Build 8 Thoughts + Bug Reports (SPOILERS AHEAD!):
I was not expecting to get bombed by the truth this early; you've completely outplayed my predictive structure. Despite knowing the truth based on the hints dropped in previous chapters, I was not mentally prepared for the truth to be here. This false sense of security made the inevitable and unchanging truth of Owen's past strike extra, but the helplessness to change what's past is truly heartbreaking.
A huge props to a subtle but powerful visual choice, however, every flashback C2-C6 (C = Chapter) all carry a nostalgic tint, but C1 and C7 are without such tint. This feels like a strong intentional choice as these moments are connected and are what Owen seeks to bury rather than treasure, like recurring scars, a brilliant way to distinguish those cherished from those that refuse to fade.
I have one issue with the dialogue (like the previous one), except this is much more major, in my opinion. The fact that the Oysters picked will determine whether Owen chooses Ollie or Marlo, which is enormous and does not factor in past choices. I would suggest a best of 3 option - a weighted system that takes account of a net attraction towards either Marlo or Ollie for the incoming pride fiesta. However, judging by what you posted on Patreon, it seems unlikely that'll happen, so maybe some minor wording fix could smooth this disconnect.
In terms of this build, there are several great patches:
- In C1, Ollie's shirt no longer half disappears in the Cantina, which is nice, though there is a minor, subtle flash, so it is not a big deal and is considered mostly fixed.
- In C5 flashback, Young Owen's pants no longer vanish - a huge win (Regarding legality, too).
- Nanabi is no longer considered "Fox" in the dialogue, which is cool stuff.
Now for the bugs (real sorry to be a bother about this, but some of these are too major to ignore):
Highest Priority: Title Screen Obstruction
Screenshot as shown above.
If players play through C2 and exit the game after reaching the scene where Ollie and Owen gaze out to sea, the title screen will obstruct everything. Do consider fixing this issue if you can, and note that this does not occur for either C5 Underwater Tunnel Title Screen or C7 Andrew and Owen Partying.
This is a significant access barrier for those who do not know how to resolve the issue / first-time players.
Medium Priority:
Ollie Flashbacks in C3 and C5:
In both instances when both Young Owen and Ollie come on screen, the zoom becomes incredibly scuffed and very off-centre. This occurs specifically at "Can you be my boyfriend" and when Ollie is first taught how to swim.
C6 Tint Carryover:
The nostalgic lighting from C6 persists even post-flashback, covering the remainder of the story in nostalgic lighting. This also triggers an issue in C7, where Ollie wears his shirt for most of the chapter.
Low Priority: (These have been around since I first downloaded the game)
Ollie's Rock and Goggles:
Ollie's rock is blue in the sprite, yet orange is shown in non-sprite scenes. His goggles are only visible when he appears excited or in non-sprite form. Goggles seem to magically appear otherwise lol.
If any of these require further elaboration, do let me know.
Closing Thoughts:
Thanks, as always, for putting so much effort and care into this project. Although some bugs randomly appear in each patch, the story, the emotional layering, symbolism, and music are too good. Hopefully, the final build will come along smoothly as you push on.
Sidenote:
Goodness gracious me, Andrew, how tf do you not notice your bf disappear for at least a good 5 minutes???
Freaky Thoughts:
My fingers are still crossed for that unlikely threesome between the three at the end, even if Andrew is out of the picture for good.
Looking forward to seeing what's next, and see you (hopefully) sometime around September again!
