what follows are simply observations, not meant to criticize or diminish your capabilities, only ideas to hopefully help you out.
No need to worry, my idea in sharing this preview was exactly that, to have others share their ideas. And if someone gives a suggestion that I really like, I might implement it. Sometimes an outside view is just what someone need.
Regarding the score system, as this is your first project, may I suggest that you try to keep whatever system you decide on to be manageable?
Yep, I actually added a note in my dev logs about that. It is about humiliation kink, but it applies to everything in the game too: " If that turns out to be too much to manage, I might just stick with two options, no humiliation and with humiliation."
Basically, the idea for the branching is to keep it light. In short, it's similar to how Exciting Games does it, Chapter X will have some branching on its own (Like brach 1 and 2), and when Chapter Y comes, some choices from Chapter X will change a few dialogues (If Ch.X branch 1 was triggered Chapter Y might have some dialogues changes). Chapter Y will have its own branching too. They’ll interact, but not in a way that changes everything. So your choices in Chapter X won’t completely reshape Chapter Y, but you’ll still notice changes.
And I think, since this is my first project, it’s probably better to work like that. Players will still see their choices having impact, so it won’t be a kinetic novel, but it also won’t be a crazy maze of branches.
how is said player supposed to know whether it's on the "right" track or on the path to "Game Over"? Actually, have you thought about having a "Game Over"?
I actually wasn’t planning on having “Game Over” scenarios, because I see Netorase as a mutual thing, so if one wants something, it can only happen if the other wants it too.
So I’m not sure there’ll be a “Game Over” in this project. Maybe in a future, more ambitious project.
Anyway, my point being that I suggest you plan out very carefully how the game is supposed to be, what kind of paths you want for the player to choose and so on, more to give you a better idea of how long it will probably take to get it done. Just a suggestion. :-)
Thank you for taking the time to share suggestions and ideas. I actually have a document with a lot of the script already written, but it still needs polishing, implementation, and enhancements if something doesn't work the way I envisioned. And of course, new things might be added too xD
As a quick-thought, sharing the girlfriend with the boss, it could be a choice of yes or no, no taking the story along to the next point, and yes giving the player the next two choices: ......
Yeah, that’s one of those situations where a “Game Over” would actually be kind of funny hahaha “Career over GF 🗿”
But if the boss route ends up getting implemented, I don’t think it’ll lead to a game over, for the reason I mentioned earlier. Or I might include the option, but have the FMC just go: “I don’t want to do that,” or something. lolThat’s actually one of the reasons I named the game With Consent both MC and FMC need to want and enjoy things to keep going.
As for the next update, I support getting it done when it's done. Take your time, work on your project the way you want, some indie devs use their patreon to publish updates regularly. Mostly, try to enjoy and have fun working this project of yours, and I'll be here waiting for it.
Thank you! Your input is super valuable if the next update drops next month, it’ll probably be near the end.
I am considering about creating a Patreon to post updates in a more centralized place.
But one thing I’m sure about Chapter 1 will be free from day one, even if I set up a Patreon with subscriptions or whatever.
I’m aiming for Chapter 1 to have around 1 hour of gameplay, and it’ll basically be the "discovery phase" and focus on communication.
I want it to have a bit of a slow-burn vibe, but not feel like it’s dragging.
Sarah approves and says hi :D
