Newlife

[dndw]

I completely agree. New content to expand the gameplay is always appreciated. Could you point me in a direction where I could learn more about how this code interacts with writing? It really piques my interest, plus it is such a turn on to write out your fanta...err, I mean to expand my education.

If you mean in general, it's conceptually pretty simple; based on variables like traits, arousal levels, intoxication etc., you either do or do not add a sentence.

If you mean what Newlife does specifically, well... It's possible to 'take a look under the hood', but it's not easy since Splendid Ostrich has obfuscated the code to prevent people from copying stuff. I am not going to help anyone in that regard, out of respect. Respect does not preclude making modifications to my own copy, but I will not share any of it without previous written consent. Which is not going to happen. 

 

[treos]

"In Newlife, you play as either a woman or a man who gets transformed into a woman early on."

might check this out later but...if my male character is going to just get turned into a female early in the game anyway, why even have the option to play as male in the first place? or is that fate avoidable?

 

[Rfpnj]

"In Newlife, you play as either a woman or a man who gets transformed into a woman early on."

might check this out later but...if my male character is going to just get turned into a female early in the game anyway, why even have the option to play as male in the first place? or is that fate avoidable?

The transformation is part of the story line, SO gave the option to avoid the TF as a way to increase the audience. I would play one game with the TF just for the story and then skip it for additional playthroughs if its not your genre.

 

[The Observer]

It's for character creation. Your traits as a man influence what you eventually end up as when you get turned.

 

[splendidostrich]

Hi all, sorry for the delay in answering. I'll start off with just a few replies because it's quite late, and catch up properly tomorrow or Monday.

As for the next release, the npc creator is going well, and I've mostly moved over to adding content. 

Excellent game, Splendid Ostrich. Your attention to detail is obvious. Some good stuff here.

Thank you!

Ah, that's why this one took so long.

Yup. With such a massive change it was naturally going to take ages. I did consider splitting it into two the same way I did with pregnancy content, and releasing it over a couple of versions, but in the end I just about managed to force it into one.

From what I played, while nicely written and thorough, I found the abundance of submissiveness/inability to lead (letting the man choose almost everything) quite a drag. If I'm missing something then apologies, but if this is intended I'm not among your audience.

Well, perhaps. I assume you've tried going sultry+flirty+outgoing, but even then it isn't exactly a 'take-charge' game.

In fact, this was one of my original design motivations. I was a bit frustrated with some other games, notably the sims, where the pc had to make everything happen. I'd also found that most 'sub' games I'd played went too far in the other direction, with the pc being a rape victim or sex slave. The idea for Newlife was that you take the "traditional" female role - letting the man lead, waiting by the phone for him to call and arrange a date, letting him initiate most of the sexual things and simply deciding whether to accept or reject his advances. Not very modern, of course, but the game isn't intended to show how people should behave when dating.

Over time I've added a bit more content that lets the pc initiate things, especially for the Sultry trait which is supposed to represent someone who acts with the overt sexuality you see in porn films. However, even then I want to leave the men with unique actions that only they can initiate. That way there's an actual incentive for players to let them decide.

Also bug to report in 3.9 which means it might be fixed already but in both saves every man was the same attractiveness level. First game they were all average and second game they were all good looking.

Thanks. I've made a note to look into this - I'm too tired for bug-checking right now but I will get to it soon.

Yeah, I would like to be able to do things for yourself too.

Mmm, even a path where you are a domme...

Even one you can play bisexual or lesbian...

Bisexual play will come in time. There may be femdom content, but I've no particular plans to go strongly in this direction. It's something I have more interest in than, say, anal, but it isn't really high enough on the list to make it into the core set of content.

SplendidOstrich, thank you so much for all the hard work you do, this game got me hot, your writing is that good. I played your demo and signed right up for your Patreon.

I only have a few questions that I can't seem to find: one, will there be butt play for us little butt sluts? Are there leggins/over-the-knee socks/stockings in the store or is that just one more part of the mountain of content you need to do?

I can't wait to see what you will implement next. Your work is astounding.

Thank you very much

I'm not really into anal so I don't have plans to add it - only as a milestone vote, I think. Of course anal always seems to come second in those votes...

Legwear is yet to come. It'll definitely be done for the relationship update so you can have bridal lingerie, and I might put it in earlier. 

What does "get your sport kit" mean for the other new gym scene? You have to be wearing the sport outfit to even get in. Does it mean it has to match? or is a particular set?

That's just a comment to players, encouraging them to go to the gym so they can see the new content. There's no particular clothing restrictions on any of the changing-room content.

 

[Taryana]

Thank you for replying.

I was wondering what some of the text clues would be in conversation to be: how can I tell if a man is dominative without getting into his pants?

I also can't wait for implementation of different locations, such as you boyfriend's place. (maybe a little french maid should clean this mess up?). Lastly, how does the game handle weighting the variables to clothing? While I am a nasty girl and don't mind the heavy lean towards naughty, it is hard for a girl to find elegant and/or cute clothes.

Thanks for your hard work and your excellent writing.

 

[splendidostrich]

Hi all, I'll have to come back later/tomorrow to answer the anal/code/submissions discussion. As for the other posts: 

"In Newlife, you play as either a woman or a man who gets transformed into a woman early on."

might check this out later but...if my male character is going to just get turned into a female early in the game anyway, why even have the option to play as male in the first place? or is that fate avoidable?

The transformation is part of the story line, SO gave the option to avoid the TF as a way to increase the audience. I would play one game with the TF just for the story and then skip it for additional playthroughs if its not your genre.

It's for character creation. Your traits as a man influence what you eventually end up as when you get turned.

