Cancer [Otome|Psychological|Drama|Commercial] + Survey!

[Ferdokki]

Hey! I found your post here on the discussion board, and since you've contributed so much to my thread, I thought it's only fair for me to contribute to yours. =)

1. I think romance is fine in this genre. It reminds me of a book we had to read in school, "Flowers for Algernon". The main character was mentally disabled, but he still had romantic relationships. It was important to the story because it showed that the character is/was still human, and he is/was developing/maturing in his own way, and was still trying to live a normal life and have normal relationships. In one of my favorite TV shows "Go On", the characters attend therapy sessions for their depression. They (er, mainly just the main character) has some romance blossom as well. My point is that therapy and/or illnesses don't necessarily have to stop a person from getting into a relationship. But with that being said, I really like that you have made it to where the relationship may or may not help Juliette. =)

3. I like Brandon and James/Junichi, so I'd go for one of them, depending on whose dialogue I like better. =) The last person I'd go for is either Rodney or Leigh (I guess that was kinda obvious). Rodney seems like he's kinda dangerous, so I'd stay away from him for that reason. As for Leigh, *sigh* I just very, very much dislike hipsters and dense people. =P Where I live, hipsters are EVERYWHERE, and I really, really hate it. >.< The thing about dense people though, is that many people just pretend to be dense. I like characters like those, the ones who act like they're stupid, but when the time is right, their intelligence/observation blows you away.

4. I think that's really cool and creative! I played a game awhile back (can't remember the name), in which the player plays as a doctor for various stuffed animals visiting a psychiatric clinic. Based on how well you progress in therapy, the stuffed animals will have memories that are presented as short animated clips. It was really cool, and I'd like to see it in a VN!

5. I think a game like this is great, very original type of story.

6. Personally, I don't actually buy online games. I buy console/PC games, play free browser-based games, or download free games, but that's about it. So...I can't really answer this question...similar to the way I can't answer mine on my own thread. x)

7. Yeah, I'd probably play this game. =) If it's commercial though, it'd depend on the price of the game.

[Rozume]

@Ferdokki

Thank you your well thought out response and good luck with your game! C:

1. I haven't read "Flowers for Algernon", but I watched short clips of the movie based off of it. It was kind of weird. xD But I agree, therapy and illnesses should stop people from pursuing a relationship. I just ask because I want a thoughtful discussion about it. ^^

2. Kenzie and Ishikawa seems to be the most likeable out of the group. Hmm... I did not expect Rodney to be considered a last option but thinking about it, yeah, he does seem dangerous. At least to be a romance option. As for Leigh, yeaaaahhh he's kinda hipsterish sometimes. Even his shoes are hipster. All I need to do is slap some wayfarers on him but I opted for pink Lennon glasses because wayfarers are too mainstream. xD And yeah, there's a reason why he acts the way he does.

4. It's going to be a lot of work (and money) for me but I think it's going to be worth it!

5. I'm really hesitant to label this as an otome game because how different it is. The romance may or may not help you and it may or may not be unhealthy at times. On the other hand, it might be a good thing for the otome genre because it's so different.

6. Thanks for your honest input. This will be a downloadable game for Windows/Mac/Linux. ^^

[akemicchi]

1. Meh, I'm not really for it since the main character has more important things to deal with, mainly their mental health. Sure, a relationship might be beneficial to the main character in terms of stabilizing her and keeping her emotionally happy, but it can also present a lot of problems, especially if the relationship goes awry. I personally don't think a good relationship can come out of people that aren't emotionally ready for a relationship. Is the romance actually a side thing? Because the overall summary makes me think it's really about developing relationships with people than getting help for Juliette. I want to help her, even if she doesn't want it. ;_;

2. Honestly, I wouldn't like a main character that doesn't have that option, so good for her! Then again, I'm also a little iffy about that because some of those characters have psychological problems. They probably can't help themselves and being 'called out' on their behavior wouldn't necessarily be a good thing for them. I would also be surprised if their behavior suddenly got fixed after being called out. If only mental issues could be fixed so easily.

3. Leigh first because the main character likes him and I want to make her dreams come true. 8D Last would be... Kenzie. Because I want to save his route for last; I bet he has an amazing route. 8D

4. Go for it. :)

5. I don't mind an otome game where the main character or the other characters are mentally ill. :D It'd be... refreshing. But what I do take issue on the fact she's trying to get help for her mental illness. Sure, it's not wanted help from what I've read, but I feel like there are more important things for her at the moment than romance, even if the relationship 'just happens'. I'm also unsure about her getting a relationship with someone with mental issues. I'd rather they got over their issues before getting together. I want happy endings lol

6. It really depends on how many hours of gameplay I'm going to get and my initial impressions from the screenshots and character art. B-But I don't think I can answer because I don't think I would buy this.

