VN - Ren'Py - Abandoned - Unraveling August [v0.3.04] [AugustEsoterica]

[v0.3.04]
I feel like it's near impossible to not compare this game to Caribdis' style. Whether intentional or not, Unraveling August reminds me so much of that style while having a personality of it its' own. Of course, a comparison like that is nothing to scoff at considering how highly rated both of their games are. I can see this one easily soaring up there to be right beside them!

I genuinely love the banter in this game. It makes characters much more fun to interact with and helps define personalities more. So many interactions left a stupid grin on my face from the pure fun of it all.
As mentioned in other reviews, finally another good MC!! One with their own personality and defining characteristics. A main character with flaws that isn't completely clueless to the sexual tension around him is a very rare find.
The story is definitely interesting and I hope it keeps going in a good direction. It helps that there is a few different elements at work, so if one genre doesn't hook you, another will.
Great girls, nice soundtrack, interesting decisions although their impact remains to be seen. It's just really solid all around! I'm looking forward to more updates!

Review of v0.3.04

This game shows enormous potential. It has well-executed HS models, including a non-heinous MC, and excellent characterization. It's not render-heavy, meaning that there's not a new image for every line of dialogue: that's a plus, as it makes reading easier and meaningful interactions stand out.

One of the easiest things to mess up in a game is the protagonist. This VN does a standout job making him apologetic (when appropriate) without being a wimp, able to dish out and handle some abuse, and displaying real emotion. He has flaws, can be bullied, and doesn't make the best decisions in every case. He has character.

The other characters are similarly well-done and developed (some more than others, but that's how it goes). Dialogue is snappy, often funny, and dark when it should be. The repartee is the best part, and not forced.

On the negative side, the obligatory sex scene is a bit early and creepy, and just doesn't fit with the characters. "Get to the sex in the first 20 minutes!" everyone says. I get it, but it should feel organic to the characters. It should be something that doesn't reflect badly on the participants or the MC if the participants will be encountered later.

The threads for at least three different genres are woven in here. Will be interesting to see what comes of them.

Play it. You'll enjoy it.

Hits a nice sweet spot of sexy renders and funny story. Not pure fap material but actually keeps me interested enough to click instead of skipping to the next scene. Could do without the QT events but there aren't so many as to be overly annoying.

0.3 no sex scenes so far, but aside from that the game is pretty good. Definitely some question marks with the writing at some points that is preventing me from really getting invested in the story, or taking some characters seriously, but overall I still enjoyed my time.

Fantastic game, Genuinely funny scenes, the banter alone has had me actually laughing out loud at my computer like some kind of weirdo.

The characters are all very distinct and unique, all possessing their own strengths, weaknesses and powerful personalities. The MC is a real human, who makes flawed decisions like real humans and has to live with those consequences.

The story is slowly turning into an exciting mystery, this combined with the wonderful personalities in the game have me eagerly awaiting each update like no game has for a good while now.

I loved the game. There's witty dialogue, gorgeous girls with personalities, an interesting enough story along with an MC that is more than a mere self-insert.

The dialogue is first off, funny. Combine that with the facial expressions and animations throughout the game make it feel natural and enjoyable to read.

The girls are all unique and have a personality, albeit stereotypical ones, but a personality nonetheless. It makes me interested in them as characters and love interests.

The story is enough to keep you wanting to learn more and uncover the mysteries of the MC and other characters' pasts, and the oddities thrown at you.

The MC isn't a wet noodle imo even considering the latest update in which others describe him as extremely passive. He is complex enough to realize when he is generally in the wrong, as well as being smart enough to realize when he is facing an unwinnable situation.

I'll absolutely recommend trying this game, and don't be discouraged to at least try the game in spite of the unfavorable opinion of some regarding 0.3. I do hate when a game has an unlikable MC incapable of standing up for himself and I really didn't feel that way in the latest update. This is still one of my favorite VNs in development.

really awesome game. Almost at the level of Eternum. Nice character modeling. Pulls at your heart strings and all the girls are very cute. Each of them has very distincted personalities. I cried and laughed. That heart to heart talk with Sam... man, I got all teary. I like it so much I got on patreon to give this dude my money so he can continue to develop this game. Definitely Eternum vibes with the supernatural flavor.

(v0.2)
One of the best AVN's to come out recently. Each LI is incredible with it being difficult to pick one as the best. The main character is also is a breathe of fresh air compared to the majority of AVN MCs in addition to being as enjoyable as the LIs. The story of the game which I won't spoil is intriguing and I look forward to seeing how it progresses. Looking forward to the next update whenever that may be.

On v0.2 right now. So far, I'm very happy with the game and very much looking forward to future updates.
The models are all amazing so far and actually feel unique enough.
The scenes are very well done.
The story is still getting started but off to a good start
The dialogue and humor is amazing. The entire mall scene has to be some of the funniest dialogue I've read on here. Keep up the good work!

Version played v0.2


Here are just some quick thoughts about the game.

Story wise it seems to start pretty decent, though things are still pretty early in the story so it’s hard to judge.

Visually it looks pretty well rendered, at least partially, some of the girls look pretty good but the renders on some others are pretty average. There could be some improvement in consistency here.
Still overall definitely above average here.

Content wise, there is not much, this is fine for this stage of the story but something to take note off.

