Epiphany Rant time!
(WARNING! reading this will add NO value to your life or to the gameplay!)
So I've been rationing my HM gameplay time to make it last longer. To kill time, I've been investing my time exploring new and old titles alike. I usually spend an hour or two at the end of each day navigating different storylines, before eventually I start thinking about one of the SLAG pupils, and turn on HM.
So it got me thinking..... WHY do I enjoy this game so much? What makes it so special?
- True, it was one of the first games I truly invested myself in, but that could not be the ONLY reason.
- Also, I am NOT a sadist in real life, and do not enjoy inflicting pain. Quite the opposite actually.
- Is it the visual appeal? The renders and animations have come a long way, but there are many more beautiful games out there.
- Is it the story? Maybe, but again, I've loved the stories of other games as well
- Its definitely NOT the sex, because quite honestly, HM is no fuckfest
Then it started to bother me. I am a left-brained problem solver. Being unable to put my finger on what made this title so special bugged me to no end! I had to think harder and look deeper. I thought and thought, and I looked and looked until I got it!!
There is 1
major factor that makes HM click for me:
Coherence!!!! In most games, there are 3 stages: Introduction, grind, and abject devolution. Once you move past the core achievements / unlockables, the characters transform into unrecognizable nymphomaniacs.
The sweetness, shyness, and even intelligence is all gone! they descend into depravity that, while easy on the eyes and stimulating for the little brain, makes no sense to my big left-brain.
Worse, Even the MC transforms radically, to the point they don't recognize themselves, as evidenced by the frequent use of "I cant believe.... (my luck, myself etc.)" by them.
This is where HM stands apart (and TALL)!! The MC and the NPCs have different conversations, but maintain their personalities! Some examples:
- Debbie is still a (little less) closeted lesbian, and has NOT turned into a cock hungry slut!
- Rachel is still shy, has body envy and is submissive.
- Priti continues to fight her fears little by little, Liquor chocolate was a HUGE deal for her. She did not just wake up one day ready to streak naked through the campus!
- And yes, most importantly,The Headmaster continues to show tremendous restraint and professionalism, NEVER letting his sex drive take the drivers seat. He is always calculating and planning every step.
Other minor points that are also important are having definitive goals to achieve, and the satisfaction you get from them, not having to grind too much, and a (refreshingly) Intelligent MC.
It really felt good having finally solved this conundrum for myself!
If you DID ignore the warning, and read through my epiphany rant, I thank you for your time. However, Like I said, it will add no value to your life or the gameplay... but it WILL make you regard me with a "Are you for real" look... So, lucky for me, the chance of us meeting in real life is less than the chance of the owners of SLAG being anything but rich old creepy people!