It's much as rfpnj and the observer say. Also, I eventually plan for the male-start to have some references in-game to your old male stats, for example if the pc's body was much older before the transformation. The endgame especially should probably take into account that even if someone would prefer to be male, they might consider being female a fair price to pay to be thirty or more years younger.

Thank you for replying.

I was wondering what some of the text clues would be in conversation to be: how can I tell if a man is dominative without getting into his pants?

I also can't wait for implementation of different locations, such as you boyfriend's place. (maybe a little french maid should clean this mess up?). Lastly, how does the game handle weighting the variables to clothing? While I am a nasty girl and don't mind the heavy lean towards naughty, it is hard for a girl to find elegant and/or cute clothes.

Thanks for your hard work and your excellent writing.

Thanks I'm glad you're enjoying it!

There isn't a dominant trait as such. In fact, I think all the men in Newlife will be fairly take-charge and sexually forward. Men with the jerk personality can access some of the masochist type content without being asked, and the vigorous lover trait will make them less likely to be gentle in the bedroom. Jerks are usually more "mean" and will tend to insult you or talk down to you. 

Clothing needs some rework when it comes to stats - it tends to be skewed a bit too much towards the naughty side. At the moment there's a base item, and then it gets points based on attributes. For example, low-cut is naughty, short skirts are naughty, thin clothing is naughty... you can see how it needs work!

There also need to be some more clothes, including more cute ones. That's on my todo list, but I'm not sure when it'll end up being added.

 

[OrangeJuice]

So there's two changing room scenes? One where you go with the guy and one that randomly occurs?

 

[splendidostrich]

Hi all, hope you're all having a good week.  

This is a request that is raised a lot, but Splendid Ostrich has repeatedly stated they won't implement it as part of the core design. It may still be added as a Prove Me Wrong release (I believe it placed second last time), but the next one of those is a year away. Unless a second PMW milestone is re-added, in which it may be less. 

TL;DR:It's possible in the long run, but don't count on it. Unless Splendid has a change of heart. 

Indeed. Although if I put in some sort of "commission a writer" milestone then things like anal might be a good idea to get them to do. Lots of potential pitfalls with commissioning though so I might not do it.

Oh, I would never want an author to write what they weren't into or do it solely for pay, but this forum is rife with excellent authors who can. Who is to say we couldn't finagle someone to write it for him? Even without one of my primary fetishes in the game it is still great.

I will at some point write up a guide for users to send submissions that they want to see in the game, although Newlife isn't really a game that lends itself well to them. I did kind of promise one of my patrons that I'd put up a post about it though, so it'll happen sometime - the FAQ needs to be done first though.

At least to begin with however, I won't even be considering massive things such as entire new scenes. I think the best place to start with submissions would be alternative text for existing one-turn actions, as this would let people send in paragraphs of text for very specific situations.

To give an example of the sort of size of submission I'll start off with, consider something like this for the "move your hips" action in the missionary sex scene:

"Your movements accelerate to a frantic pace, grinding against him so that his hardness drives deliciously into you over and over again. With arms and legs wrapped around his slight frame, you flex your muscles, rolling over so that you're on top of him for a moment.  Lowering your face to his, you kiss him, tongues tangling as you ride him.
You continue moving, rolling over, pulling him with you so he's mounted on you again. You look up at him with a smile curving your lips, and say that you want him on top of you when you come."

This is just something I wrote as an example, and it has a whole load of assumptions. I've put it in with the conditions:
- In the "legs wrapped around him" sub-position
- High fitness skill
- High arousal
- Passionate lover trait
- the man is skinny
- Not doing the "treat me mean" thing

The actual version in the game is also a bit more complicated - the dialogue at the end is actually chosen from a bunch of different lines based on traits and relationship. After all, not every character would smile at their lover, and some of them need lines like "... and tell him that he can be on top again for now, but he's just seen how you can overpower a weed like him so it's only for as long as you'll tolerate it. "

This is close enough to being a reasonable submission without any actual code in the text itself. However, things get a lot more complicated as they get bigger, and I'd rather not deal with submissions for new actions at first, let alone new scenes.

I have also considered commissioning writing. I need to have a serious think about it once I've caught up on the current backlog, but it might be a good idea for a new milestone. Aside from concerns over price and quality, one questin is whether the time it would take me to write up instructions on how to write a Newlife scene would be more than it would have taken me to write the scene myself in the first place. I might make a post on this forum when I'm looking into it, because I know CoC and TiTS have that sort of thing, so this seems like it'd be a good place to ask for advice.

Text in Newlife is very heavily mingled with code, and there would need to be significant additions beside just the text. Even if they were given text, even if it were very detailed in what traits and such produce what text, it would still be a significant investment. Besides, anal is nice, but some further character development would also be good, right?

Exactly. It's one of the game's flaws that'd take far too much time to change. If I make another adult game when Newlife is finished, then I'll design it to be moddable and that'll give people a lot more freedom to customise the game.

I completely agree. New content to expand the gameplay is always appreciated. Could you point me in a direction where I could learn more about how this code interacts with writing? It really piques my interest, plus it is such a turn on to write out your fanta...err, I mean to expand my education.

If you're interested in making something yourself using the same tools, then Newlife is written in Java using the Eclipse IDE, Kryo to handle saving, and I started off with the WindowBuilder tool to make the GUI, although I'm moving away from using that now.

The basic game started as just one scene (you can probably guess which one!) and grew from there. That meant I could get it working quickly, which was good for motivation. The original stuff was fairly dreadful though - that first scene has been completely re-done at least twice, and there probably isn't much code from those days that's still in the current version.

If you mean in general, it's conceptually pretty simple; based on variables like traits, arousal levels, intoxication etc., you either do or do not add a sentence.

