A downloadable visual novel demo for Windows.
Kinda Tall is a neat little prototype project that I enjoyed playing. I
do have three major points of contention going forward if you ever
decide to make more visual novels in the future (which I genuinely think you should).
- The clashing art styles. It is important for a VN to have a consistent art style, so players can be eased into the story without any distractions. The art for the protagonist and the other characters were all different, so did not lend itself well for the grounded aesthetic this was going for. Speaking of aesthetic...
- The tonal inconsistency. Upon looking at the screenshots and the title screen, I expected a more visceral and depressing story. However, after the scene of Isabel choking her brother, the VN just jumped the shark with the mock Pokemon battle with the bully character from before (I love the battle, but it did not fit at all).
- The brisk pacing. I did not mind the story having its time skips. However, a story like this could work best with a slower pace that properly builds to its darker moment. The scene with Isabel choking her brother should be a huge turning point in the story, yet it has little significance. The lack of build for it did not help either.
I know that this is a prototype. As a prototype, it should provide players a solid proof of concept and direction. There are elements that work in its favor, but are undone by the big three. Also, you are missing two of the big cornerstones that any VN should have: alternate choices and branching paths. That is a huge missed opportunity to not showcase that in a visual novel prototype. With all that said, I sincerely hope you make another VN. You could make something neat and there is some talent here.
