I am a couple of hours in now and wow! The writing is so immersive and detailed I feel like I am in another world just from that! The Character design is gorgeous. I love the idea of this complete society is just living underground like a huge black market and the masks as a form of anonymity is right up my alley! I fell into the Prist's Route right away and playing on gathering as much endings as I can. 10/10 loving this game so far and excited to continue deeper into this journey in the dark
I don't usually comment, but I really had to for this game! I absolutely loved every routes, and I like the fact that the devs included a safeword and even an aftercare category which I think was really toughtful! Not only that but at the start of the game, u can choose ur pronouns, which is really cool as I rarely see smth like this in visual novels. The characters were amazing and so was the plot! Keep up the good work, can't wait for next chapter <33
Aaaaah omg I love this VN so much, it's such a good start ! <3
Especially the fact that I usually have a hard time finding a MC in a otome game that I really like, but this one makes me smile. The designs are all really cool (the masks remind me a lot of Dark Souls, the art is really beautiful <3) So yeah, I'm very excited for Chapter 2 ! :)
i could write a really long review but it's genuinely amazing to me that [SPOILERS] one route is bdsm and the other is headpats this is the dichotomy that should exist in all otome games
I haven't gotten through all the endings yet, but the fact that head pats are a big part of the shows of affection is absolutely amazing. I love both routes and their pacing. The art is gorgeous, from the backgrounds to the sprites, and I can't wait for Chapter 2! You guys are incredible and I love that information is withheld until there's a reason for it to be brought up, adds so much to the worldbuilding.
this was kind of everything i've been looking for in a visual novel lately. i'm really captivated by the subtle world-building and phenomenal writing, genuinely holding off on buying other fully released novels until i can have this story in its entirety. can't wait !
What a great first episode! Good job guys, the quality is amazing considering you all do that on the side. Looking forward to see/read/hear the rest :)
Nice game, I really like the character designs and the world. I also love the fact that the MC's backstory is not completely known to the players, it already got me hooked because of that and makes me all the more excited for the following chapters.
You know what I didn't like the most about this novel? It was too short :D I'll be waiting for the next chapter, so ... I wish you inspiration and more free time?)))
This sounds so good unfortunately I only have a mobile but from the descriptions of the characters I can tell it's a great story with great writing it's really captivated me so far and hopefully one day I'll be able to play it
Hey so Im a little confused cuz it says only chapter 1 is out but people are talkting about endings? Do endings not normally come after all chapters are done? Im kinda dumb help;;
Hi! While there's only one chapter for the first two love interests out right now, there are multiple ways for those chapters to end depending on what you do. Five per love interest, to be exact.
Hello! We're glad you've decided to try out our game ❤️
The ending guide we made (the downloadable pdf file) has a spoiler-light guide to the good endings where it gives general advice about what the boys prefer on the first page, and then a step-by-step guide to each of the endings on the following pages. Stay on the first page and you're golden.
We can't say for sure when the next instalment is coming or what our final release date for the full project is going to be, unfortunately. All us raccoons work full-time elsewhere, and OBSCURA is our beloved side-project. Sorry we can't give a solid answer to that, but we don't want to make promises we can't keep.
I don't think anyone could say they didn't enjoy this visual novel... There's no way you can not like this masterpiece here! I can't wait for future updates.
If you're looking to update from 1.0 to 1.01, you'll have to download the zip file again. You should be able to continue using your saves from the 1.0 version, though.
Hihi!! I love this game so much I cant wait for the next update! The story is really unique and I really love the art and art style :). We don't have a lot of games like this with such aesthetically style and good storyline, I'm so glad I found this :D
I downloaded this purely because of the aesthetic vibe. I did not read anything on this page. I resisted giving it ago because it is incomplete and my "bookshelf" is overflowing with WIPs, but, as I often do, I gave in anyway. And now here I am, HOOKED, already.
Your creativity and inventiveness is an inspiration. I love the world your working with and the restraint you use in giving back story and building a sense of mystery. Keep up the great work! I can't wait to experience more.
I feel like the slow burn to a full face reveal is going to be deliciously tortuous and I'm here for it, along whith the overall growth of the characters and the MCs journey.
Is there anywhere I can send you fanworks? I made a soundtrack inspired by Obscura but Twitter isn't the best place for posting mp3 files, I'd love to show my appreciation for the game!
Hi! We're so touched you want to share your fanwork!
At the moment the best way to share something is probably to pop it in a google drive or dropbox or the like and DM us a link on Twitter. We're looking into other options to let folks gather in a community (the twitterpocalypse is a good reminder to us to look into other social media), but we don't have anything certain right now.
