Refuge of Embers [v0.12b] [Escape Sauce]

So far as I can tell, this a straight up dating sim. Or at least, if it wants to be a harem at some point – you’re going to have a long way to go to get with some of the girls. The incest patch probably means if you don’t download it, Eryn is off limits; but there’s no actual Lewd content with either her or Lena so far as I have played. No matter whether you choose to focus on them or not. The cowgirl basically pins you down to force a scene (that of course the MC SAYS he wants, but it would be nice to be able to say no thanks to it beforehand. Just as an awareness that consent IS a two way street – and it IS possible for a female to rape a male, frankly)

Though it mentions that the festival requires you to carve multiple effigies, for those you are “close to” the fact that there are choice divides which negate actually getting close to the girls in order to speed along the prologue means you won’t be able to see more than one scene at the festival with one girl. So far Raisa and the farmer girl have the most out of it, but no full sex scenes. I’m not doing the guy thank you very much, so it’s more two out of four… is still sad. (What, I’m not Meatloaf)

The next point is basically the village is razed; and while it tries to make it seem like MC should be important the part directly after it basically has the guardian dickhead put you on your arse while threatening the siscon. I would have gone the other way and had MC be a straight up rogue, and have his blade against the asshole’s throat from behind ready to cut. Saying one move, one nick on her… and you die. That, makes him credible. Then you could have the high priestess or even someone that randomly looks anything like her, stop the fight. Explaining that MC is allowed [But maybe for politics sake not directly important… yet] to carry the sword as a messenger. Hence there is little consequence; a bit of tension and a choice of factions to come… but you also don’t neuter your Main Character in front of one of his women before you even get the story off the fucking ground!

That’s where it ends so far… and I have to say I’ve waited a fair few updates even to get this far. It’s not that impressive, given the kinds of content implied in the, well… “content” tab are; to some extent up my alley. Mostly the impregnation and personally I could take or leave incest. It’s less fun when every second freaking game has it. I personally don’t need male on male, female on female, or NPC on anyone that isn’t the MC. That stuff’s decidedly not for me, but feel free to leave them open if that’s your jam. Thus far, what few animations actually lean toward teasing lewd are attractive enough. But if you want me to think this asshole is going to be important to a damned thing, maybe don’t make him damned near die right off the bat, and then get his ass kicked by a fucking temple guard. Not a great showing. Not any sort of way to imply there might in time be a harem… or even a focused love interest. Boyo’s not protecting anything if every fight he gets into – even against BEING TRAINED – he’s going to end up ass up and face down in the dirt. Or someone else’s pin cushion.