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

TL;DR: This was a 4/5. This is a 4.5/5. This shows great promise to become a 6/5.

Preface: In it's current state, this game is a 4.5/5 and is in a state of total overhaul so the future is uncertain, but the latest update, which is in the same format as the overhaul is insanely promising.

Time to 100%: ~12 hours. I'll be honest, this is just a guess. I played two playthroughs over 5 days and never kept track of the time.

Story: Even with all the content already in the game, I feel it's just starting up. I love it so far, but I don't really know what to say for it.

Graphics - Chapters 1-5 (pre-overhaul): Nothing special. They're pretty average and look straight out of the rendering engine with little or no additional work. I think there's one animated scene, but otherwise none.

Graphics - Chapter 6 (overhaul): Holy fucking shit. I have never seen better graphics in any VN, period. There are cinematics with absolutely unparalleled quality where you can very easily than see that an insane amount of work was put into them. Every frame of this update is flawless. I have only two complaints. The first is that the cutscenes are darker than the stills and not seamless at all. The second is that the animations in the cinematics aren't great. The dev himself said he is learning as he goes, so I expect neither complaints to apply in the future.

Extra things: The latest update overhauled the menu and I think I bust a nut when I first saw it. That single update is a 6/5 on it's own.

One of the best works I encountered so far, choices that affect story, drama and sex all mixed in with fine up to great characters designs, some feel as if they'd need a bit more love and detail... but it's still in development and recently had visual update fore some of the characters. If you are not sure about it, or some kinks scare you away... I still think you have to give it a chance to mesmerize you with it's story.

edit; It's been 3 years since I reviewed this. The game has been ripped up and started again so it feels right to have another look.

A lot of what I said below is still valid both good and bad. The game, visually is lovely but suffers from that "no ugly people allowed" issue. All the women are massively breasted, beautiful sex maniacs so it's a bit tiring.

The game REALLY struggles with tone. It seems to work better when it's light hearted, making jokes about spiders and what not. When it shifts to the "meat" of the game, with the mystery orgnisations and people who know something not revealing it... it's less fun. Sadly there's a lot of characters who obviously know more than you do and to be fair it just gets tiring. It's not helped that the Leia lassie has the looks and the mystery but comes off way too much like a bitch. Her reasons for it are sound given the MC's actions but it's laid on too thick. She's mysterious, hates the MC to a degree and disregards any attempt at reconciliation. That's perfectly fine but as the game very obviously has plans for you two to resolve the issue, just not now, then it gets tiring every time she talks.

The game's worth your time, but I fear it struggles with an all too common issue, there's so many characters that I fear updates will be slow as high hell and because it's a mystery then you're probably better ignoring it till it's complete then playing it then.

There's also a bit.... it happens about halfway through chapter 2 I think that's so sudden I genuinely thought I'd left auto-skip on. It is literally a case of

random conversation with characters
Huh, I saw someone over there.
let's go look

and then you get hit a MASSIVE bit of plot with like zero preamble.And not only that, your girlfriend is there... like.... why? How is she there? This point alone is worth removing a star from the rating. What a mess of a story.
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An......... interesting game. Renders are top class. If you look hard enough you'll see the same assets as you've seen elsewhere but you'd have to really really look which shows the developer is really putting the time and effort in to give this game a nice .

The story is... peculiar. It walks an incredibly fine line between mysterious and meandering. At times it almost feels like the author believes they're a bit more clever than they probably are. It's engaging but at the same time it throws a LOT of mystery at you to the point it can feel absurd. Now don't get me wrong...... I know what you're thinking "But Kameo, it's a sex game, what are you expecting?" and you'd be right. I'm hardly expecting an Academy Award but it is a game, you want to engage with the player and guide them through. However, the game at times feels like it goes just beyond that. Not downright absurd where you'd drop it but it gets close a few times where you're left going "oh come on..."

Characters are fun and well fleshed out and just the right amount to make you feel interested as opposed to overwhelmed in trying to remember who is who. Not an NTR fan so the game gets a big plus for giving the option to just cut that out

An interesting game, curious to see where it goes.

Reviewing after playing 0.6:
Renders: 5/5
Animation: 5/5
Story:10/5 !!

