VN - Ren'Py - Where It All Began [S1 Ch.4 Fix 1 Steam] [Oceanlab]

I played through the current version of Where It All Began (S1;Ch.4 Fix 1 Steam) once and am reviewing based off my playthrough. While it's still a work in progress, this is a massive VN style game with narrative choices peppered in that have the potential to change elements of the story. As I only played through once, I did not see all the paths that are available, so please bear that in mind during this review.

The Good: The artwork! Holy shit, these are some of the most beautiful renders I've ever seen in a game. Even the dudes. While some of the less prominent males are a little flatter than the main guys, the men are certainly not ignored. However, none appear to be romanceable; this is, by all appearances, a straight game. The body types for both genders are quite diverse, as well, with a wide spectrum of petite to curvaceous forms being represented. The animations, though relatively infrequent, are smooth with incredible physics and they loop through several angles until you're ready to move on. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the dialogue, which is topical, flirty, and, at times, self-aware. There's a rather bizarre emphasis on the word "Bibi," which pops up constantly, that I don't really understand. It feels like an inside joke, so maybe I just missed the relevant context for it.

The Bad: This game CRAWLS along, at least in my experience. You will spend hours clicking through dialogue, but to it's credit, I don't remember having to read any blocks of exposition. There are dozens of characters that get introduced, family secrets hinted at, criminal intrigue and a veritable mountain of interpersonal relationship scenes (hanging out at the club, hanging out at dinner, hanging out at the pool, etc). Fans of this game note this as a positive, so it really does depend on what you're wanting out of a game. To me, though, it feels bloated; like Oceanlab planned too much for one game, especially considering that they're working on another related game simultaneously. With the level of artwork and the magnitude of this story, I would expect an entire studio to be handling it, not a lone, overworked developer. Perhaps that's why this project has been going on since 2018. Lastly, while there are DOZENS of hot chicks in this game, who all seem to want, to varying degrees, to jump the MC's bones, you start the game in a 5-year, monogamous relationship with the first girl introduced, who is also a major player in the story, so there's no getting rid of her. This leads to all the other romantic options in the game feeling like side characters or taboo flings. Which is a shame for a game with so many beautiful women in it.

Conclusion: If you want a story-driven visual novel that is sexy and beautiful, you're not going to get much better than this. 6.5Gb of some of the best renders you can find in porn; every CG feels like it could be a poster. But a quick fap, it is not. This is not so much a porn game as it is an X-rated soap opera. So just know that in advance. -GuyGin

Unfortunately, this is a common story on this website: there are very few quality visual novels, and even fewer that are well-rounded (visually, narratively, technically, etc.). Oceanlab is the quintessential developer who takes these flaws to their logical extreme.

This is a creator who has a natural mastery of the visual component. He can give his works a specific "vibe" and immerse you in their atmosphere with his OST selection—that is, as long as you don't read a single line of dialogue.

And that brings me to the reason for my 2/5 rating: the characters are cartoonish, one-dimensional, and serve no purpose. Scenes lack coherence, and the stories feel like they were concocted solely as an excuse to string together a series of renders the developer thought of on the fly. It's painfully obvious that Oceanlab has no narrative structure; he just writes whatever comes to mind. This explains the abysmal and mediocre level of his works from a storytelling perspective. Trying to read the dialogue is a genuine eyesore.

In short, it's nothing new. To make matters worse, the developer is working on two visual novels at the same time, both equally mediocre and plagued by the same issues. This only accentuates the problems. Plus, considering the update schedule—both projects have been in development for over five years, with neither approaching any kind of climax or conclusion—it just highlights the zero character development and a laughable lack of fundamentals.

Rare example of a 5/5 AAA game.
Graphics and animations are one of the best I've ever seen on this site.
But thats wasnt the biggest selling point for me.
Dialogues are top notch, writers doesn't try to be funny, he actually is.
Unresolved sexual tension between MC and female cast gets thicker and thicker with every episode.
Casual nudity here and there adds to the atmosphere.
Despite some darker and serious stuff mentioned, overall the game has lighter tone than once could expect.
In almost all the areas the game is slightly over the top but in a good way.
Like in a good action movie, yes sure you do realise that physics doesnt work that way, but you simply don't care, because you are too immersed in whatever happens on the screen.
Despite huge amount of teasing, the game doesn't leave you hanging, you get some scenes here and there, but it promises you so much more in the future.

In the played verion (S1 Ch.4) the game is closer to a kinetic novel, and your choices seem to not have consequnces yet.

