Suzu Fanatic

Confession: Has to be better then breaking your hand by punching a brick wall. Did that once long ago - I still can't use it quite right, over 20 years later~ @Fred the Barber Whenever I look at that kind of thing, i can't help but see things like nebula, planets, galaxies, etc as genetic material under a microscope~

I don't know anyone that talks like that irl tbh. "shrug" irl I tend to be extremely articulate (though likely related to years in my former occupation and surroundings). I found much of TB's dialogue to be very casual/loose, and often filled with slang. Not exactly something you expect from beings millennia old. Despite his lack of personality, I found Setsuna to be the most fitting for the setting itself (and Astaroth) - whereas I found some of Sorami's lines utterly tacky - even way back in highschool I never knew any girls that would say "golly" or "gosh darn" etc. I understand that it's a "school setting" and so they have to try and emulate the typical linguistics of highschoolers - but I felt it didn't really fit with the nature of the characters or setting. Wasn't enough of an issue to make me hate it or give a bad score - but I still felt it hurt the overall flow. The English language can achieve much higher levels of literacy - though at the risk of alienating those with low literacy, or those that do not have a firm grasp on English. I would even take a more literal translation, over dudebro English. (not that TB was even remotely that bad, I'm more just saying that as a clarification of my stance in general) I'd prefer the original meaning to be left as intact as possible, rather than re-imagined for the sake of babying certain English-speakers. Typically it's not something that bothers me in most other VNs I've read (or anime I've watched), for some odd reason - but it stood out in TB. Remember when the first demo for Violet Hills came out a few years back? I recall some people complaining there were too many big words, and that it was linguistically complex - I loved it like that. I was saddened to see them lower the bar (it's still enjoyable, don't get me wrong).

I disliked the americanization of the dialogue, but still personally enjoyed the various banters. It's subjective taste as opposed to an objective issue. You dropped a real gem - and wasted your money by doing so, assuming you paid for it.

I didn't know the ESRB rated it - In fact, for some reason I thought MG was backing away from them. But I might be mis-remembering stuff.

I dunno bud, it depends if that group (which shall remain nameless, to preserve peace in the topic) ever gets its hands on valve.

June? You're more of an optimist then I, that's for sure

Key factor for the decision is the lack of shown male or female genitalia. I'd bet big money Steam won't touch anything of that level anytime soon.

Huh, Trade paperbacks sound pretty interesting - a lot of my old books (20+ years) really are showing signs of decay, even with routine care. Kind of a moot point either way though, as I get audiobooks now - the selection is garbage, but the format does have merits.

Wish I lived in your neck of the woods (though I can't really read traditional books anymore) - when I used to buy books the average cost was 25 - 30, but then again I always bought hardcover.

Fair enough, those are understandable decisions. And to be fair, my opinion will hopefully be in the minority - as mine is derived from personal circumstances. Regardless, I believe in honest work being recognized, and so I hope it does well.

I want to be interested, but they said the dirty words. Episodic releases. Thanks, but no thanks - I already made that mistake with WEE and Fault:Milestones. Not keen on a story dragging out for years - esp. when the content can probably be expected to last the length of a typical demo for other VNs. I admit I'm making unfair assumptions, but past experiences have left me skeptical.

Lol, I guess I'm not surprised. Afterall, they clearly only accept expert sources that are well-versed in reviewing various medium thoroughly and without bias Though in all seriousness, Fuwa Reviews should explore the possibility of getting in (if it hasn't tried already). Fuwa's a fairly well-developed hub of reviewers with actual experience in the medium - it could help the VN localization scene out by providing more insightful standpoints, as a counter to the more-often-then-not ignorant misconceptions VNs come under fire for. Bah, it really grinds my gears seeing TB receiving such a low score - based on a aspect that should never have been a consideration to begin with. It's like saying a football game sucked becuase the players didn't sing and dance enough.

I don't know how the whole Metacritic thing works - can Fuwa Reviews be treated the same, and produce scores there? Or does a site have to meet certain criteria?

Was bored and dug up my old disks - then I remembered most modern pcs (mine included) no longer bother with any kind of floppy drive, lol RIP. Oh well, The Steam version probably doesn't require a Dos emulator at least.

