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I guess, being someone who was often told the way I think or feel was wrong, this game waaaas a lot more stressful.  I really liked how in Gilded Shadows you could get the best endings no matter what, and part of the fun was seeing how the different characters reacted to your personality.  Being able to express yourself for who you are and... be loved anyways?  The choices were a lot more limited in that one, though.  I guess the choices didn't really feel so much like choices here, more like being forced on to a certain path, ironically. xD  I will still treasure and be thankful for this journey, though. <3

Hehe, I noticed that too!  Deeeefinitely not complaining.

Well I pulled up my Yren save for the finale but got the dramatic ending, even going back in the finale to make sure I chose the right options. Y.Y  I drowned my sadness in some Raif-boffing. xD  

I know I just have to go back again, probably thought some choices were just all neutral where some would give Yren points, but I did have a good laugh/cry about you saying in another post that it would be hard to fail on the good ending at this point!! XD T.T

This was so cute, thanks so much for sharing your lovely world and characters with us!! >O< 

Oh no, I love this, it's so interesting!  And I have thought, if I did make a game of my own one day, how I would structure it.  I feel like I can trace your thought process somewhat from your games, but I'm sure there was tons of time and energy we didn't even get to see.  Sounds like there are fun walls of text in the Discord server to go read while I impatiently wait! >o<

Playing now with more chapters, I find that I am mostly choosing the "right" options and only allowing myself to choose otherwise when I really vibe with specific things, like in how one treats/feels about the "unexpected guests" later on.  I held by breath, but it's been fine so far. xD  

It's funny, when I was doing my GS replay, I was feeling like maybe I wanted to just go blind but... I couldn't shake the programming to always go for "best". xD  I feel like- give us the option, and we can't help but use it.   I wonder, would it be fun to hide the option for a specific route until you manage a good end for it?

The philosophy in this one has been interesting in that... I do understand wanting things about the "core" to be compatible between people, but I've felt like a lot more personalities of the mc would be compatible than just choosing one that's so similar to the LIs all the time... I guess that's why some choices give minor points, but it has felt like with most of the choices being pretty small, having them give the same points as some of the bigger choices still makes it a bit strict.  (Maybe they don't actually, but the single/double arrow certainly gives that perception.)  It's hard though- like how do you walk the line between a game and a simulation? 

 Having a blast either way!

Also I just finished the new stuff and I'm so psyched!  I was planning to play someone besides Yren this time but... eh... xD  What can I say, I can't resist him.~  I've also had fun theorizing about the GS cast being...

*spoiler spoiler*

Well, the companions?  So I've been thinking about whose soul would be whose.  It has been a fun thought experiment!

Scifi isn't my favorite, but you're absolutely my favorite author. I booted up Gilded Shadows the other day to soothe myself and cry after a hard day, and it absolutely did the trick. T.T  I never replay stuff, so this is new to me!

Trusting the process, and you, and looking forward to your game!! <3 

Nevermind, saw that I need to do the buy grocery one instead of the default buy items!!

Thanks so much!  QQ- is the lice retail fridge supposed to work on small business lots to sell fish?  I tried using the Brazen Lotus mods you mentioned and various combinations but couldn't get fish to be sold from the retail fridge or any of brazen lotus's on the small business lot.  Was trying to use a storage where I didn't have to individually drag fish in.  I've gone ahead and just kept yours for now- so convenient to have small business lots selling produce from the retail fridge >o<

So *spoilers spoilers, obvi*

I waaaas a little confused that we just agreed to do what the Highmother asked.  The only thing I could think of was that she was a veeeery high-ranking person within their society, though that was never explicitly stated.  For all I knew, at first, she was the Highmother of just that ship.  So making that connection clearer could make things make more sense?  I mean, we didn't even really research her or anything, or even try to confirm her claims through other channels.  (We also didn't say we'd need more info on the "contacts" or satellite procedure before making a decision, which seemed odd.)

Having a great time!

