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Okay, so out of curiosity as to how censorship was handled in this game, I decided to buy the Steam version as well as the Japanese version, and played the beginning part of each game next to each other. (Short version: I wish I didn't buy the English version-- it was not worth it. Long version:) The result was... dissapointing. I had the idea in my head that the translation at the very least, was handled well and that the only "issue" lied in the missing 18+ content. Well, as I played through the beginning of the game in English, I noticed... there is literally missing dialouge which is important to the plot. (This dialogue is completely unrelated to any H, and happens before the first H-scene.) During the start of the game, when the MC meets the God who governs the shrine, there is actually missing lines of dialogue, which gives direct details about what kind of deal the MC makes with the God etc. But in the English version, it just skips over the details of the deal they make, and come to the conclusion right away, which is confusing. This makes the game look even less detailed and in depth than it already is. In the English version, all you get out of the whole scene is: "You girls must be punished!" "Please don't punish them, punish me!" "Ok." - The end. The details of the deal itself isn't discussed at all. The translation itself seems pretty okay, but it is quite literal and a bit... strange. For some reason, they list "narrator" as a person speaking when the MC thinks. (So, the normal narration from the MC's point of view, which literally uses "me" "mine" I am" and so on, is labeled under "narrator." This is NOT present in the JP game, so it is very confusing.) Now, moving onto the scene that follows after the deal is made-- the first H-scene. It was not completely cut out, but it was handled quite... strangely. They left in a few lines of foreplay, where the MC and Sumire are making out. Then they leave in some of the dialogue that actually happens in the H-scene itself, but don't show the CG. (In this dialogue they establish that everyone loves the MC, and the MC loves everyone, basically.) Important note: No actual sex is described. It's just ... talking. If you didn't know this has H-scenes, you most likely would never know that what is happening is actually sex. THEN they cut the rest out, but leave in the last line, "sumire showered me with sweet love all night long." or something along those lines, suddenly implying that sex occured. Or, at least, kissing all night I guess, lol. This is the only refrence I have found so far, that might somehow imply that there is "sexy things" happening in this game. The rest is removed/ censored. Now, they have also cut out direct refrences to genitalia completely, (examples: there is one little exhange early in the game where Nazuna lies down on the MC's lap, and notices that he has a boner. Sumire then says, "oh, it is still energetic, even after I used it so much last night?" Terrible TL from me there, but you get the gjist of it.) The Japanese game is very crude, using words like まんこ and ちんぽ left and right, even in non H related scenes, (which is not surprising, seeing as it is a nuklge.) Overall, it is a bit worse than I expected. I would just like to say that, anyone who is considering maybe getting this game... please, for your own good, do not do it until a possible patch is released in the future. The way the game is now, it is completely pointless and ... weird.

It is not censored eroge. It is a PS2 game that is an alternative version where the porn just never happened.

An oldie, but still a goodie:

I have download Discord and make my own server on it, called Shuffle Disscusion and I want people join the server, so we can talk about it. Here it's the link https://discord.gg/s9v5uPn

I can't speak for the other guy but personally, I hate things using the following equation: Hate = Shittiness x Popularity. That's why I'll whine about Clannad and Shuffle for absolute ages, whereas some obvious third-rate schlock is relatively safe from my fearsome wrath.

I wonder why they'd choose to release an updated version of the console one instead of Essence+ though, I know this one apparently has more stuff than the original one but isn't Essence+ the definitive version of Shuffle! ?, but like you said I hope they'll release a +18 patch for this one. While I know that I'm probably among the minority here, I did like and enjoy Shuffle!, so I'm okay with this for the most part (if they release a +18 patch). Hey at least we're getting Kareha and Mayumi.

Interesting side note: YumeHaven is a newly-formed sub-brand of Active Gaming Media, a pretty huge general localization house, which has handled localization for hundreds of games in the past. They're describing YumeHaven as their "first" VN brand. Implying there might be more? Maybe they'll do an eroge brand? It seems kind of unlikely to me, though, since this is a pretty well-established company who might not want to risk their reputation being tarnished by porn. Or maybe they'll be like Degica and not give a fuck. Active Gaming Media generally does legit localizations with professionally paid staff. The fact that they actually are a large localization company with full-time staff means that their projects cost more money, which is typically why these kinds of companies don't do VNs in the first place. VNs bring in fuck all revenue. It'll be interesting to see if they stick around.

This is an overretaed piece of crap, I won't repurchase it for sure. I still hope we'll end up getting oretsuba somehow.

ah, so this is why navel broke off their deal with mangagamer. Steam pandering.. yay........

