Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

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pyla8
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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#76 Post by pyla8 »

I just found this and I like it a lot! Maybe love is a more appropriate word though?

Sorry, I kind of just discovered Visual Novels this month and the awesome, mostly free ones here this week so I'm not really lingo savvy. H-Scenes? Is that like nudity? I am pretty curious on how that'll work now that you mention it. Though, if so then are Acer and Daemon romanceable? I hope not. Kind of even if there are no nude scenes, but that's just my personal thing. (I don't like Daemon and I love Acer but I thought he was some 8-12 year old prodigy.) Though I might be shaky on the ages of people. But I'm not the best judge of illustrated people. How old is Alice? They were sort of throwing around numbers.

I'd prefer Ivan, but that's just because you're right, the Malware grunts are super stylish. Also he's tall and I like accents.

I think that GxG is a really good idea, personally. And so awesome because I assume this would mean you'd add a fourth female character and that would be fantastic because yay gender representation! Which reminds me, I really like your character design. Everyone's really unique instead being sort of blandly attractive. It's a bummer that I'll have to wait another year (since the post about it being 2 years was a year ago unless it's changed?) I hope it comes out sooner. Or will it be 2 years from your first post? Let it be so.

My favorite part was when
they made fun of Linus being a "grandpa".
I spoiler'd that just to be safe. I laughed so hard, especially since he's the most attractive one imho. I also love Steven. I love him a lot.

Also on the GxG, yes please. I'd like the presence of a gay relationship outside of Alice even more but there doesn't seem to be room for it from what I saw inside the demo. Which is fine, I really love how character-centric it is and if you want to give gay options then I'm even more excited for this game if that's possible.

I apologize for all of this. I just. So much love.

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#77 Post by SheerGlade »

Heyo, thanks for all the feedback on the H and GxG, all ;u; And for still keeping an eye out for my incredibly long-time-in-the-making project. I really wish I could clone myself so one of me could go to class, another could work on making me independently wealthy, and then original me could just crank out perfect writing nonstop - but it would take a far more intelligent clone to accomplish that anyway OTL

@pyla8 - I'm so happy you liked the demo ;D; H-scenes are sex scenes with gross CGs of my naked characters because ew who actually wants to see that nude/partially nude CGs, yeah. And no worries; everyone is/will be of legal age by the time they'd take part in an H-scene. I have the characters' ages listed in my deviantART gallery but have updated them since the demo. I've also revamped some of their designs with the mature content in mind; i.e. Acer (who has been mistaken for a twelve-year-old more than once XD) so he will still look boyish and cute but actually look legal and...well. Look less like a little brother, more like someone you'd wanna bang.

I haven't posted any updated art, but for future reference so you don't all think I'm trying to sell underaged shota, at the start of the game, Cath is 19, Linus is 25, Mak is 23, Ada is 26, Daemon is ~18 (his DOB is unknown), Acer is 17, Steven is 20, Ivan is 22, Grime is 22, Putrice is 27, and Alice is supposedly in her early twenties, since she does not remember her DOB. I desperately wanna create an updated height/weight chart as well since I've tweaked those things, but I'll resist and work on the important stuff. T.T

Also, pyla, the characters' relationships (with Alice and with each other) will be explored more deeply in the final game. I hope to - respectfully - depict a diversity of sexualities and gender identities in my writing since they're both incredibly important and wonderful aspects of people to me.

Thanks so much for playing and sharing your thoughts! <3<3<3

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#78 Post by Godline »

Yeah, I hope Acer will be romanceable. :) He's adorable.

The characters are all interesting and have great chemistry with the protag. Alice.

Good demo though. Huge word count for something that's just the demo! Whew! :)

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#79 Post by pyla8 »

That's so good to hear, but I hope you know I so didn't mean to imply you're pushing kiddie porn. As soon as I noticed Acer seemed to be an option, I was like, "Huh, but I'm sure the author's got a plan." I have faith in you! Btw I really liked that script excerpt. The dialogue was short and I think it's fitting that Alice would stomp away from Cath at least once. His verbal abuse can be kinda intense but it is end times so it makes sense at least someone would be testy. The scenes in the house (hideout? base?) make it sorta hard to remember this is post-apocalyptic, but honestly I think that's a good time imho. Being constantly reminded of how shitty and dangerous the setting is can weigh on you.

