Post by VisualNovels in Blind 1.2 comments

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Look, my friend, “early” and “late” are relative, depending on how each person sees it. What you want to play, and what we’re creating here as a visual novel, is obviously something that has a beginning, a natural flow, and a story to tell, it’s not just a Pornhub video.

That said, I completely get what you mean, because I’m an impatient person too. I can’t drag things out for months through different versions just to artificially make the game feel more interesting. So, the way I see it, objectively speaking, not from my side or yours, I’d say it leans more toward the second category, the way you described it.

Take a look at the demo, play the demo. Right now it’s version 1.2, it’s not something that’s going to cost you much to get and check out, so you can see up to that point whether it meets the expectations you have. And then, if it does, you can go for 1.3 afterward.

Apis422 days ago (3 edits)

More about the action, and the dynamics that come from it... when boundaries are crossed... and journey beyond those boundaries?

That is good.

Yeah, I guess impatience is way to describe it.. though tbh... it is more just relative experience. I have played a LOT of AVN. For me, the key defining feature, for the AVN, is the A bit. Adult. In the context, Adult in this case means Adult as in Adult Film, or Adult Bookstore... not say, Adult themes (there's tons of game which deal with everything from Murder, Rape, and Torture, through to War, genocide, War Crimes all the way through to acute mental illness, depression, and suicide... and even deal with a myriad of sexual kinks and fetishes along the way.. which are not classed as 'Adult' legally in terms of what that tag actually means.. because there is nothing explicit in them, they deal with those things maturely, but with restraint).

So having jumped in a far too many AVNs where the Adult bit... the MOST defining feature of the AVN, which separates it from any other genre of game using the VN format... which are either underdone with the adult content, or backload most of it... under the argument from the Devs that it is a 'Story Rich' AVN and 'Not that kind of game'.... which I reject out of hand for the above reasons; the A bit it is the MOST important feature of the AVN.... I just like to do some due diligence, you know what I mean?

A premise like this, for me, feels like it would be MUCH more interesting, if it is explored as the hook being the MC crosses those lines, the women in his world do too, at least the ones which society says SHOULD NOT, and then tension is about the fall out....sorta maybe like... idk... say... one is ridden with guilt and engaging her in that way perhaps comes across almost as an exercise in masochism for her, whilst it is still unclear if she actually likes that, one is possessive and insatiable to the point the forbidden which must be kept secret is at risk of being revealed through her jealousy, or another is basically only doing the whole thing because it her way of paying for the attention she gets... almost like some kind of Munchausen By Proxy because of the MC's disability.... something like that. Whilst also all the while the MC might be trying to form more normal, natural, relationships, not only sexual, with the spectre of forbidden constantly making him uncertain of WHAT is a normal relationship, or if he can even form them now.... and even more, juggling the secret of his returning vision even as that becomes the supposed catalyst for ever darker, more depraved dynamics.

BUT... I have definitely played games with similar themes, or suggested dynamics... where basically the Adult content was not only minimal, and poorly done, but back end loaded, in weak porn dump, after copious amounts of teasing and last second cock blocking... because the Dev thought they were Shakespeare, and wanted everyone to play their amazing story... which was mediocre most of the time... and basically only made good on the promises of the dynamics he or she exploited as narrative hook for their edge lord drama, as doggy treat tokenism for getting through their story, at best, or because they just knew sex sells and tossing in some porn would slip their game in to the Adult niche, removing it from competing with MUCH better VN format games made by actual professional studios, which might drown it out and overshadow it otherwise.

The worst thing about the latter games most of the time, in my experience, is they do NOT be HONEST about being that kind of BS up front in their listing and marketing... and usually take way more than say, two hours, in the case of Steam... so by the time you realise you have been had... at least in AVN terms.. because the garbage you are playing is a TERRIBLE AVN... even if a good VN for small amateur team or solo dev... it is too late to get my money back.

Sadly, this means as rude as it seems or I may come across.. I just outright ask now. No offence meant.

VisualNovels21 days ago

I have to admit, I was genuinely impressed by your message. It was the kind of text you actually learn from, and I took a lot from your line of thinking, especially toward the end, in those last paragraphs where you said that some developers act like they’re Shakespeare and keep you waiting for two hours just to hand you a tiny little crumb at the end as a reward for enduring it. It made me laugh, but it also pissed me off on behalf of players dealing with that kind of bullshit.