Even if he won, Trump wouldn't have the power to make himself a dictator. He's a fringe lunatic and the slightest hint of corruption would immediately get him impeached, possibly by his own party. And even if he somehow managed to overcome the checks and balances and do what he says he'll do, the world would suffer for it. Anyone cheering on Trump as "what America deserves" is cheering for a disintegration of the world order that has kept our world mostly at peace since the 1940's--and that's just foolish. Seems to me like the writer was more interested in taking a swipe at the US than providing any useful policy insight.

Sorry, but you aren't really up to date anymore, the VN boom on Steam is over. A Steam release simply isn't a guaranteed avalanche of dollares anymore. You might check out Front Wing's whining thread about Corona Blossom's horrible sales. Or Conjueror's comments about Tokyo Babel's not exactly breath-taking sales, that might make future engagement's in further chuuni titles difficult. Similar thing for Fata Morgana and judging by Supipara's fund-raiser, even getting to chapter 2 might get an almost impossible challenge. And I'm not sure if the usually long tails of VN titles on Steam are still as long as they were used to be. Steam users interested in VN's aren't blind, they already moved on directly to the sales sites of MangaGamer, Jast & Co. And competition is also higher.

I prefer donut, it can catch people off-guard.

That's good, it's a better alternative than releasing a cut PC version like MoeNovel did for Konosora or what NextNinja did with Chusingura46+1. Too bad that Essence+ never received a console version as Essence+ is the definitive version of Shuffle with the most routes.

I read that as three days by mistake earlier. Well then, my bad, congratulations! Hopefully it goes well.

Community manager said that it's a PS2 port: http://steamcommunity.com/app/537100/discussions/0/340412122408278439/#c340412122408292299

Why is this so funny

Well rip then, I didn't know it had been removed from Mangagamer, that's a shame. What a sad alternative universe!

I somehow fail to see the point of this Steam release. They make an entire retranslation for a title which most people who were interested in it already played long ago, and I find it hard to believe that many people who already bought MangaGamer's adult version are willing to buy the title again, just to get two additional but butchered routes. Essence+ could have been interesting, but it's not even that. I hope Navel keep their sales expectations low, since it'll most likely hard to even finance the retranslation. The only positive thing is that Navel seem to have an interest in the Western market again. Although they seem to prefer to go independent now, which is fine by me, but helloooooo we have 2016 and not 2004 anymore, could we maybe raise our mindset beyond Shuffle for a change?! Is it too much to ask for an Oretsuba or Tsuriotsu?! I mean, even Oretsuba is already about 10 years old, so maybe just maybe it would be about time for that instead of Shuffle release 1245, which isn't even the final and definite edition?

hmm I can see a lot of people being disappointed in reading this VN then. I honestly felt the same way with Nekopara, and then I found out about the cut content, then patched it and then... ...I changed my mind.

Welcome to Fuwa~! You're already finding plenty of recommendations, I see. And you'll be finding a lot more as you frequent these forums!

It does save them the trouble of dealing with the backlash or other things that may come along with it, they just get away with it by saying "This version doesn't have any H to make a patch for to begin with"

I tweeted them, asking if an 18+ patch would be possible, but their reply was that the all-ages version has no H-scenes to begin with. I don't think they understood the question. (About bringing the original content back.) I'm on my phone atm, so idk if this link works. https://mobile.twitter.com/MrDergonu/status/789370202031058944 I replied again, explaining in more detail, but they are yet to respond to that. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Shuffle Essence+ is basically an entirely different game. It still has that mediocrity feel to it, but it has much more content to justify its existence and I'm sure if that was the version the West knew about it wouldn't be as hated of a franchise (I personally don't see why the original Shuffle is even THAT hated, it's not like it's Ikikoi, but alas).

Well, I guess a censored release on steam is better than it not being sold at all anymore... Though Shuffle is actually one of those eroges where the H contet plays into the story, which might make one particular route in this game hard to understand, unless they add in some extra filler content in this port. Hopefully they make an 18+ patch later on...

One day... One day I believe we will get Shuffle Essence+

lol, people really hate Shuffle here, huh? Well, I think it's pretty crap, too. But it was one of MangaGamer's top performing non-nukiges for a while, and I've seen some fans of the anime as well. It's certainly not a VN I enjoyed much at all, but even then I think some people are being a wee bit hyperbolic here. Really its main crime is that it's just really freaking boring. It's not offensively bad or anything.

Well, from my short experience: none of them have a Basic english level that you can easily understand, but at least try VNs with Subjects you already know. For instance: Hoshimemo uses Astrology terms, Kono oozora Aerodinamic and Physics terms. If you already know some terminology related to those subjects you could try with those first while improving your english. And by the way... Koichoco and Majikoi are great titles that seemed to me to have a non complicated english. Hope this results useful !

