VN - Ren'Py - Elysium [v0.1.1] [Xtudio]

  1. 3.00 star(s)

    N0madS0uL

    VERSION: 0.1
    SUMMARY: Pretty decent start, but will need some work to be considered good.
    RATINGS: (out of 5):
    1. Models: 4
    2. Animations: 4
    3. General Visuals: 4
    4. Characters: 2
    5. Story: 3
    6. Writing: 4
    7. UI & Gameplay: 3
    8. Content (amount): 3
    9. Sound & Music: 3
    10. Fetish & kinks: NA
    Average: 30 of 50 possible points giving a 60% rating i.e. 3 stars.

    PROS:
    1. Renders are impressive, looks like some AI filters/tech was used, which is not a bad thing, sometimes models just look "too" good if you know what I mean.
    2. Small animation details during normal renders are a nice touch and show that extra attention to detail. This is important and shows quality and enforces immersion.
    3. General animations are good, again works well with the good renders, though not many nor long animations so can't appreciate them fully.
    4. Music is nice, though same tune on a loop its at least pleasant to listen to. Does change and get dynamic during intense event, which is another good point.
    5. Writing is good, structured well and reads fine. There is some work to be done to refine it though.
    CONS:
    1. Some unrealistic minor plot details that throw me off are like the "aunt" looking younger that the MC who looks to be 30 or more with the crows feet around the eyes. There are other areas also (check suggestions)
    2. Added to plot hole is the "aunt" can use tenant money but lives and looks like a model...eh?
    3. Variable of MC name in some dialogue is not consistent, reverts back to John, even though the default is Noah and the player has set the name...
    4. Could use some changes in UI to things like dialogue box opacity, sometimes the text gets tricky to read. Also buttons and better ways to interact or changes camera angles needs to be implemented instead of leaving a word above the NPC.
    5. Added to UI, a gallery feature would be nice to have, even for small lewd moments.
    6. More sounds would be nice, a vase dropping is a good touch, but more of those would be great, ambience is important.
    7. Bit short, but not too bad, have had shorted first releases. Also at least it seems interesting, if the dream the MC has, has any connection to the ending of this version.
    FINAL THOUGHTS & SUGGESTIONS:
    • Some nonsensical points like a grown man living with his "aunt", sure I can get behind that, but his aunt looks his age, doesn't seem to work and yet looks like a model and lives in a model house? Its not realistic or thought through on those details. Older or mature people should look the part, their living conditions should fit their financial situation...
    • Another weird thing that I think is happening is the developer is focused a lot on the NPCs (LIs) to look beautiful, all the time when they dont need to and actually shouldn't e.g., Alice shows up at Aunts house as new tenant, but shows up dressed in a very luxurious and skimpy evening dress...that doesn't work, not for someone who got evicted and had to pack their shit, you would be wearing your shit clothes, be dirty, tired and sweaty. She looks like she is checking in at a hotel and going out for the evening.
    • Per above point, even the Aunt is at home all the time but dressed to the 9s, immaculate and she is constantly watering the plants or making food. This adds to undeveloped characters and poor planning overall for your characters and story.
    • Any chance of more kinky TAGS being added to the game? Much of them that are here are relatively vanilla already e.g. pregnancy, incest, urination, voyeurism etc.?
    Overall its really not a bad start, I am fairly impressed. Also the story, while seems dull and uninteresting, which it is for the most part. The start and end do make you wonder what the game will ultimately be. Hopefully the next update has some more content and improvements.