What are you playing?

[Fred the Barber]

5 hours ago, Jun Inoue said:

Welp, took it to playing VA-11 Hall-A. Don't think it's properly tagged as a VN... but really, it's 99% a VN. A pretty good one, too.

My day got a little better every single time Dorothy walked into the bar. Hope you keep enjoying it!

[Eclipsed]

^You guys sold me on VA-11 HA-11, I'll pick it up sometime later

~~
*Ahem*

This is probably suicide, but for now while I wait for the Koiky Ottermays over the weekend I'm picking up small VNs to read, so far I got KARAKARA lined up, Nekopara vol. 2.. and to balance it out, Kikokugai - The Cyber Slayer and the Naru-kiss-osu series.

[ChaosRaven]

I finally managed to finish Tokyo Babel. 

Moved my final review here though since it fits better in the actual discussion thread about the title.

On another note, I started reading Ikusa Megami Zero now. Since I had trouble hooking the game last time I gave the fan translation a try and it's not that bad so far. I guess it helps that I care more about the substance of the title and I'm not all too fanatical about translation standards, especially considering that English isn't my mother language, so I'm probably more tolerant to flaws.

But it allows me to play the title in full screen which is a big improvement for a title with a tiny 800 x 600 resolution on a large screen. Currently, I'm still more troubled with the gameplay anyway. I died a few times in the prologue (!!!) already and got almost stuck at the first boss opponent - the large bird - in chapter 1. I guess I still underestimate the importance of grinding in Eushully games, though I admittedly made some tactical mistakes too.

But still, the game is rather unforgiving. I mean, why is it that I have yet to die in a game like Diablo 3 after one and a half play throughs, even picking the highest difficulty the game allows me to choose, while I get my ass kicked already in the prologue and the first chapter in this one. 

[Eclipsed]

Finished KARAKARA; wtf this shit was so short, if it wasn't for the two yummy H-scenes why would anyone even bother going All Ages with this??

Good art, meh soundtrack, standard moe heroines.

Didn't like how the narration tries to emphasize how Leon x Lucia were 4 years in the making but were too afraid to take it a step further, then all of a sudden Aisia pops up and its bangin' time.

Favorite moment:


.
.
.
.
.
.
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Lucia > Aisia.

[DharmaFreedom]

47 minutes ago, Eclipsed said:

 wtf this shit was so short

Didnt they ask people for their opinions after playing the game? I think it's possible that the game is going to be episodic. They left it quite open. I'm of the Lucia > Aisia team too . I think Aisia was the much needed catalyst to shake up their comfort zone. Some people get comfortable in the safety of platonic relationships. They get afraid of losing the person in their entirety if they take that step forward. Plus they live together in a ruined world. Its a scary step to take.

 

Started reading Tokyo Babel. Loving it so far! The banter is really entertaining.  I like the zany comedic moments and i like that the artist isn't afraid to make characters look 'goofy' during those moments. I really like the character designs too, They looks normal and i find that really refreshing .

The VAs are a joy to my ears [S. miyuki ]. So many cool cg's 2! I'm not 2 far in yet so i'm not at the point with the explosive fights. The story is engaging and easy to follow. I'm glad i kept this in my back pocket for so long. I get to enjoy it now! 

[Eclipsed]

16 minutes ago, DharmaFreedom said:

Didnt they ask people for their opinions after playing the game? I think it's possible that the game is going to be episodic. They left it quite open. I'm of the Lucia > Aisia team too . I think Aisia was the much needed catalyst to shake up their comfort zone. Some people get comfortable in the safety of platonic relationships. They get afraid of losing the person in their entirety if they take that step forward. Plus they live together in a ruined world. Its a scary step to take.

 

Started reading Tokyo Babel. Loving it so far! The banter is really entertaining.  I like the zany comedic moments and i like that the artist isn't afraid to make characters look 'goofy' during those moments. I really like the character designs too, They looks normal and i find that really refreshing .

The VAs are a joy to my ears [S. miyuki ]. So many cool cg's 2! I'm not 2 far in yet so i'm not at the point with the explosive fights. The story is engaging and easy to follow. I'm glad i kept this in my back pocket for so long. I get to enjoy it now! 

Incoming KARAKARA vol. 3 vs. Nekopara vol. 3 in 2017 

~~
Ye, S Miyuki did a FANTASTIC job as Lilith, all of the VAs are great 

Quick! Who's best girl atm for you??

[DharmaFreedom]

24 minutes ago, Eclipsed said:

Quick! Who's best girl atm for you??

Its got to be Lilith! She's hilarious, she's like the trigger to everyone around her . She seems like a jerk, but she's actually like some sweet maiden too [the student council meeting where Raziel reveals 'something' ]. 

I really like Raziel and Sorami too so far [All three heroines have personalities really unique to themselves, they don't clash] , but Lilith is definitely my best girl choice currently.