Will do! But unfortunately there is no option to privately message you on twitter, perhaps its a setting you have to check off but I'm not too sure. Maybe I can put it into a video and tag you, I'll see what I can do!
Lots of fun and gorgeous art!! The world building is impressive, especially for such a short adventure. Still plenty of replay potential–I'm excited to see where the next chapters take the story!
Have mercy, I'm in deep with this game already. I set out to only play it through once just to see the characters/story setup but wound up going through it over and over and getting all the ends in one sitting lmao it's SO GOOD and both the current LIs had me sweatin. 10/10 will be shoving this at everyone as a recommendation & very much looking forward to seeing more of the story!
Hiya! Stumbled upon this games and loved the art style and the atmosphere of it. I would like to ask, if you're interested in adding a russian translation for the game, for this chapter and maybe even the full game in the future. I've got some expierience and all I need is your permission and a few kind words of guidance along the way... And a way to contact you. Comments aren't the best place for such discussions, lol. Hope you're interested!
Pretty traumatized over cirrus tbh. and not to mention i think his vibes SUCKED! (ノ｀Д)ノ
After completing the Keir route and getting all of Keir's bad ends, I was super happy and literally pumped up for anything else that would come at me... Except I wasn't. LOL?!? Well anyways, coming on a little more to talk about my point, I decided to see the hot priest endings like any tired loser (Loser being me, and not any Cirrus fans!!!) at first I was SUPER EXCITED, but well.... as i went to get every ending i think died a little inside lol.
Feeling bad for just betraying Keir alone, when I came across cirrus' s bad ends I just felt UGHHHH. ヽ(*。>Д<)o゜His sadism is beyond me, and I don't have much of a- not submission but- I'm not a big fan of the pain kink?!? And I'M NOT JUDGING but... Since I know cirrus is definitely very hot for lot(?!) people: it's just as a person, I just don't like him! It's fine if I'm the only one, BUT!
Eh, maybe chapter 2 will get me to change my mind. o(一︿一+)o
Anyways, I'm a learn the hard way person. My safe word for this game was... ashamedly, since last night i wasn't really in a clear mood when my mind was totally set on sticking to my real opinions for the options just to be clear, was deeznuts.
And yeah, sure, that MIGHT sound like im now becoming less serious because of that but that's definitely not the case! I just decided "hey, if I'm gonna be shit my pants scared, I'm not going to be too scared with the handy dandy trusty outdated deeznuts joke, right?"
So I THOUGHT I was totally prepped for all that, BUT I WASN'TTT.
My opinion still stands EVEN AFTER editing practically this whole thing just to re-word it and make it less offensive, I still just want to beat up cirrus?! Or dump him down that endless hole mentioned in Keir's route.... maybe send him to that god he keeps praying to. 🤜✋💨
Seeing how Keir changed the topic at the mention of 'priest', that also caught my attention FYI. Just that there's literally ZERO evidence to really use that small detail, I just felt it might be important or something later on noting that for myself???
But aside my rants on how cirrus is NOT A HOT KINKY DADDY OVERLORD as I expected because I am somewhat of a lover to male toxic people who are hot: I really love this game!
I feel like the depths of the story here is one of this game's charms, and the perceptiveness we get is pretty cool too! Not to mention I also really love the way they made the MC's personality and design.
It's also super cute when you think about it and you can definitely just imagine yourself wearing that cloak the MC wears- because seriously, we need more appreciation for the masks designs (even though there's definitely a lot)!!!
I liked the charcoal gold one the best, but frankly they were all really good I tried them all on at least a dozen times in game!
Pretty interested on how the mind-break thing with the MC will work out, especially in the next update, just because I'm seriously worried for the MC（；´д｀）ゞ Like huh?!? You okay bro?!
Especially in the aftercare, I know the comments often mentioned everywhere I scrolled down that the session was "caring" and "sweet" but I... I mean, am I just missing something or what?!? Because the only caring and sweet about it was the creators put it there?!? <referring to the safe word button on the top right of the screen>
But if you're talking about that aftercare session AFTER the stabbing thing.... NO WAY cirrus can be described as "cute" and "sweet"!!! If anything, that's only literally anybody else?!
It took a long time for me over onto get his good end because I, personally, was pretty stubborn about his total-submission dialogue pathway. and while I wasn't too eccentric about it, at least I got to complete almost every ending of the game before sleeping, right? 〒▽〒
Just a disclaimer, I know this is just a game! I'm ranting as an overly interested player, that's all.
