Finally gonna get around to looking into this.
Can start with: Feels a bit bad to read the "should take 1-2 min" and then it loads within 10 seconds xD Anyhow, lets get started.
Oh, I can add a second little note before starting: From what I saw of the named artists at least; None of them stuck out to me (in a negative manner) which was a relief. I have seen multiple projects where people make art, folios or etc, and they just grab some "brand" artist. I can't recall the name, but there was someone that for a dating game, got an artist infamous for being inept at females, to design the lesbian scenes. I haven't heard of any of the artists involved here, but I am going to be cautiously optimistic for now at least :P Too much effort seem to have been put into the planning for this to make such mistake.
Anyhow: Intro wise: Interface and title looks really good. Seems to fit the overall theme so far.
Sound doesn't loop the best. Or rather: It quickly gets a bit repetitive. But, one is not meant to stay on the intro screen for too long anyhow.
Overall art style and music fits pretty well.
I like the mixing of simplified and detailed art. It all manages to stay consistent. (unlike some games where everything seems to be cobbled together from different games)
The interface seems quite good as well.
And ah, I see you went for a different type of VA in this. Works fine so far.
Though, this type can get a little grading when they say only partially relevant words :P
I would have suggested going a route of having the character maybe say, the starting words of a sentence or similar. As it feels a bit dumb when they basically say enough words to cover the text, but say something completely different. The latest Shantae does this pretty well. (And I noticed you have a few instances of that in here too, so that's nice.)
Background detail goes a bit high compared to the rest at times. But still stays within reasonable levels. And writing is pretty solid. Nothing made me roll my eyes.
Sound effects are pretty good as well. Not 100 % sure on all of them, but none has been terrible so far. And that is always a good sign xP
I have to say: I kinda love the sorta cheesy way you made travel an actual gameplay fluff mechanic xD That is pretty funny+clever.
Story so far; Could be interesting, depending where it plans to go. World gets introduced quite well. A little expository, but not too bad. I get a little stuck up on the speech thing for the dialogue, but I'm not annoyed at it yet. So, it gets a pass for now :P
It might be due to that certain dialogue is nearly fully voiced. And then the rest just get disjointed sentences.
And hm, not sure why but Ruth seems to be drawn in a different style. At least her clothes. Could just be me though. But there seems to be something different with them.
Anyhow, of what I've seen so far pussy wise: First image was a bit questionable, but second I saw seems acceptable. Though, I am hoping it will step it up.
Have only played for around 20 minutes so far, but so far I am still a bit skeptical on the budget. Will keep going though. As it will be hard to tell until I see just how much has been done.
Fluff is as said: Delivered pretty well so far. With a bit of archetype excuse :P
I do like how the whole HUD is shoehorned into the story. Not done very often, and quite like how its handled here.
Anatomy does seem pretty solid overall.
Though, in some of the lewd scenes: The breasts don't overly work with the gravity or placement. And the pussies are too simplified, and sometimes a bit out of place.
On the story: Bit surprised Alice didn't make any comments on "... why is she naked?".
Oh, on that: I think the QTE had a decent pace. Enough to read and pick item.
Also, dialogue wise: I can't recall, but when... brown hair girl said "tentacle machines", did she actually know they had tentacles?
And hm.. story is quite interesting so far. Could possibly be a little... I don't wana say "heavy handed" or "cheesy", but something along those lines.
Really solid expressions in that scene after Vera "drops the bomb" xD
That said: Really like how the game mechanics build up. Putting a timer on travel and all that.
As for the... "other part": Curious to see the reasoning here xD (Also: It is nice that you can turn off certain scenes.)
->
Pretty good way to sneak the sex into the game. (The reason for the sex) Though, the poly dialogue felt rather ham fisted. Bit much exposition there. Could prolly have been done smoother in a sort of "And because we are in a poly relationship, I take it you two volunteered knowing this?" or something. As it currently comes off rather weird, as neither of the other two seems to be very consenting to the idea. Also: The thought of the other two ragdolling in the room greatly amused me xD (Could even see that be a part of another sex scene xP) But for a porn game; the fluff on it is rather solid. But yeah, I think we need some more dialogue from the other two.
Gotta say: The VA-ing and music has started to grow on me a bit.
The game is going very "anime", but kinda expected that from the style xP Honestly really into it :P That said: Without an explanation how to "battle", the "link" bonuses felt rather confusing. But, I reckon that will mainly be confusion for the first time. That said: "Further reach" is really vague xD Combat description seems solid enough though.
