The story is a premise used in other games, but it lacks a lot of factors I would need for buy in. (Though I do very much appreciate that everyone is a willing participant in this game, as others are very non consensual)
- Our main character's life sucks, but somehow thinks this app is a pain, and not the greatest thing to ever happen to him? While I enjoy the twist because him being happy is how other games would handle this topic, there is not enough reason given for why he would feel antagonistic about the app at first. Perhaps it is explained that the app will fine him for not accepting requests, or there is a quota that must be reached? Things that would complicate the situation. To motivate him, perhaps there is a massive bonus for completing the beta test, life changing money if he can just survive the beta test?
- The current process is slow, ok I can buy that, but why is our main character on the beta list? There are likely thousands of people who would be WILLING to do this, so why him?The classic answer is the government cares less about quality and more about results. He is genetically more virile, so they want him on the job rather than other men. Which also makes him counter productive to the women who just want the money and not to actually get pregnant. Which helps explain a lot of the hostility towards him present in the story.
- Why is there a time limit and how does the app even know? ( Minor things because this is fantasy, but I was just asking myself these questions the whole time. ) It seems trivial to just not accept the invite and wait to move to a better location. Perhaps have the government send the invite for them, and both must accept within a time limit or the offer vanishes. This would put them on a timer and force hasty and risky decisions and would make sense as the government only cares about boosting the birth rate, not their convenience.
- some of the writing felt awkward at some points, but this is a demo, so that is fine.
- this is advertised as a visual novel, and not a kinetic novel, so the lack of player input or choice threw me off. Choosing to agree on the app seems like the logical option, especially if paired with a quote that must be hit or game over.
Overall, I enjoyed previous games, and look forward to seeing where this one goes.