I can't wait for chapter 2, and frankly the fancy stranger is so cute! Maybe they'll opt to have the third love interest open in the next update, but i don't really know, because for all i understand, they could just end up as an ally or friend or something. That'd still a valid option! Personally, I've just taken the fascination expected of me and leapt at it.
In game, no matter the love interest, you don't really see anyone quite like fancy stranger. which is intended, obviously, and his aesthetic is SUPER CUTE!!!
like, not that all the characters didn't look good, because they do! They look very good! IT'S JUST MY VISUAL PREFERENCE ┗( T﹏T )┛
Honestly, I feel like he'll either be the most unexpected antagonist or a complete squishy baby, which I hope is the latter mostly, because I know that's impossible if you're going to the underworld of all places. Maybe he'll gradually be darkened, who knows?
But anyways I'll wait, I mean, he's here so we'll get the lore anyway! Can't wait for chapter 2!
If you are targeting my comment specifically, then I have to insist that Cirrus IS CARING, because he follows an aftercare session. Something that lacks in 99.9% of all indie or japanese visual novels that feature rough, jerk, yandere or disturbing love interests that constantly dominate over the mc and harm them physically, emotionally or mentally. No one bats an eye at the stuff some of them do to the mc, yet it takes a self-proclaimed dark romance game, with shady love interests to finally have an aftercare session after an intense bdsm scene.
It's fine if it's not your kink, lol. I do not see myself as a submissive either, but I liked Cirrus' scenes, as someone who is dom-leaning myself. I find them to be well done for the reasons I suggested above.
Is Cirrus a good person? No, he's shady as hell; the game doesn't excuse him. This game has trigger warnings: it's a dark romance visual novel. But he's a well written dominant love interest 🤷
Maybe next time you comment, maybe try whining less about what other players like, and spend more time commenting on what you liked or want to improve about the game, instead.
oh, no i wasn't targeting your comment directly, sorry if you thought that way! and while i DO understand as you said, most games hold yanderes worse than cirrus, i still think he's a little iffy specifically because of the MC's inner dialogue at the end of his good route! the MC is unsure and feels something is wrong, and personally im not too okay with it. and the aftercare session was sweet, but it doesn't last long, or change the fast either he stabs us or we stab ourselves AND he gives us this sus ass drink that makes us feel like dog shit hurled up in a ball and then thrown around a few times until being tossed in some dumpster fire.
while i DO know i did start off my comment with throwing cirrus at the bad end, it doesn't really change my enjoyment and excitement for further development lol. i didn't talk about how to improve the game because i for one thought it was perfect as is! no glitches to report, nothing unexpected, and an overall smooth gaming experience with good visuals and sound effects.
as i said, i read the warnings and loved the game, so i just want to let you know im not mad at the dark themes because it was 100% expected! im just saying how i felt lmao, not really anymore than that. and i know i was a bit of a rant and nag, but im fine with other players who enjoyed his route and the dark romance genre is always SUPER interesting! i'm not whining- i don't think? i didn't really see myself like that, at least. but sorry if i was. 〒▽〒
maybe i should've thrown some emotes there to sound friendlier, which i guess i will in a few minutes to prevent further misunderstandings- but i wasn't like batshit angry or anything don't get me wrong. i was just high on adrenaline after finishing the game. ಥ_ಥ
I totally get what you mean, and it made me a bit uncomfy as well. Yes, Cirrus did the aftercare and depending on your choices the MC can be totally into it. But the fact is just saying "no" and walking away isn't presented as an option in those scenes. The MC is in a situation where "no" means death in this situation. At no point does Cirrus give them a safe word and no sort of discussion about kinks and boundaries is had beforehand. None of this is okay in safe, responsible, and consensual BDSM. Plus it's all attached to a religion that the MC hasn't necessarily joined. And that's okay because this is just a game and not every relationship is sunshine and rainbows. But the consent in this situation is dubious at best, and Cirrus is by no standard a caring and responsible dom.
he kinda coerced her into sw n in one of the endings he kills her for not being intrested in him. Also he sa's her for stopping him so idk about him being caring hes just manipulative
There needs to be more than just aftercare in responsible BDSM. The fact that we get a safe word and the MC doesn't shows the developers are well aware of that. They're being coerced, and I don't think the game excuses it. It's okay to enjoy relationships like this in fiction - especially when it's so engaging and well-written like it is here. But if Cirrus is being billed as a caring dom he needs to discuss things BEFORE a session and give the MC an option to say no without consequences. The consent between them was dubious at best, forced at worst depending on the choices made.
