Ren'Py - The Null Hypothesis [v0.8a] [Ron Chon]

TLDR; Hats to the devs, genuinely wonderful piece of game (art rather) they did here.

• NOT BORING!!
• the unique art is gorgeous
• the animations are quite good
• choices have both short term & long term consequences
• mind-blowing amount of content for a v0.2a
• well-written dialogs and unique personalities of NPCs
• engaging story (more engaging at least than 99% of games here)
• just the right amount of grind (backed and based)
• genius framework setup, ready for extendibility

Longer version:
This game is absolutely incredible, I can join to all the reviews and comments. Based on this quality work, I'm pretty sure that the items, fetishes, positions, interactions which are yet missing are not there simply because the devs have not yet perfected them enough to be added as content confidently. Putting any half-complete mess next to the rest of the good work would be just plain frustrating. For a v0.2 (!!?) the gameplay is amazing, the content is unexpectedly vast, the personalities are well-written and built up while the art... The gorgeous art with those animations are something ultra-attractive. The animations (the only thing that actually made me try a visual novel game) are quite good too. I was totally amazed when I saw that the underwear and accessories appear in different positions (in the state how we left them before changing scene: pulled down, opened, etc.), it was something I was really waiting for but simply nobody did it like this although it really adds to the experience. Other devs don't seem to understand that the most intriguing part of interacting with NPCs is seeing the consequences of your actions instead of jumping into a sandbox which makes you bored after 20 minutes. This game made me spend hours in front of it without being too repetitive or boring. Probably it's because the story vs sandbox (free-roam) ratio is just spot on. The reasoning behind the grind (what you need to progress with the girls) is something I have seen before but swear to god it was never ever implemented so perfectly. You can actually feel and understand the (different type of!!) bond you create with the girls. I also like that you knew that you were unable to implement quality voiced reactions (yet?) during sexual interaction so you simply did not do it. How confident you need to be to go against this? Nothing in this game feels unnecessary or half-finished., every encounter, every item adds something to the overall experience. I'm completely overblown by the fact how well-edited the overall game even early on. I could say great job but that simply does not describe all the effort and talent behind this. Still, well done!

Amazing depth and breadth for such an early release version. The potential here is amazing. I am tremendously excited to follow this one. Exceeded all of my expectations and it's barely getting started.

One of the best first releases I've ever seen on this site. Such a great follow-up or re imagining to the original game. I was shocked how much there was for such an early build, many games on this site that release early have little more than a demo, this has more content than most of the popular games here. Really excited to see where this goes in the future.

I don't usually do reviews, not my cup of tea, this however merits one.
This game has delivered content wise more than a few games, (that shall go unnamed for several reasons), with just an very early alpha version in few months, than the previously mentioned games have in, well years.
Each character has their more or less unique personality and behavior quirks, neither of them being too intrusive or annoying to deal with, and can be discouraged/encouraged depending on your preference. Storyline itself seems to lead somewhere as all, depending on your choices, (Not exactly going full dark side per see, but giving into anger is definitely something most characters remark and seem to disapprove of).
Overall, I do have to say that this has been a pleasant surprise, and all of the best wishes to the devs from here on out.

Even though the game is only in it's first proper iteration, it's an excellent game, even with a couple of bugs.

The characters are likeable and very quickly you want to get to know them. The team has done well to capture the key elements of the characters, from Jean's caring side, to Rogue's inherently kind nature despite her inability to touch. And then you have X-23's cold nature, reflecting her lack of social contact through her life. Progressing through their respective storylines, you find well written revelations of their core, from deep seated insecurities to them finding something new.

The game never feels like it's rushed or it just dumps all progress to your feet rather than pace it you. You have to work to build up the relationship with the girls, earning their trust. The story is so well written that you actively pay attention when you realise you've gotten that little bit further with any of the girls.

The story progression itself works well, with key events serving as milestones in a way to makes absolute sense and it makes you wonder how this will shape Null's future relationship with other characters.

I've spoken about the story and the writing, but the real cherry on the cake is the art. The art is almost something you'd see from the comics, which is a quality you don't see from a lot of games. Seeing this art here helps to elevate the game and I really do hope to see The Null Hypothesis get to the top page of the most popular games.

