Post by Wampyre in Realm Invader comments

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I appreciate your differing opinion but I don't really have 'bad days'. I actually live a really good, drama free, life. I understand that perhaps you really enjoyed this particular game/VN. I have nothing bad to say about you nor what you like or do not like. I, however, maintain my right to give honest, blunt criticism so far as I see it.

I freely admit that it may or may not have a good story once you settle in to it. However, I, myself, was unable to settle in to it. The point of my review was to highlight, specifically, that it is too bogged down with unskippable cut-scenes and MC 'thoughts' to allow many of us to settle in to the story. It completely lacked natural immersion; Instead relying on heavy-handed exposition dumps dressed up as MC thoughts.

Conversely, it's okay not to fully understand the author's world at the beginning. Let it unfoold through dialogue via conversations with the world's inhabitants. In fact, couldn't you go so far as to suggest that the lore unfolding over time is actually superior story-telling? Thusly also giving content and overarcing reason for conversations to take place; Ekeing out the big picture slowly from start to finish.

To give a great example (in my opinion) of slow delivery on the 'big picture' as I am suggesting, I recommend (or remind you of) Lucky Paradox. The nature of the world is effectively linked to everything and the centre of many a conversation, slowly filling in the world lore; Yet it is sparingly mentioned or touched upon. There are numerous underlying story arcs playing out within the bigger umbrella and, importantly, 'thoughts' are used sparingly. Our understanding of what is going on is built upon slowly over the course of the story.

Anyway, that's just my two cents. I feel that this game/VN sucked out any and all interest immediately. Nonetheless, I do appreciate, welcome and applaud you taking the time to disagree and let other people see that whilst it wasn't to my satisfaction, it may be to 'theirs' (or other's). I respect you for keeping your rebuttal predominantly pleasant. Have a great day.

I do apologise for my long-winded nature. I always feel compelled to be concise and attempt to avoid being misunderstood.

InvaderGary1 day ago

Judging by your comments I can tell exactly when you gave up. While I don't like that exposition dump either, and whish I handled it better, you're not considering the fact that I'd written nothing before this game, it's growing pains.

It's a vastly premature time to not only give up, but cast judgment on the whole game. Reread your original comment and tell me it's not overly harsh and implicative of the entire project rather than your reaction to a sloppily written section within the first 5 minutes of the game.

I'd encourage you actually get back into it. You only seem to be focusing on world building and are completely dismissive of any other areas to explore. There's a reason this game has so many lovers, it's because they actually played it and got invested in other areas rather than malding at the first 2% of the first episode in a several episode-long project.

Wampyre17 hours ago(-1)

I do get your point. I even understand why you see it the way that you do. It's your baby and you've poured a lot of time, effort and yourself in to the project. My review was harsh, yes. But, being harsh doesn't make it wrong (for me). Another user highlighted that he did not agree with me and he's not wrong either. After all, art is subjective. It wasn't your 'big picture' that I was criticising. It's what greeted me upon entry which you openly admit is sloppy.

Think about when you start an MMO. People tell you that end game is great, you just have to drudge your way through the first few levels. In reality, a lot of us are just not willing to do the drudgery 'because it gets good at the end game'. A great many MMO lose their customers in the first hour.

To reach a broader audience, perhaps it is worth re-imagining the start and easing us in to the story. Now, I really don't mean to be hurtful or rude but the next thing that I say is going to sting. I promise, I am not saying it to hurt you.

"you're not considering the fact that I'd written nothing before this game, it's growing pains". That's a you problem. What I mean is that you're aware of what I am criticising. You understand where I am coming from. However, It's not up to me to consider. Well, of course, I could; But, I am not obligated to. We all have to start somewhere. I'll give you that. I'll even give you credit for putting yourself out there and making a genuine effort. Perhaps it is worth revisiting the start, though.; If you believe the 'end game' is good. Could you not re-work it to remove the exposition dumps and forced cut-scenes?

Well, thank you for taking the time to ponder my thoughts. I won't download it and try again, right now. Maybe in a couple of months I will take another look.

itch.io

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