I wish I stopped getting notifications to this comment because I am sick of people reminding me of what I already know. Yes, I am well aware, but as you might know, this is a dark game with love interest that are not good people ( I mean, have you seen Cirrus' bad ending? it involves human trafficking). Expecting healthy, and realistic depictions of relationship dynamics is absurd. Of course Cirrus is manipulative, that's obviously his whole thing as a character. It's made clear, by how your interactions with him are, mc's constantly 'persuaded' or 'nudged' towards him to the point of no longer being able to reject him.. Of course such an early bdsm scene would have always been dubious at best and forced at worst on the principle that their power dynamic has been unbalanced as hell FROM THE START. All I'm saying is that COMPARED TO OTHER LIS FROM OTHER DARK ROMANCE GAMES OR EVEN COMPARED TO DARK ROMANCE NOVELS, Cirrus' scenes are better written, gentler and more caring due to the integration of the aftercare session. That is all I mean.
I did say that it's okay to have "unhealthy" relationships in fiction. There's a growing purity culture that shames any media that isn't positive - especially when it comes to LGBT relationships. I just believe it's also important to have conversations like this, especially around BDSM which I think is often misunderstood. How caring he's being I think is up to interpretation since it's established he's manipulative and has ulterior motives, but I do appreciate he's making somewhat of an effort to comfort the MC, rather than just leaving them. If we're comparing this to another depiction of BDSM like 50 Shades of Grey, Cirrus is much better. The aftercare session is why I'm putting closer scrutiny towards him, since I can't just dismiss him as a total bastard if he appears to have some idea of what constitutes healthy BDSM but is still raising all the red flags. I hpe in the future these are the types of conversations he and the MC have as they grow closer together.
We seem to agree more than we disagree on these matters, so I will apologize for the angry wording I had to my previous comment since it came from misunderstanding the intent behind your original comment. Conversations definitely need to be had on how lgbt relationships are written; but also on how bdsm dynamics are more than often frequently used as complementary violence for abusive relationships (talking about dark romances books that are filled with terribly pseudo-'bdsm' initiated sex scenes, when it's just violence and abuse...).
It's just frustrating for me, since this is the first time I get to witness a dominant ( speaking outside of bdsm terms) character written in the way Cirrus is. Typically they are physically forceful in a brutish way and very demeaning and smug-ish towards the main character. I've grown to hate the characters that are portrayed in such manner from the various romance inclined media that I consume. There's an abundance of them from novels, vns and games; So Cirrus was a breath of fresh air, for me at least. I guess that's why I feel a tiny bit protective over him, even thought I'm well aware he's a trash fictional 'husband' material (lol). He did better than most male leads I've had the displeasure of reading about :). Not perfect, not even close, but better. The bar is really that low when we have no other better portrayals.
Finally, I do heavily agree with your last statement. I am hoping for the relationship to develop into something closer to the green zone, at least when it comes to intimate sessions that involves trust and consent. I'm expecting some emotional development between Cirrus and the mc to occur eventually as the devs did promised us each lis will have their own happy love ending with no 'gatcha!' moment.
(Forgive me for potential mistakes or weird phrasing, since English is not my native language and I'm still learning)
I stumbled upon this demo and this is beautiful. It has some serious VIBES. Delicious. Art? Music? Writing style? Yes, yes, yeees.
Thank you for this ❤️
Also sorry, I just scrolled some comments and noticed that people sometimes call protagonist 'Vesper'. Is that, like, a default name or something? If yes, than it's very funny coincidence - I always name each of my protagonists by the name of Vesper, so I did the same here and happily typed in a name box, aha.
Yes, Vesper is the default name for the MC! Right now it's only visible if you hit enter on an empty name input box, but in a future build you'll see the default name suggested.
And thank you for playing and reviewing a game not in your first language ❤️
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I don't usually comment, but I really had to for this game! I absolutely loved every routes, and I like the fact that the devs included a safeword and even an aftercare category which I think was really toughtful! Not only that but at the start of the game, u can choose ur pronouns, which is really cool as I rarely see smth like this in visual novels. The characters were amazing and so was the plot! Keep up the good work, can't wait for next chapter <33
Aaaaah omg I love this VN so much, it's such a good start ! <3
Especially the fact that I usually have a hard time finding a MC in a otome game that I really like, but this one makes me smile. The designs are all really cool (the masks remind me a lot of Dark Souls, the art is really beautiful <3)
So yeah, I'm very excited for Chapter 2 ! :)
i could write a really long review but it's genuinely amazing to me that [SPOILERS] one route is bdsm and the other is headpats this is the dichotomy that should exist in all otome games
I haven't gotten through all the endings yet, but the fact that head pats are a big part of the shows of affection is absolutely amazing. I love both routes and their pacing. The art is gorgeous, from the backgrounds to the sprites, and I can't wait for Chapter 2! You guys are incredible and I love that information is withheld until there's a reason for it to be brought up, adds so much to the worldbuilding.