No, that's not why. MangaGamer would have happily released a Steam version, they do so all the time. Navel wanting to go to Steam likely has little to do with their breakup with MG.

Good news: We're getting an updated version of Shuffle! Bad news: It's the console update and not the recent Essence+ version , also no ero

Confession: I need a decent and stable hobby to spend money on, also a decent and stable job to earn money.

If you want to call someone distributing pirated copies of Sekai Project's intellectual property a "fan patcher", I think it's more than a little disingenuous, and while Dovac made a mess of the communication, there's no doubt who was in the right in that little tiff, in my mind. FWIW, I find it pretty funny that Sekai Project came in with an announcement that they'd be delaying Root Double by a month and got absolutely roasted for it, while Mikandi came in with a 4-month delay announcement and is being praised for their great communication. Double standard much, guys? To be clear, I don't fault Mikandi for the four-month delay announcement (looking at the screenshots on their website, I'm delighted to hear that it is yet to be edited and that they still have plenty of time for that...), and I'm looking forward to the game; I'm just a little annoyed at the community's clear biases. Can confirm, having a stable full-time job to support weeb hobbies is nice

I appreciate the responses so far. A couple things on points you guys have raised: Hong Kong =/= China. Like, at all. It's been the freest economy in the world as long as such a thing has been measured, and should remain that way until at least 2047 when China is no longer bound by treaty not to fuck it up. The main reason in setting up shop there is it would make all of the taxes that make doing business in the US too expensive and the paperwork too much of a bite in my ass go away. You know, so I can focus my attention on making something worth your money. For those of you thinking Steam will result in a lower price point - not so much. The way I see it they want an undisclosed percentage off the top I wouldn't have to lose if you just bought it from my website instead. Steam also means I'm going to have to pay someone to go into the game, suck all of the H scenes out, then build a patch that puts them back in. I see this as money going down the drain for no good reason. Do you know who will be paying for that? Whatever it costs to do business on Steam will be added to the Steam price, and could conceivably be more than a physical copy depending on what Steam's commission is per sale. I recognize they provide a service in handling the digital delivery and customer service, but this is a small enough niche where I'm not expecting to be overwhelmed with 10,000 people buying it the second it goes on sale. I'm old school, my first instinct would be to just sell you a physical copy and leave it at that, but I know the kids these days need their instant gratification. I have no problem offering a download for the same price as a physical copy (less whatever it costs to print the physical copy) since that won't cost too much to set up. A Steam copy would be the same price as the direct download, plus the real costs added by Steam. On the Majikoi translation, I was not impressed with Yandere either. I am a cheap son a bitch thrifty at times, and won't ask you to buy anything I wouldn't be happy to buy myself. Unfortunately holding events in Japan is unfeasible. As a foreigner doing any kind of business in Japan is extremely difficult under the best of circumstances, and there isn't enough money in this to go through the expense of finding a lawyer to navigate it. Even after that, it's the only country in the civilized world with taxes, regulation, forms, etc. worse than the US. I looked into running a wrestling show at Korakuen Hall a few years ago and the costs of doing business were beyond outrageous. Now if I could find a nice otaku yakuza partner to help me do everything on the down low and keep the police out of it....Seriously though, there's no way to break even with all of the costs of doing it in Japan. No one is going to pay 100,000+ yen per ticket, and it would take a lot of people paying that to make it work. It's cheaper to give the Japanese guests a free vacation in Hong Kong or Thailand than run Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or Okinawa. If people wanted to go somewhere more affordable, like the farms of Gunma, I'm sure Peter Payne would have done it years ago.

1. I know some people get their tits riled up about this kinda thing, but honestly I'm a non attentive reader, so I kinda just gloss over the fine details. 2. This one is a bit hard, usually it comes down to how good the product is and pricing, both are difficult to control. 3. Well, I have no problem with it, but considering its' political status it may become a nasty battlefield in WWIII. 4. To be honest, I would be hard press to buy one of those titles since I have already read them, but if you could somehow manage a physical release fuck yeah! I would buy the fuck out of those. 5. Almost definitely no, well unless Trump is elected. It would give me a decent excuse to flee the country. 6. I know allot of people have issues with steam, I personally have had worse experiences with origin and impulse, but it would undoubtedly give you a boost in sells. Personally though I would be delighted with any way I could purchase a title for a cheaper price. 7. I would like to say yes, but it is doubtful my pitiful bank account could withstand it. 8. Ehhhhhh, as long as they are not assholes Unless it's Kindred Spirits for some reason.