Pros: Writing (great use of humor actually), LIs, Renders, Plot (just beginning current chapter ends in cliffhanger), MCs style and personality (although a little rougue-ish but makes sense with his military background) are all amazing.

Cons: Game is still new and short so there's not a lot to critique other than having some better music selection and more life-like animations like blinking would be great additions.

Final Verdict: Game is chill so far not too much going on but still fun with the quirky comical banters. Plot definitely is going to be great cuz and MCs personality will complement it no doubt. Plus there's some Scifi/Fantasy things being teased which are bangers so I'm excited!

(Insert Palpatine Voice) We will watch your career with great interest....

Best of luck!

[v0.2]

Banter: The Game.

My god, the banter... the banter! It's particularly egregious in the early portions of the game. The witty banter, while not being overly cringy or flat as most attempts at this style of writing, usually overstays their welcome by about 100 lines or so. It really drags on.

I admit, I'm a jaded asshole, so my tolerance for "witty banter" is generally pretty low to begin with, but I'm not unable to take things less seriously. It just felt like even a well written banter like we find here can become excessive if the author doesn't reign it in somewhat. They are having too much fun writing it, imo. Thankfully, it does get better in the later parts of the current release.

Be that as it may, the writing skills of this dev is quite exceptional. They have an impeccable command of the English language, and the dialogues, even with the excessive banter, are quite well written.

The overall tone is pretty light, with no shortage of cute and humorous antics by the characters, but there are moments of seriousness in there as well. There are quite a few jokes that actually land, like a passing monologue by the MC about not sniffing the panties because he is not a dog.

The MC is conceptualized quite well. He is something of a rogue type who isn't opposed to getting his hands dirty to protects his people, all the while cracking self-deprecating jokes. But yea, I suspect you could influence his morality quite a bit as the game progresses. The girls are pretty quirky in that anime kind of way.

And yes, there is a main plot that is set up, which looks quite intriguing. It will be a treat to unravel the mysteries surrounding this town.

All in all, the dev is a great writer that could practice a bit more self-restraint when they are having fun with the banter-filled script.

Cute characters is a sure thing, especially when they are blushing. Those conversations have good humor too. Unfortunately, there is not much to play yet so I hope there will be more soon.
High recommended

VERY nice models, nice witty dialogue and enjoyable characters....there's not much to the story, yet, and certainly not much in terms of adult content, but this is definitely one I'm keeping an eye on. It seems like it's going to be fantastic.

Really good start,
Characters are well written and have their own funny, cute or slutty personnality, and also finally an interesting MC, not totally blank
Hope you will continue like this ! I will follow the gme really closely

It's just abandoned garbage at this point, sad to see a good creator fall so far. There was a point where the humor in this game at least had the payout of knowing you'd get a new update some time eventually, but man...

The conversation, characters interaction support the humor which might the best you might've seen. the game still too short to talk about the story but it already have a really great vibe. The art is ok, just regular honey select 1 art, but the everything else worth the play.

5*. Highly recommend

I haven't finished playing through V0.2 yet, but I had to take a minute to talk about this.
I am LOVING this game! The models are cute, the story is good, but the WRITING....oh, how I love a well written game!
The humor is subdued but fantastic, the characters play off of one another incredibly well, and the minor 4th wall breaks do not detract from the fun, but wholly add to it, as it's clear the developer is having a great time and not trying to take this or himself too seriously.
I am a sucker for funny, well written games and I will absolutely be keeping my eye on this one. I recommend you do the same.

Unraveling August is a game with a good story, and interesting characters.

I really liked the writing. It immediately sets the tone of each of the character's behaviour. The Mc seems pretty cool, although he is (like in every other game almost) a complete chick magnet without a lot of explaining. The dialogue is witty, funny, and even made me laugh out loud a few times.
Although the first chapter was a little short, the second one goes more in depth, and the plot thickens. I like the supernatural and mystery elements in this game, and will keep waiting for the future updates.

The only downside (for me personally) is the art. I'm not really a fan of the character design and the overall style, but the story is interesting enough to make me want to play it more. Sorry dev, this is just my subjective opinion. Keep up the good work!

Great game. (No Spoilers)

Visuals: 5
- Character Models: They look amazing and are fairly unique. Along with looking great they also are posed well and give off dynamic emotions. Doesn't feel like you're "talking" to brick walls.
- Setting/Background Visuals: Well made and immersive managing to give the game a "lived in" feeling so it doesn't feel dead.

Writing: 5
- Plot: As its only a [V0.2] the plot hasn't been explored that deeply but what's been shown is interesting and well written.
- Character Writing: The shown characters (like the LIs) have been very grounded. There's been no over the top character stereotypes. That's not to say that there hasn't been some comedic use of these "tropes" but they don't go over the top.
- Dialogue: So far it's been done very well. Characters interact with each other in a very "human" way so conversations don't seem too cheesy. I do agree that sometimes it does get a bit wordy but never in an inorganic way.

Pretty shallow review as I don't want to spoil anything but I recommend the game. Like I said so far it's been fun and I think it accomplishes the most important factor in AVNs; creating a breathing world. Will be keeping my eyes peeled for future updates

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NEW
as of v0.3 my opinions have changed will still keep an eye on it but my excitement has been dampened