I've been keeping my eye on this game for some time and seeing the live up to the hype is immensely satisfying. Looking forward to see what comes in the future.

Fantastic progress on this game so far. Great characterisation, incredible art, and not too hard on the grind either. Only thing that I'd like is some improvements on the sex scene mechanics (like the ability to let the girl lead, or just automate the PC's actions).

I will admit. I like many came into this like "oh hi-rez Rouge-like..." but nah the story had me like whaaaaa. SO I LET DIS DEV COOK AND COOK THEY DID!!!!! The conflict. branching storyline, sex scenes, and Kurt makes this all the more better. I can't wait to see what else they have planned cause this is only 0.2a!

Thought I'll review this because it's a project I really like and want to succeed. So ill add my own 2 cents.

First of all, playing this I expected it to be way more of a direct "copy", with different engine and art of it's direct inspiration. I admire their decision to openly admit where they took the inspiration, however to my surprise the game doesn't feel better nor worse than it's inspiration. It actually feels like an alternative with it's own strength and weaknesses and distinct in it's own right.

It has better more well thought out character arcs for not just the main character but all the characters you meet. I really enjoy the characters progression.

The art is arguably prettier than it's inspiration, at least more graphically "beautiful" though I think they are both equally beautiful in each their way.

However, the main strength of the game is how solid the systems seem. I ran into a few bugs, but there are already waaay more clothing options in this game than it's inspiration. And in general the speed of expanding on systems and adding new things seems higher than with it's direct inspiration.

Even so there are some weaknesses for me personally compared to it's inspiration. While playing it's inspiration the H content really does it for me. However, in this game I just enjoyed the story, but never really felt truly aroused even once.

That's due to a variety of factors. Mostly the fact that the game lacks sfx during H scenes, and it lacks "long" animations.

However, it's inspiration has none of those things either, yet it does do it for me. And that's due to the systems the inspiration has in place. Since this game has focused on putting an effort into the story it still is lacking the ability to set up some kinky situations for yourself.

You can in the other game set up scenarios such as threesomes, threesomes in public, public play in general etc.

Additionally in the other game everything feels a lot kinkier because you can take characters that start out aggressive towards you, rude or cold and turn them into submissive love-dovey lovers.

In The Null Hypothesis all the content is gradually unlocked through simply increasing the love the characters feel for you / trust. It is pretty much mostly tied to romance, and not something kinkier. Furthermore, 2 out of the main 3 characters currently start out as the dom in the relationship. You can tell this as any time you let them control the situation you will gain love points with them.

I am all for content for everybody, this is entirely subjective. For me personally, I wouldn't even mind them starting out that way. However, If I could switch the relationship to the MC being the dom over time. I don't need it to be full on mind-break, I acknowledge the game doesn't want to go down that route. Would love to just have the ability to be more dom. I think this is planned though.

TLDR:
A game with an insane amount of potential. Currently it offers a more fleshed out feeling world and story than it's direct inspiration. I really enjoy the story-telling in the game. I enjoy being the MC and seeing his role in the story develop. Furthermore, the visuals are stunning, the attention to details even the menu's are truly gorgeous.

There is an insane amount of content for a first release. Try it, it's definetly worth playing and have a minimal amount of bugs.

The game has the potential to be the best of it's kind. It has gotten so far in very little time.

My personal wishlist
Sfx during H scenes. (especially moans)
The ability to influence the dynamic of our relationship with the LI's more than we currently can.
Allow for more bsdm/light-bdsm consentual and fun, doesn't have to be corrupting or mind-breaking.
Even more outfits (can never get enough) though the start here is amazing.
More variation in the dates and their dialogue.
More variation in activities you can do together and actual scenes for it, if you swim together now you don't even see it. That's a waste of lewd possibilities (or wholesome at first).
Ability to shower together in your room, just more activities.

I have a feeling a lot of my wishlist is just planned content and will come with time. If that is the case, I can't wait for where this game is going. The story-telling is already amazing, keep the character arcs and main story going. I'm hungry for more. Giving it 5 stars for the insane potential. And in it's own right, it's already better than most games.

Fantastic start! In fact, it is so great that despite it being a VERY close remake of the other game, it doesn't feel like a clone at all. Most of my issues are things that a game this early into development wouldn't have anyway. I'm giving it 5 stars out of hope for the future.

