Shira Oka

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Shira Oka is a dating sim style game created by indie-developer Okashi Studios, and has been in production for a couple years now. I've been following it off and on since I heard about it a year ago, and it's finally getting released this Friday on Impulse. Pre-ordering gets you 10% off, which I took advantage of. I tried out the demo a while ago, and its pretty solid.

Anyone else been following this game? I know there's a few dating sim/visual novel fans here on the boards, so I thought this may be up some people's alleys.

Also, didn't know if this is the appropriate forum for this topic, since I didn't know if dating sims/visual novels counted as RPGs. I know the site has reviewed some visual novels in the past, but I put it here just to be safe.

[Annubis]

I'm just eternally waiting on Katawa Shoujo.
And 25$ ? That's costy for an indy dating game.

[insertnamehere]

It has really impressive artwork.
I want it :D

[Bill]

Just started playing this one. On one hand, the game system is copied from Tokimeki Memorial (a first for English language games). However, the presentation is a bit lacklustre, and the overall experience is currently on the tedious side.

I normally wouldn't pay this much for an indie love sim, but the scope of the project has me intrigued.

It has really impressive artwork.

Conceptually, the art isn't bad. However, as some players have mentioned, there's an unfinished, washed out look to everything. Various character poses are also off-model, although you can't expect the gloss and quality control of a "professional" game.

[Chronix112]

I Would like to give it a try but 25 dollars for a indie game is sales suicide. These indie guys would make alot more sells and not get pirated to death if they would drop their prices a bit.

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Personally I don't think $25 is that outrageous, especially given that most of the other western-developed indie dating sim games fall around $20. I didn't mind paying for it, since I've been anticipating it for a while.

[Dincrest]

I might have to try out the demo.  Seems like more of a sim (i.e. TokiMemo) than a love adventure (i.e. Memories Off) so that aspect of it interests me. 

[Chronix112]

Personally I don't think $25 is that outrageous, especially given that most of the other western-developed indie dating sim games fall around $20. I didn't mind paying for it, since I've been anticipating it for a while.

If  I personally made and  sold one of these games  the price I would ask for is around 15 which is reasonable. 20 -25 dollars is  selling amateur work for professional prices.

[Dincrest]

I'm trying out the demo and man this game is really addicting. It makes me want a Tokimeki Memorial game in English more than ever.

[Dice]

Personally I don't think $25 is that outrageous, especially given that most of the other western-developed indie dating sim games fall around $20. I didn't mind paying for it, since I've been anticipating it for a while.

I agree.  With all due respect, I admire the effort, but for $25 a pop, you'd think they could "buy" a somewhat better artist.

[Dincrest]

Honestly, I'm not digging the art style much either (character portraits look somewhat rough and amateurish; I like glossy art that doesn't look low-res/pixilated in my PC dating sims/graphic adventures), but the gameplay is addicting.  

EDIT: Other indie/doujin games like Fatal Hearts, Fading Hearts, Recettear and all have much more refined artwork. 

[Chronix112]

Honestly, I'm not digging the art style much either (character portraits look somewhat rough and amateurish; I like glossy art that doesn't look low-res/pixilated in my PC dating sims/graphic adventures), but the gameplay is addicting. 

The art is what really rubs me the wrong way, otherwise I'd be all over it, even with the 25$ price tag. It looks just a couple step above some of the flash games I have played.

[Annubis]

This thing will be FREE (if they ever finish it)
http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/download.php

[Dice]

This thing willbe FREE (if they ever finish it)
http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/download.php

I laughed so hard when I first saw that game - I thought it was genius!

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Not to come off fanboyish, but I didn't mind the art.

One thing that really upset me was (spoilers for the around the end of the 2nd year):

Code:

Kasumi committing suicide.

I understand that this unfortunately does happen in real life, but this game isn't trying to go for absolute realism, considering the whole premise. Up until that point the tone had been very lighthearted and cheerful, and even after the event the game's tone doesn't change at all. It just feels way to out of place, and didn't belong in the game if they weren't going to address the issue with clear focus and attention.

This thing will be FREE (if they ever finish it)
http://www.katawa-shoujo.com/download.php

I can't wait for it. I didn't play the demo cause I wanna have it all be fresh by the time it comes out. And judging from the screens I've seen so far it has some of the best artwork I've seen for an indie game.