VN - Ren'Py - Thief of Hearts [v0.0.3] [MrDots Games]

Well, I tried this one despite my better judgement, just to have a discussion with someone. And it went as expected. Just the usual formula from this team, great renders and weak everything else, from characters to writing to the conversations, etc. I see many reviews saying it got much better, but I honestly dont see that much of a change, maybe compared to the mess that was sunshine, it does fare a bit better, but overall, mediocre.
Then we have some "extra, non canon scenes" that at this point it is a staple of Mr dots, I would complain about the lack of a notice or warning for this kinds of "controversial" scenes but honestly, it was to be expected so cant complain.
Not a game I would enjoy or plan to keep playing, but I am sure Mrdots fan would love, since it keeps mostly the same formula they have been using since DMD chapter 3. So if you liked his previous games, you'll probably like this one as well. But for me, personally, it is a 2/5. Pass.

A big improvement over the previous games.

-Better dialogues, intriguing characters and interesting story.
-Good looking females.
-Really long Episode 1. A lot more content for a first release than any of the other devs.
-Not a tedious gameplay. It has some really light minigames, nothing fancy.

Overall, for a first release, this is as good as it gets. The dev offers something unique within the usual family incest genre. I just hope they can finish the game as strong as it started.

Professional grade entertainment! First rate artwork, very likable characters, and a captivating story. The right balance between lighthearted comedy and thriller. Lots of content for a 0.01 release.

As far as opening releases go for a new game, this could well be up there with the very best.

Not only is it a HUGE update, the writing is great (as others have said) and there's a clear progression with the standard compared to their first three games (DMD, Melody and Sunshine Love). Love the MC's sense of humour which makes him quite likeable ( a rarity with MC's).

There's a big improvement in the quality of the animations.
There were glimpses in SL that they were getting better with them and you can see the full extent of that in this new game.

The approach to how they've crafted each scene is more focused: you can tell that more time and care has been taken in the detail shown for each scene.

This dev team gives you more than enough details about all the main characters in the game while also leaving some mystery and intrigue with others. Basing the story around a group of thieves definitely helps in this regard.

There's a decent mix in terms of the age of the love interests - two of which are only a couple of years in difference, either side of the MC's age (21).
It could do with another younger character but it's still only the first update, so plenty of room and time to add more.

Some of the MrDot formula still remains, but it works for Thief of Hearts and most mistakes of previous games haven't shown up in my playthrough so far.
Look out for the odd references to well-known films and TV shows - something I've noticed with their previous works.


There are a few inconsistencies with rendering details/errors but that would be purely nitpicking.

As for extras in the game, there's a stack of bonus images and quite a number of hidden and bonus scenes which gives players a reason to go through the game again. It's not for everyone, but it's a nice inclusion nonetheless.

Anyway, try it for yourself and come up with your own opinion.
Forget about their previous work or what the negative Nancy's are saying -
if they had anything resembling actual talent they'd make their own game.
They wouldn't know what hard work and putting in plenty of effort looks like, which is clearly evident in the creation of this first update.

Thief of Hearts is something fresh from this team, and there's a clear progression in quality here.

Looking forward to the next update already!

Excellent renders, great writing, fresh story that hasn't been done much in the past. This seems like it has the potential to be this devs best game. The character models are all amazing, with Ariel as my favorite. The thing I would say that stuck out to me the most was the writing. Dev has improved since the last few games and there were some funny and some touching moments. There was a good amount of content for a first release, and judging by the devs track record we can expect consistent quality. Definitely recommend!

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I thought there will be more loli(semi-loli) characters. So far you have only 1, - Ariel. (in SunLove there were 4) Maybe they will fill up empty spots in menu LI-relations with this type. ONLY. since there already, besides nice mom, a plenty 30-ish old girls.
btw, graphics looks worse that on 2020-23 Sunshine Love, wtf
+:
dialogues are better, even it was interesting to read encyclopedia dialogues from SunLove.
good chunk of plot for 1st update.

Great start to this game. The writing seems to have improved compared to the last games. Plot of the story is very interesting and the group dynamic is intriguing. Animations also seemed to have improved and the renders are great as always. Looking forward to the story unfolding.

Nice renders, bad writing and bellow average story. For better or worse MrDots team has a formula and they stick to it. This can be good if you want to play the same game over and over, not so good if you're looking for something interesting or exciting.
Landlady, roommates, magic dick, you know the drill.

The dev returns with a bang. The setting is pretty intriguing. Renders are great but is expected. The writing is stepping above compared to the previous game, quite entertaining in fact. Still early, but all main characters seem to have a great introduction so far. Looking forward to more.