this was kind of everything i've been looking for in a visual novel lately. i'm really captivated by the subtle world-building and phenomenal writing, genuinely holding off on buying other fully released novels until i can have this story in its entirety. can't wait !
such a great job!
What a great first episode! Good job guys, the quality is amazing considering you all do that on the side.
Looking forward to see/read/hear the rest :)
Please tell me when we getting more of the
im back and i just wanted to say i miss keir
I always knew I was a sub but.... damn I love Cirrus
I WOULD DIE FOR YOU DEVS <3333333333333333333333333333
Nice game, I really like the character designs and the world. I also love the fact that the MC's backstory is not completely known to the players, it already got me hooked because of that and makes me all the more excited for the following chapters.
You know what I didn't like the most about this novel? It was too short :D I'll be waiting for the next chapter, so ... I wish you inspiration and more free time?)))
Gosh, how I wish to play the following chapters! Incredible work, period.
This sounds so good unfortunately I only have a mobile but from the descriptions of the characters I can tell it's a great story with great writing it's really captivated me so far and hopefully one day I'll be able to play it
Absoloutely COOL^!!! only a few second in and i'm impressed! will recommend to friends.
Edit: oh my god i like cirrus already
Hey so Im a little confused cuz it says only chapter 1 is out but people are talkting about endings? Do endings not normally come after all chapters are done? Im kinda dumb help;;
Hi! While there's only one chapter for the first two love interests out right now, there are multiple ways for those chapters to end depending on what you do. Five per love interest, to be exact.
new player here! a couple of questions
- is there a spoiler free guide on how to get good endings for each love interest? or tips that tell you what to keep in mind for a good ending?
-when will the next installment of the game become available ?and what would the timeline look like for the entire game to be published?
Hello! We're glad you've decided to try out our game ❤️
The ending guide we made (the downloadable pdf file) has a spoiler-light guide to the good endings where it gives general advice about what the boys prefer on the first page, and then a step-by-step guide to each of the endings on the following pages. Stay on the first page and you're golden.
We can't say for sure when the next instalment is coming or what our final release date for the full project is going to be, unfortunately. All us raccoons work full-time elsewhere, and OBSCURA is our beloved side-project. Sorry we can't give a solid answer to that, but we don't want to make promises we can't keep.
I don't think anyone could say they didn't enjoy this visual novel... There's no way you can not like this masterpiece here! I can't wait for future updates.
help plz
how can I update my game ; ;
If you're looking to update from 1.0 to 1.01, you'll have to download the zip file again. You should be able to continue using your saves from the 1.0 version, though.
它有效！！我真的很感激...
Hihi!! I love this game so much I cant wait for the next update! The story is really unique and I really love the art and art style :). We don't have a lot of games like this with such aesthetically style and good storyline, I'm so glad I found this :D
i hope we get chapter 2 :')
I downloaded this purely because of the aesthetic vibe. I did not read anything on this page. I resisted giving it ago because it is incomplete and my "bookshelf" is overflowing with WIPs, but, as I often do, I gave in anyway. And now here I am, HOOKED, already.
Your creativity and inventiveness is an inspiration. I love the world your working with and the restraint you use in giving back story and building a sense of mystery. Keep up the great work! I can't wait to experience more.
I feel like the slow burn to a full face reveal is going to be deliciously tortuous and I'm here for it, along whith the overall growth of the characters and the MCs journey.
*****
i've been thinking about this game constantly, the vibes and the aesthetic are immaculate and the li's are my kind of scary <3
Is there anywhere I can send you fanworks? I made a soundtrack inspired by Obscura but Twitter isn't the best place for posting mp3 files, I'd love to show my appreciation for the game!
Hi! We're so touched you want to share your fanwork!
At the moment the best way to share something is probably to pop it in a google drive or dropbox or the like and DM us a link on Twitter. We're looking into other options to let folks gather in a community (the twitterpocalypse is a good reminder to us to look into other social media), but we don't have anything certain right now.
Will do! But unfortunately there is no option to privately message you on twitter, perhaps its a setting you have to check off but I'm not too sure. Maybe I can put it into a video and tag you, I'll see what I can do!
