Worst nightmare came true.. also i enjoyed SCOUT too.. so we wait! I can completely understand that writers need breaks tho. We all deal with life things. So here's to hoping it doesn't go on Hiatus for too long.. 💜🤞
SO, why not do it now? (Note: There'll defo be me rambling at the end)
I always come back to Ascendance often because it always lingers in my head. The plot is new (for me) and the ideas of the Y are unique!! I like that in the beginning we can pick whether we're a night owl or early bird, or if we are usually late or early to class, it just adds a little flavour to the text and makes it feel just a little more real ya know?
Not to mention our friends Thomas and Emma (who both have one part of my heart) and how the three of us just fit together like puzzle pieces. It feels nice and reminds me of my own friends.
Elya's entrance is just wow. My first reaction though was just "they can walk through doors what" but its a fun thing to read. I keep thinking that he just stands outside the door though-
Ian's entrance always confused me since I honestly thought he went in through the window (seems like something Ian would do ngl). Waiting for the day we throw something at him because he scares us fr.
Joana's entrance is just MMMM. The emotions I can feel in it, and you can tell apart each different emotion based on the way the text it written. It's just *chefs kiss*.
The writing itself is just so good. There can the obvious and the hidden in it where it isn't too much or too little, just right. The writing style gives me light academia vibes (note: huge fan of light and dark academia aesthetics) and sort of some poetry vibes (another note: I love poetry too). The writing really ties in well with the plot and the way the characters are written are always so good!!
If you have time to play Ascendance I recommend you do! Lou is such a good writer and story creator, you'll get immersed pretty quickly and you'll forget that this is only part one! Part one!! I honestly forgot it was only part one until I got to the end and I can't wait for more. Not only that but there can be platonic or romantic ways to go with the routes which is always so nice to see!
Rambling time (you can skip this) !!
Both Lou and I have followed each other since around July of last year and every time I see Ascendance pop up on my timeline I've never been so happy. Lou can always find a way to real you back into the story of Ascendance somehow and that's how I know I'm going to enjoy the game a lot. Ascendance has always been a safe space for me and for others too, the game gives me so much comfort. It gives me a warm feeling and reminds me of the good times from ages ago (I'm not that old I swear).
I can't put into words how much the game means to me and others. If there's one thing I'm thankful for, it's for Lou making Ascendance. No matter how long it takes for the game to be finished I'll be here ready to continue playing and I'll still continue to play ever once the game is finished and won't be updated.
Wow..! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this blew me away. Your imagination is wonderful! It was a truly refreshing read and I really hope I get to see Ascendance develop into a full story. The characters are very engaging so far and I'm eager to get know them even better. I especially like Elya, though it is hard to choose between them :,)
My only slight criticism is that the use of dashes to indicate dialogue rather than speech marks was a bit jarring. Was there a reason you chose to write like that? /nm
Anyhow, I wish you well <3 (even if it turns out that you don't return to this project, you've more than convinced me to stay for any of your other creative endeavours)
I am quite stunned. I'm more of surprised that it already ended. I already fell in love with your work. I can't, I just can't after reading the current chapters. I want mooooore. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a good day, month, year, or any indefinite time because I am absolutely thrilled you made something like this that I fell so hard for that I wish you great fortune.
I enjoyed reading what I could, but I guess life has made me jaded. I couldnt Choose (or rather my choice is currently not available), because I just became too suspicious. Mostly it was because of one of the LIs and their evasive mannerisms and a reveal about their situation as opposed to the MCs (trying not to spoiler here.)
Enlightenment is a journey that everyone takes at their own pace. It can not be hurried, rushed or quickened by an outside force (unless the person seeking enlightenment chooses to look for that outside source) and any attempt to do so, no matter how well meaning, is going to create resistance to it, ranging anywhere from confusion and disbelief, to anger and hostility. The more an individual or culture is pushed toward "enlightenment" by an outside source, the stronger their resistance will become.