Yeah, haha, we probably get in a lot of bad habits with romance novels- thinking we have to get everything "perfect" or we'll miss out. xD  You know, even after having gotten all the "passionate" routes in Gilded Shadows, and I was just rereading for fun this time, I still felt stressed like I had to choose the "right" things this time around, too.  Maybe it's part of it being a game?  Or the way we see it?  Not sure.

Interesting!  I hadn't thought of it that way (probably because I was stuck worried about not getting the "best" ending,) but I'm also the weirdo who married her first boyfriend, so this kind of more causal romantic exploration is a bit of a mystery to me. xD  I definitely did get the vibe after the kiss that it wasn't huge or anything, but it did give me that romance novel sense of being "locked in," maybe just due to my own biases of how these things normally work in games.  Like you have to get all the points or something- rather than just be a person.

Very cool, thanks for your insights!  Hope you're having a great weekend.~

Yeh, it was also a bit weird for me that this somewhat stoic, confident person that arrived on the ship turns into a stereotypical schoolgirl when observing the commander in the generator room and then even more in the medbay. xD  I guess part of the disconnect may be that, regardless of your personality and core tendencies, you can act different with different people?  Like I felt like the captain kinda steamrolled me when I left the medbay to get me to the meeting, and I figure it was because I had done "submissive" actions in private moments with others, but how you act with certain people can be different, you know?  Or even just how you act at work.  Or just because I thought the doctor had a point, that didn't mean I was necessarily submissive otherwise.  This is probably extremely complex to simulate, though!  

I always loved the way things worked in the "Our Life" games, but those always had so many choices and ways of responding.  Not sure if that's even feasible for a more plot-based game like this.  Maybe it's just the choices/choice nexuses?  There do seem to be a toooon of personality traits.  It's bound to get tangled.

I did enjoy the more "natural" fliting options, ones where you were just kind of sensing if the other person liked you, too, but I felt like not every route had those.  I don't really think you can determine what kind of relationship you want to have with someone just upon meeting them. xD  May be more accurate to ask if MC finds them attractive?  That could help with a more gradual and natural ramping up, for people who want that.  I mean, I'm sure there are people who jump into things immediately, but I feel like people kind of go for the vibe check first. xD  I also did find the fact that the commander was "confessing his feelings" over comms was a little intense for how seldom the characters had spoken up to that point.

Enjoying a lot though, thanks!!

Hihi!  Maybe it was because I think I said something about not minding Kalil coming to my room earlier, but I was a bit distraught when MC decided at one point that she needed some male company and basically invited Kalil back to her room. xD  Like- I get that we can't always have options to off-ramp, but it would've been nice if there was a chance to have the thought but also decide MC didn't want to invite him back for whatever reason? xD  In other scenes, it seemed like you could say whether or not you wanted things to start or continue, so having that completely out of control felt a bit odd.  (I know it doesn't end up happening at that moment, but still.)

Thanks!

It dooooes feel a bit odd that you can flirt, and even full-on sleep with people, without talking about what it means with them or even what they're looking for. x)  Like, it feels like people being devastated shouldn't be a surprise? xD

Oh great, thanks!  So yes, I did talk to him after the planet visit, so I guess I'm just not at the highest point with him.  Since the flowchart called it "route division" on the left side, and I ended up on the right side (still in Yren's scene though,) I figured I missed the boat, but based on what you said, probably not!  When I went back through to try with all the "right" choices, I did end up getting some more interactions with him, but maybe still not as many as I'd expect before kissing someone, so maybe I'm fine with my original save, haha. xD  

Thanks, having a blast!

Wah, so glad this is happening!!  I'm a big fan of yours. >o<  Just replayed Gilded Crowns again, haha.  Was worried that I'd be too sad playing this when it wasn't done yet, but it was super fun.~

Initial thoughts- I was most intrigued by Yren, and I did a "no save-scumming" play and ended up mostly doing things he liked (I later confirmed), though when I went to the garden to see him, I ended up hanging out with Asher.  Which was great, just a little sad when it seemed like I had missed the opportunity to get onto Yren's route in chapter five?  We seemed close otherwise, though maybe it was other things.  I wasn't aware of the little heart meter until I looked it up, and that did give me a few other interactions.  