I HAVE A MASK KINK AND THIS IS AMAZING
ik Cirrus is a red flag but im attracted to him and ill be looking forward to the fancy looking stranger ehe
KEEP IT UP ILY
Fell in love with Cirrus at the first time i saw him 🥹 And got the best end at the first time play, maybe because i'm a M 😂?
The sadism makes him hotter and hotter!!! Can't wait for next chapter!
lol, become a M and get best end. Noted! thanks btw XD
Lots of fun and gorgeous art!! The world building is impressive, especially for such a short adventure. Still plenty of replay potential–I'm excited to see where the next chapters take the story!
My mask kink has never been more fulfilled than here, I love them all
Thank god I found this hidden gem. Love ittt so much, waiting to see more from you, guys! Lovelots
i love game
Have mercy, I'm in deep with this game already. I set out to only play it through once just to see the characters/story setup but wound up going through it over and over and getting all the ends in one sitting lmao it's SO GOOD and both the current LIs had me sweatin. 10/10 will be shoving this at everyone as a recommendation & very much looking forward to seeing more of the story!
Hiya! Stumbled upon this games and loved the art style and the atmosphere of it.
I would like to ask, if you're interested in adding a russian translation for the game, for this chapter and maybe even the full game in the future. I've got some expierience and all I need is your permission and a few kind words of guidance along the way...
And a way to contact you. Comments aren't the best place for such discussions, lol.
Hope you're interested!
Oh my god this was SO good, I'm def going to go through all endings I hope that the full game is developed soon cuz..... i need it fr
!SPOILERS!
Pretty traumatized over cirrus tbh. and not to mention i think his vibes SUCKED! (ノ｀Д)ノ
After completing the Keir route and getting all of Keir's bad ends, I was super happy and literally pumped up for anything else that would come at me... Except I wasn't. LOL?!?
Well anyways, coming on a little more to talk about my point, I decided to see the hot priest endings like any tired loser (Loser being me, and not any Cirrus fans!!!) at first I was SUPER EXCITED, but well.... as i went to get every ending i think died a little inside lol.
Feeling bad for just betraying Keir alone, when I came across cirrus' s bad ends I just felt UGHHHH. ヽ(*。>Д<)o゜His sadism is beyond me, and I don't have much of a- not submission but- I'm not a big fan of the pain kink?!? And I'M NOT JUDGING but... Since I know cirrus is definitely very hot for lot(?!) people: it's just as a person, I just don't like him! It's fine if I'm the only one, BUT!
Eh, maybe chapter 2 will get me to change my mind. o(一︿一+)o
Anyways, I'm a learn the hard way person. My safe word for this game was... ashamedly, since last night i wasn't really in a clear mood when my mind was totally set on sticking to my real opinions for the options just to be clear, was deeznuts.
And yeah, sure, that MIGHT sound like im now becoming less serious because of that but that's definitely not the case! I just decided "hey, if I'm gonna be shit my pants scared, I'm not going to be too scared with the handy dandy trusty outdated deeznuts joke, right?"
So I THOUGHT I was totally prepped for all that, BUT I WASN'TTT.
My opinion still stands EVEN AFTER editing practically this whole thing just to re-word it and make it less offensive, I still just want to beat up cirrus?! Or dump him down that endless hole mentioned in Keir's route.... maybe send him to that god he keeps praying to. 🤜✋💨
Seeing how Keir changed the topic at the mention of 'priest', that also caught my attention FYI. Just that there's literally ZERO evidence to really use that small detail, I just felt it might be important or something later on noting that for myself???
But aside my rants on how cirrus is NOT A HOT KINKY DADDY OVERLORD as I expected because I am somewhat of a lover to male toxic people who are hot: I really love this game!
I feel like the depths of the story here is one of this game's charms, and the perceptiveness we get is pretty cool too! Not to mention I also really love the way they made the MC's personality and design.
It's also super cute when you think about it and you can definitely just imagine yourself wearing that cloak the MC wears- because seriously, we need more appreciation for the masks designs (even though there's definitely a lot)!!!
I liked the charcoal gold one the best, but frankly they were all really good I tried them all on at least a dozen times in game!
Pretty interested on how the mind-break thing with the MC will work out, especially in the next update, just because I'm seriously worried for the MC（；´д｀）ゞ Like huh?!? You okay bro?!