Having tried the combat: It definitely felt a bit lacking in description. Especially how to avoid getting hit. I basically lost 2 lives in the first 10 seconds. As the fire blocked all routes, and it was impossible to remove it fast enough to escape. I can suggest giving it a "wind up time", like, the first 2-3 shoots take twice as long to fire. Just to allow people grasp on how that whole mechanic works. As atm, it's very "lose, then re-do it as you know what to do now"
Feel like the "further reach" might need to be reworked, as it was kinda moot imo. Battle system and sprite animation are really charming however once you get the hang of them. Same with the "HP bar" and commentary. Really nice visually.
Text skipping is done really well tbh, for replay value. Makes it a lot smoother. Doesn't always work, but eh. It's fine as it is now. A lot better than most other games of this type.
Also: VERY nice job atmosphere wise on the subway.
Quick save: Sound effect is quite good.
Quick load: Uh... I would look into changing this one. Its just... weird xD
The fluff reasons for why she sleeps with X are good.
Sex with Alice: As briefly mentioned: Both the breasts and vag are a bit "off" in this. Breasts mostly with the gravity. And vag in detail+placement. The rest does look nice.
As for the act itself: What exactly is she cumming from here? Description wise, she just got fingered. (Gallery wise, I think 2 and 3 are in the wrong places) Fluff wise: It was pretty good. You get some semblance that they are a couple.
Sex with Ruth: Eyes seem a little skewed, and pussy is okay. Bit bare minimum. But it looks perfectly fine. The whole scene feels rather comedic tbh hehe. But it has okay detail, and a good cumshot. And VERY nice detail to actually show that she got erect. The darkening of the flesh was a surprisingly good touch. Fluff wise: Feels a little stilted. Both in that her "I guess I have no choice" dialogue, and that somehow Sylvie knows she's "inexperienced"? She could be non-bi/gay, or simply find the situation awkward, or the whole "don't date your employees". Or simply not into her. Anyhow: For the sex part itself: Felt somewhat believable. Does raise a lot of backstory questions however. Could go with a few tweaks, (like in description, dialogue, and/or have her keep her clothes on) but all and all it works.
Sex with Sylvie: Quite cute scene. And adequate anatomy. Though, the "finish" is rather lacking. Fluff wise: Bit odd exposition tbh. But believable act so far. Really exposition heavy however. Probably a better way to "show, don't tell", still, quite cute scene. (seems like the one shown in gallery isn't the same as the one in the game. The game version has an okay finish actually.)
Tentacle scene: Similarly here, Ruth's breasts are a bit lacking in gravity. And, they all seem to have identical pussies. Atop having no pubes, or other body hair. Could possibly be explained fluff wise. But as of now it just feels really lame. There is a slight difference in body shape. But for a female-centric game, I'd expect a bit more focus on the well... female.
And on that: In what way is it even making them orgasm? All the scene says is that it started penetrating them. Doesn't say anything beside that or going faster. So, how are they cumming? (Also: Feels like Ruth will need more backstory on why she is in there. Along with how she never masturbated xD)
Upcoming features: Areas and endings seem interesting, based of what has been seen so far.
"Romantically involved", not sure this is overly fitting description, based off what is shown so far xD
Brain lobes, seem cool. Honestly really like the concept.
Voice acting: I'm a little skeptical to the "industry professionals" part. (Haven't had the best experience with the so called "professionals" in 18+ content, be it VA, artists or animators. They seem to have this habit of charge more, for worse work. Could just be bad luck on my end) VA work so far has sounded good however.
Animated sex: Tbh, I kinda was expecting that at a start level. Granted, I was expecting more of a pixel animated game :P But yeah, porn wise; With the change from pixels: Still kinda expected some basic animation.
Bosses: The concept does sound cool.
Brain damage: This part sounds REALLY cool. Reminds me a lot of stuff like... only "silent hill" comes to mind atm, and it doesn't have much of it, but the overall idea is really fancy.
Upcoming characters: This game is going VERY anime xD
Good thing to keep in mind though.
But yeah, I really hope ANY effort has been put into their pussies. As if literally the only difference we will get is oversized tits and different anime hair, I will be really disappointed. (heck, there's a lot to work with just which char would be shaved, or even if they can squirt)
VA: I could see the game fully voiced, but could also see it go with just certain parts. (Like Shantae) though, if going for more anime feel... either can work tbh.
Animating: Well, before animating, I think it could be an idea to go back and correct/polish the base art of it so far. But some standard animations would add a lot.
Overall: I'd say it is a really solid start.
Definitely has potential. But likewise: Could also be fumbled. (mainly in the 18+ areas)
The story can hold on its own. If not into anime, it definitely won't be a game for those people.
I am curious to see where this is going. Quick question on that: You have any other plans other than patreon? (VATS fuck over my country)