[bogdankl]

I am starting to think that maybe... just maybe... H scenes can seriously ruin a VN

 

 

Seriously, after discovering one of the darkest and saddest backstories of a character in anything I ever read/saw/played we get sempai please make sweet lavulavu with me cuz I desire men... because I was raped over and over... It seriously fucked up <no pun intended> with one of the most emotionally engaging moments in my vn history

I like H scenes in a vn, I'll admit I'm probably a weirdo and a perv, but I don\t want them in the middle of an emotional scene, Whenever I think of a good way to implement H scenes in a non-nukige vn I actually think of Amane's route in the first grisaia novel, You do the H scenes and you do the silly stuff and then you do the seriously heavy and messed up shit that leaves you emotionally scared and awake at night

 

edit

BTW what kind of a fucking sherloc could tell that sakura and rin were sisters just by the color of ribbons from an old photo, or am I just that dam thick that these things just flew by me and I never noticed some other signs

[Kawasumi]

1 hour ago, bogdankl said:

I am starting to think that maybe... just maybe... H scenes can seriously ruin a VN

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Seriously, after discovering one of the darkest and saddest backstories of a character in anything I ever read/saw/played we get sempai please make sweet lavulavu with me cuz I desire men... because I was raped over and over... It seriously fucked up <no pun intended> with one of the most emotionally engaging moments in my vn history

I like H scenes in a vn, I'll admit I'm probably a weirdo and a perv, but I don\t want them in the middle of an emotional scene, Whenever I think of a good way to implement H scenes in a non-nukige vn I actually think of Amane's route in the first grisaia novel, You do the H scenes and you do the silly stuff and then you do the seriously heavy and messed up shit that leaves you emotionally scared and awake at night

 

edit

  Reveal hidden contents

BTW what kind of a fucking sherloc could tell that sakura and rin were sisters just by the color of ribbons from an old photo, or am I just that dam thick that these things just flew by me and I never noticed some other signs

 

it all depends on how the hscene is done tbh, I have played eroge where the addition of the hscene made the emotional moment even more emotional for me.

[XionsProphecy]

Right now I am playing through Zero Time Dilemma.

[Suzu Fanatic]

3 hours ago, bogdankl said:

I am starting to think that maybe... just maybe... H scenes can seriously ruin a VN

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Seriously, after discovering one of the darkest and saddest backstories of a character in anything I ever read/saw/played we get sempai please make sweet lavulavu with me cuz I desire men... because I was raped over and over... It seriously fucked up <no pun intended> with one of the most emotionally engaging moments in my vn history

I like H scenes in a vn, I'll admit I'm probably a weirdo and a perv, but I don\t want them in the middle of an emotional scene, Whenever I think of a good way to implement H scenes in a non-nukige vn I actually think of Amane's route in the first grisaia novel, You do the H scenes and you do the silly stuff and then you do the seriously heavy and messed up shit that leaves you emotionally scared and awake at night

 

edit

  Reveal hidden contents

BTW what kind of a fucking sherloc could tell that sakura and rin were sisters just by the color of ribbons from an old photo, or am I just that dam thick that these things just flew by me and I never noticed some other signs

 

This is one of those things I stand defiantly against the masses - people had the same gripe about Michuru's route near the end of GnK1. Sexuality IS a emotional experience, and some times it exists for comfort, and as a salve - not just pleasure and "fun".

For example - and it might be tmi for some, but it adds weight to my stance - my exs father had passed away, and after the funeral we celebrated his life with a small party. Once everyone had left, she asked me to stay the night. Not because she was tastelessly hot and ready - but because she wanted comfort that words could not express.

 

That aside, replying to your post prior to that: Shame on you for looking up spoilers Still, hope you end up enjoying HF. It's by far my favorite arc. I personally feel it builds up to a satisfying, emotional conclusion. (Sakura is not my favorite girl (though I also don't hate her like some do), but her story is by far the best).

I wouldn't worry too much about Fate Hollow being too dark - it does have its moments, but it has a lot of laughs mixed in too.

[ChaosRaven]

10 hours ago, Suzu Fanatic said:

This is one of those things I stand defiantly against the masses - people had the same gripe about Michuru's route near the end of GnK1. Sexuality IS a emotional experience, and some times it exists for comfort, and as a salve - not just pleasure and "fun".

For example - and it might be tmi for some, but it adds weight to my stance - my exs father had passed away, and after the funeral we celebrated his life with a small party. Once everyone had left, she asked me to stay the night. Not because she was tastelessly hot and ready - but because she wanted comfort that words could not express.

I know what you mean, but things change if rape is involved, especially in strong cases of abuse. A traumatized victim might not consider that kind of initimacy as comforting anymore, but as pure horror instead. That doesn't mean it's not possible, but the writer has to consider the situation and the feelings of the victim very good when he writes the scene. A cheap H-scene that was just thrown in for 'fun' can appear extremely tasteless and off-putting.

[Suzu Fanatic]

@ChaosRavenShould use a spoiler tag on that, just in case~

 

That's presuming it was thrown in for "fun". Only Nasu's Sakura - and a real victim - can know that for certain (and even then, I'd imagine the topic depends on each individual - some are likely to react differently than others.) Some may think of the encounter as a chance to wipe away the bad memory with a good one (imprinting), as opposed to viewing the act as a terrible reminder.