If you mean what Newlife does specifically, well... It's possible to 'take a look under the hood', but it's not easy since Splendid Ostrich has obfuscated the code to prevent people from copying stuff. I am not going to help anyone in that regard, out of respect. Respect does not preclude making modifications to my own copy, but I will not share any of it without previous written consent. Which is not going to happen. 

Indeed. Newlife's code isn't public at all. In a moddable game, the text would be separated out into separate files and could be changed separately from the code, but for Newlife it's literally written right into the source.

So there's two changing room scenes? One where you go with the guy and one that randomly occurs?

Exactly. I was originally just going to do the random one, but I got stuck writing it and made the other one in the hope it'd bring me inspiration.

You can trigger the random one yourself if you have the sultry trait, although the scene has some slight differences in that situation. 

 

[OrangeJuice]

Oh neat. Thanks. The finding men attractiveness levels varied when I started a new game with a sultry character so if there's a bug and I didn't hit some near statistical impossibilty it doesn't appear consistant.

 

[splendidostrich]

Oh neat. Thanks. The finding men attractiveness levels varied when I started a new game with a sultry character so if there's a bug and I didn't hit some near statistical impossibilty it doesn't appear consistant.

Thanks for letting me know! I'll run a few tests before the next version.

 

[Jash]

Mmm, not bad. Reminds me a lot of Cursed, only with less detail on the daily life aspect and more on the relationships and sex. Well, that's my first impression, anyway.

 

[splendidostrich]

Hi all, the new version is out. You can see the changelog and download an updated file from the blog..  

Oh neat. Thanks. The finding men attractiveness levels varied when I started a new game with a sultry character so if there's a bug and I didn't hit some near statistical impossibilty it doesn't appear consistant.

I had a look while running my tests for the new version, and I couldn't replicate it. So it might have just been a fluke. There should only be a small random variation in attraction, so most characters should find toned+handsome to be attractive and ugly+fat to be unattractive. 

Mmm, not bad. Reminds me a lot of Cursed, only with less detail on the daily life aspect and more on the relationships and sex. Well, that's my first impression, anyway.

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it! 

 

[Jash]

Aw man, no save compatibility between new and old versions? That's a deal-breaker unless the new version contains MASSIVE amounts of new content.

 

[BCRoxx]

Hi! I actually just downloaded this last night, and enjoyed it enough to sign up here and provide my own little thoughts and feedback! I'll try to keep what's been said about the game, and the devs' wishes in mind...but on the other hand, this is feedback and review (I'll try to keep thoughts affected by my own biases/kinks in italics, for "grain of salt" time).

So, the good...

The thing I love most is the lack of micromanagement and stripping-out of minute, redundant features. That's the one thing I disliked most about Cursed, which is AFAIK this game's biggest comparison. The focus on events and character interactions is really, really nice -- just make your broad decisions, and play out the outcomes as they happen.

Shorter bursts of text, with more choices, is also really, really nice. It's easier to read, and provides a lot more interactivity and immersiveness than other text-based games like it. I've never been a fan of "make one general choice, and read a wall of erotic novella-style text" -- it's nice being able to react, and act, to things as they happen than have the smaller choices in the context of one scene or event decided for me.

I think the game's length is actually really nice, especially for its content in-development. I like shorter games with more choices, and replayability, altogether. Compared to Cursed, which goes on "forever" but really only has the content to keep you engaged for the first six months of in-game time. You get promoted to the top of your career, get your transformation...then the rest of the game is basically doing the same things everyday just because. It gets really repetitive, especially with the level of micromanagement involved in the game just to get to the fun bits. Doing everything you can with one character, in the context of their chosen traits and available NPC's, then ending the game by "settling down" and moving onto a new character with their own quirks, is a lot more fun than "infinite" play.

All in all, it's a very hot game that shows a lot of promise. Fantastic work so far!

But...now it's time for room for where the game could really stand to improve...

Stress could really impact the game more, especially when it comes to the choices available. I haven't seen much difference between being at high stress and low stress, except for the "tell the customer off" scene. Higher stress levels should affect conversation options, maybe by forcing players to interact coldly/rudely/sexually (even if not normally inclined via personality traits). Willpower should likewise be affected, perhaps by closing off "active" engagement in sexual activities with disliked/unfamiliar partners (meaning they can only "do nothing" or "say no" unless properly aroused), or closing off "disinterested" or "reluctant" engagement like liked/regular partners (like how low willpower already works).

Stress, I feel, is a little too-closely tied to getting off. Speaking in broad terms, it makes sense, but orgasm does not a gratifying sexual encounter necessarily make! Giving a really hot, long blowjob should be gratifying (ergo, stress-reducing) to PC's who enjoy oral, even if they don't cum for one reason or another. Rough sex should have its own level of gratification if your PC is into it, regardless of orgasm, and it seems to me like PC's with low self-esteem would be gratified to some degree by getting a partner off [maybe it's just me, but I feel being face-fucked as a PC who enjoys oral and/or rough sex should get them off whether or not they're masturbating]. If I want my PC to be the club cum dumpster, the trade-off shouldn't be a perpetual max stress level if I don't have every "cum faster" trait available active!

Maybe the solution there is a trait where your character enjoys orgasm deprivation, and/or an option to masturbate to climax before bed with the preceding evening's events in mind.

[I also feel like there should also be an option to quickly end a penetrative sexual encounter you aren't "into" without hurting your partner's feelings by faking orgasm.]

I feel like the game should have a hidden or semi-hidden "reputation" mechanic. If the guys are sending nasty texts and talking about you behind your back, they should be all be more inclined to engage in sleazy activities if you're easy, or rough sex without being asked if you're cold/rude/bitchy. And, of course, repairing that reputation by making friends and not sleeping around!