Welcome to the forums! Hope you enjoy your stay! What's your favourite VN? Have a moe:

- No, I'd expect the script to be in "English". Liberal doesn't mean Americanized, but literal oftentimes means leaving phrases that sound unnatural in because it's in the "original". Not to mention any professional translator would laugh at you if you told them to purposefully make a literal translation in addition to a more liberal one. - If I'm interested in the game, also physicals go a long way in getting people to buy something. After all, you can't pirate a physical copy of a game. -No, not really. Though I guess I don't know if Chinese law would come into play with ability to localize certain types of games (loli, etc). -If it's something I've played, chances are I wouldn't buy it again, unless it had a physical release. Also Majikoi is far from a decent translation if you're counting the parts done by Yandere translations. I would have a fit if anyone localized that and didn't heavily change the sections done by them. -If it's big enough, sure? But of course, it would have to be a really big time event for me to even consider spending the large amounts of money it would take to fly off to China. -I don't care about a steam version. I only buy steam versions of all-ages only games since it's easy and convenient. -Sure. Not that I could just find most dakimakuras on action sites, but why not if it's a reasonable price. -Buying only really hinges on whether I want something or not, but regardless it's a generous thing to do, so if you can, sure go for it.

- If you can do it adequately, I'd pay more, but probably not enough more to justify the work.... - If you're an English localization company and I have access to your products, I'll support you either way. I don't mind DRM either. Whatever you'd need to do. - Don't mind Hong Kong. - I would, if the translation was improved/looked over again.... and I really enjoyed it the first time. Which is wishy-washy, I know. But I didn't, for example, buy G-Senjou's new release, but I liked the vn enough I gifted it to my brother for him to read. Majikoi I'd buy two copies of, probably. Anything in physical form would definitely make it worth it for me to buy it as a consumer rather than a gift. -Hong Kong's a little far from Canada, so no. - Steam means a lot to me, seriously. Most of the VNs I buy now are on Steam. The exchange rate is better, and I don't care about H-scenes and I get to pay less for them to not be in there! Win-win-win! - I might if it was reasonably priced... but I'd lean more towards the 'merchandise of guys' side than the 'merchandise of girls' side, and like jewelry and cute clothes. Wouldn't be worth aiming for me unless you're planning on entering the female side of the market. - Depending on how you market it, more/as likely. If it's not a big point in your company, as likely. If you market it as a big part of the company, more likely. Or it might be 'less likely to buy from your competitors'. Especially if you can bring the quality.

I don't care for Steam, the only time when I pay money for VNs is when: - It's an official localization release with an english physical copy either as a reward on Kickstarter/IndieGogo or if it's a physical copy up for sale on MangaGamer or Jlist Online Stores. - An English Fan-Translation Patch was released and I go and buy a japanese physical version of the game on amazon.co.jp/getchu.com/YJA/amiami.com to use with the patch. The only time I use Steam is when I get a Steam key with a Kickstarter/IndieGogo campaign that I backed and in the physical reward a Steam code was included as well, so I just play the game on Steam as soon as it releases and leave my physical copy sealed when I receive it months/year(s) later. I might make some exception if the price on Steam is really low due to a sales, but yeah you'll never see me buying something that cost 39.99 or 49.99 on Steam. No physical, no buy. I still haven't been able to play eden*, The House in Fata Morgana, Tokyo Babel, Gahkthun and such due to them not having gotten a physical release. Also I expect physical editions to be DRM-free of course.

You're probably the only one here who went ahead and purchased the game.

Confession: I'm currently playing Tales of Zestiria on PS4 and I have to admit that I'm loving this game! The story is amazing, the characters are amazing, the charaters' dialogues in the skits are almost always funny as hell, and the gameplay is much more fluid and the combat mechanism doesn't confuse me like almost all others JRPGs used to. I saw some pretty harsh opinions about this game and I have to say that I completely disagree with them.

Probably not. I mean, there is nothing wrong with enjoying it in its current state. The issue is that, the version you are playing, (if you are playing the steam version,) is a heavily censored version of a nukige. The point of a nukige is its 18+ content, so having that removed kind of removes the point of the game. A lot of VN fans will therefore consider this version a rip off and pointless. But, that doesn't mean everyone has to agree. I'm sure you aren't completely alone in enjoying the censored version.

Mob mentality. And to coin that famous philosopher, Terry Pratchett - "the IQ of a mob is the IQ of its most stupid member divided by the number of mobsters"

Hello. I felt it might be a good idea to clarify a few things, since I see the thread is rapidly getting excited, but the exact text of our reply to him was: In addition, please see this tweet: Thank you for reading.