In my "no save-scumming/au natural" playthrough, I only had the option of touching Yren's cheek on the planet, not kissing him, so does that mean I was off-ramped?  It seemed from the flowchart.  Which I guess that's what it was for, but the progression seemed a bit harsh.  

Anyways, super fun, thanks so much for sharing!  Hope you're having as good a time making this as we are reading it.  I wish you much popularity and success!!!

Thank YOU for making this gem.~

My GOSH, who let you into my thoughts? >.>  This is... woah.  Like, amazingly woah.  If anyone out there is reading this comment... just read the novel instead my GOLLY. *fans self* >.>

Such an amazing, fun, wonderful game!  <3  Came for the hot pics of a certain goth mechanic with a belt, stayed for the surprisingly-touching and insightful story (and the fun of optimizing a management sim, hehe.)   

Haha, I had the opposite thought.  Not everything was to my taste, but I still enjoyed the game so much that it would've been too bad if I hadn't been able to play it!  The things I was interested kept me hooked while the things that were more "meh" for me personally still included a lot of fun management gameplay, lore, backstory, and feels. <3

Don't worry- we're just excited to read your work!  Whatever you decide will be best for the game and story, I'm sure.~  Hugs!

No worries!  Will be happy to experience what you've done whenever you want to share it.  <3

Oooo, can't wait! :D <3

Thank you T.T <3

I'll give it a try again- just maybe not before bed xD

Guys, halp. T.T

*spoilers* (ish)

Please give me courage.  I am a wimp, but pressed forward anyways due to curiosity, and when I saw that Aster's route had unlocked I got SO scared.  I can't click the button.  I'm terrified of what kinds of things I'll see and hear when I do.

Second this.  I'll buy it as a game but not as a weird microtransaction thing.

I loved this and read it despite knowing that the series wouldn't continue. :)  I echo everyone's adoration, and... have a thought?  If you ever do want to return to this series, I encourage you to do so.  You might not get everything "right."  There might be "problems."  I mean, real life is full of 'em.  Nothing is picture-perfect.  But I feel like... the only way for all of us to learn from each other and grow is to... engage?  

There was something about these stories that spoke to you, and I feel like that isn't a bad thing to explore, especially in the respectful way that you have done.  So, my advice is to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly in an open, loving way.  We'll all be here, talking and reading and writing with you.  Much love <3

So cute, thanks!!  Excited for this world.~

Nope, you're Juniper.

Easy enough, though I was surprised to not get anyone the first time I played through. xD

So cute, thanks so much!!! <3

Wishlisted, thanks <3

<3

Oh my gosh, please create more games in this world!!!  I will buy them >o<

This was so amazing, oh my goodness!!! >o<  I hope everyone is talking about this and sharing it.~  So amazing and magical!!

I am excited to go back to replay other routes, but I kinda feel bad about it- I'm so attached to the story I got the first time. <3  Haha, I knew I should've saved the fae prince for last. ;)

And geez, all the characters, my heart.... <3 <3

So beautiful <3 <3

I can't help but want to read more about these two in their various lives! >o<

Yup, thanks for responding though. ^^  Good luck now on OL2!!!  Played the demo and can't wait for more. :D

Ah, I see!  My character hadn't kissed anyone ever before, so since she didn't react to it at all, either, I assumed they must have kissed before... like, more time had passed or something?  Anyways, that's the impression I got, so I was confused for a while. x)

EDIT: And especially since she was catching feelings, even if she had kissed someone before, I feel like the first kiss with a particular person*can be* special >o<

Thanks!

As described below, I didn't kiss him in the asking-out scene, only in the hiking scene on the log, and there was no particular reaction there.  Maybe you react as if it's your first kiss in other scenes?