7. I-If it's not for free, I don't think so. ;_; Sorry.

[Googaboga]

I like surveys : D.

1. I'm personally more big on friendship and or family relations but I wouldn't be opposed to the idea if that's what you thought worked best within the story.

2. Well okay then XD.

3. Hmm I'd probably go for Leigh first since he seems pretty middle of the road to me. I wouldn't want my first experience with the game to be a route I don't really like but I also wouldn't want to end up doing the most fun one first and having everything else be downhill from there. Last would be whichever character had grown on me most during my other playthroughs. I'm guessing it'd be Brandon or maybe Junichi/James :3.

4. That could be a very nice touch. But I'd only want it if it didn't effect the release of the game.

5. As long as the game doesn't focus too heavily on the romance aspect I'm cool with it. I'm more interested in their issues/recovery though.

6. I can't really say v.v. It depends on the final product and how much overall content there is.

7. I'd like to play it but it will depend on how much money I have when the game becomes available. I'm not sure how much longer I'll have extra money to spend on games >.>.

[Rozume]

@akemicchi

1. Definitely! People should be be emotionally ready before they pursue a relationship. Unfortunately, not everyone does that. And the romance is a side thing, but some routes will have more romance than others. The game really focuses on character development and relationships more than anything.

2. True, true! She's not a miracle worker.

3. Leigh and Kenzie are really something. They're both really fun to write. xD

4. I will!

5. Hmm, you bring up some pretty good points! There are good endings and bad endings for the game, and the bad endings... well, when I talked to my Assistant Writer about them she said she'll cry if she ever got a bad ending in this game.

6. This game is going to be pretty long and the style of art's going to be pretty much the same, but more polished. Speaking of the art, I hope people will find it appealing!

7. Ah, that's okay. xD

@Googaboga

Survey's are fun!

1. Yeah, I do think it works in my story. ^^

2. Eeyup.

3. That makes sense. ^^ I'm starting to see which characters are liked the most... but not which characters are liked the least, but I'm guessing who they might be. xD

4. Hopefully it won't! But it's possible, since getting the budget for voice acting and animation can be hard. Might want to try a kickstarter for this in the future. e_e

5. The game focuses more of character devolepment and relationships, so their issues and recovery will be explored too. :3

6. I see~ Well, I can say that the game will be pretty long (can't give you an exact number though) and there will be a lot of content storywise.

7. Haha, I feel ya. Everyone's broke. u-u

[Lady Wreckful]

Hey! I’m new the forum (finally decided to stop lurking and join in on the convo!) Just thought I would add my opinion/answer the survey since I love psychological and otome games.

1. What do you think about having romantic elements in a game where the main character seeks psychological help? Even if it's a side thing?
Having past medical experiences myself (as well as having a parent that is bipolar), I think it is totally possible, though it requires a strong balancing act. I read the summary of the game, and depending on how you write the dialogue it could be done well (and could be more ‘emotional’) than a character that doesn’t have the highs and lows.

2. Speaking of romance, there are unhealthy relationships portrayed in a negative light and the player has a choice on whether or not to call out the love interests for their behavior. This is not a question, but I'm just stating this.

3. Anyway, whose route would you go for first? Whose route would you go for last?
I am gonna have to say I’d go for Brandon first (I just am into that character type ) and Rodney last (To me… he kinda sounds like a jerk). Though what paths I do are based on whatever the common route is and who I take a fancy to!

4. What do you think about voiced and animated hallucinations?
I think they are totally fine. Though for me personally, I hope I can get the jist that they aren’t real so I’m not trying to find the spot on the interactive map or something!

5. What do you think about an otome game where the main character (and a couple of love interests) is mentally ill anyway?
I think… that everyone needs to find someone for them (mentally ill or not or otherwise).

6. I've decided to make this game commercial. How much would you be willing to pay for this game?
For me, depends on the length of the game. I’d pay more if I knew it would be 10 hours than if it was 2 (for all routes, I guess). Plus the concept has to be interesting (it’s a given ).

7. Would you play this game? Honestly? Forrealzies?
Yes! I think a psychological otome game could be awesome. : )

That's just my opinion. Best wishes on your game. Trying to get used to the text editor, apologies if it is bolded/centered/ etc. kinda funny.