I’m telling you honestly, that’s not what I’m aiming for at all, because even just thinking about that kind of approach annoys me too. I’m simply trying to create a natural flow, so that things actually make sense and the whole experience doesn’t turn into something ridiculous or hollow.

Everything you brought up, about a story that truly keeps you in suspense, keeps your interest, doesn’t bore you, and actually delivers what a sensible adult expects from a visual novel that isn’t made for kids, that’s exactly the kind of thing I care about too. I think our ideas line up pretty well, and I believe I do have the elements you’re looking for. I can’t say to what extent, of course, but that’s in your hands, if you ever decide to try it, I’d definitely like to hear your opinion afterward.

Thank you very much for your rich and thoughtful message. It genuinely gave me positive thoughts and made me think through a few things even better.

Apis420 days ago

Well thanks for taking my rambling as it is meant, I just wanted to address any ambiguity in my initial post, for clarity's sake, as well as explain WHY I was asking what I was.

So, the run time of 1:20 means an hour and half near enough, of content, yes?

I think I will give this one a try, your professionalism and understanding says very good things about you, and by extension, gives me good vibes for the game (I have dealt with a lot of devs who get extra butt hurt and offended when I hit them up from the get go about details of their game and just HOW MUCH of an actual A-VN it is, so your reply welcomingly refreshing).

VisualNovels20 days ago

I genuinely enjoyed our conversation, and I mean that. It didn’t bother me in the slightest, quite the opposite, it gave me the chance to say a few things I wanted to express as well.

These days, it’s surprisingly rare to come across someone you can have a real conversation with, someone thoughtful, sharp, and genuinely worth exchanging ideas with. Most interactions stay on the surface, so when a conversation has actual substance, it stands out. Ours definitely did, and I appreciated that.

I’m glad we talked, and I hope you enjoy my game. And one thing you can be sure of, the next versions are going to open the door to far more impressive things. I’m confident you’ll see that for yourself.

Apis420 days ago

Well dude, flattery gets you everywhere.... you just sold a copy of your game! I enjoyed our conversation too, as said, many devs are far less... approachable... shall we say :)

VisualNovels20 days ago

Thank you very much for your support, my friend. I truly appreciate the fact that you want to support something you believe is worth it, and that means a lot to me.

I hope my visual novel proves worthy of your expectations, even though it still has a lot more to say in the future, things that haven’t happened yet.

Good morning, and take care.

Apis420 days ago (2 edits) (+1)

I enjoyed what there was, the models are gorgeous, the variation is greatly appreciated, the 'Landlady' character is one the hottest mature ladies I've ever seen especially (usually they look way too young, to be the.. Landlady.... or they look their age... but also are rather... unattractive.. like the Devs cannot imagine what beautiful woman in her 40 s or 50s looks like... but this one? NAILED IT).

The content build up worked well too, for me.... and the .... exploitation.....twist with the Therapist.... and the ... involvement ...somehow of the Hairdresser (which I hope is made clearer next update).....was hot and built a LOT of anticipation.

The fact the NTR and Trans content was wholly avoidable was fantastic too.

It I had any criticisms, they'd only be minor. I would have liked alternate scenes if we DID skip the NTR and Trans content... perhaps BOTH the landlady AND tenant get ... digital... experience with the MC.... even if you choose one the first time.... then the other also eventually gets a turn. to make up for missing a scene by skipping NTR... and perhaps a little moment with... idk.... someone else at the Salon.. if you skip the Trans scene? Something like that would have been nice, since there is such little content, and skipping content you are not into in this case, means you miss out on scenes, when there is so few of them.

Also, I think, for me, and I am sure this can be improved going forwards... again since there IS so little content for now... I would have LOVED for the landladies... ahem.. shaving... scene... the therapists .... special treatment scene at the end.... and then... her.... night time escapade with big daddy cop...., and the .... um.... Biker.... escape...... to be longer... more detailed.... really show me what I can expect from the scenes going forwards, you know? Maybe some changes in perspective, a little more to them, some changes in angle, that sort of thing, to really highlight what we could expect going forwards.