My main complaint is that January Jones, ahem, I mean... Emma Frost isn't in the game. Very much hoping for both her and Kitty Pride show up. I do think it would be nice to expand beyond the women featured in the other game. Nice to have a wide diversity of characters and body types.

Also, not sure why, but having Nightcrawler constantly pop up is giving cock-block/ntr vibes. Again, not sure why.

Glad the clothing system is included but haven't found a way to make them wear the outfits you pick out. Not saying it's not possible, just that I couldn't figure it out.

Version 0.2a

I feel the best way to describe The Null Hypothesis is also the worst way because while true, it doesn't nearly convey what has been done here.

The Null Hypothesis does everything its *ahem* predecessor does, but better.

The writing is better, the interpersonal dialogues and character models are better, hell the UI is straight up better. Any art style is subject to personal preference, but I personally love how detailed and expressive the characters are. The little things stood out as well. The Professor, though filling the same role, has gone from the hackneyed 1D cutout hindering force MC needs to subvert to a personality that feels like they serve an actual purpose forwarding the plot. The backdrops, usually an unimportant glossed over feature, look as if they were crafted with as much care as the character models.

I have been loosely following this project for some time. Not enough to know what to expect, but enough to be aware of milestones. Finally decided to give it a try and am so glad I did. This is only a first step, but an amazing one. Devs hit it out of the park! I cannot wait to see where this one goes, especially after reading the planned roadmap teasers.

Sincerely on behalf of my fellow degenerates, well done!

I've been watching the project for a while now and I can honestly say, the team have poured so much love and care into this that it has become something special

It has great potential to grow into an incredible game, the story and art is both fantastic. I love the loop of the gameplay and I can't wait to see what get's add in the future.

Coming out the gate with a strong release, makes me confident the future will be even stronger

Finally, this comes out. I'm so glad to be supporting the developer because this game is everything I could ask for.

I adore the interactions Null has with the other characters: be it Rogue, Laura, Jean or even your brudder from another mom Nightcrawler.

The game is paced slowly enough for you to enjoy these interactions and to get familiar with the characters and enjoy the ride.

I like this a lot.

Top Tier! Cant wait what the dev has planned! Love the optic and everything! Great Visuals, buuuuut it does really take its time to get spicy, which is okay as the story´s still good but no good for a fast one

Easily one of if not my favorite game in its area. The art is phenomenal. The story is engaging, persuasive, and makes you consider the consequences of your actions while also allowing you to throw caution to the wind should you choose to. The sheer amount of content and detail is staggering. There is more content in the first release of this game than there is in other completed games. 10/10

The DREAM X-Men fan game. Ultimate fantasy fulfilment, gorgeous art, incredible presentation. Everything I have ever dreamed of in an X-Men dating sim with such incredible promise and potential. Cannot wait for the full release and cannot contain my excitement. Shaping up to be the greatest game I've ever encountered on this site. <3

Loving the Art.
the game play concepts are more developed than the original inspiration.
everything so far seems to have its own personal touch. Has its own unique art style. So far, the plot has a lot of mystery behind it and is quite intriguing. This has a lot of promise.

Version 0.1a review. A solid foundation to build on. If future releases contain this level of quality, TNH will surely become one of most popular games on this site!

Also, fair warning, before starting the game, make sure you set the volume to low, or you'll be deafened by the opening theme.

Edit- I played the windows version and haven't encountered any bugs yet, apparently the android version is slightly more buggy.

Add Cassandra Nova as a secret character you cowards!!!

The team is building something amazing with lots of potencial and it's really clear that everyone is putting a lot of love and care in each corner of the game. From the art, to the music, to the wrtiting, to the system of the game and even the way they have build a community with the fan base, they are making something really special in here

Man, is this game promising. The art (characters, ui and backgrounds), the animations, the oc music, the interactions between characters. It has some rough edges (various bugs and crashes, just rolling back and trying again seems to overcome the problem), but keep in mind it is currently a preview so these problems are quite acceptable in my opinion. Can't wait to see this game bloom!

A fantastic story teaser! The art style is amazing and really catches your eye. Rogue's outfits look great and add to her character. X-23 is cute and interesting!
Can't wait for the next release and to have access to the sandbox!
In short, this game is a lot of fun and definitely worth playing. Don't miss out!