I love everything about this game. The soundtrack, the mood/ambiance, the game mechanic. So unique and fresh! The characters. They all feel so real, like you could easily imagine talking to these characters in real life and gushing over a fandom. It's one of the best otome games I've played in recent years.
I hope you make more games with this kind of setup. I would love to play more games created by this team.
Heh. I actually created an account here just so I could post feedback. I felt like I really needed to give some because I really like your game and I would enjoy seeing more from you!
Interestingly enough, I've known about this game for years, back when Neil was the only route available. I was already piqued by the concept, but I chose not to play cause I'm the type of person who prefers to play everything from start to end. I don't like leaving things unfinished see, so I decided to set this aside and check up on it once in a while. After seeing that you've made three complete routes already my curiosity couldn't be held back anymore.
Another interesting fact. I don't know if it's my memory or my eyes playing tricks on me, but wasn't this game initially going to be a Harvest Moon-esque tailor shop game? I remember looking into that one, really hoping it would get developed and released (cause I love harvest moon and that was just such a great idea!) Then it disappeared, and when I tried to look for that game, I found this one instead. Sorry, for going on a long tangent here. Just wanted you to know how long I've actually noticed your game and I'm still waiting for it with enthusiasm :D
Okay. Now for some feedback. I hope you don't mind. I know I'm not a paying customer (yet) but I would like to think that I've played enough of these types of games to know what I'd enjoy about it. I just want you to keep improving and make better and better games! Anyway, first off, the fashion/dress up gameplay is fun to tinker around with and is one of the better mini-games or added features in a visual novel I've played in my lifetime. It's a clever way to make players work for the next chapter without making it so grindy or so tiresome (or expensive *shivers*). Especially since the clients sometimes provide ideas for your own clothes which you can wear yourself! I could spend hours just on the mini-game, mix and matching everything to get a look I like. And man, the more options you buy, the longer it actually takes to make the clothes. SO. MANY. OPTIONS. It's great!
I don't know if this is a bug or not, but your character seems to keep the same look you picked out for her from the start of the game, even though you can change her look mid-game. Even when I start new routes, the first look you pick sticks. If it's not a bug, it's fine. I actually don't mind this kind of limitation. Though it is kind of weird that the settings imply that you COULD change your looks for succeeding CGs. Or maybe this is something you're planning to add in future updates.
The UI is cute, simple and easy to understand. I especially like how you incorporated texting into the stories and how you get to pick a phone background. Nice personal touch. The menu doesn't look cluttered or distracting. And I absolutely LOVE you for giving a dark light option for the text background. So considerate! I know that's a pretty simple feature compared to everything else you've made but I appreciate that you put in the effort to provide that option.
I have to admit, the animation on the sprites are okay but it's not something I look for in games. Sometimes I laugh at the expressions the characters make. Especially whenever Caine pouts as he speaks. It's too cute. But the spicier scenes were kinda awkward for me. Whenever a *ahem*tounge*ahem* is involved, my eyes tend to stay glued to the text cause it just feels weird to see the spite staring at your face with that expression on his face and his tongue sticking out.
So. For the most important part of your game. Regardless of all the other features in a game like this, story matters most to me. If the side-features are clunky or frustrating or something I don't like, the story easily makes up for it in my opinion. And you don't disappoint. Each route has a different story to tell, and I find it interesting that the character's personality changes slightly based on whose route she's on or which "type" of personality you pick. Also, even though you didn't have to give her a flaw in each story, you did, which makes the MC more than just a placement/self-insert shell.
I can't help but notice how much you've improved between the routes, probably because I played all three without pause. I happen to start with Dimitri's first, then Caine's. I did Neil's last cause his personality intrigued me. (I like saving the ones I think I'll like most for last) For some reason I keep getting jarred at how quick Neil's chapters were compared to the others, but I think it's from how you set up the story itself. At least at the start. I also notice that you enjoy using cliches, which is not bad at all but I'm a picky reader and I like it when writers try to twist a cliche or do something entirely different.
What you're very good at is the banter. I love the MC's snarky, witty comments. You make them fly out so effortlessly. And all of your characters have life in them. You even give them a bit of spotlight, which I enjoyed. My favorite definitely has to be the headstrong Sarah. Kevin comes at a second. Especially when he punched Thomas. Oh man you have no idea how much that made me grin and cheer for the little guy. Even your antagonists have complexity! It's rare to find a visual novel where your antagonists have such depth in character. Out of all other aspects in storytelling, characters are my favorite. So seeing how well you showcased and transformed these characters throughout the course of the story is wonderful.
I can't wait to see what you come up with next. I've a weakness for confident, flirty bad boys so I am definitely looking forward to Gray Janssen's route.
One last question. When you release this as a full, complete game, would we get the tailor tales plus features as well or is that strictly for your patreon subs?