I really like games with story, but on the other side it should also not be too much blueballing! This games seems to find the perfect balance which I expect.
Once I started playing, I really didn't realize how much time had passed.
And boy the story progression was great in the latest release, I really felt like Katie is a real person and she has been wronged!
Would highly recommend this game.

I'm writing this review before the rework of the earlier chapters, as of this moment episode 6 is the latest available. Also, I play with NTR disabled, so I can't comment on that content.

If we go by the first 5 chapters, this game is very average with a few standout points. The overall plot is interesting and there are enough mysteries to keep one going. The other already great point is Katie, who, in my opinion, is the most beautiful character model in a visual novel ever, even sending [popular game about fraternities] to rank 2. She's also characterised interestingly and gets better as the story progresses. The other models are average at best and sometimes have weird facial expressions, not bad enough to go below 3 stars though.

And the absolute worst part is the RNG in chapter 5. This is actually the biggest negative point of the whole game and the one I consider bad game design in a Romance VN/Dating Sim.

Where it really picks up is chapter 6 and my god, if this is how the rework will be and how the game continues, we're looking at one of the top 3 games on this page. This can't be highlighted enough, but the presentation is now out of this world and something that no other game I've played yet did so well. A lot of story scenes are animated and have shifting perspectives and angles, which makes them more dynamic and atmospheric. Also: This game has fucking cutscenes now. And they are incredible. Somehow in episode 6 the production value of the whole game was upped to a level that is reminiscent of [popular game about fraternities] or [popular game about mercenaries and mutants]

Additionally and importantly, all characters have upgraded character models and it makes a world of difference, they are top tier. This was also good in the episodes before, but I like how different bodytypes are represented and that there are girls with normal sized boobs. There are still those with unrealistically big breasts and sadly more of those get introduced it seems, but there are enough without overdone bodies.

I guess the only very minor complaint I'd have for now is that the UI during the game doesn't reflect the upgraded prodcution value yet. Some names are hardly readable in the textbox and while that is really unimportant, it detracts a bit of the whole feeling of value that this game delivers.

When it comes to the writing, it's a good game, but not as standout yet. It's not on par with the great writing of [popular game about a dead wife and two daughters], although it does have at least one emotionally impactful event and it seems in episode 6 and the rework of the first 5 episodes we might get more of that in the backstory of the MC. From how the story seems to develop it's probably closest to [popular game about a detective noir], in the sense that you get thrown into a situation that is bigger than you. It's a really good story setup, but we'll have to wait and see if Ocean can deliver on that promise when the game is finished.

It also seems like we might get some great fetish content in this game, which I appreciate incredibly much. From what I've seen so far we get anal play and, just from what words one character uses, maybe even Hucow. I at least am very happy with that direction, though I'm biased since my favourite characters also has one of my favourite fetishes.

Considering this is still without reworked Episodes 1-5 I can only give this game 4 stars, but if episode 6 is the quality we can expect from now on, I'd give it 5 stars (or maybe 6, if I could).

Playing episode 6 made me a patreon, it's just so fucking good.

*removed other game names to comply with the rules

Despite a rough start into the story, this plot truly has its moments. Especially with Katie! Her bold and edgy behavior made me go through several branches just to find out why and how to get along with her. While on my way, I've got to make some hard decisions. Hell, yes, I felt involved at the end of chapter 6. Not just because of fancy animated pan shots. Thumbs up! Recommended to follow.

well, this game is turned out to be one of ky favorite pick, i love the render and the animation, showing up a lot of improvement and also the story is great, i didn't know it would be this complex, as for sounds effect maybe you could put some effect on it, but still it's great, as for me, i would give it 8/10

Animations 5/5
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5

I played this game awhile ago, liked it, but stopped playing. It has a solid story and great characters, so why'd I stop playing? The GF is freaking awesome and I didn't want to cheat; and she had little content at the time. Since the only way to unlock the other H-scenes is by cheating, I stopped playing. Simple as that.

Great game. Would recommend a playthrough.

rework 0.1:
Animations 2/5
Story 5/5
Characters 5/5

It's a nice rework and great story, but the animations kill it for me.

