(Version reviewed 0.39.1)
Let me start this review with a quote. A side character mentions "I thought I was watching this for the porn, but now I'm watching for the comedy". This is not entirely true - but it unashamedly points to the strongest asset of this game. This game offers really great dialogue, a sidekick with snide remarks (actually you are the sidekick according to her, but, well ...) and a compelling storyline - and still porn.
As you can already see from the rating and the opening paragraph, I like this game. I will offer some caveats first though.
If you are not into sandbox style games, this one will probably not be enjoyable. Not only do you have to wander around a lot and discover stuff, you're also doing it in parts against time. There is a quest log but it can be vague in parts. The UI is very serviceable but could do with a few more tweaks. Also, while this isn't exactly a slow burn - if you follow the main story events, you will see some action soon enough - some girls will take their time and need some more convincing.
Next caveat is: there are puzzles. No minigame puzzles but deduction puzzles. Basically you need to find out about stuff not adding up and suggest an explanation. Thanks to RenPy's rollback they're easy even when they're not obvious but depending on your skills it might take some time. And as it is common for sandbox games, sometimes you might have to try a bit to advance a specific storyline.
But that is just matters of taste - they suit my taste. As does the rest of this game. There is an overarching plot besides "bedding every female in sight" which might not win a Hugo but is interesting enough in itself. The king is dead, his daughter is to be crowned, something's afoot and you're the only truthsayer in town - even if with very limited abilities. The characters are great. Some might be a bit more standard than others though. And I am not entirely convinced of the models. The models themselves are good and look different enough from your standard fare while staying within realistic realms (no oversized tits, even though some girls are well endowed), but some don't really fit the character in my opinion, or their heritage, or contradict the storyline - the black girl is from somewhere else, who'd'a thunk? But it is a "secret" to uncover even if everybody sees something is off at first glance. Some models are also a bit too "smooth" for my liking, given the background, and thus look too modern.
But the story is still good enough, but it is topped by the dialogue - which is actually funny. (Also some scenes are funny in and of itself - ever asked yourself how a grown man and a pixie could have a mutually beneficial sexual experience?) Heck, this game can even pull off a "come" double entendre and it works despite the basics being known to mankind since the word exists and it usually being the lamest possible pun by the lamest possible people. The writing is phenomenal and to be recommended. Also I consider the characters likeable enough on their own. I especially enjoy that your sister for once is neither an adoring fan nor a bratty asshole but just a caring family member which does not consider sexual options at all (well ... spoiler alert ... in the beginning - this might change).
As for the action: once you convinced a girl to try you out, there are multiple options, multiple camera angles - which really add stuff - nothing too kinky though. Girls also get repeatables. The animations are a bit rough around the edges sometimes but still very workable. But as the opening quote already gave away: that is more the icing on the cake. The real plus is the running around, trying out, and getting comments from your sidekick.
All in all this is a fantastic game if you like the sandbox style. If you're looking for VN fun, or looking for sex scene after sex scene, it might take away a few stars. I would still recommend trying it out for the humour alone.
Let me start this review with a quote. A side character mentions "I thought I was watching this for the porn, but now I'm watching for the comedy". This is not entirely true - but it unashamedly points to the strongest asset of this game. This game offers really great dialogue, a sidekick with snide remarks (actually you are the sidekick according to her, but, well ...) and a compelling storyline - and still porn.
As you can already see from the rating and the opening paragraph, I like this game. I will offer some caveats first though.
If you are not into sandbox style games, this one will probably not be enjoyable. Not only do you have to wander around a lot and discover stuff, you're also doing it in parts against time. There is a quest log but it can be vague in parts. The UI is very serviceable but could do with a few more tweaks. Also, while this isn't exactly a slow burn - if you follow the main story events, you will see some action soon enough - some girls will take their time and need some more convincing.
Next caveat is: there are puzzles. No minigame puzzles but deduction puzzles. Basically you need to find out about stuff not adding up and suggest an explanation. Thanks to RenPy's rollback they're easy even when they're not obvious but depending on your skills it might take some time. And as it is common for sandbox games, sometimes you might have to try a bit to advance a specific storyline.
But that is just matters of taste - they suit my taste. As does the rest of this game. There is an overarching plot besides "bedding every female in sight" which might not win a Hugo but is interesting enough in itself. The king is dead, his daughter is to be crowned, something's afoot and you're the only truthsayer in town - even if with very limited abilities. The characters are great. Some might be a bit more standard than others though. And I am not entirely convinced of the models. The models themselves are good and look different enough from your standard fare while staying within realistic realms (no oversized tits, even though some girls are well endowed), but some don't really fit the character in my opinion, or their heritage, or contradict the storyline - the black girl is from somewhere else, who'd'a thunk? But it is a "secret" to uncover even if everybody sees something is off at first glance. Some models are also a bit too "smooth" for my liking, given the background, and thus look too modern.
But the story is still good enough, but it is topped by the dialogue - which is actually funny. (Also some scenes are funny in and of itself - ever asked yourself how a grown man and a pixie could have a mutually beneficial sexual experience?) Heck, this game can even pull off a "come" double entendre and it works despite the basics being known to mankind since the word exists and it usually being the lamest possible pun by the lamest possible people. The writing is phenomenal and to be recommended. Also I consider the characters likeable enough on their own. I especially enjoy that your sister for once is neither an adoring fan nor a bratty asshole but just a caring family member which does not consider sexual options at all (well ... spoiler alert ... in the beginning - this might change).
As for the action: once you convinced a girl to try you out, there are multiple options, multiple camera angles - which really add stuff - nothing too kinky though. Girls also get repeatables. The animations are a bit rough around the edges sometimes but still very workable. But as the opening quote already gave away: that is more the icing on the cake. The real plus is the running around, trying out, and getting comments from your sidekick.
All in all this is a fantastic game if you like the sandbox style. If you're looking for VN fun, or looking for sex scene after sex scene, it might take away a few stars. I would still recommend trying it out for the humour alone.