itch.io

I'm glad we understand each other. Too often posts on the internet devolve into just sniping at each other, so I tend to avoid them (which just shows how much I enjoyed this game). This interaction was actually quite refreshing :)

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.

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 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. 

I adore the characterization and world building in this game! The small details like most places not having rooms underground are really nice touches, and the MC has a discernible personality rather than being a self-insert.

The aftercare screen is also an excellent edition. Cirrus' scenes are fascinating, but they did make me feel a bit uncomfy - not the BDSM so much as the MC isn't in much of a position to have a say in the situation, regardless of whether he wants it or not - so it's nice to be provided with a break when I need it.

This is likely because the voice acting hasn't been completed yet. The fully voiced game will be released in a free patch some time later.

I'm also having this issue

The game looks great and I'm really excited about it. I also wanted to point out that in the description you have a typo. It's anonymity. It's a weird word and it's not spelled how it sounds.

Seeing the art for this on Twitter early on in the project is what brought me back to visual novels. I loved them as a teen, but didn't realize all the content available now with Steam and especially Itch.io. The demo is short, but has lovely art and a good teaser for things to come. I can't wait for this game.

I haven't had the chance to buy the game yet but I absolutely loved the demo. It was a style of play unique to other VNs I've played on this platform and I hope you're able to keep making games.

I enjoyed this game. It was cute, straightforward, and very relaxing.