Quality animations can be done without shaking the screen, and it should be obvious that shaking the screen is bad for the brain, yet some developers do it anyways. It makes no sense, does not simulate a VR experience, and completely deters me from wanting to play or even support this game.

Great game so far, keep up the great work. Will be following this with interest as it develops. Great models and an interesting story line... I had one issue in my run where I seemed to hire my lawyer twice, on day one of the camping trip and again the second day, but other than that, I really was impressed with this game...

Going into the game, I always expected it to be a decent game due to the other work I have seen of Oceanlab, but I was completely shocked at how much better the game was than my expectations.

The characters and environment all look fantastic and it is clear to see that a great deal of effort went in to creating amazing visuals. The animations are also excellent, and the poses and facial expressions of the characters add an extra level of depth to the story as you can see the emotions on their face and see how they are feeling.

The entire story is very interesting and nearly every interaction I had with another character was enjoyable and most served to further the plot. The detail given to every character in crafting a fantastic storyline and backstory is evident throughout the game, especially in my favourite character, Katie.

She was always a great character in my eyes, but after a certain event in the game, she went from a great character, to a brilliant character and definitely one of the best characters I've seen in a game. Oceanlab perfected this character and I assume he will perfect many others if not all in the future releases of the game.

I definitely highly recommend playing this game, I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.

It's detailed, well made and involving. Sexy female characters, sufficient amount of kinks... What else? I don't know but... I'm intrigued. Or I just enjoy not obvious stories with a bizzare twist

This games deserves to be the best of all. Great work on girls. Hard work is seen on all characters. The most awaited game according to me. And game accessibilty plus the music seems to carry the heart away.This is genius.Outstanding and very creative. Please dont make us wait so long.

I stand by my original review.... for the original version of the game.
However, we are now 2 chapters into a complete re-work, and it is MARKEDLY different to the original game.

I am not going to change my score, yet. As of finishing chapter 2 of the rework, I am unsure how I feel about the game going forward, so I will not be rating it, yet.

My one star ranking, and my review in spoilers below, are strictly for the .6 "before rework" version. I am unsure how much of what I said pertains to the current rework. If reading my review pushes you away from interest in the game, I would like to make clear, the rework, thus far, feels like a different entity, and my review below is not about the rework version, and should not influence any interest you may have in trying the rework version. Below is STRICTLY for the original .6 version.

v0.6 Beta

The improvements at the graphics are noticeable and i loved the changes, the cinematic at the end is top-notch. The characters looked amazing, the only critic i have here it's that the MC looked a bit old.

When i first readed about this rework i hoped that the relationship between Katie and the MC would have been less drastic change of attitude because between hate to like there is a long distance and doesn't feel this way here.
As for the rest of the story, i always liked stories with content and mature stuff, but i have a feeling that some things are getting a little out of control. I liked the introduction of Dana at the previous chapter because she seemed normal, maybe others disagree with me because sometimes normal is boring but in this game, all the characters are a bit crazy so the addition of a normal character was nice, but in this last chapter at some point she seemed like she's taking the MC case to show her ability and power, leaving the MC's life as something secundary

What i’m saying is, i like conflicts when i look on a story, but it doesn’t have to be all complicated

8/10

Ok let me start this by saying something everyone seem to be getting completely and utterly WRONG!!
*****[This game is NOT a FORCED NTR story!!]*****
-i will not say there is no NTR in it but it is completely AVOIDABLE.
now to the review
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i don't want to spoiler anything important about the story itself so i will say a few words about the game itself.
the games story is rich with mystery and drama anything you do/choose will have some underlying meaning which either shows its effect directly or will foreshadow a future event (so if you think this is just some porn game where you fuck everything that moves YOU ARE WRONG!)
there are quite a lot of branches in the story and each one changes the story to the players preference but have in mind this is story driven game meaning that we will get to that ending one way or another but the details may differ based on choices(so for those who want to know Yes, the choices matter) .
Graphics :
at the start of the game the render might not appeal to all but it will without the shadow of doubt get better and better and better Ocean has done a magnificent job of improving his work over the updates and with the rework planned it will no doubt just get better. i advise you to understand that making a game is an ART! Devs don't wake up one morning and become a best graphics artist that walked the earth which is why you may see some problems with earliest versions of the game but don't let that dissuade you from this excellent journey!
Characters:
there are multitude of characters in the game with different background, different personality traits likes and dislikes this makes the player choose carefully how to interact with certain characters and not just think with their lower body, because if you use same approach for all the character the only thing you will be left with is you....alone!