Great review Finished up a few days ago myself - I had some issues with it, but nothing that turned me off - just minor stuff, like Sorami's inconsistent manner of talking (might just be my taste in how things are translated though - but i was fine with Litlith?), some pacing problems, and a few things I perceived as plot inconsistencies. Ayakashibito and Tokyo Babel's Lilith ending spoilers, you've been warned: After all is said and done, it ranks pretty high for me, not a perfect score - but good enough that my money felt well-spent. I may have only pointed out some of my misgivings - but that's only because I'd have to spend over an hour to discuss all its good points.

I'm surprised Abe even addressed the matter - I guess they're in a tight position and can't afford to antagonize any potential taxable income. Speaking of the TPP - it probably won't be too far off until we start hearing about "examples" being made of small fry that cross the wrong groups. Then again, they might keep it low-key to avoid creating martyrs~

There is no "must" "valuable" or "demand", It's simply about determining if we walk away with some insight while/or after reading something - if it has had an effect on us - sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. People find meanings in all kinds of things - without rhyme or reason. If you don't want to, or can't - then more power to you - but no one can/will force it on you. It's like discovering something about yourself, while listening to a song - or have a change of perspective after watching a show on T.V. - it's all up to you if something provides insight or has meaning.

@sanahtlig Nontheless, fiction does influence us - and sadly, many unstable minds go the wrong direction with it. But blame doesn't lay with the fiction, but with the person foolish enough to not reflect on their own behavior. Just as fiction creates murderers - and far worse - it can also inspire people to perform acts of charity and goodwill. As for learning from fiction, let us agree to disagree, but I suspect we can at least agree that reflection can be a valuable asset for every one of us. On this, we are in agreement; if nothing else. I can learn through fiction, but I'm not so crazy as to blur the lines of fantasy versus reality.

Of course - VNs at their core are unrealistic. But that brings me back to my earlier comments - it's the underlaying message that a person can learn from - not the literal events/words/actions. I mean, if someone tries to take it at face value and needs a step-by-step checklist on how to interact with others, there's a much bigger issue they need to deal with, beyond what "any" medium can shed light on - as they inherently fail to see or understand even the basics. Then you still have a lot to learn in life - there are many people in this world, and many behave in ways beyond the understanding of most. EDIT: @sanahtlig Touché, though there has to have at least been a handful of times, regardless. VNs, despite everything, are still the written words of another - and can thus produce the same effects as reading a book, or interacting with any other sensory medium.

Really? You've never been reminded of your own moral standpoints or preconceptions at any point while reading VNs? An event, discussion, or concept within never made you "think" beyond the scope of the VN itself?

@vorathiel As someone that has experienced a fair bit in life, I can say with relative confidence, that a person CAN learn from certain VNs - but they have to be willing to learn, and also look within themselves. For example - you mentioned a Heroine suffering PTSD - do you think the writer just wants you to simply feel sorry for her? Or do you try to understand her perspective? Her pain? That's something that can be carried into real life - are you willing to/can you try to understand the emotions of another?

Maybe not directly, as some of the reactions and behaviors are downright silly - but think of it from another perspective - on a very basic level, it's a clear and obvious example that everyone has a different perspective, thoughts, and feelings - separate from you, and/or the MC. Might seems like an obvious thing - but many often forget that we are each merely "one of many". Hmm, not sure if I'm expressing it right, I guess the best I can say is that it establishes and reminds us of individuality.

From my perspective, i feel you are taking them too much from a literzl perspective. That aside, VNs allow me to reflect on my own life and way of thinking/feeling. I often cannot relate, but I can "compare notes" so to speak. How would I react in a such a situation? How would I feel? How does his handling of a hopeless situation compare to me and my own circumstances? It doesn't matter if a VN's situation is unrealistic - what matters is the basic message behind it. That kind of stuff~ People that take VNs at face value alone won't walk away with much, other than basic entertainment - which is fine. But they can't expect to really learn much about themselves or others - without some deeper reflection. EDIT: of course, there are some VNs with zero meaning whatsoever, like pure nukige - but I rarely touch that stuff.