 

Do we treat such people differently and carefully? So that they feel singled out? Or do we treat them like we would have normally? It's a really tough call with trauma - some really do need to be handled with care - but some also can't stand the idea of being treated/looked at differently ("with kids gloves" as some would say).

Huh, this discussion actually reminds me of EF - have you read it?

But, I get where you are coming from though. However, Sakura wanted to be with the one she trusts and loves - it's not like she just walked up to a random stranger and asked for sex - or that she was taken advantage of by Shirou. it's ultimately a proactive decision involving a trustworthy partner.

 

A final note I thought to add - Sakura feels unworthy of Shirou in this particular situation, she feels tainted and ashamed. I feel that him being with her took some of that burden off her heart and mind - that the man she loves was still attracted to her, and willing to be with her despite what she thinks of herself - and what she's been through. it likely wipes away at least some of her insecurity.

[Eclipsed]

Dammit, was 15 minutes into Cyber Slayer b4 finding out there was an 'all ages' remake with better art and actual voice acting, gotta fetch that

I'll uh, get started on Neko Para vol. 2 in the meantime  

[ChaosRaven]

4 hours ago, Suzu Fanatic said:

 

  Hide contents

Huh, this discussion actually reminds me of EF - have you read it?

Yes, that was the first title I was thinking about in this context. Yuuko's route made me feel horrible to just think about anything sexual about her. It's a very extreme case though.

[Vokoca]

Continuing my adventures through Hayarigami. The second case was a pleasant surprise - it was way more complex than the first one, and I actually got the culprit wrong at first, which was fun. Even after finishing the case, I still have no idea how to explain quite a lot of things that happened - there was a point near the beginning where you want to take a scientific approach or an occult one, and I suppose my denial of occult just isn't going to cut it. 

Other than that I'm continuing Mahoyo. It's still amazing, just couldn't recommend it to anyone who dislikes SoL - the great majority of the VN is just that, and the chuuni parts are actually really rare. still, the character interactions are great, so I can't complain. I'm around 80% through that VN, lets see where that goes.

[DarkZedge]

Currently playing Zero Escape, Evolve (since it went F2P), I really have to finish RootDouble's before route   I'm having a hard time with it's slower pace after playing the after route

[TexasDice]

7 hours ago, Eclipsed said:

I'll uh, get started on Neko Para vol. 2 in the meantime  

It's not all that long, so you should manage to finish the first half in three months. 

[Noir]

I'm going to start Saya no Uta today.

[Eclipsed]

6 hours ago, TexasDice said:

It's not all that long, so you should manage to finish the first half in three months. 

I got to the catfight between coconut and azuki, but now it's time to go right back to cyber slayer 

[Dergonu]

Went back to Seisai no Resonance after finding out the Koiken Otome patch won't come out quite yet.

 

I'm loving this game. Almost done with the Nagi route now, which has been amazing. Nagi x Kanae is pretty much my favorite yuri pairing of all time.

Hopefully the other routes are equally good, though I have a feeling they might not be. Even if they aren't though, the game has pretty much been worth it just for Nagi.

One thing that is a bit strange about this game is the gameplay, which doesn't feel that necessary at all to me, but hey, it's fun every now and then I guess.

This Nagi CG is so pretty (No major spoilers btw)

[sanahtlig]

10 minutes ago, Dergonu said:

Went back to Seisai no Resonance after finding out the Koiken Otome patch won't come out quite yet.

One thing that is a bit strange about this game is the gameplay, which doesn't feel that necessary at all to me, but hey, it's fun every now and then I guess.

I tried Tentacle Lord from the same company.  The gameplay quickly bored me and I pretty much lost interest.

[Dergonu]

1 minute ago, sanahtlig said:

I tried Tentacle Lord from the same company.  The gameplay quickly bored me and I pretty much lost interest.

It feels pretty out of place to be honest. It's not bad or anything, but it's just kind of randomly there.

It's quite easy and the fights are quite uncommon, so you can pretty much ignore it in this game. (Though if you come for the gameplay, that would be a bit of a negative point in itself.)

Guess they like putting gameplay in their games even though there isn't much of a need for it  

[XReaper]

... Jiangshi X Toshi trial. regardless of how dissappointing some upcoming titles might get, this years summer is already saved.

[Jun Inoue]

Life With A Slave -Teaching Feeling-. It's very sweet, but I must admit is a bit annoying/boring that you don't even know how to advance. Or rather, that you don't even know when it'll happen. It's repeated filler after filler, and then 1 short scene that's very nice. Kinda makes me wonder if it is worth to keep playing.

Also playing Club Life. Kinda disappointment that they force you to start playing nice on the tennis club route. You can be a resentful ass to the girl, who very much deserves your hate as far as I can infer from the story and context. But around the 3rd / 4th choice, the game suddenly forces you to choose between 2 dialogues that are very mellow and friendly, which is super weird and off. A lost opportunity to have an interesting route where you genuinely hate the heroine until things start to change, instead of this radical 180º.