It just wouldn't work if Saya was 20-something.
-
Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.
"This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.
Saya no Uta
- Thread starter Haba
- Start date
Coriolanus
Learned
Well, I tried this as my 2nd VN (after 999) based on all the recommendations and can't say I'm too impressed.
Warning - SPOILERS!
I'll start with the bad.
Some things don't make sense and break the character concepts. Saya basically absorbed human culture, making her hungry for "love" from all the romance novels. I'm OK with that. But why didn't she absorb even more basic things like compassion (which is a basic component of contemporary human culture - hero saving the world/girl/kitten and all that)? She enjoys torturing and driving humans insane (Yoh) - how does this makes sense, based on her premise and falling in love with a human?
There are no sympathetic characters except Yoh (which is only because she gets such a cruel fate, not because of her actual character). They all have utterly selfish, simple motivations. This wouldn't be so bad in another novel, but here the story's impact (Romeo and Juliet, warped) relies on you feeling sympathy for Saya and Fuminori - which you can't, as they are both sadistic assholes. "Everyone is an asshole" needs these assholes to be at least interesting, but no time here is spent on character development and some feel like cardboard cutouts (especially Kouji).
The story itself adds nothing to the genre. I regard Lovecraft as a mediocre writer with great ideas that had tremendous influence. Unfortunately, instead of trying to add some interesting spin to the ideas, it just takes the worst of his writing. "Unspeakable, impossible horrors that drive you insane" is a bit of a weak and somewhat overused concept, more of a cop-out for actually setting up the scene to be horrifying in itself. It's fascinating the first time you see it, but it's not scary or interesting anymore (not that it ever was scary).
The porn. Holy shit is it more disturbing than the rest of it combined, and not because of the premise, but of how bad it is. Giant pixelated cocks and "cum in me please" stuff that don't belong in something aiming for more than just a hentai game (yeah, I know Saya wants his cum - but couldn't you convey in a more tasteful way?).
The good:
It's very short and fun while it lasts - you want to see how it ends, after all. I read it in 2 evenings and only put it down once I've seen all endings. It won't leave any lasting impression, but I guess it never aimed to do so.
Some memorable scenes, like Oumi's death and artist's insanity - props to the graphic artist.
The pacing and the structure are nice and clean. I liked the Mad ending which was a throwback to the traditional Lovecraft endings that I loved as a kid. Other endings are also decent, like the Bad one - reminded me of the Colour Out of Space, somehow.
Overall, I'd recommend if you're feeling an itch for a Japan-inspired Lovecraftian story, or something to kill time with. If you're looking for something of lasting value or some new spin on the horror genre, it's not that good. (Bear in mind, I don't know about the general quality of VNs - maybe it's a masterpiece among their stock, maybe not).
Warning - SPOILERS!
I'll start with the bad.
Some things don't make sense and break the character concepts. Saya basically absorbed human culture, making her hungry for "love" from all the romance novels. I'm OK with that. But why didn't she absorb even more basic things like compassion (which is a basic component of contemporary human culture - hero saving the world/girl/kitten and all that)? She enjoys torturing and driving humans insane (Yoh) - how does this makes sense, based on her premise and falling in love with a human?
There are no sympathetic characters except Yoh (which is only because she gets such a cruel fate, not because of her actual character). They all have utterly selfish, simple motivations. This wouldn't be so bad in another novel, but here the story's impact (Romeo and Juliet, warped) relies on you feeling sympathy for Saya and Fuminori - which you can't, as they are both sadistic assholes. "Everyone is an asshole" needs these assholes to be at least interesting, but no time here is spent on character development and some feel like cardboard cutouts (especially Kouji).
The story itself adds nothing to the genre. I regard Lovecraft as a mediocre writer with great ideas that had tremendous influence. Unfortunately, instead of trying to add some interesting spin to the ideas, it just takes the worst of his writing. "Unspeakable, impossible horrors that drive you insane" is a bit of a weak and somewhat overused concept, more of a cop-out for actually setting up the scene to be horrifying in itself. It's fascinating the first time you see it, but it's not scary or interesting anymore (not that it ever was scary).
The porn. Holy shit is it more disturbing than the rest of it combined, and not because of the premise, but of how bad it is. Giant pixelated cocks and "cum in me please" stuff that don't belong in something aiming for more than just a hentai game (yeah, I know Saya wants his cum - but couldn't you convey in a more tasteful way?).
The good:
It's very short and fun while it lasts - you want to see how it ends, after all. I read it in 2 evenings and only put it down once I've seen all endings. It won't leave any lasting impression, but I guess it never aimed to do so.
Some memorable scenes, like Oumi's death and artist's insanity - props to the graphic artist.
The pacing and the structure are nice and clean. I liked the Mad ending which was a throwback to the traditional Lovecraft endings that I loved as a kid. Other endings are also decent, like the Bad one - reminded me of the Colour Out of Space, somehow.
Overall, I'd recommend if you're feeling an itch for a Japan-inspired Lovecraftian story, or something to kill time with. If you're looking for something of lasting value or some new spin on the horror genre, it's not that good. (Bear in mind, I don't know about the general quality of VNs - maybe it's a masterpiece among their stock, maybe not).
I thought this was decent but not really spectacular once you get used to the premise.
It didn't reach the emotional punch of Ever17 and Steins;Gate (despite the much more interesting premise) because as Coriolanus noted, no one is really that likeable or interesting. Sort of funny because it also skips the cliched anime antics of the previous ones. While this is usually a great thing, some pre-accident scenes of Fuminori and Kouji's friendship wouldn't have gone amiss.
I think the game also deserves some props for subverting Lovecraft. I was also impressed by the lack of grimdark endings.
It didn't reach the emotional punch of Ever17 and Steins;Gate (despite the much more interesting premise) because as Coriolanus noted, no one is really that likeable or interesting. Sort of funny because it also skips the cliched anime antics of the previous ones. While this is usually a great thing, some pre-accident scenes of Fuminori and Kouji's friendship wouldn't have gone amiss.
I think the game also deserves some props for subverting Lovecraft. I was also impressed by the lack of grimdark endings.
wow, this shit is on Steam now (for a year already!).
I'm curious about that part:
Did they just cut out all the ridiculous jPorn stuff?
I actually liked the premise and the first 20 minutes were amazing.
I'm curious about that part:
Did they just cut out all the ridiculous jPorn stuff?
and made Saya a good game finally?
I actually liked the premise and the first 20 minutes were amazing.
Black_Willow
Arcane
10/10 Jasede post
catfood
AGAIN
GOG sells the uncensored version.
As an Amazon Associate, rpgcodex.net earns from qualifying purchases.