Thought I'll review this because it's a project I really like and want to succeed. So ill add my own 2 cents.
First of all, playing this I expected it to be way more of a direct "copy", with different engine and art of it's direct inspiration. I admire their decision to openly admit where they took the inspiration, however to my surprise the game doesn't feel better nor worse than it's inspiration. It actually feels like an alternative with it's own strength and weaknesses and distinct in it's own right.
It has better more well thought out character arcs for not just the main character but all the characters you meet. I really enjoy the characters progression.
The art is arguably prettier than it's inspiration, at least more graphically "beautiful" though I think they are both equally beautiful in each their way.
However, the main strength of the game is how solid the systems seem. I ran into a few bugs, but there are already waaay more clothing options in this game than it's inspiration. And in general the speed of expanding on systems and adding new things seems higher than with it's direct inspiration.
Even so there are some weaknesses for me personally compared to it's inspiration. While playing it's inspiration the H content really does it for me. However, in this game I just enjoyed the story, but never really felt truly aroused even once.
That's due to a variety of factors. Mostly the fact that the game lacks sfx during H scenes, and it lacks "long" animations.
However, it's inspiration has none of those things either, yet it does do it for me. And that's due to the systems the inspiration has in place. Since this game has focused on putting an effort into the story it still is lacking the ability to set up some kinky situations for yourself.
You can in the other game set up scenarios such as threesomes, threesomes in public, public play in general etc.
Additionally in the other game everything feels a lot kinkier because you can take characters that start out aggressive towards you, rude or cold and turn them into submissive love-dovey lovers.
In The Null Hypothesis all the content is gradually unlocked through simply increasing the love the characters feel for you / trust. It is pretty much mostly tied to romance, and not something kinkier. Furthermore, 2 out of the main 3 characters currently start out as the dom in the relationship. You can tell this as any time you let them control the situation you will gain love points with them.
I am all for content for everybody, this is entirely subjective. For me personally, I wouldn't even mind them starting out that way. However, If I could switch the relationship to the MC being the dom over time. I don't need it to be full on mind-break, I acknowledge the game doesn't want to go down that route. Would love to just have the ability to be more dom. I think this is planned though.
TLDR:
A game with an insane amount of potential. Currently it offers a more fleshed out feeling world and story than it's direct inspiration. I really enjoy the story-telling in the game. I enjoy being the MC and seeing his role in the story develop. Furthermore, the visuals are stunning, the attention to details even the menu's are truly gorgeous.
There is an insane amount of content for a first release. Try it, it's definetly worth playing and have a minimal amount of bugs.
The game has the potential to be the best of it's kind. It has gotten so far in very little time.
My personal wishlist
Sfx during H scenes. (especially moans)
The ability to influence the dynamic of our relationship with the LI's more than we currently can.
Allow for more bsdm/light-bdsm consentual and fun, doesn't have to be corrupting or mind-breaking.
Even more outfits (can never get enough) though the start here is amazing.
More variation in the dates and their dialogue.
More variation in activities you can do together and actual scenes for it, if you swim together now you don't even see it. That's a waste of lewd possibilities (or wholesome at first).
Ability to shower together in your room, just more activities.
I have a feeling a lot of my wishlist is just planned content and will come with time. If that is the case, I can't wait for where this game is going. The story-telling is already amazing, keep the character arcs and main story going. I'm hungry for more. Giving it 5 stars for the insane potential. And in it's own right, it's already better than most games.
First of all, playing this I expected it to be way more of a direct "copy", with different engine and art of it's direct inspiration. I admire their decision to openly admit where they took the inspiration, however to my surprise the game doesn't feel better nor worse than it's inspiration. It actually feels like an alternative with it's own strength and weaknesses and distinct in it's own right.
It has better more well thought out character arcs for not just the main character but all the characters you meet. I really enjoy the characters progression.
The art is arguably prettier than it's inspiration, at least more graphically "beautiful" though I think they are both equally beautiful in each their way.
However, the main strength of the game is how solid the systems seem. I ran into a few bugs, but there are already waaay more clothing options in this game than it's inspiration. And in general the speed of expanding on systems and adding new things seems higher than with it's direct inspiration.
Even so there are some weaknesses for me personally compared to it's inspiration. While playing it's inspiration the H content really does it for me. However, in this game I just enjoyed the story, but never really felt truly aroused even once.
That's due to a variety of factors. Mostly the fact that the game lacks sfx during H scenes, and it lacks "long" animations.
However, it's inspiration has none of those things either, yet it does do it for me. And that's due to the systems the inspiration has in place. Since this game has focused on putting an effort into the story it still is lacking the ability to set up some kinky situations for yourself.
You can in the other game set up scenarios such as threesomes, threesomes in public, public play in general etc.
Additionally in the other game everything feels a lot kinkier because you can take characters that start out aggressive towards you, rude or cold and turn them into submissive love-dovey lovers.
In The Null Hypothesis all the content is gradually unlocked through simply increasing the love the characters feel for you / trust. It is pretty much mostly tied to romance, and not something kinkier. Furthermore, 2 out of the main 3 characters currently start out as the dom in the relationship. You can tell this as any time you let them control the situation you will gain love points with them.
I am all for content for everybody, this is entirely subjective. For me personally, I wouldn't even mind them starting out that way. However, If I could switch the relationship to the MC being the dom over time. I don't need it to be full on mind-break, I acknowledge the game doesn't want to go down that route. Would love to just have the ability to be more dom. I think this is planned though.
TLDR:
A game with an insane amount of potential. Currently it offers a more fleshed out feeling world and story than it's direct inspiration. I really enjoy the story-telling in the game. I enjoy being the MC and seeing his role in the story develop. Furthermore, the visuals are stunning, the attention to details even the menu's are truly gorgeous.
There is an insane amount of content for a first release. Try it, it's definetly worth playing and have a minimal amount of bugs.
The game has the potential to be the best of it's kind. It has gotten so far in very little time.
My personal wishlist
Sfx during H scenes. (especially moans)
The ability to influence the dynamic of our relationship with the LI's more than we currently can.
Allow for more bsdm/light-bdsm consentual and fun, doesn't have to be corrupting or mind-breaking.
Even more outfits (can never get enough) though the start here is amazing.
More variation in the dates and their dialogue.
More variation in activities you can do together and actual scenes for it, if you swim together now you don't even see it. That's a waste of lewd possibilities (or wholesome at first).
Ability to shower together in your room, just more activities.
I have a feeling a lot of my wishlist is just planned content and will come with time. If that is the case, I can't wait for where this game is going. The story-telling is already amazing, keep the character arcs and main story going. I'm hungry for more. Giving it 5 stars for the insane potential. And in it's own right, it's already better than most games.