There is no such thing as Forced Enlightenment, the proper term for that is Indoctrination.
The game is way ahead of anything I've ever seen! I really hope to see and enjoy the full version of this full story, but still it leaves me with a lot of questions. When are you planning on updating/ finishing the game? When do you possibly think it'll be available?
I played popular games, but they don't have such great story, the interactions are amazing!
Since I need to get back on track with this project, I plan on updating it sometime around August/September. You should get a revamped demo with some more lore and content then ^^
I don't have a full release date yet, but if I ever do, you'll definitely know.
Thanks you so much! I really hope this game is going great for you! If you don't mind me adding ideas, but do you think if you can, the spirit animal that you choose add some perk? Like for example
Wolf = Bravery, increased combat skill
Snake = Deception, charming people is easier
Would be cool if that could happen! The game is amazing.
And if this isn't a weird question, when the game is fully completed would it be available for free, or would you have to pay to play? I honestly would care for the price, the game is good and the expirience is worth it.
Hope you are having a great day today, and enjoy your day!
Interesting suggestion, thank you! Each of them will provide the player with unique interactions and scenes, so that is already underway ^^
The full game will be completely free to play! If I do manage to be more consistent with this project, I might provide monthly Kofi supporters with extra content and perks, such as early access. We'll see how that goes!
Hope you're having an amazing day too, K! Take care 💕
It's a great story so far! I've played all divisions because they all seems interesting and I can't just choose one. I love all of them! Can't wait for more updates!
I love this game so much! just had one suggestion that is possible it would be great to have an option to change the background. White text on black made it a bit difficult to read for a long time.
Absolutely amazing. I was skeptical at first- after all, there are very few good interactive fiction games of the sort, but I decided to give it a go- and I love it so, so much. Reading this made me so happy for some reason, and I still am ecstatic- it's a little worrying, even.
My point is- if you need any help, opinions or mere emotional support, please don't hesitate to reach out- I will gladly contribute to the case or/and your well-being.
This was such a lovely experience! Stumbling upon this really made my day, your work is incredible <3 I'm looking forward to the future updates, thank you for sharing this with us!
It was a fun game! Really liked the plot- and the characters (Both Ian and Elya have caught my interest). You really drew me in with the story! Can't wait for more <3
I have a question though; is there a way to turn off the sound effects? If so, I haven't figured it out lol. (I like to listen to my own music whilst playing games ^^)
My, I haven't implemented that option yet... What you can do is right-click the game's tab on your browser and choose the option called "mute tab", or something along those lines (it changes names from browser to browser).
I hope this helped. Remember to unmute the tab later! ❤
This was wonderful!!!! I've been completely drawn in to the story. The characters are so lifelike and easy to care about, and the world is so rich.... I can't wait to read more. Amazing work!
(i already adore elya so much........ hhhh no thoughts only ethereal blonde man)
Such a lovely update! it toke me a few hours to get it through with a few breaks, I finally decided to play it on my computer since the save doesn't work for me on phone lol, I feel quite nostalgic for the green aesthetic background, I though it was lovely, may I ask why you changed it? the black and white doesn't feel as inviting and lively as the green and feels lifeless, considering this game is filled with so much live <333.
Ben and Alex: Nothing noteworthy about them, to the point that both of them feel like the same character and only the name was changed for them but I felt some distinct differences for them in some passages otherwise they really did seem the same character. Are you using them as a catalyst for the mc to ease themselves into the different routes? is that why they felt indistinguishable? I'm keeping in mind that I have not done Joana route yet so I can't speak for its characteristics and tone of the route and its supporting characters. I'll probably play it tomorrow.
I also seemed to have found a pronoun error for Alex in which you referred to them as “he’ his” even though in all the other passages they are referred to using they/them pronouns so just letting you know that.
The paths: I though they were going to be a bit different but the ones I’ve done were eerily similar and only had slight vibrations of differences, both Elya and Ian routes were similar to one another. I don’t know if that was a choice or not.