But all in all, considering everything.... for a short, early, new game right at the start.... I will give this a VERY sold 9/10.... maybe half a point off for the scenes maybe being a little short, and half a point off for missing out on content when you chose to skip NTR or Trans content.

I cant wait for more.

One additional question though, will I now have access to the games future updates, or will I have buy them each time?

VisualNovels20 days ago (1 edit)

First of all, thank you very much for your kind words and for the recognition.

I completely agree with everything you said.

Now, regarding NTR and trans scenes, what I don’t really understand, and also what I’ve seen others complain about, is how a scene can be considered NTR when it’s simply a character’s private moment, without any established relationship having developed or anything that actually suggests that kind of betrayal toward another character. That’s what I can’t quite grasp, because some people seem to interpret it 100% in that way.

As for trans content, yes, I can’t really add much there, it’s a matter of taste. But you know how it is, as a developer you’re often influenced, or you try to make certain “favors” or add specific content requested by some subscribers or supporters, which ends up complicating things and sometimes leads to losses from the other side.

Anyway, these are things I need to handle in a smarter way. I completely agree with you, my friend, thank you very much for your input. Right now I’ll also have the holiday period in between, so I’ll take some time to think things through more clearly.

As for game updates, just to inform you, as you probably already know, if you become a supporter subscriber at the lowest tier on Subscribestar or Patreon, which is $3 per month, you’ll get access to all updates, and as you go higher you’ll get additional benefits, which you can see in detail on those two pages.

If you need anything else or have any questions, just let me know, I’m here.

https://visualnovels3d.itch.io/

Apis420 days ago

To be honest, I do not class the Gym scene NTR either.... but alas.. ... there ARE a lot of fragile lonely guys playing these kinds of games. Whilst NTR and Cuckold are not even the same thing, yet alone when there is no established relationship..... within the fandom of the genre... and in a SMALL part this is due to some games which initially got popular having blindsiding NTR without warning...... but most just through fragility and insecurity of much of the player base.... within the AVN sector... sadly, NTR has come to mean ANY sexual interactions between a Love Interest... or anyone sexually accessible to the PC, and anyone else.

It is not strictly NTR in the strictest sense, that adheres to the original Japanese traditional definition. BUT, within the AVN sphere.... for much of the player base, ANYTHING whereby a sexually accessible roster character.....be they primary Love Interest, Side Piece, or even just one off pump and dump....has ANY sexual engagement with ANY other party than the MC... but especially with other men... is generally considered NTR.

Personally, I avoid that if I CAN, but it DOES NOT destroy a game if it happens.... I just understand the self insert egotism of it... I too prefer it when the MC, ME as the PC.... gets all the pussy, and the only NTR/Cucking is ME fucking other men's women, eventually making them mine...... but there is a whole lot of AVN players out there who can ONLY accept this.....the only LGBTQI content can be when THEY as the PC allow additional females to share in sexual encounters with any given one they are focusing on.... and the ONLY infidelity can be when hot bitches suck and fuck their MC... and nothing else at all.

And if you include such content, without warning, and opt outs to avoid it.... man, they will definitely let you know about it. It IS a lot of work though, to make two lots of scenes for everything. The BEST games in the genre handle the Trans thing, by making the trans character ... receive...for the most part.. not ... ahem... give... and then make TWO MODELS, one where that character IS trans... and one where they are female... and the player can select at the start. They usually handle the NTR thing... by not necessarily having an equal amount of scenes.... so three NTR scenes... you get three hetero non NTR scenes if you do not chose that path.... but instead they'll often include say three or four to one ratio... if there is say three NTR scenes in a chapter... and players avoid... they get ONE non-NTR sex scene on that path... BUT, they, the devs, will make it a good one, at the longer end of such scenes, multiple angles and perspectives, maybe some really hot kink involved, well lit, well phased, especially hot depraved writing. Apparently that still takes less effort than making three non NTR scenes to match content for the NTR ones... but also usually keeps players happy.

I'll think about subscribing, but to honest, because I have, in the very early days, scene peoples work from other sites, coopted.... shall we say... and integrated in to works on patreon, without recompense... whilst the person so doing makes money of that work... I have an ethical dislike of the platform, and tbh, usually feel like I will never use it.

HOWEVER, I'd be happy to pay again, for the completed game, when it is finally done, if it is listed here.

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