VN Ren'Py Summer's Gone [S1 Steam + DLC] [Oceanlab]

[BobTheDuck]

It's weird that Bella is both the most popular and the most hated girl. As far as I can observe on Discord, the simps of other girls have good feelings for many girls, but when it comes to Bella, they suddenly start spewing hate. I guess Bella's screen time bothers a lot of simps. If Bella's screen time suddenly drops, don't you think Ocean will get a big criticism? Because Ocean seems to be giving messages of this. Eva told Bella that canyon races were dangerous and that she had to be careful. I really wouldn't be surprised if Bella has an accident and we don't see her for a few chapters.

I'd say a careful storyteller would make those absences work into the plot's favour; Bella being in a hospital bed in the same way Vic was would be a cheap way to create drama, but told well, it could be very emotive and a great mirror to show different ways to dealing with loss. It might also be a way that Bella and VIc get brough closer together. A prolonged absence of Bella might also create tension as someone like Kate tries to win Nika behind Bella's back. Or the canyon race occurs while Nika is getting therapy at the cabin. THere are so many ways to weave that story.

I guess the Bella fans consider all the other girls distractions from the main story, because up to now Bella kinda is the story. Vic seems initially more important to the plot, but has become more like a side girl. All the other girls' fans kinda have to acknowledge that Bella's story arc is pretty great, even if they're interested in someone else. I'm personally not so interested in Nami, although I do like the tensions and hilarious awkwardness she creates, but she's really well written even if I'm not interested. Just like Zara won some Bella fans over, I'm sure each will have their moment, and Ocean will make sure he keeps the other fans happy. Maybe there will be lots of phone/social media interaction if a LI doesn't get much screen time. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

 

[Penfold Mole]

I'd say a careful storyteller would make those absences work into the plot's favour; Bella being in a hospital bed in the same way Vic was would be a cheap way to create drama, but told well, it could be very emotive and a great mirror to show different ways to dealing with loss. It might also be a way that Bella and VIc get brough closer together.

Already rolling on the speculation path, maybe it would work better if Bella would get arrested and incarcerated for a few weeks for illegal racing (she would also lose her race car and her license for a longer period and she'd have a huge quarrel with her mom, obviously), instead of getting injured and hospitalized the way Vic was? Just a somewhat interesting thought I had...

 

[soprano31]

I really wouldn't be surprised if Bella has an accident and we don't see her for a few chapters.

 

[BobTheDuck]

Already rolling on the speculation path, maybe it would work better if Bella would get arrested and incarcerated for a few weeks for illegal racing (she would also lose her race car and her licence for a longer period and she'd have a huge quarrel with her mom, obviously), instead of getting injured and hospitalized the way Vic was? Just a somewhat interesting thought I had...

Yeah, much more interesting than repeating the same traumas we've already seen. Also a very good way to get more tension from the Ceril's

 

[Penfold Mole]

Heh, Bella cut off from her finances by her mom, riding a bus to the college together with the "poor people" or riding her old bicycle (a cute pink one she was riding as a (pre-)teen last time, the kind with a basket and dangling tassels) Begging aunt Claire for a few bucks...

 

[Zaraa]

Why is there a request to reduce Bella's screen time but no similar request for Nami? From what I know, Nami actually has much more screen time than Bella. Some may argue that Nami is Nika's roommate, which is why she appears more frequently. However, considering Bella is Nika's project mate, wouldn't it be normal for Bella to have more screen time too?

Bella has had very little screen time in the previous two episodes. Despite this, I am surprised to see people still advocating for reducing her screen time.

 

[Maviarab]

Why is there a request to reduce Bella's screen time but no similar request for Nami? From what I know, Nami actually has much more screen time than Bella. Some may argue that Nami is Nika's roommate, which is why she appears more frequently. However, considering Bella is Nika's project mate, wouldn't it be normal for Bella to have more screen time too?

Bella has had very little screen time in the previous two episodes. Despite this, I am surprised to see people still advocating for reducing her screen time.

Because people don't read stuff....

