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Daring Choices

Rating

3

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 21:58:02

Rater ID

11,446

Review

Daring Choices shows attempts at tackling its topics, but whether it hits or not may depend on the reader alone. This project goes into more interesting directions, but it does so with a bluntness that may make it hard to get on its level. It doesn't really dive into potentially unique perspectives or crib from deeper works, instead, it ends up lingering in "alright-ness." It may be worth reading it to guage your own opnion of these themes and presentations, but don't be surprised if they don't fully connect.

Game

Fate Itself

Rating

3

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 21:51:15

Rater ID

11,446

Review

Fate Itself does a good job of setting up, but has a hard time delivering. The biggest example of this project has an interest in animal motifs (having 3 of them), but none of those end up with real pay off. Other issues include a minor plothole (as I see it), a somewhat rushed relationship and some flawed attempts at poeticism within the prose. Fate Itself does nail a couple of things: the pacing is excellent with no time wasted, which is what you want of a short story, and some pretty interesting UI (some of which, do fall on the aforementioned animal motifs issue). If you can dive into this project's world and characters, you may not see its flaws so clearly and have a good time.

Game

Art Building

Rating

2

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 21:42:54

Rater ID

11,446

Review

Art Building offers an unfortunately barebones experience on all fronts. Aside from the sprites, which are simple yet pleasant, this VN falls short in too many aspect to be worth a recommendation. The plot is very thin, the prose floats between basic and wonky and presentation is nothing special. There was time from its initial submission to the end of the Jam for some much needed polishing, but alas it did not come to pass. If you do want to experience it for yourself, take heed in the fact that it goes by too quickly to cause any strong negative feelings.

Game

Fate Itself

Rating

4

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 20:12:38

Rater ID

573,708

Review

I like how much you were able to accomplish in a month with this vn.  The transitions and snow effects were excellent, and the writing was well done with only a few minor errors.  There were a couple places I feel were missed potential to develop plotwise, but again, that is likely due to the short time frame.

Game

Stories of Aetas Valon: Snow's Rest

Rating

3

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 17:56:21

Rater ID

44,570

Review

Rounding down here, as it feels like a 3.5 to me at the moment and itch unfortunately doesn't have half stars. Love the sprites and I enjoyed the CG, but there was no music at all, and the narrative was kinda... not present, to me.

It felt like a lot of worldbuilding + pointing to a relationship, but I couldn't really get a sense for the intent of where the story was going. It felt more like a vignette. 

While the game page notes this as being about the two lovers having their reconciliation celebrated (and then soured), I feel like with a more clear reflection of that in the text early on would help bring more coherency other than drowning in a sea of funky names.

And then we can get to all of the worldbuilding elements once we have the clear direction for where the narrative is taking us.

Just a little more structure for me to the narrative (and a little more focus on the emotions rather than the politics this early on--gotta bring the personal into the political to make it resonate more) and I think this will end up quite fun, because there is a care and consideration for the prose on the page.

And then some measure of audio too. The medium abhors a vacuum outside of expressing chosen moments.

Game

Stories of Aetas Valon: Snow's Rest

Rating

4

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 17:35:01

Rater ID

573,708

Review

A good start to a larger story with great art.  I look forward to seeing the continuation.

Game

Deep into the Sand (unfinished prototype)

Rating

5

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 14:45:20

Rater ID

93,556

Review

Exciting premise with stunning visuals. Needs rework on some parts, but it's natural as the game is an unfinished prototype & first-time attempt.

More thorough review on the jam page comments.

Game

Big Steps

Rating

5

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 12:53:47

Rater ID

93,556

Review

8.5/10 (game jam) | full scope: itch.io/post/11535824

Fun read from beginning to end. Compared to the previous work, the devs definitely took a big step forward, mainly in the visual department.

We need more cute big furry men, thank you very much for your service o7

Game

What He Carried

Rating

5

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 09:47:56

Rater ID

619,829

Review

I really found this start to be very intriguing. I like how the bear character is introduced, I've met people like him in real life, ready to tell you everything even when you are quick on your way to something else. Very nostalgic. I enjoyed reading and the art! 

Game

Losing Importance

Rating

4

Published at

Dec 7, 2024 04:34:59

Rater ID

4,354

Review

It's been cool to see Peppekz's work evolve. I liked this one a lot...he was able to pack a lot of character into a very simple VN assset-wise, particularly with the physical comedy. The ending was a little short and abrupt for me, but i had an enjoyful time following along with crotchety old europeans.