Highly recommended,

OMG. I didn't finish the novel yet, but what kind of quality in regard to the drawings - close to a video - and the animation. Was watching several novels over the last 3 years, also some very good ones in the last months, but this one is today my number 1. There is a very good storyline behind and yes, if somebody expect lewd scenes every 3 minutes, this is not the novel to watch. Guess the developing team has been in the cinema watching Aquaman when deciding on the male MC. But look out for the female MC Miru, such a beautiful person. And frankly, all other ladies in the novel are of highest beauty, so fun to watch. Really looking forward to the rest of the novel still ahead of me - and for the next chapters to come

I love the story that unfolds as soon as you get into the game. I love how emotional each character is effected by the past. I hope there are more love options/opportunities in the future. I love the current cast but im not sure how far or close the MC is going to get close to each one. I thoroughly enjoy this game and im willing to see it through!

Chapter four

This is easily the prettiest game on the entire F95 site, hands down. The lighting the models its all beautiful. Plus the characters change clothes, I know its not shocking but so many other games just pick one outfit and they're done. Plus there is such a variety of outfits, as said a beautiful game.

Plus there is so much pussy here, like dozens of girls and they all largely look different. Really nice looking game.

That being said, the pretty renders are REALLY working hard because the writing is just.... Serviceable? Its not bad, but there is a lot of cringe here and there that really detracts from the entire experience.

Choices are far and few which seems only to add flavour little else. The music is nice.

The biggest problem most people have is that you don't really do any FUCKING. Its like a kid in a candy shop but you just keep sucking the same lollipop.



Look forward to the next chapter in two years.

you know the story is so convoluted and hard to make sense of when author turns one of their character into an omniscient enigma wild card. She peers through atrocious writing and saves the day by telling exactly what MC (and by proxy - you) should make of it. She knows when someone's lying or keeping things to themselves. The problem is that you, the reader, is unable to discern what the author tries to convey given the context and all the yapping. So here is Miru, Marry Sue of a character, to offer premium expromptu psycho-analysis, strategic thinking and agency in shady business with her miraculous ability to be the best at everything.

I've played this game N years ago, before this so-called rework, but what in reality is enshitification of the game that could be quite silly and serious at the same time, that had plethora of characters with their own story you can actively participate in, with choices that mattered for fuck's sake. All of the characters, no exceptions, made much more sense pre-rework, now they are just to make renders pretty.
Regarding everything else, I just sign under every other 1-star review for this game.

Okay, so first off—I really don’t get why people are so upset about the rewrite. I just played through it, and honestly, it’s solid. Sure, some changes were made, and it’s been a while since I played the original, but overall, the story holds up really well. It’s engaging, layered, and keeps you hooked throughout. I also finds it super complex in a good way.
Ocean, the developer, is incredibly talented. This is top-tier visual novel quality, both in terms of writing and presentation. I get that some fans are frustrated about the rewrite, but being objective—it’s still fantastic, maybe even stronger story-wise.
I’m definitely looking forward to more. Yeah, Ocean is known for long gaps between updates, but when they drop, they’re usually massive and worth the wait.
All in all, huge props to the dev. I still think this VN is one of the best out there.

I played this game before it's remake and that game is good but some of the character did not age well. The remake has it's flaw but it's a great game nonetheless. It has great character development and a well like cast of character. For me the story makes more sense here over the original. The characters are part of mob and there is alot of goong on. It also explain why Leia and mc were not allowed to be in a relationship. Overall it's a great game so for now 4/5 in my rating

On a side note is it really necessary to borrow the concept of How I met your mother in the scene with the snake it combines Ted and Brover in the package of the snake. It's kinda funny but I think it's unnecessary

I'm a big fan of "Summer's Gone" and Ocean.

BUT we have -

Chapter 4

Sorry for my bad English.

The development of this chapter took a year and a half, during which time 4,600 renders were created.
The renders are great, the light and shadows are top notch.

I completed the fourth chapter in five days, playing slowly, hoping for 15 days of content for a leisurely player. But my expectations were not fulfilled.

The thing is, the chapter doesn't feel like the one with 4,600 renders. It seems that there are about a thousand missing.
I even counted all the renders during the playtime. On average, I did 600 renders a day, but the chapter ended in five days. According to this logic, I had to do 920 renderings per day, which is impossible with my
leisurely style of play.

The plot is filled with an endless construction of the mafia and family world. We didn't get anything for the "4600" renders. Constant transitions between scenes with unknown characters that are somehow related to the main plot.
There's some content in love interests, but honestly, it's not worth a year and a half of development. Teasing, blue balls, erectile dysfunction, cliffhangers — all this is interesting and already boredom, but you realize that it will take years to uncover all the characters, girls and love interests. And every time you catch yourself thinking that it's not worth it.

The narrative has come to a halt, and the protagonist is reduced to a passive observer, constantly being pushed aside by those who are not lazy. Endless cliffhangers that were supposed to keep us on the edge of our seats, may still be a few years if we are still alive and if Ocean decides not to revise the story.. again

I've had a lot of fun going through this chapter, but obviously 4,600 renders are not justified, especially given the current pace of Ocean's development. As I understand it, Ocean will return to about 2,000 renderers in the update, but you all understand that if we got nothing for 4,600 renderers, then what will we get for 2,000 renders? But even if Ocean stays at about 4,000 renderers in updates, it will take a VERY long time.