Should be (by now) common knowledge that Bella is the main character at the start (Ocean's words) and takes up the bulk of the story. Other characters will get their turn as the story progresses. So they either haven't bothered finding this out...or the story (as it currently is) is just not really for them.

 

[yossa999]

Because people don't read stuff....

Should be (by now) common knowledge that Bella is the main character at the start (Ocean's words) and takes up the bulk of the story. Other characters will get their turn as the story progresses. So they either haven't bothered finding this out...or the story (as it currently is) is just not really for them.

Moreover, mind you, Ocean only had to add a little of Zara in chapters 4 and 5, develop her character a little, let the MC interact with her in a few scenes, and she already had a lot of fans, even among people who previously called her an arrogant bitch, worse than Bella.

 

[Zaraa]

Because people don't read stuff....

Should be (by now) common knowledge that Bella is the main character at the start (Ocean's words) and takes up the bulk of the story. Other characters will get their turn as the story progresses. So they either haven't bothered finding this out...or the story (as it currently is) is just not really for them.

I agree. Besides, Ocean is ultimately trying to monetise this game. If Bella's screen time drops drastically, Ocean's revenue from Bella's fans could drop significantly. I'm honestly not sure if Ocean would want such a drop in revenue.

 

[Maviarab]

Moreover, mind you, Ocean only had to add a little of Zara in chapters 4 and 5, develop her character a little, let the MC interact with her in a few scenes, and she already had a lot of fans, even among people who previously called her an arrogant bitch, worse than Bella.

Fans and haters of anything are very fickle people hehe

 

[Penfold Mole]

Oh, Bella having an accident or getting arrested might actually increase her screen time, depending on the chosen path.

Anyway, it was just mental gymnastics, a pure speculation, not a suggestion or wish for Ocean to follow it. He already has the story mapped out, it would make me the happiest if he would follow it through the way he planned and wouldn't accept any suggestions or demands of the fans or even supporters to go astray from the planned scenario, the way he has been doing so far.
I just thought that it would be interesting to see Bella's reaction and reactions of the people around her and Nika if her "wings got clipped" a bit.
And to make sure - I do like her. A lot. Definitely not a hater in any way. She'd be so cute riding that pink bicycle, all angry and pissed off and as explosive as a leaky stick of dynamite

 

[Zaraa]

Oh, Bella having an accident or getting arrested might actually increase her screen time, depending on the chosen path.

Anyway, it was just mental gymnastics, a pure speculation, not a suggestion or wish for Ocean to follow it. He already has the story mapped out, it would make me the happiest if he would follow it through the way he planned and wouldn't follow any suggestions or demands of the fans or even supporters to go astray from the planned scenario, the way he has been doing so far.
I just thought that it would be interesting to see her reaction and reactions of the people around her and Nika if her "wings got clipped" a bit.
And to make sure - I do like her. A lot. Definitely not a hater in any way. She'd be so cute riding that pink bicycle, all angry and pissed off and explosive, like an expired and already leaky stick of dynamite

I think Bella being like this makes her more attractive. Her change should be over time, not all at once. Somehow she sees the need to pretend because of her own past experiences. tbh she was really cute when she told her sister about Nika.

 

[The Krogan Dude]

Why is there a request to reduce Bella's screen time but no similar request for Nami? From what I know, Nami actually has much more screen time than Bella.

That's not really true. Nami shares half of her scenes with Nojiko or others girls. Bella on the other hand has more solo scenes with the MC than all the other girls put together.

 

[PaxHadrian17]

I've played multiple paths, including the decision to kiss Bella or not kiss her on the hilltop.

If the MC does not kiss Bella on the hilltop, her screen time gets cut dramatically.

There is no Bella rescue in the locker room and no goodbye prior to the weekend starting.

Yes - Bella and the MC will still have contact due to the Holgerson decision choice (if the MC decided to help Bella mess with the Holgersons) as well as the class project, but other major content in Ch 5 can also be skipped based on choices.

If the MC effectively breaks up with Bella when she offers a no strings attached relationship with the MC, then she does not come into his house for breakfast nor does she sleep with him.