So from what I understand, you're going to tweak with the character appearance? Whoa that sounds labor intensive. I'm looking forward to it, although Linus is already perfect. I hope it's not too much work. There's only one other vn on this site I'm looking forward to as much as this, so the wait is killing me. Thank you for making this.

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#80 Post by Kevlei »

Just finished playing the demo, and I loved it! I'm seriously fangirling over pretty much the entire cast, even Alice. I mean, dayum, that girl has sass, man! I'd have liked it if there was an option to slap Cath somewhere, but... I'll live.

The entire demo was extremely well-written, and the use of extensive language was really impressive as well! It was implemented in a way that wasn't snobbish, like "Oh, I wonder how many SAT words I can stuff into this sentence?" but instead actually made sense in an awesomely intelligent and somewhat smart-ass way. The writing really brought the characters to life, and had me cackling like a deranged woman. Kudos for being such an amazing writer!

Moving onto the art... It was vibrant and freaking gorgeous. I mean, even though Cath acted like there was a stick up his butt 75% of the time, his sprite was smexy as heck! Why are all the bad boys always so, so good looking!? WHY, WORLD!!!? WHY MUST YOU TORTURE ME LIKE THIS!! ... Uh, a-ahem. *clears throat awkwardly* Anywhoozies, Ivan and his two sidekicks also had impeccable fashion sense. You'd think that a band of team rocket wannabes would have inherited the unfortunate uniforms, but noooo, instead they all look like they should be on the cover of a magazine. I also thought that Mak looked very, uh, feminine. His outfit and poses don't really help, and I'll admit by the end of the demo, I was imagining him as Alice's gay best friend even thought he's an obtainable character orz. It can't just be me, can it...? The only complaint I have is the backgrounds, but since they're placeholders, it's not that big of a deal. I just needed to input something other than sickening gushing praise >_<

OMIGAHWD. DID SOMEONE SAY H-SCENES AND NOT ONE, BUT TWO GXG ROUTES??? Yes please <3
Though I understand that the 18+ scenes might not be suitable to some people, I would suggest making it optional like in Katawa Shoujo. Or just making two separate versions, whichever takes less effort for you. I mean, you're already doing the original game, planning on adding two more routes, AND also thinking about creating some smexy times with our bishi-uh, love interests? Honestly, just do whichever option you feel would be easier. Take care not to overwork yourself ^^

*F-yeah, team Daemon ftw! What can I say, I love my prodigious antisocial shotas <33

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#81 Post by yoshibb »

I replayed this again and I still love it just as much as the first time. As for your questions, GxG routes don't really matter to me either way. I'm pretty much attached to Cath at this point, there's no going back XD Also, as for h-scenes, all I care about is them being tastefully done if you choose to do them. Really, it's your game and if you want to add these things, you should do it. I'm sure I will enjoy whatever you come up with. I love your writing and characters.

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#82 Post by SheerGlade »

It's short, simple, and more of a "resting" scene, but I uploaded an excerpt featuring Steven if anyone wants to read it. Daemon and Acer appear briefly and there's also a glimpse at Malware's hold on civilization.

@pyla: Eeep, don't worry, I never thought you implied that! I just wanted to share their ages anyway. Thanks for your feedback on the excerpt, too. Though that's the only real time she stomps off, Alice...almost constantly thinks about ditching Cath this time around. XD Not in a whiny/annoying way, but she expresses her resentment toward him much more actively. As for the hideout now, I'm trying to maintain that it's a haven in the wasteland without it feeling like Alice has suddenly stepped into a different story ^^; I feel like I went overboard with that it the demo since I wasn't as sure where I was going. Thank you for the encouragement (and for liking Linus ;D; fhiaofha. they all have a special place in my heart, but if I had to pick one as a partner, he'd win every time).

