Recently released - Ebon Light, free. Dark fantasy. I thought I wouldn't like it, but I'm a sucker for fantastic adventures and it quickly lured me in with its great writing and, well, characters, even minor ones. Also - I literally adore how you can customize MC's appearance and shape her character and actually see how text and relationships change throughout every playthrough. Seriously, give this game a go.
I know it's been a few days, but I have to jump in and defend Ebon Light here for a moment.
Maybe the art isn't your preferred style, but it's rather rude to dismiss the undeniably phenomenal talent behind those intricate paintings (plus, a customizable MC with that level of painterly detail!?) as "not that great" or only worth playing because it's free and you don't have anything to lose.
Regardless of preference, Ebon Light has visuals painted by an incredibly dedicated and talented artist. The lighting, color, proportions, expressions, composition, contrast, and style are not only consistent and consistently impressive, but serve as a perfect complement to the tone and feel of the writing itself. The wide-eyed, sparkly anime girls and bright bubblegum colors that you seem to favor would do massive damage to the integrity and evocation of that macabre tone that makes the project stand out. That kind of art has its virtues and its place, but a project like Ebon Light is neither the time nor the place.
Hello. Thank you for taking some time to respond. First of all, I apologize if I have offended anyone. I never meant to criticize Ebon Light in any way. So, let me defend myself in return. English is not my first language, so I'm sorry in advance for the errors I may make ^^"
As you have said, I have my own preference on art style. It unlikely will change. BUT I didn't mean to dismiss the talent and effort the artist has put to the art! What I meant with "not that great" is my first impression, not the art itself. The moment I looked at the blog I thought, "Oh, it's in realistic style..." in slight disappointment, because I prefer anime style. I downloaded anyway, because I love to play new things (I'm not one with wealth, of course I love free things ^^"). Even if I have this anime style preference, I try to look beyond art and prioritize the plot. Prioritizing plots, in the past I have bought some games (when it's on sale, cuz I'm broke lol) whose art style I don't like. Final verdict: One of them is my all time favorite.
I understand everything you said, the art
complements the atmosphere, the vibe the VN has, everything is with
purpose. I agree. I wasn't thinking it's "only worth playing because it's free and (I) don't have anything to lose". Not at all. With Ebon Light, I was just so happy it's free when I was in need of entertainment. I was and I'm sure it's worth a lot more.
I like to play blind. So, with Ebon Light, I didn't read any of the comments, not even the synopsis. I only knew the art style. That was how blind I was. That might be why my past comment sounded so shallow, because I didn't know anything about the premise or the features it gives us. Sorry once again ^^" As for this time, I have tried playing Ebon Light a little bit. I can tell you I was invested. It was good so far. I haven't continued, because I don't have time. I will continue when I do.
Ah, that makes sense -- I think it was definitely a misunderstanding with language intricacies and phrasing. I see, now that you've clarified, what you were originally trying to say, what with the distinction between personal preference vs. objective quality. I'm glad you've decided to give the game a shot, regardless! I think it's fantastic -- a genuine artistic achievement. I won't spoil anything for you, though.
Also, I didn't mention this because it's beside the point, but your profile picture is really cute! It's kind of Rumiko Takahashi-esque.
Yes haha I don't care a lot about my wording when I'm too excited. I just need to take note that people can misunderstand me. I have experienced the same before, even in my native language ^^" And yes! I'm happy I took a shot in many games I felt hesitated before! My favorites usually consist of "I will just try it regardless of what I think about the art style" games.
And, oh? My profile picture? *take a closer look because I have not paid attention to it for a while* It is certainly cute! (Duh, that's why I used it.) It does have that kind of style. I dunno who the artist is, but thank you, artist.