If someone complains about a lot of Bella screen time while repeatedly making choices as the MC to move the Bella relationship forward, it should not be a shocker that she gets significantly more screen time due to those choices.

I am both a Bella and Zara fan and I am enjoying how Ocean is balancing LI screen time based on the choices I make for the MC.

Cheers and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!!

 

[Maviarab]

I've played multiple paths, including the decision to kiss Bella or not kiss her on the hilltop.

If the MC does not kiss Bella on the hilltop, her screen time gets cut dramatically.

There is no Bella rescue in the locker room and no goodbye prior to the weekend starting.

Yes - Bella and the MC will still have contact due to the Holgerson decision choice (if the MC decided to help Bella mess with the Holgersons) as well as the class project, but other major content in Ch 5 can also be skipped based on choices.

If the MC effectively breaks up with Bella when she offers a no strings attached relationship with the MC, then she does not come into his house for breakfast nor does she sleep with him.

If someone complains about a lot of Bella screen time while repeatedly making choices as the MC to move the Bella relationship forward, it should not be a shocker that she gets significantly more screen time due to those choices.

I am both a Bella and Zara fan and I am enjoying how Ocean is balancing LI screen time based on the choices I make for the MC.

Cheers and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!!

Very well said, and the same to you man.

 

[John972]

I really wouldn't be surprised if Bella has an accident and we don't see her for a few chapters.

It's tag team, baby! Bella has an accident and slips into a coma at the exact same moment her sister wakes up and meets the MC for the first time. Her subconscious is already primed from all Bella's glowing verbal descriptions of the MC. /s (obviously)

 

[John972]

I've played multiple paths, including the decision to kiss Bella or not kiss her on the hilltop.

If the MC does not kiss Bella on the hilltop, her screen time gets cut dramatically.

There is no Bella rescue in the locker room and no goodbye prior to the weekend starting.

Yes - Bella and the MC will still have contact due to the Holgerson decision choice (if the MC decided to help Bella mess with the Holgersons) as well as the class project, but other major content in Ch 5 can also be skipped based on choices.

If the MC effectively breaks up with Bella when she offers a no strings attached relationship with the MC, then she does not come into his house for breakfast nor does she sleep with him.

If someone complains about a lot of Bella screen time while repeatedly making choices as the MC to move the Bella relationship forward, it should not be a shocker that she gets significantly more screen time due to those choices.

I am both a Bella and Zara fan and I am enjoying how Ocean is balancing LI screen time based on the choices I make for the MC.

Cheers and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!!

Yeah, there's a few characters like that - their screen time and the flavor of the content depends on choices made while playing. Nami is another.

If anyone wants to get an idea, for shits-and-giggles, do a skipped playthrough rejecting all LIs and being an A-hole to everyone.

Echoing PaxHadrian17's sentiments, a Merry Christmas to ALL (SG lovers/haters, and those who just frequent the thread for casual amusement)

 

[yossa999]

It's tag team, baby! Bella has an accident and slips into a coma at the exact same moment her sister wakes up and meets the MC for the first time. Her subconscious is already primed from all Bella's glowing verbal descriptions of the MC. /s (obviously)

So, no threesome with two Bellas?
Heartbreaker! Life taker!

 

[John972]

So, no threesome with two Bellas?
Heartbreaker! Life taker!

..don't put the thought into peoples minds!

Seeing it's Christmas and all, people gonna be asking Santa for a Von Halen foursome (also feat Amber), while Queen's 'I Want It All' plays in the background.

 

[crabsinthekitchen]

Why is there a request to reduce Bella's screen time but no similar request for Nami? From what I know, Nami actually has much more screen time than Bella. Some may argue that Nami is Nika's roommate, which is why she appears more frequently. However, considering Bella is Nika's project mate, wouldn't it be normal for Bella to have more screen time too?

Bella has had very little screen time in the previous two episodes. Despite this, I am surprised to see people still advocating for reducing her screen time.

Honestly I wouldn't mind one update without Bella and Nami. But it has to be without them even if you're on their paths. No flashbacks or other bullshit as well. I had two entire chapters without half of the LIs, it's only fair