Especially in the aftercare, I know the comments often mentioned everywhere I scrolled down that the session was "caring" and "sweet" but I... I mean, am I just missing something or what?!? Because the only caring and sweet about it was the creators put it there?!? <referring to the safe word button on the top right of the screen>
But if you're talking about that aftercare session AFTER the stabbing thing.... NO WAY cirrus can be described as "cute" and "sweet"!!! If anything, that's only literally anybody else?!
It took a long time for me over onto get his good end because I, personally, was pretty stubborn about his total-submission dialogue pathway. and while I wasn't too eccentric about it, at least I got to complete almost every ending of the game before sleeping, right? 〒▽〒
Just a disclaimer, I know this is just a game! I'm ranting as an overly interested player, that's all.
I can't wait for chapter 2, and frankly the fancy stranger is so cute! Maybe they'll opt to have the third love interest open in the next update, but i don't really know, because for all i understand, they could just end up as an ally or friend or something. That'd still a valid option! Personally, I've just taken the fascination expected of me and leapt at it.
In game, no matter the love interest, you don't really see anyone quite like fancy stranger. which is intended, obviously, and his aesthetic is SUPER CUTE!!!
like, not that all the characters didn't look good, because they do! They look very good! IT'S JUST MY VISUAL PREFERENCE ┗( T﹏T )┛
Honestly, I feel like he'll either be the most unexpected antagonist or a complete squishy baby, which I hope is the latter mostly, because I know that's impossible if you're going to the underworld of all places. Maybe he'll gradually be darkened, who knows?
But anyways I'll wait, I mean, he's here so we'll get the lore anyway! Can't wait for chapter 2!
If you are targeting my comment specifically, then I have to insist that Cirrus IS CARING, because he follows an aftercare session. Something that lacks in 99.9% of all indie or japanese visual novels that feature rough, jerk, yandere or disturbing love interests that constantly dominate over the mc and harm them physically, emotionally or mentally. No one bats an eye at the stuff some of them do to the mc, yet it takes a self-proclaimed dark romance game, with shady love interests to finally have an aftercare session after an intense bdsm scene.
It's fine if it's not your kink, lol. I do not see myself as a submissive either, but I liked Cirrus' scenes, as someone who is dom-leaning myself. I find them to be well done for the reasons I suggested above.
Is Cirrus a good person? No, he's shady as hell; the game doesn't excuse him. This game has trigger warnings: it's a dark romance visual novel. But he's a well written dominant love interest 🤷
Maybe next time you comment, maybe try whining less about what other players like, and spend more time commenting on what you liked or want to improve about the game, instead.
oh, no i wasn't targeting your comment directly, sorry if you thought that way! and while i DO understand as you said, most games hold yanderes worse than cirrus, i still think he's a little iffy specifically because of the MC's inner dialogue at the end of his good route! the MC is unsure and feels something is wrong, and personally im not too okay with it. and the aftercare session was sweet, but it doesn't last long, or change the fast either he stabs us or we stab ourselves AND he gives us this sus ass drink that makes us feel like dog shit hurled up in a ball and then thrown around a few times until being tossed in some dumpster fire.
while i DO know i did start off my comment with throwing cirrus at the bad end, it doesn't really change my enjoyment and excitement for further development lol. i didn't talk about how to improve the game because i for one thought it was perfect as is! no glitches to report, nothing unexpected, and an overall smooth gaming experience with good visuals and sound effects.
as i said, i read the warnings and loved the game, so i just want to let you know im not mad at the dark themes because it was 100% expected! im just saying how i felt lmao, not really anymore than that. and i know i was a bit of a rant and nag, but im fine with other players who enjoyed his route and the dark romance genre is always SUPER interesting! i'm not whining- i don't think? i didn't really see myself like that, at least. but sorry if i was. 〒▽〒
maybe i should've thrown some emotes there to sound friendlier, which i guess i will in a few minutes to prevent further misunderstandings- but i wasn't like batshit angry or anything don't get me wrong. i was just high on adrenaline after finishing the game. ಥ_ಥ
I totally get what you mean, and it made me a bit uncomfy as well. Yes, Cirrus did the aftercare and depending on your choices the MC can be totally into it. But the fact is just saying "no" and walking away isn't presented as an option in those scenes. The MC is in a situation where "no" means death in this situation. At no point does Cirrus give them a safe word and no sort of discussion about kinks and boundaries is had beforehand. None of this is okay in safe, responsible, and consensual BDSM. Plus it's all attached to a religion that the MC hasn't necessarily joined. And that's okay because this is just a game and not every relationship is sunshine and rainbows. But the consent in this situation is dubious at best, and Cirrus is by no standard a caring and responsible dom.
he kinda coerced her into sw n in one of the endings he kills her for not being intrested in him. Also he sa's her for stopping him so idk about him being caring hes just manipulative
There needs to be more than just aftercare in responsible BDSM. The fact that we get a safe word and the MC doesn't shows the developers are well aware of that. They're being coerced, and I don't think the game excuses it. It's okay to enjoy relationships like this in fiction - especially when it's so engaging and well-written like it is here. But if Cirrus is being billed as a caring dom he needs to discuss things BEFORE a session and give the MC an option to say no without consequences. The consent between them was dubious at best, forced at worst depending on the choices made.