@Kevlei: Holy crap, way to make me feel golden ;-; Like seriously. Thank you. So much. You couldn't have worded that any way that could've made me feel better, and I'm so so happy you enjoyed it so much ghghghgh. "Stick up his butt 75% of the time" is one of the best descriptions I've ever heard of Cath (Alice would say he has a log up there the other 25%) aaaaand as for Mak...no, it's not just you. :'D I would say the door swings both ways, but it's more like the door bursts from its hinges and flies across the room until crushing the person it opened toward. He gets more screentime in my newer writing, which...may be good or bad depending on the reader. Idk if there's a middle ground with him. I know I love to write him 'cause he's so freakin' crazy and bratty :'D Thanks again for your sweet words (and for being excited about the H/GxG! It's encouraging! :D).

@yoshibb: There's nothing like actually hearing someone say "I love your writing and characters." T.T FOR REAL. You made me feel awesome and I appreciate your feedback so much. Thank. Yooooooou ;-;

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#83 Post by noeinan »

Just wanted to pipe in and say the texturing on the hair is really interesting.
Image

Image
Image

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#84 Post by xEllenx »

I can't wait for the full version!
I really enjoyed the soundtrack. The art is unique.
Keep going!

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#85 Post by SheerGlade »

Thanks, daikiraikimi and xEllenx! (...I know I'm really late) I'm glad you like the texture; I plan on integrating it in the new art, too, to create a dusty and..."cosmic" look, while desaturating the colors quite a bit as well. I've been working and while it's just for practice/conceptualizing, I should have some examples of the characters and style to show soon.

Just wanted to share another excerpt. It's not boisterous like most of Acer's scenes but hints at things to come in his route and introduces a central player in the story.

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#86 Post by fskfx »

omg .A.

I played the demo for this awhile ago and forgot the name. But I found it! AHH. I'm sorry, I just fell in love with this when I played it and it's so amazing and incredible and wondrous and and omg. Mkay, I'm going to try to stop fangirling now. Ahem.

I think your writing is superb. The whole time I was reading I was hanging on every word and completely enthralled. The characters are so different and varied but remain interesting, which is hard to pull off. The characters...I loved them. I loved them all. Usually in a larger group there is always one that you aren't invested in but lolnope. (And (/.u.)/ Cath is so perfect. And he has A++ pants. Thank you for the pants.) Also, I love your art. Love love love it. It's beautiful and all the sprites are so unique and totally fit the character. The style is just so interesting and ahhhhh. I can't even stop fangirling, only give more praises. unu Overall, amazeballs. I laughed more than should be humanly possible while playing and was so excited to see what happens next.

I sketched an Alice also because her hair is just...<3

Image

Ernyways, will be stalking this thread. ouo

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#87 Post by SheerGlade »

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, fskfx ;-; I feel so undeserving of all your praise, but it makes me so, so incredibly happy that you enjoyed the game. <3 Also, your Alice sketch - fhaioshaiofhwoafaorhawoithjwot~~~!!! hfioahfosahfiaoshaf4u90gsdhgdjoasf //continues to grunt more random noises of excitement before being tranquilized

Seriously though, thank you!! Receiving art of my characters overjoys me and makes me feel so honored T^T Thank you so, so much! Her hair looks so soft and flowing and I love the long, elegant way you drew her limbs and features! I will treasure it (and your encouragement) forever <3

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#88 Post by kassikatastrofy »

I'm so excited for this! I'm downloading the demo now, I'll post a critique when I finish it

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#89 Post by Kikaharu »

hehe hope this is coming along well been watching this for awhile. and stalking you on deviantArt XD

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Re: Essence [post-apocalyptic GxB] [scifi/dramedy] DEMO UP!

#90 Post by Blushingandroidtrash »

:D WOW okay I downloaded the demo a long time ago but only recently tried it out and I must say, the demo was extraordinary. Seriously one of the best VN demos I've ever played. I can not wait until the full game is released! You've done SO well so far. :wink:
I'm not an expert at reviewing but all I can say is that whatever you're doing, continue to do it!!

P.S. My two favorite characters are Steven and Cath. Great designs and extremely entertaining dialogue!!

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