The ending was abrupt and featureless, the scenario was repeated - Raid their house again OMG. And I'm sure that once again everything will end in nothing. In chapter 5, we'll be wandering around with the girls again, doing nothing.
Ocean got too caught up in creating the world, and it affected the perception. And I haven't mentioned the rework and constant problems with adopted families in order to avoid forbidden topics.
It's sad, but people have been waiting for this for a year and a half.

I wouldn't say a word if this chapter had been developed in at least seven to eight months, but it is what it is.

I would like to give two and a half stars, but I will give three in advance if Ocean hears the criticism and improves the situation. In my opinion, Ocean got too carried away.

* I'm still Ocean fan, but if the next chapter of the second season of SG is the same, then it will be a troubled time for all us fans

what a waste. completely ruined the original game, story and characters. replaced with a frankly boring and uninteresting one.

avoiding censoring could've been done in a more easier way. leaving a 'backdoor' to bring back old the original story for those that like it and kept it 'clean' enough for subscription platforms. completely gutting the story of the fetish/kink that was one of the main draws of the game has ruined that excitement or anticipation of where the OG story would go with certain characters.

kick in the teeth for those waiting all these years for something that will never happen.

S1 Ch4
This game is absolutely terrible and I cannot understand how there are so many high ratings.

While the renders and animations are high quality, the story and content are the most unashamed cock tease I've seen yet in a VN. Perhaps its better if you allow NTR, but even then its still an awful cock tease because then the MCs still not getting action. The MC is surrounded by women that act suggestively, but they never actually do anything. On top of that the story is so unbelievably convoluted with biker gangs, the mob, unknown other parties. You could call the story a mile wide and an inch deep.

I wouldn't recommend spending the time to try this out.

Similar to Summer's Gone, this game suffers from significant development issues. After over six years in production, the developer has failed to complete the original vision and instead chose to completely rewrite the entire storyline. While the visual quality is impressive, that's where the positives end. I strongly recommend avoiding this game to spare yourself the disappointment of seeing what could have been a masterpiece reduced to its current state. The lack of intimate content beyond one character (Miru) is particularly frustrating. I believe the developer will eventually abandon both this project and Summer's Gone, as it appears they're simply capitalizing on Patreon funding without delivering meaningful progress. This has been a major letdown for someone who deeply appreciates adult visual novels.

A message to the developer: Focus on moving forward with the current storyline rather than continuing rewrites. Players want romantic content with other love interests, more frequent updates, and genuine effort toward completing both games. The AVN community deserves better than endless development cycles without substantial progress.

Review from an ardent hardcore AVN lover!

Almost 7 years, and we still haven't been able to fuck any girls besides MC's girlfriend.
Its just a bunch of boring, dragged-out nonsense.

Finally got this update after waiting years, and there's no surprise—just endless teasing and blueballs. Besides the renders and the female models, this game is terrible.
The plot, the dialogue, everything is boring.

Not recommended

Another game ruined by a greedy dev, zero progress for the longest time just to completely remove the only decent aspects of the game. Story makes zero sense now, can't wait for it to get 1 or 2 more updates before it's abruptly brought to an end. Not worth playing. Don't support. Avoid like the plague.

A great AVN.
A good plot, lots of characters with prescribed characters.
Stunning graphics with the right lighting and well-chosen music and SFX. There's a lot of content for 4 episodes.
I am glad that the developer has finally removed incest from the game, ultimately it will only benefit the game.
Of the disadvantages, I note the lack of languages other than English, but this is not even a disadvantage of the game.
I look forward to the continuation of the story.

garbage , so much yapping/blabbering , the only good thing is the renders , besides that , nothing at all and this game is what ?? almost 7 years old? wtf? renpy devs are absolutely infested with patreon monthly milk. it's only the monthly milk that matters.

Ocean was one of my favorite VN creators...WAS. The constant rewrites/reworks he does of his games... at this point it will be 20 years by the the time he actually completes one of them. Which I dont see actually happening I see more rewrites in both his games futures until he burns out and abandons them. Waiting a year for this muddled update that completely destroys a games 5+ year storyline for another rework is absurd. His complete reworking WIAB storyline again was the straw that broke this camels back.

This game no longer deserves the rating it has. Dev destroyed what was a solid game to appease patreon...which i understand...but he changed it so much the story has gone from hard to believe to WTF did he come back to these complete assholes for. Most devs write out incest in a way that a patch allows the story to be told the way they intended when they are forced to change their story, but this dev exploded the story and made it incomprehensible why the MC would return "home".

Really good renders. Beautiful characters. Had lots of animations in the beginning, but there aren't many anymore. Time between updates has increased while quality has gone down.