so if you are looking for a game where choices matter, the characters are not simple drones hell bent on having sex and a great story then this is a great game that will keep you engaged.
[i hope you will download this for a test if nothing else after all personal experience is way more important than word of mouth]
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i've rambled on for quite a while so im gonna close it with a small advice
**this is and adult visual novel NOT a porn game and if you look at it that way the only thing waiting for you is dissappointment**

this is very bland pandering, let's start with the characters are they interesting? the other sister (not katie) and Dylan the dad are probaly the most interesting cause they're the only one's who seem to not be cliched. Now let's get on to katie, i'm gonna be honest she's not a well done character at all the fact that she basically drugs you if you're mean to her is kinda bs that she gets away with cuz "cute girl". Her Backstory is getting neglected by her siblings? i'll tell you first hand it's kinda a bs excuse and dosen't give us much insight, it's just "Wow did you know the MC was the asshole all along and Katie is a saint" like no she is still a bitch and that wan't devolped by the mc. I've been bullied by a sibling and it's not to uncommon it's not a sad backstory because like i said it's common behavior if you actually have siblings, but like i said dosen't excuse her bs although the game presents itself like it does, that's the thing with other games they know when a character is in the wrong, here they make you feel in the wrong which can be done if it's a choice but you have n choice over it and makes no sense cause obviously she is and you're not. Anyway the asian chick is next, i'm gonna be honest she basically ruined the whole game, ruins the POV of the Mc and adds nothing to the story, also don't get me fucking started on how generic that zoey girl is, all in all it had some decent ideas but makes it into a boring, very generic story that can't even come up with a narrative that makes sense

If you like NTR this would be a 4 or 5 star, it has the option to turn NTR off, but it doesn't feel like it goes away in the story. Also switching to controlling the girlfriend takes away from the MC story (really only seems necessary for the NTR since her scenes do nothing if you're avoiding it). Beyond that the renders are excellent, but it seems like so much time was spent on the NTR material the MC story got left behind, after 5 updates you haven't had hardly any interaction with most of the main characters. I think the developer had an interesting idea with the random chance options in chapter 5 (camping trip), but I would suggest not doing it in the future (it means a lot of material is missed and I don't want to feel like I'm forced to play a game multiple times just to see the material, if it was fun enough for multiple play through that isn't necessary).

Holy smokes what a journey, its even only halfway but already such an awesome story.
Very interesting plot and the thing is I usually open walkthrough to see what would I miss when I make a choice and with this game, amount of choices are insane. So much content and routes present itself and even a RNG factor that creates randomized storylines. The paralleled routes are endless.
Character personalities and their renders are also amazingly done. Each of them feel unique. I am amazed by this game.
Only negative would be it is still on development and we have to wait for updates, other than that amazing journey. Highly recommended.

EDIT: There is a planned rework incoming and it will completely change the game, it will be an insane upgrade. Latest 0.6 version is like a preview of the games new caliber. Its both amazing visual and quality update. It made me fan of the same game again..

Why is the developer tackling 2 games at the same time? Why did he even do a full rework of one of them? Why is this frustrating? Because the update take forever and because they are really good. Any porn gamer that doesnt have these 2 games in his top10 list is probably stupid or daft or... you know what i´m saying. Let´s start over. The rework. It´s better than the first version. Duh. A big iffy point. Don´t like how the twins talk to each other now. Doesn´t feel right. You know when you´re reading something and it´s amazing and then something it´s off... you immediately notice it. OMG im rambling. This games is one of the best games in tha market and it´s gonna take FOREVER. So frustrating.

well, when i first lay eyes in this game i thought that it was very generic and cliche. The only reason i played it its because of the score that had. A lot of people really liked it so i gave it a chance. I must say i was wrong. not a lot of games makes me feel that much but when part 5 came out i saw the great potential this game has on story telling. just because of one chararcter ( i will not spoil who it is). it can go even better if the feveloper maintain focus on the project. i cant wait to see more.