#vn rant

Big_Bad_Dogs By spar0w

TW: Bad Writing Because is A Rant not an Actual Review. Spoiler Free Bad Grammer

So i played this a couple of months back after seeing it on itch.io and decided to check on it again.

OH BOY AM I GLAD I CHECKED THOUGH

Each character doesn't feel 2-dimesional, and because of the shift 2-- GOD. I didn't expect to like Lane. Mostly came for the mysterious biker, but his dialogue feels fresh and honestly realistic. (Amelia, i love you, girl T_T )

Basically, we work at a 7/11 (Mad Dogs) with our annoying ass co-worker (Love Interest). We also have a stalker biker guy who walks in (depending on your options). Honestly, despite the romance, the game itself is very much haunting.

BIKER BOY (BB)

First Impressions, he was the main reason I was interested. Most of his demeanor is written down more than his actual words. Which is unique since you really get an in-depth way of what MC thinks (or most likely) what BB is doing behind his subtle actions. But also, he doesn't feel the classic "yandere" trope (yet), as he does have his own reasons (who doesn't?) for his actions. But also he's not well(or even tries) to hide his purpose for following MC. I don't know I'm not some analysis guy.

LANE (Our Annoying Co-Worker)

Seeing Lane, I thought he would have been another lackluster Love Interest whos the clear better option for MC. You know those ones with a good job and all, NAH. Lane is quite the opposite, which feels refreshing. He's a grade A asshole and D1 Biker Boy hater. But honestly, he's my favorite rage baiter when it comes to interacting with BB. He has stuff hiding under a rug that we, as MC, pull out. He doesn't feel easy to read but is more complex on who he is. Like we're slowly peeling off each layer from Lane. Like an Onion. Other than that, I actually prefer him over BB (as of writing). He's just a little shit.

MC

As MC, bro. She's honestly such a goat. I genuinely feel bad for her when it comes to what she has to deal it. Esp after a certain ending, I got that shit hit close to home.

Other Notes!!

When I was doing Lane's Route, I got reminded were in 2009 and wondered "Lane is def the guy who does thirst traps and did a fake apology video with a ukekle"

Amelia and Lane being related caught me off guard, because it took me 3 playthroughs to get "Maybe it runs in the family"

MC should invest in a gun (assuming the story takes place in america) but MC barely suriving as it is.

I love the black and white color scheme with only certain exceptions.

MC is she/her, female reader!! If you were interested but still a good game to play no matter

Obviously, I got to draw one of these characters, and HELL I can't draw "Biker Boy" for shit. So here's Lane and my attempt at BB. These were quick

LANE AND BB

LANE

Heres some Biker Boy moments (BB) from his route in Shift 2 POSSIBLE SPOILERS

Heres a bit from Lane's Route (Possible Spoilers)

I did genuinely cry at the end of Lane's Route. (Ifyk yk) the 8008 took me back T_T i had to take some screenshots away I'll add more later (I'll add Biker Boy drawing later) [ ALSO new thread idea? I played a bunch of Visual Novels this summer and only started again because I have the time to draw them out. If the creator sees this.... no you didn't ]

The Miracle Week By Teacuppo

TW: Bad Writing Because it is A Rant, not an Actual Review. Spoiler Free (read for "spoiler warnings") Bad Grammer For Fun fanart by yours truly Careful when downloading Game has SOME AI code. Not Art

So, my sister actually recommended me this one on TikTok by the user un.ko.wn.369 or Sara. They also upload, I believe, NICHE visual novels, and honestly, thank god for her! I was interested in the concept and overall "Baldis basic" ahh math solving (joke).

Basically, we, MC, are a bully and need to get our grades up (specifically math) and find this Nerd, Luke. We ask him (threaten him) and he agrees. With a lowkey undertone of... other things.

And if you're not into look, we have another love interest!

LUKE (Punching Bag, Nerd)₊˚⊹♡

Oh boy.

Honestly, he felt cookie-cutter to most yandere tropes out there.

But if you played enough visual novels of course everything kinda merges together. Luke is our obessive nerd, who likes to steal our shit and watch our move. At least hes smart because thats the only thing helping him get that huzz.

I'm not copletely sure how he acts with other characters, alone, other then MC. Since he's only ever around us. But he has a sibling whom I don't see often or hell, interact with. They seem to have an okay relationship. Hell. Doesn't seem bad from how she expalins it, so maybe Luke is an overall sweet person but even sweetier towards his honey, being MC.

His design is very pretty too. I don't see many gingers in VN's so thats nice. I'm sure there will be more of him, and overall, I do like the troupe of obsessed, bullied x uaware bully trope.

Also, spoiler?

Luke having the cheating trauma reminds me of Marinette (Miraculous Ladybug) when trying to justify her stalking behavior towards Adrien after her failed attempt with the guy with shitty hair that I can't remember. Like, you can understand maybe why Luke is the way he is. obessive wise towards MC becuase of his failed relationship, but can't jusitfy anything hes doing as... its literally illegal.

Boy Best Friend, Most Likely May End Up Dead, Roger₊˚⊹♡

He felt lackluster.

But that is only from literally one scene of him. Hes sweet despite his flaws being similar to MC in a way. Though, because he comes from a troubling household he still holds great communication and boundaries with MC (analyzing dialougefr fr) And hes in the same boat as MC LOL. Hes honest and gives off a (reference incoming) nendo vibe. His design, like Luke, is very pretty. MC definitely has a type. Looking at it now, Roger is just the more "brighter" version of Luke.

MC

You can be as harsh in any positive or negative interaction (of course, as the game goes on, you're nicer), but some text cracks me up. MC isn't a pushover when you do pick a flee option. They throw hands, love that. Honestly, MC should be their own love interest (kidding).

Other Characters?₊˚⊹♡

Theres several other characters, like teachers who are mentioned or in dialouge. But theres two other then the love interets.

Xavier looks like he burns the end of his tongue for a photo it regretted it. Lily is Luke's sister and likes Xavier. By the way, Xavier (like MC) is a little shit.

Other Notes₊˚⊹♡

Game has SOME ai code so be wary if your not into that. Overall is nicely done. Even the game creator states that

I was going to download the game but for some reason i was met with a "warning" so be wary. Like what fam? If you see this Game Creator make sure no one falsely reports you T_T

No hate, I did enjoy the game

The art is so cute!! So airy

There are some misspellings, but overall easy to follow.

MC a little shit but their my little shit

The math was easy to follow even for my dumbass

use mathway guys if your like me...

THE FACT THIS WASN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE A GAME IS HILARIOUS BUT IS SO GOOD

Lily and Luke clearly are siblings from their weirdness on their crushes (clearly the siblings have a shared type, haughty people)

And of course, heres some art I made for the game !! ^^

Actually I didn’t have time… I’ll add it later 😔😔💔💔🥀🥀

A few moments in game (possible spoilers)

"hey wheres roger?"--SHHHHH. this aint about him

SPOILER WARNING

Okay, I honestly love Luke's obessiveness. Is it me or is it subtle? like he may be submissive to MC but is pretty subtle like-- "Date me for a week". He got his way (I mean if you say no, whats the point on playing the game), and yeah!

I see hes more of the collecting type.

Honestly i hope my boy, Roger, doesn't get the beheading treament. He seems chill and with his problems being aligned (somewhat) with MC's i can see why the two are close regardless. Also, Xavier, MC's old friend from middle school's outburst caught me off so much. Most emo/scene/goth characters are very much quiet types aura farmers. But nah, this boy shouts! Why isn't this boy a love interest.