[Rozume]

@Lady Wreckful

Hi! Welcome to the forum!

1. Yes, this romantic elements need to be really well executed and balanced in order for it to work. As for the dialogue... for the most part, the dialogue comes off as rather snarky due to the character's personalities but it does get serious when things do get serious.

3. Kenzie is so popular. Is it because he's the close friend? xD And Rodney is a jock, so of course he's a jerk. I kid I kid.

4. I'm glad you think so. C:

5. I agree too!

6. Hopefully the concept is! And I'm shooting for this to be a rather long game with lots of story content.

7. Yay!

Thank you for responding! Good luck with the forums!

[gekiganwing]

I'm not sure what to think of the title "Cancer." Is it a metaphor? Is the astrological sign invoked? Or perhaps the Tropic of Cancer?

1. What do you think about having romantic elements in a game where the main character seeks psychological help? Even if it's a side thing?

Why not? If the main character has conflicts and problems to deal with, that can lead to scenes in which their triumph is merited and meaningful.

For what it's worth, Steins;Gate is a story in which the main character's sanity is a bit dubious. Neither the original VN nor most of its spinoffs are romance stories. But it had one called Steins;Gate Hiyoku Renri no Darling which is, according to its VNDB entry, "...a love comedy with some sweet romance scenes..."

2. Speaking of romance, there are unhealthy relationships portrayed in a negative light and the player has a choice on whether or not to call out the love interests for their behavior...

Probably a good idea. Mature fiction should not be characterized by egregrious sex, fanservice, swearing, violence, or cheap shocks. Instead, it should deal with real problems, and acknowledge that there is rarely a single answer or an easy answer.

4. What do you think about voiced and animated hallucinations?

Look for horror/suspense fiction that makes efforts to portray the main character's fear and madness. I know there's some video games in this genre which use effects and gameplay in order to make sure the player is unsettled. I'd say your eventual goal should be ensuring that the protagonist is believable, and that her hallucinations do not come across as a joke.

5. What do you think about an otome game where the main character (and a couple of love interests) is mentally ill anyway?

Again, why not? Show us the characters on their worst and best days. Let them be flawed people with needs and ambitions. Make it clear that they're not much different from anyone else.

Missing Stars is a work-in-progress VN about mental illness and romance. (The thread isn't active now, but their dedicated blog and forum have plenty of updates.) Since it's about boy x girl pairings, that makes for an easy compare-and-contrast with your project.

[Rozume]

@gekiganwing

It's called 'Cancer' because this game gives you cancer. No, I kid, it's a metaphor. xD

1. I agree! And Steins;Gate sounds interesting - I'll check it out! :0

2. Again, I agree. xD And I'm making it so there will be no easy answers.

4. Hmm... that's a good idea! I'll go scout out for some now!

5. I skimmed through some of the Missing Stars blog and forum and I'd have to say I'm very impressed! It looks like it's going to be a good game. I wish there was a little more information about the story and characters but I guess the developers don't want to spoil anyone too much. ^^

I have to say, I'm kind of jealous of their production quality. I feel like I would pale in comparison, haha. >_>

[Ferdokki]

Oh, the movie of "Flowers for Algernon" sucks. xD It takes the first couple of chapters from the book, and expands it out to fit the length of the movie. That stuff is only about 1/3 or 1/4 of the actual events in the book. In fact, the lady in the movie isn't even the lady the guy is romantically interested in. XP But you know how Hollywood is oh-so-great at skewering things. >_>
Instead of otome, you could have it as psychological and romance, or as "psychological drama". I don't really think it's an otome because the main gameplay for an otome is the romantic pursuance of guys, but your game is more focused on therapy and mental illness, and the relationship stuff is added gameplay.

[Rozume]

@Ferdokki

Yeah, yeah, I feel ya. xP

Hmm, I was thinking of marketing this as a "drama game" once I ever manage to finish and sell it. I guess I just have to finish and release it and let other people try to figure out what it is and how they feel about it. ^^

[Ferdokki]

Or when you're partially finished, you can release a demo for beta-testing, and the testers can help you define the genre once they've played it. =)

[ashtonpeter]

Another study also reveals that Prostate cancer is grows slowly and can easily spread to a man’s bones and lymph nodes. Scientists have traditionally pointed to diet and genetic inheritance as the two key factors that can lead to onset of the disease, and a new risk factor related to the latter may have been discovered, according to new study published in the British Journal of Cancer. But the good news is, cancer death rate decline for almost two decades now.