VN - Ren'Py - ToxiCity [v0.04] [ILSProductions]

(Reviewed through v.0.04)

If you're familiar with ILS' previous games, you'll know them to be narrative masterpieces that ooze atmosphere. Though early in its development, ToxiCity seems to be headed on a similar trajectory. An upgrade in graphics engine over the last game brings some welcome changes, though the story is (so far) more claustrophobic.

Premise: A mysterious toxic fog overtakes a city and traps the MC (and a few others) in a desolate cityscape.

The Good ()

• Increasingly interesting LI characters that have credible backstories and are just forming relationships with MC
• Improved graphics over dev's previous games (Honey Select 2 vs. Honey Select)
• Great narrative build-up and story development
• Real drama and suspense with some emerging horror elements
• Good use of animation and sound effects
• Great consistency in releasing regular updates

The Not-So-Good ()

• Small group of potential LIs (so far) compared to dev's previous games
• Not a ton of H-scenes (yet) but given dev's previous games, expect that to be remedied in future updates
• While the graphics are improved, they are not the strong point of other titles
• Some availability of choice, but this is mostly a kinetic novel versus a true game
• The MC is practically the same character as the dev's previous games

A must-play if you enjoyed the dev's other offerings. This title has more dread and foreboding that is just unraveling, making future updates highly anticipated.

So, I will rate this because I really liked my playthrough (v0.0.4)

The bad:

The mediocre:
I'm not a big fan of the graphics. I mean, even the company who made Honey Select doesn't exist anymore (a shame, too). But it works for the game, as the most interesting part is the storytelling.

The good: Nice pacing. A bit to wordy, but still very good text. MC is relatable, not super, not a tool, a cool guy with a head on his shoulders. He has been around, seen stuff and learned from it. The girls also got believable personalities. And all of them have stupid human damages. Although the story itself is not (yet) very new, the way they act in the situation and adapt is very well told. The developement to the physical intimacy doesn't see rushed.
And, most important, I was annoyed, when I got to the end of the story so far, because I wanted more. The cliffhanger, I don't know if we needed that, though.

Well earned easy 5 Stars

A DAMN good game. Really good and believable writing makes the characters feel real and not just generic tropes or side pieces. The build up from the fog is extremely good and hits a nice peak. Looks wise, the characters all look believable. Yeah the girls are good looking but they aren't barbie status, they look real. The game has a really nice feeling of eerie suspense, where you never really feel safe. Honestly super well done, an easy recommend to anyone looking for a real game and not just a quick porn game.

This is a nice blend of Stephen Kings "The Fog" and Now&Then, so far. This creator has a very particular way of telling stories with a lot of focus on internal monologue and detailed descriptions of the MCs feelings and ideas. The setting is carefully laid out and events happen in slow succession that we learned to love from ILS novels.

I would recommend this for people who enjoy classical, slow-paced storytelling with a focus on solving mysteries alongside the MC, developing relationships with a limited cast of characters, often feeling like a chamber-play. Choices are there but I can't tell whether they have noticeable impact. Lewdness serves as a vehicle to emphasize bonding between characters and is not just a pornographic exercise.
The best selling point is probably the overall writing and the play with limited visual elements. ILS novels usually have a rather melancholic vibe that you won't find in other visual novels. And while the main plot points are usually not the most innovative, they are still carried by a unique and emotionally rich atmosphere.

Man this is awesome and even tho horror isnt my thing, this kind of story are far better than most of the drama in college,household story from most of the games on this platform.

The mystery makes me wanting more and more and doesnt makes me really care so much with the lewd scene, the renders is fine, 2 of the girls looks identical tbh and not really that pretty but decent enough ( not ugly at least ).

My hope that this journey could get them meet more people especially females, because its kinda a little bit dull if only 2 LI through out the whole game in the end.

Masterful storytelling and improved art from the maker of "Now & Then" and "The Interim Domain".
The characters are likeable, the plot starts out as really interesting and remains a must read for fans of societal collapse scenarios.

After Now&Then (which is one of my faves), I was a bit confused with the premise of their last game. But this seems like a return to form for ILS. Hooked on this and very keen to see how the story progresses.

I'm a sucker for any story that puts mundane people in an isolated survival scenario. That is why Stephen King's "Mist" is is one of my favorite books and this VN fits into that niche very well.
The characters are just the right amount of interesting and while the plot hasn't picked up pace, I love how the initial "adjustment" phase was written.

The visuals aren't the greatest, but they are good enough. It is a very promising package overall.

The new game from the Now&Then and The interim domain creators. This alone should be more than enough as reference.

As of v0.02 this new adventure is for now just a bit more than a Prologue, setting up the stage for things to come. Huge potential here. The story is interesting so far. Render style has changed a bit from previous ILS games, having been upgraded from the older HS engine to HS2, which means all new assets and settings. I'm still getting used to this new style, and the devs themselves will probably need some time to adjust and refine their new rendering pipelines. But really promising so far. Cannot wait for the next episodes.

Great story so far. Good character deveolpment. Interesting story build up. The general premise is really intriguing as well. ILS does fantastic work and I can see that this is going to be another success. My only issue thus far is its very short. I dont mind the slow burn, no sex yet, but this is just a prelude and 1st chapter. Not even all the players are here yet. Waiting for the update.

I've played Ver 3 and the game does not disappoint. Great character buildup, good dialogue, decent art and we finally got to not only meet the antagonist but also get our first sex scene!