I wish I stopped getting notifications to this comment because I am sick of people reminding me of what I already know. Yes, I am well aware, but as you might know, this is a dark game with love interest that are not good people ( I mean, have you seen Cirrus' bad ending? it involves human trafficking). Expecting healthy, and realistic depictions of relationship dynamics is absurd. Of course Cirrus is manipulative, that's obviously his whole thing as a character. It's made clear, by how your interactions with him are, mc's constantly 'persuaded' or 'nudged' towards him to the point of no longer being able to reject him.. Of course such an early bdsm scene would have always been dubious at best and forced at worst on the principle that their power dynamic has been unbalanced as hell FROM THE START. All I'm saying is that COMPARED TO OTHER LIS FROM OTHER DARK ROMANCE GAMES OR EVEN COMPARED TO DARK ROMANCE NOVELS, Cirrus' scenes are better written, gentler and more caring due to the integration of the aftercare session. That is all I mean.
I did say that it's okay to have "unhealthy" relationships in fiction. There's a growing purity culture that shames any media that isn't positive - especially when it comes to LGBT relationships. I just believe it's also important to have conversations like this, especially around BDSM which I think is often misunderstood. How caring he's being I think is up to interpretation since it's established he's manipulative and has ulterior motives, but I do appreciate he's making somewhat of an effort to comfort the MC, rather than just leaving them. If we're comparing this to another depiction of BDSM like 50 Shades of Grey, Cirrus is much better. The aftercare session is why I'm putting closer scrutiny towards him, since I can't just dismiss him as a total bastard if he appears to have some idea of what constitutes healthy BDSM but is still raising all the red flags. I hpe in the future these are the types of conversations he and the MC have as they grow closer together.
We seem to agree more than we disagree on these matters, so I will apologize for the angry wording I had to my previous comment since it came from misunderstanding the intent behind your original comment. Conversations definitely need to be had on how lgbt relationships are written; but also on how bdsm dynamics are more than often frequently used as complementary violence for abusive relationships (talking about dark romances books that are filled with terribly pseudo-'bdsm' initiated sex scenes, when it's just violence and abuse...).
It's just frustrating for me, since this is the first time I get to witness a dominant ( speaking outside of bdsm terms) character written in the way Cirrus is. Typically they are physically forceful in a brutish way and very demeaning and smug-ish towards the main character. I've grown to hate the characters that are portrayed in such manner from the various romance inclined media that I consume. There's an abundance of them from novels, vns and games; So Cirrus was a breath of fresh air, for me at least. I guess that's why I feel a tiny bit protective over him, even thought I'm well aware he's a trash fictional 'husband' material (lol). He did better than most male leads I've had the displeasure of reading about :). Not perfect, not even close, but better. The bar is really that low when we have no other better portrayals.
Finally, I do heavily agree with your last statement. I am hoping for the relationship to develop into something closer to the green zone, at least when it comes to intimate sessions that involves trust and consent. I'm expecting some emotional development between Cirrus and the mc to occur eventually as the devs did promised us each lis will have their own happy love ending with no 'gatcha!' moment.
Nah
WOW 😍😍😍
(Forgive me for potential mistakes or weird phrasing, since English is not my native language and I'm still learning)
I stumbled upon this demo and this is beautiful. It has some serious VIBES. Delicious. Art? Music? Writing style? Yes, yes, yeees.
Thank you for this ❤️
Also sorry, I just scrolled some comments and noticed that people sometimes call protagonist 'Vesper'. Is that, like, a default name or something? If yes, than it's very funny coincidence - I always name each of my protagonists by the name of Vesper, so I did the same here and happily typed in a name box, aha.
Yes, Vesper is the default name for the MC! Right now it's only visible if you hit enter on an empty name input box, but in a future build you'll see the default name suggested.
And thank you for playing and reviewing a game not in your first language ❤️
I'm absolutely in love with this demo! Can't wait for more & wishing you all the best for the development ! <333