The available acts in a given scene should really reflect the text being fed back to the player. If your lover is restraining your wrists during rough foreplay, it makes little sense to be able to caress his chest, cup his balls, or any other "active" choices. Likewise, the choices you make should really impact how your partner acts more than it does -- "do nothing" and more passive/submissive choices, I feel, should prompt partners (especially jerks) to handle the PC more aggressively and roughly than it does, especially with the ever-present "ask to be treated more gently" option.

And, all-around, partners you've asked to treat you meanly, or have asked to make you their bitch, should be more aggressive in positioning you. If the partner likes oral, and the PC has asked to treat them harshly, they should be way more likely to put the PC on their knees (and face-fuck them) than they are. I feel like there should be segues like NPC's wrapping your hands around their cocks, placing their cocks between your breasts, or putting their cocks in your mouth once you're on your knees, in addition to saying they want you to do that -- and depending upon willpower/arousal/preference, locking out other potential choices.

[And along with that, more rough sex! Love, love, love that. Especially the "resist orgasm" stuff. There really should be choices specific to rough sex, like begging to be penetrated instead of telling your partner you're ready or opening your legs, begging to be spanked, etc. More bondage and sadomasochism as well -- there are already text blurbs where your partner restrains you in several different ways, after all. Maybe even a "bondage equipment" or "sex toys" decoration for your flat that enables the kinky stuff.]

There really does need to be anal penetration in the game. It feels like there's a massive hole (joke not entirely intended) in the sex scenes, especially with jerks, partners you've asked to treat you roughly, or partners with whom you've asked to be submissive. Not engaging it anal should be as simple as telling a partner you don't like it there, or adding an "enjoys anal" trait to enable that activity. For as much detail goes into oral, vaginal intercourse in several different positions, handjobs, and titwanks, anal's absence really is felt.

An option to change hairstyle, with according stat changes, would be nice [also, pubic hair]. I've already read why the creator isn't doing makeup, and that makes a ton of sense so I won't criticize otherwise...but on the other hand, explaining that in detail in observation choices (or, even better, a detailed description of the PC available in the "week planning" screen) would really help to clarify. This is where stress could come in nicely, by adding "disheveled" or "desperate" descriptors for high stress, or "glowing" descriptors for low stress.

More exhibition/humiliation content would be nice to see, as well. There are already text blurbs in the club, gym, and the like where you're being "shown off", or showing yourself off, which would make for a natural jumping-off point. An "exhibitionist" trait where you gain arousal from these outcomes, or even just going without bra/panties, really feels like it should be in the game. I know the creator has said "no" to outright nudity in public spaces...but on the other hand, flashing really feels like it has a place in the game for the text already there (see, displaced/disheveled clothing in the club).

[Options where a partner you've asked to make you their bitch can tell you what outfit to wear, forbid you from wearing panties during a date or altogether, and the like would be really fun, too. A date where your partner leads you around on a leash -- disabling all but "do nothing" -- would be really hot.]

PC's really need access to the sleazy trait, so they can initiate club bathroom sex, adult theater visits, alleyway quickies, and the like -- and/or make sexual partners more likely to initiate them. The adult theater is one of my favorite locations so far, and I would really like to see that expanded -- solo visits for public masturbation, sex/play with anonymous partners, etc.

Generally, more choices for the player to take a more proactive/dominant role in sex would be nice. Pushing a partner down to their knees to give the PC oral, sit on their face, or have rough sex as the dominant partner would be really nice, especially when it comes to "nice" partners or partners with low self-esteem. 69'ing would be really nice, and I wonder why it hasn't been added already.

And, it would be nice to see a "booty call" option opposed to "going on a date". Let NPC's call the PC up for one as a random event, or let the PC call an NPC up for one instead of going to the club or going on a regular date. This would be a nice segue into branching options for location, in varying degrees of sleaziness.

Last, and I know the creator already mentioned it's being planned, but expanded relationships would be great. Defining the exact nature of a relationship beyond boyfriend/girlfriend is really what the game needs -- what the game defines as a relationship really just feels more like fuck buddies than anything. The game needs choices to be monogamous, FWB's, and even master/slave (with a partner you've asked to be their bitch) for that extra immersion factor.

 

[Nephilim_Anunnaki]

Hi! I actually just downloaded this last night, and enjoyed it enough to sign up here and provide my own little thoughts and feedback! I'll try to keep what's been said about the game, and the devs' wishes in mind...but on the other hand, this is feedback and review (I'll try to keep thoughts affected by my own biases/kinks in italics, for "grain of salt" time).

So, the good...

The thing I love most is the lack of micromanagement and stripping-out of minute, redundant features. That's the one thing I disliked most about Cursed, which is AFAIK this game's biggest comparison. The focus on events and character interactions is really, really nice -- just make your broad decisions, and play out the outcomes as they happen.

Shorter bursts of text, with more choices, is also really, really nice. It's easier to read, and provides a lot more interactivity and immersiveness than other text-based games like it. I've never been a fan of "make one general choice, and read a wall of erotic novella-style text" -- it's nice being able to react, and act, to things as they happen than have the smaller choices in the context of one scene or event decided for me.

I think the game's length is actually really nice, especially for its content in-development. I like shorter games with more choices, and replayability, altogether. Compared to Cursed, which goes on "forever" but really only has the content to keep you engaged for the first six months of in-game time. You get promoted to the top of your career, get your transformation...then the rest of the game is basically doing the same things everyday just because. It gets really repetitive, especially with the level of micromanagement involved in the game just to get to the fun bits. Doing everything you can with one character, in the context of their chosen traits and available NPC's, then ending the game by "settling down" and moving onto a new character with their own quirks, is a lot more fun than "infinite" play.

All in all, it's a very hot game that shows a lot of promise. Fantastic work so far!

