We are family
I didn't have high expectations for this VN - and my first impression wasn't particularly good, to be honest.
For one thing, there's the ridiculous explanation for the stepdaughter's sudden appearance - indeed, her very existence.
The initial dialogues are also anything but well written - too long-winded, too artificial, too descriptive.
As a result, I felt a strong urge to delete this VN shortly after I started reading it - and I don't blame anyone who did (which probably explains some of the negative reviews here).
However, I kept reading because I liked the playful dynamic between the MC and his wife.
Thankfully, the experience got better after a while.
Sure, there's still porn logic at play (especially in regards to the twins and their mum), but all in all the plot seemed - well, maybe not realistic, but at least plausible. Digestible?
The dialogue got a lot better, too.
One of the strengths of
True Husband is its characters.
I have a soft spot for Honey Select models - and the cast is quite diverse: We have
- the loving (and playful) wife,
- the innocent stepdaughter (I didn't pursue her romantically - aside from the initial, inevitable attraction the relationship is surprisingly healthy and wholesome, especially after closing the romantic route),
- the extremely forward, nymphomaniac sister-in-law (one of my favourite characters - the interactions between her and the MC are just hilarious),
- the flirtatious boss (yoga sessions, anyone?),
- the submissive secretary (as someone wrote in the main thread, I really hope it doesn't end in blackmail, but that she shows her gratitude for his indulgence by willingly giving herself to the MC),
- the manipulative twins and their (yet to be introduced) mum.
If I have anything to criticise here, it's that most of the love interests are far too busty for my taste (a general issue with adult games for me).
Yes, the teenagers (stepdaughter and twins) have relatively small breasts, but the majority of the adult characters (Sarah, Becky, Olivia) and their "melons" are simply too much for my liking.
This is all the worse because in a flashback we see Sarah in her early 20s - and she's just
I wish there were more LIs with realistic proportions like her, both in
True Husband and in general.
And let's not forget the MC.
I find it strange that he's grey-haired, but apart from that I like him and his witty inner monologue.
Which brings me to the next point - the humour.
True Husband is just pretty funny and made me laugh several times, especially at the situational comedy
(e.g. the scene in the sauna where the twins try to "sell" their mum to the MC - figuratively speaking, of course - and he frantically tries to feign disinterest while sporting a massive boner).
The bad endings (I only encountered one, though) are also funny (and hot).
Speaking of which - the lewd scenes and animations are pretty good.
Choices are limited to which character you want to pursue romantically.
Unfortunately, there are also some dreaded single choices at the end of the current version.
As a result the whole story reads more like a kinetic novel, which doesn't bother me too much (not every VN needs to have an insane amount of choices).
However, at least a few impactful choices (and recognition of whether the MC is faithful or not) would have been nice.
It's too bad there are (almost) no sound effects, because they could increase the immersion and the situational comedy immensely.
Conclusion:
If you're looking for an adult VN with a strong and believable plot, you should probably look elsewhere.
If you're looking for a lighthearted and sexy VN that doesn't take itself too seriously, give it a try.
Just keep in mind that the dialogue isn't that well written to begin with - that's why I strongly recommend that the dev revisit the early versions, as it's clear to see that the dialogue has improved significantly over the course of this VN.
Personally, I would rate
True Husband 7/10, but I'm rounding up my rating because I don't think the current average rating does it justice.