I want to minimize the use of HUD elements in my game. I'm planning to have a side menu, possibly in the form of a mobile phone that can be pulled out and pushed back in. It will contain things like a story tracker, map, and SMS functions. The PC in Dave's room is temporary at the moment. I was able to set it up like a location, but instead of a room, you see a PC monitor. This was the easiest way for me to implement it for now.

But I have to say, I can't do it alone. Currently, the work on it is not a priority. I only have basic programming knowledge, far from enough to accomplish it on my own. Currently, I'm working on triggering events based on time, for example, receiving a message 3 days after another event. I'm getting help with this in the forum, but still, it's difficult for me to implement it alone. The more custom code you have in a game, the less copy-pasting there is for new things.

Right now, the focus is on creating the first three storylines for the girls and bringing some life into the open world. Once this is completed, hopefully with version 0.19, I want to arrange a proper programmer to work on the discussed features with me. However, I want to be able to pay this person. It's important to me that people are rewarded for their work. And this is the tricky part too. I recently lost my well-paying job, and I can no longer afford to spend money as easily as before. That's why I'm laying the groundwork. I see version 0.19 more as a showcase, a way of saying, "Look what I have. I'd like to do more, but I need support. If you want more, support me on Patreon."

So yes, I want many of the things that are missing here to be in the game. Unfortunately, I currently don't have the skills or resources to implement them. But I always say, brick by brick, someday it might become a house.

Idle behaviors to pass time other than clicking on the bed. Watch TV, take a shower, go for a hike, look for jobs online, surf porn, play adult games, whatever. If you're trying to make it more immersive, give me ways to pass the time that don't break that immersion.

Useless minigames that are only there to increase the grind and artificially stretch the time, I wanted to keep them away from my game. Currently, you can mess with time through the bed and the TV in the living room, more will follow here like the pool or a cafe drink etc. and later on, you'll also be able to do it on your phone.

There are Zero entries for Mel in the calendar. There's no time that I as a player, am aware she's in the house to interact with, why is that?

I found Victoria outside once Saturday afternoon, once Sunday morning, and nowhere to be found Sunday afternoon though the calendar says she should be in the garden.

I remember an earlier version of the game where I went to work with Victoria and got hired to work with her, I can't see any obvious way to trigger that happening. I can't see any way to trigger the swimsuit shopping trip talked about in the prologue, etc.

Right now, that's not in the game to play, the story part is being revised after Victoria's 1 Part and will then be reintroduced. However, Mel's part is likely to require the most work since I wasn't pleased with the story part and a lot will be changed.

 

[moovigym]

It's nice to see Dev actively trying to communicate.
.
The reason why some people, myself included, are expressing concern about the sandbox is probably
Because they've seen a lot of games that look plausible on the outside but are eventually abandoned like empty cans.
.
As far as I remember, the first version after alpha came out in early 2021
And there were also concerns about sandboxes at the time.
.
Choosing what you want to experience is undeniably the most attractive element of the open world.
But considering the time that has passed, i feel that there are fewer elements to experience.
.
Your renderings, characters, and writing are great enough.
So I think Dev should choose and focus on reality and ideals.

 

[goulet1995]

unless im completly missing it i cant find this vn path on the pc i see the calender thta tells you where you might find someone then theres the girls of sweet times option but there isnt anything in there and there is no hint system to point me at what to do i am absolutly lost. if you plan yo have a way to experience the game like a vn and not a sandbox why not do it similar to lust academy not a great game imo but one thing it does well is let me avoid grindy clickfest sandbox stuff.

 

[Nightwing94]

what are the choices for the flight attendant plane scene. tried all choices but never got it