But...now it's time for room for where the game could really stand to improve...

Stress could really impact the game more, especially when it comes to the choices available. I haven't seen much difference between being at high stress and low stress, except for the "tell the customer off" scene. Higher stress levels should affect conversation options, maybe by forcing players to interact coldly/rudely/sexually (even if not normally inclined via personality traits). Willpower should likewise be affected, perhaps by closing off "active" engagement in sexual activities with disliked/unfamiliar partners (meaning they can only "do nothing" or "say no" unless properly aroused), or closing off "disinterested" or "reluctant" engagement like liked/regular partners (like how low willpower already works).

Stress, I feel, is a little too-closely tied to getting off. Speaking in broad terms, it makes sense, but orgasm does not a gratifying sexual encounter necessarily make! Giving a really hot, long blowjob should be gratifying (ergo, stress-reducing) to PC's who enjoy oral, even if they don't cum for one reason or another. Rough sex should have its own level of gratification if your PC is into it, regardless of orgasm, and it seems to me like PC's with low self-esteem would be gratified to some degree by getting a partner off [maybe it's just me, but I feel being face-fucked as a PC who enjoys oral and/or rough sex should get them off whether or not they're masturbating]. If I want my PC to be the club cum dumpster, the trade-off shouldn't be a perpetual max stress level if I don't have every "cum faster" trait available active!

Maybe the solution there is a trait where your character enjoys orgasm deprivation, and/or an option to masturbate to climax before bed with the preceding evening's events in mind.

[I also feel like there should also be an option to quickly end a penetrative sexual encounter you aren't "into" without hurting your partner's feelings by faking orgasm.]

I feel like the game should have a hidden or semi-hidden "reputation" mechanic. If the guys are sending nasty texts and talking about you behind your back, they should be all be more inclined to engage in sleazy activities if you're easy, or rough sex without being asked if you're cold/rude/bitchy. And, of course, repairing that reputation by making friends and not sleeping around!

The available acts in a given scene should really reflect the text being fed back to the player. If your lover is restraining your wrists during rough foreplay, it makes little sense to be able to caress his chest, cup his balls, or any other "active" choices. Likewise, the choices you make should really impact how your partner acts more than it does -- "do nothing" and more passive/submissive choices, I feel, should prompt partners (especially jerks) to handle the PC more aggressively and roughly than it does, especially with the ever-present "ask to be treated more gently" option.

And, all-around, partners you've asked to treat you meanly, or have asked to make you their bitch, should be more aggressive in positioning you. If the partner likes oral, and the PC has asked to treat them harshly, they should be way more likely to put the PC on their knees (and face-fuck them) than they are. I feel like there should be segues like NPC's wrapping your hands around their cocks, placing their cocks between your breasts, or putting their cocks in your mouth once you're on your knees, in addition to saying they want you to do that -- and depending upon willpower/arousal/preference, locking out other potential choices.

[And along with that, more rough sex! Love, love, love that. Especially the "resist orgasm" stuff. There really should be choices specific to rough sex, like begging to be penetrated instead of telling your partner you're ready or opening your legs, begging to be spanked, etc. More bondage and sadomasochism as well -- there are already text blurbs where your partner restrains you in several different ways, after all. Maybe even a "bondage equipment" or "sex toys" decoration for your flat that enables the kinky stuff.]

There really does need to be anal penetration in the game. It feels like there's a massive hole (joke not entirely intended) in the sex scenes, especially with jerks, partners you've asked to treat you roughly, or partners with whom you've asked to be submissive. Not engaging it anal should be as simple as telling a partner you don't like it there, or adding an "enjoys anal" trait to enable that activity. For as much detail goes into oral, vaginal intercourse in several different positions, handjobs, and titwanks, anal's absence really is felt.

An option to change hairstyle, with according stat changes, would be nice [also, pubic hair]. I've already read why the creator isn't doing makeup, and that makes a ton of sense so I won't criticize otherwise...but on the other hand, explaining that in detail in observation choices (or, even better, a detailed description of the PC available in the "week planning" screen) would really help to clarify. This is where stress could come in nicely, by adding "disheveled" or "desperate" descriptors for high stress, or "glowing" descriptors for low stress.

More exhibition/humiliation content would be nice to see, as well. There are already text blurbs in the club, gym, and the like where you're being "shown off", or showing yourself off, which would make for a natural jumping-off point. An "exhibitionist" trait where you gain arousal from these outcomes, or even just going without bra/panties, really feels like it should be in the game. I know the creator has said "no" to outright nudity in public spaces...but on the other hand, flashing really feels like it has a place in the game for the text already there (see, displaced/disheveled clothing in the club).

[Options where a partner you've asked to make you their bitch can tell you what outfit to wear, forbid you from wearing panties during a date or altogether, and the like would be really fun, too. A date where your partner leads you around on a leash -- disabling all but "do nothing" -- would be really hot.]

PC's really need access to the sleazy trait, so they can initiate club bathroom sex, adult theater visits, alleyway quickies, and the like -- and/or make sexual partners more likely to initiate them. The adult theater is one of my favorite locations so far, and I would really like to see that expanded -- solo visits for public masturbation, sex/play with anonymous partners, etc.

Generally, more choices for the player to take a more proactive/dominant role in sex would be nice. Pushing a partner down to their knees to give the PC oral, sit on their face, or have rough sex as the dominant partner would be really nice, especially when it comes to "nice" partners or partners with low self-esteem. 69'ing would be really nice, and I wonder why it hasn't been added already.

And, it would be nice to see a "booty call" option opposed to "going on a date". Let NPC's call the PC up for one as a random event, or let the PC call an NPC up for one instead of going to the club or going on a regular date. This would be a nice segue into branching options for location, in varying degrees of sleaziness.

