In the future, biots are bio-engineered human-like beings each specially designed for one purpose. The main character of Synthetic Lover is a companion biot who exists as a lifeless doll except for when he's needed. He's activated upon request by the clients of an adult entertainment center called Dollhouse, and he is programmed to do only one job. He's set to be like this forever until a certain clueless thief (tasked by a mega corporation called Guiding Light) gets his hands on a special device that allows biots to operate beyond the programmed vocation. In an attempt to shake off his pursuers, the thief takes refuge in the center and stumbles upon the MC. The special device affects the MC in powerful and unexpected ways. Confused by his newfound self-awareness and emotions, the biot needs to decide who to rely on to try to reverse his state.
He leaves Dollhouse for the first time and is swept up into a power struggle between a massive corporation, a rebel group, a black market agent, and his personal companions who all seem to have a different agenda for him and the mysterious device that gave him the ability to feel emotions.
Guiding Light Corporation (GL)
The company was originally founded with the intention of advancing technology to benefit society, but it has morphed into something larger over decades.Today, GL is a mega corporation that creates, produces, distributes, and maintains biots. GL has rooted itself in the government and pushes for laws that benefit their business, casually tossing aside ethical concerns. One of GL's mains sources of profit is licensing out biots specifically locked for various tasks. They distribute biots to chains of adult entertainment centers like Dollhouse and have established a special security unit to keep a handle on their assets.
Dollhouse
Dollhouse is an adult entertainment center where people can rent a room and be serviced by biots for any companionship needs, ranging from a game of chess to endeavors of a sexual nature. The center also houses and maintains biots, always sure to take care of their basic needs.
Nightfall
Nightfall is a large activist organization formed from protests against the Guiding Light Corporation. They advocate for the rights of biots, recognize their sentience, and have worldwide branches financed by private resources. The group is often portrayed in the mass media as a terrorist organization, but Nightfall claims to condemn all forms of violence. They swear by their core manifesto -- that they value freedom from corporate control for humans and biots alike.
Black Orchid
Black Orchid is the casino-bar-club where Bastian works as a bartender. This establishment is a low-mid range venue which only employs human staff.
1. Out of the two current romance options which one would prefer to romance first?
2. This an 18+ game which includes sex between men. However we will be attempting to blur the lines between the typical concepts of seme and uke, as life is not really that black and white. What’s your personal take on those?
3. Do you believe a good story needs a solid and clearly identifiable antagonist represented by one person? As opposed to a corporate entity or group?
4. Are you a need-a-happy-ever after person? Or will you be perfectly content with a realistic but not so rosy ending that feel more neutral but perhaps hopeful? (just like real life, ouch XD)
5. This game was greatly inspired by Bioware games such as the Mass Effect series and the Dragon Age series, where choices sometimes lock you into a path that differs greatly from the others and other times let you explore and get to know the various reactions of the characters you interact with. What’s more important for you? Are you the choices-matter kinda player or would you rather (or also) enjoy exploring the different possibilities the dialogue can offer and get to know your romance options better?
6. We'd be happy to hear any comments, questions or feedback you have about the game and the assets so far.