Last, and I know the creator already mentioned it's being planned, but expanded relationships would be great. Defining the exact nature of a relationship beyond boyfriend/girlfriend is really what the game needs -- what the game defines as a relationship really just feels more like fuck buddies than anything. The game needs choices to be monogamous, FWB's, and even master/slave (with a partner you've asked to be their bitch) for that extra immersion factor.

+1

 

[OrangeJuice]

Is the 3.11 new scene entirely random or is there some stat/personality/etc. requirement?

 

[splendidostrich]

Hi all! I'll get back to proper replies later... I'm a bit rushed this weekend so I won't have much time for posting until Sunday.

For now though, just a quick message to let you know that there's a new version out, downloads on the blog as usual. Have fun

 

[splendidostrich]

Hi! I actually just downloaded this last night, and enjoyed it enough to sign up here and provide my own little thoughts and feedback! I'll try to keep what's been said about the game, and the devs' wishes in mind...but on the other hand, this is feedback and review (I'll try to keep thoughts affected by my own biases/kinks in italics, for "grain of salt" time).


So, the good...


The thing I love most is the lack of micromanagement and stripping-out of minute, redundant features. That's the one thing I disliked most about Cursed, which is AFAIK this game's biggest comparison. The focus on events and character interactions is really, really nice -- just make your broad decisions, and play out the outcomes as they happen.


Shorter bursts of text, with more choices, is also really, really nice. It's easier to read, and provides a lot more interactivity and immersiveness than other text-based games like it. I've never been a fan of "make one general choice, and read a wall of erotic novella-style text" -- it's nice being able to react, and act, to things as they happen than have the smaller choices in the context of one scene or event decided for me.


I think the game's length is actually really nice, especially for its content in-development. I like shorter games with more choices, and replayability, altogether. Compared to Cursed, which goes on "forever" but really only has the content to keep you engaged for the first six months of in-game time. You get promoted to the top of your career, get your transformation...then the rest of the game is basically doing the same things everyday just because. It gets really repetitive, especially with the level of micromanagement involved in the game just to get to the fun bits. Doing everything you can with one character, in the context of their chosen traits and available NPC's, then ending the game by "settling down" and moving onto a new character with their own quirks, is a lot more fun than "infinite" play.


All in all, it's a very hot game that shows a lot of promise. Fantastic work so far!


But...now it's time for room for where the game could really stand to improve...


Stress could really impact the game more, especially when it comes to the choices available. I haven't seen much difference between being at high stress and low stress, except for the "tell the customer off" scene. Higher stress levels should affect conversation options, maybe by forcing players to interact coldly/rudely/sexually (even if not normally inclined via personality traits). Willpower should likewise be affected, perhaps by closing off "active" engagement in sexual activities with disliked/unfamiliar partners (meaning they can only "do nothing" or "say no" unless properly aroused), or closing off "disinterested" or "reluctant" engagement like liked/regular partners (like how low willpower already works).


Stress, I feel, is a little too-closely tied to getting off. Speaking in broad terms, it makes sense, but orgasm does not a gratifying sexual encounter necessarily make! Giving a really hot, long blowjob should be gratifying (ergo, stress-reducing) to PC's who enjoy oral, even if they don't cum for one reason or another. Rough sex should have its own level of gratification if your PC is into it, regardless of orgasm, and it seems to me like PC's with low self-esteem would be gratified to some degree by getting a partner off [maybe it's just me, but I feel being face-fucked as a PC who enjoys oral and/or rough sex should get them off whether or not they're masturbating]. If I want my PC to be the club cum dumpster, the trade-off shouldn't be a perpetual max stress level if I don't have every "cum faster" trait available active!


Maybe the solution there is a trait where your character enjoys orgasm deprivation, and/or an option to masturbate to climax before bed with the preceding evening's events in mind.


[I also feel like there should also be an option to quickly end a penetrative sexual encounter you aren't "into" without hurting your partner's feelings by faking orgasm.]


I feel like the game should have a hidden or semi-hidden "reputation" mechanic. If the guys are sending nasty texts and talking about you behind your back, they should be all be more inclined to engage in sleazy activities if you're easy, or rough sex without being asked if you're cold/rude/bitchy. And, of course, repairing that reputation by making friends and not sleeping around!


The available acts in a given scene should really reflect the text being fed back to the player. If your lover is restraining your wrists during rough foreplay, it makes little sense to be able to caress his chest, cup his balls, or any other "active" choices. Likewise, the choices you make should really impact how your partner acts more than it does -- "do nothing" and more passive/submissive choices, I feel, should prompt partners (especially jerks) to handle the PC more aggressively and roughly than it does, especially with the ever-present "ask to be treated more gently" option.


And, all-around, partners you've asked to treat you meanly, or have asked to make you their bitch, should be more aggressive in positioning you. If the partner likes oral, and the PC has asked to treat them harshly, they should be way more likely to put the PC on their knees (and face-fuck them) than they are. I feel like there should be segues like NPC's wrapping your hands around their cocks, placing their cocks between your breasts, or putting their cocks in your mouth once you're on your knees, in addition to saying they want you to do that -- and depending upon willpower/arousal/preference, locking out other potential choices.


[And along with that, more rough sex! Love, love, love that. Especially the "resist orgasm" stuff. There really should be choices specific to rough sex, like begging to be penetrated instead of telling your partner you're ready or opening your legs, begging to be spanked, etc. More bondage and sadomasochism as well -- there are already text blurbs where your partner restrains you in several different ways, after all. Maybe even a "bondage equipment" or "sex toys" decoration for your flat that enables the kinky stuff.]


There really does need to be anal penetration in the game. It feels like there's a massive hole (joke not entirely intended) in the sex scenes, especially with jerks, partners you've asked to treat you roughly, or partners with whom you've asked to be submissive. Not engaging it anal should be as simple as telling a partner you don't like it there, or adding an "enjoys anal" trait to enable that activity. For as much detail goes into oral, vaginal intercourse in several different positions, handjobs, and titwanks, anal's absence really is felt.


An option to change hairstyle, with according stat changes, would be nice [also, pubic hair]. I've already read why the creator isn't doing makeup, and that makes a ton of sense so I won't criticize otherwise...but on the other hand, explaining that in detail in observation choices (or, even better, a detailed description of the PC available in the "week planning" screen) would really help to clarify. This is where stress could come in nicely, by adding "disheveled" or "desperate" descriptors for high stress, or "glowing" descriptors for low stress.


More exhibition/humiliation content would be nice to see, as well. There are already text blurbs in the club, gym, and the like where you're being "shown off", or showing yourself off, which would make for a natural jumping-off point. An "exhibitionist" trait where you gain arousal from these outcomes, or even just going without bra/panties, really feels like it should be in the game. I know the creator has said "no" to outright nudity in public spaces...but on the other hand, flashing really feels like it has a place in the game for the text already there (see, displaced/disheveled clothing in the club).


[Options where a partner you've asked to make you their bitch can tell you what outfit to wear, forbid you from wearing panties during a date or altogether, and the like would be really fun, too. A date where your partner leads you around on a leash -- disabling all but "do nothing" -- would be really hot.]


PC's really need access to the sleazy trait, so they can initiate club bathroom sex, adult theater visits, alleyway quickies, and the like -- and/or make sexual partners more likely to initiate them. The adult theater is one of my favorite locations so far, and I would really like to see that expanded -- solo visits for public masturbation, sex/play with anonymous partners, etc.


Generally, more choices for the player to take a more proactive/dominant role in sex would be nice. Pushing a partner down to their knees to give the PC oral, sit on their face, or have rough sex as the dominant partner would be really nice, especially when it comes to "nice" partners or partners with low self-esteem. 69'ing would be really nice, and I wonder why it hasn't been added already.


And, it would be nice to see a "booty call" option opposed to "going on a date". Let NPC's call the PC up for one as a random event, or let the PC call an NPC up for one instead of going to the club or going on a regular date. This would be a nice segue into branching options for location, in varying degrees of sleaziness.


Last, and I know the creator already mentioned it's being planned, but expanded relationships would be great. Defining the exact nature of a relationship beyond boyfriend/girlfriend is really what the game needs -- what the game defines as a relationship really just feels more like fuck buddies than anything. The game needs choices to be monogamous, FWB's, and even master/slave (with a partner you've asked to be their bitch) for that extra immersion factor.

Hi, I just spent half an hour writing a detailed reply to most of this only for the whole thing to get lost when I pressed ctrl-z and it reverted it to just the first line I wrote and wouldn't go back. I don't have the enery to write it again so, in brief:


Thanks for the feedback. Some of the changes you suggest will happen, others will not.

Is the 3.11 new scene entirely random or is there some stat/personality/etc. requirement?

Also got lost, but this was a shorter reply so I think i can re-do it!


You mean the lost phone event right? There's no requirement to it, so it can show up anytime as long as one of the timeslots it's can appear for doesn't have a fixed event.

 

[OrangeJuice]

Yes. I had it randomly happen, I edited my post to say I had gotten it but that didn't save either.

 

[OrangeJuice]

If you have a boyfriend and attend a dance class you automatically go back to your apartment and it eventually gets to a go to sleep option even though it's in the afternoon activity.

Also an error while touching yourself during giving a blow/hand job.
"Your fingers know just what to do to make you feel good, and your expert touch teases exquisite pleasure from your body. Warm pleasure mounts in you as you touch it, "

That part of the description ends in a comma instead of a period.

Is the 3.13 new scene entirely random too?

 

[Scarebear]

Is there ever going to be an option to initiate making out in the club bathroom? I think that'd be a fun thing to do when you've been with your bf for a while and want to spice things up.


On a similar subject, I had an idea was wondering what your thoughts on it were: I was wondering if it would be possible to have like a system that'd allow your sex life gets kinkier once you and your partner have been together awhile/become really close (like maybe after your 6 month anniversary or some sort of relationship point system). That way you could experience the gym shower sex scene every now and then even if you're with a partner isn't normally up for that sort of thing.


I think it would open up your options without having to date multiple characters. Plus IRL partners often indulge in fetishes that aren't their own in order to please their SO.


Maybe it would be an option to turn on under the "serious talk" option like the "be rough all the time" option.

 

[splendidostrich]

If you have a boyfriend and attend a dance class you automatically go back to your apartment and it eventually gets to a go to sleep option even though it's in the afternoon activity.

Also an error while touching yourself during giving a blow/hand job.
"Your fingers know just what to do to make you feel good, and your expert touch teases exquisite pleasure from your body. Warm pleasure mounts in you as you touch it, "

That part of the description ends in a comma instead of a period.

Is the 3.13 new scene entirely random too?

Thanks for the bug report! The second half of that sentence is supposed to be different for each breast size, but it turns out there was an error in the if statement where the one for the smallest size would never show up. I've fixed that for the next version.


The dance class is supposed to be in the evenings after work, so it probably starts around 7pm and finishes at 9 or 10.


The new event is mostly random, but you need to have an electrical appliance (TV, big TV, computer or sound system). As usual, it also won't fire if its timeslot is occupied by an activity with a fixed scene - like most random events it's assigned to the free-time slot. It also has a somewhat low weight - it can have an annoying outcome so I didn't want it to be too common.

Is there ever going to be an option to initiate making out in the club bathroom? I think that'd be a fun thing to do when you've been with your bf for a while and want to spice things up.


On a similar subject, I had an idea was wondering what your thoughts on it were: I was wondering if it would be possible to have like a system that'd allow your sex life gets kinkier once you and your partner have been together awhile/become really close (like maybe after your 6 month anniversary or some sort of relationship point system). That way you could experience the gym shower sex scene every now and then even if you're with a partner isn't normally up for that sort of thing.


I think it would open up your options without having to date multiple characters. Plus IRL partners often indulge in fetishes that aren't their own in order to please their SO.


Maybe it would be an option to turn on under the "serious talk" option like the "be rough all the time" option.

I like to have some actions restricted to NPCs, to give the player an incentive to let them decide what to do.


Tracking your sex-life and having unlocks is another thing I'd rather not do. It'd add more complexity and might not make much sense for some characters. Some things like the "always be rough" request have conditions based on how well the pc knows/likes the guy, but those can just use existing systems.


The 3p makeout part of the gym sex scene is also extremely restricted and wouldn't work with NPCs who don't have the very specific sets of attributes that Horse and his friend have. 3p scenes can easily become too complex to reasonably write, so the compromise was to limit the number of possibilities as much as possible. For example Horse's friend always has both Cold-Hearted and Misanthrope even though these normally never occur together on generated npcs - that's to guarantee that he never has a friendly or loving relationship with the pc in order to cut down on the number of possible relationships to write for.


The actual sex-in-the-shower bit is the same scene that triggers if you join your partner in the shower the morning after a date, so you can get that part of it with your bf.

If you have a boyfriend and attend a dance class you automatically go back to your apartment and it eventually gets to a go to sleep option even though it's in the afternoon activity.

Also an error while touching yourself during giving a blow/hand job.
"Your fingers know just what to do to make you feel good, and your expert touch teases exquisite pleasure from your body. Warm pleasure mounts in you as you touch it, "

That part of the description ends in a comma instead of a period.

Is the 3.13 new scene entirely random too?

Thanks for the bug report! The second half of that sentence is supposed to be different for each breast size, but it turns out there was an error in the if statement where the one for the smallest size would never show up. I've fixed that for the next version.


The dance class is supposed to be in the evenings after work, so it probably starts around 7pm and finishes at 9 or 10.


The new event is mostly random, but you need to have an electrical appliance (TV, big TV, computer or sound system). As usual, it also won't fire if its timeslot is occupied by an activity with a fixed scene - like most random events it's assigned to the free-time slot. It also has a somewhat low weight - it can have an annoying outcome so I didn't want it to be too common.

Is there ever going to be an option to initiate making out in the club bathroom? I think that'd be a fun thing to do when you've been with your bf for a while and want to spice things up.


On a similar subject, I had an idea was wondering what your thoughts on it were: I was wondering if it would be possible to have like a system that'd allow your sex life gets kinkier once you and your partner have been together awhile/become really close (like maybe after your 6 month anniversary or some sort of relationship point system). That way you could experience the gym shower sex scene every now and then even if you're with a partner isn't normally up for that sort of thing.


I think it would open up your options without having to date multiple characters. Plus IRL partners often indulge in fetishes that aren't their own in order to please their SO.


Maybe it would be an option to turn on under the "serious talk" option like the "be rough all the time" option.

I like to have some actions restricted to NPCs, to give the player an incentive to let them decide what to do.


Tracking your sex-life and having unlocks is another thing I'd rather not do. It'd add more complexity and might not make much sense for some characters. Some things like the "always be rough" request have conditions based on how well the pc knows/likes the guy, but those can just use existing systems.


The 3p makeout part of the gym sex scene is also extremely restricted and wouldn't work with NPCs who don't have the very specific sets of attributes that Horse and his friend have. 3p scenes can easily become too complex to reasonably write, so the compromise was to limit the number of possibilities as much as possible. For example Horse's friend always has both Cold-Hearted and Misanthrope even though these normally never occur together on generated npcs - that's to guarantee that he never has a friendly or loving relationship with the pc in order to cut down on the number of possible relationships to write for.


The actual sex-in-the-shower bit is the same scene that triggers if you join your partner in the shower the morning after a date, so you can get that part of it with your bf.

 

[Scarebear]

It wasn't just the gym shower scene I was referring to. I thought it'd be fun to mix up dates (which tend to get pretty stale after the first few with the same character) by taking your SO to see an adult film and get frisky in the back row or like I said go to the club, dance a little bit, and then makeout in the bathroom.


But I see your point.

 

[OrangeJuice]

You're welcome.
I only have the free version so can't get it yet anyway, was just wondering for future puproses.

 

[splendidostrich]

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a good week.
There's a new version of the game available - available from patreon (0.3.15) or the blog (0.3.14) as usual.

 

[OrangeJuice]

I wanted to see if you could enter the gym with just a sports bra, it's possible but...

"You are clad only in your underwear. You're wearing a white sports bra. Without a top there's nothing covering the smooth pale skin of your flat stomach. Your white yoga pants cover your legs completely. The tight yoga pants cling to your bottom, showcasing it for any onlookers."

...it says you're clad only in your underwear despite wearing pants/panties. Not sure if it's a bug but thought I'd point it out just in case.

 

[Scarebear]

How come you got rid of the advanced options that were in 3.13?

 

[stuntcock]

How come you got rid of the advanced options that were in 3.13?

Those options are normally reserved for Patreon supporters.  They were accidentally "leaked" in the 3.13 public build, and SplendidOstrich chose to just leave them in - as a Xmas present - instead of putting in extra work over the holidays to correct the mistake.

 

[Scarebear]

That sucks, those were pretty handy. :\