Also from what I noticed, both Ian and Elya flashback story was again quite the same with only slight variation changed for them, nothing unique with the way the flashback dream was done, both seem to have the same motivation for how they felt about the mc in the solutions they give to the mc present tense, Some examples “You were my only friend” “A gift that was sent to me” “I came to hate you” if I as a reader hasn’t spend quite a while with them in the beginning and didn’t get to know their inner voice and speech patterns than I would’ve mistaken them for the same character, I am in no way saying that they are the same but am only acknowledging that their routes were quite similar only in the way they responded to the mc with the dream sequence and that only. Both are equally quite diverse and lovely characters with such distinctive voices so it felt a bit jarring when their response to the mc with their nightmare was line by line the same.
I contemplated writing this and I really do hate writing such harsh notes for my favorite authors, I never write them and is this the kind of feedback you are looking for? I hate to be overstepping my boundaries.
May I also ask what's the word count for the current demo? it felt really long or it might have been me playing really slow.
[Spoiler alert! And long answer ahead, my dear, I hope you wanted to hear from me. If that was just very thoughtful feedback, I'm sorry!! 🤣]
Hello, darling! ❤ You are not, by any means, overstepping any boundaries. As a matter of fact, I appreciate the time you took to write such a thorough message! And you called me one of your favorite authors?? 🥺 Thank you, again! Now, to your interesting points!
(1) I am absolutely confused by the fact that it doesn't work on some phones... I thought that might have been fixed, but apparently no! I'll look into that asap!
(2) It came to my knowledge that the green theme, in different devices and for different people, was too bright or just overall uncomfortable to read =/ Due to that, I figured that choosing colors like black and white would be a safer bet to make reading comfortable for the largest number of readers possible! I personally really like it, but I'm sorry it feels lifeless to you! ^^"
(3) Yes! Ben, Alex, and Avery (the one you're yet to know!) serve the same purpose in the plot so far (exposition of concepts and friendly support for the MC) and that's why they feel so similar to one another. The difference in their personality doesn't really shine through *yet*, especially because I tried to clarify the same aspects in different routes for MC, with one or two exceptions. Maybe it could have been done better, or differently... I'll think it through ^^. Also! I'll get to that pronoun mistake for Alex! Thanks for letting me know.
(4) Well noted. The story initially has a set backbone, meaning that you will get the same scenes (introduction to the training facilities, flashback, initiation ceremony...) with variations for the different LI's. It made sense to me, since your MC is under the same amount of spiritual stimuli (flashback-wise) in different routes and a lot of the other aspects would be protocol. The Divisions, like any institutions, have a certain way of doing some things. I will think about that aspect as well, though! ^^ I'm hoping to really set the routes apart in the upcoming training and missions (because those *are* really different)!
(5) This is actually really interesting for me to read because I, particularly, see Ian and Elya's routes flashbacks as pretty different in their core, as I tried to explore different struggles of theirs in past lives. Elya was deformed, Ian was beautiful. Elya was fighting guilt and shame, Ian realized that his vanity and superficiality were his dooming. Elya sacrifices himself not to kill MC, Ian gets killed. They do react similarly because it was a lifetime in which your MC bonded with them in a way that no one else would, and they were both in a similar evolutionary stage (even though our darling Elya was a little worse). You perceiving them as the same might be a sign that I didn't accomplish what I was aiming for... gives me food for thought!
I believe you'll find Joana's route slightly more contrasting. Her flashback is set in a different stage of her evolution, which might be refreshing for you (hopefully). There will be common points still, though... *sweats*
As it is now, the average playthrough is ~28089 words (according to Twine, we're at 75210 words total), though you getting the feeling that it is really long already might not be a great sign for me as a writer! 😅
That's about it! I hope this didn't sound like I'm being defensive of my work, since I really value the points you raised and think that they can help me improve the way I tell the story, if not right now, in the future. I'm a little concerned with my mid-terms now, but as soon as I resume planning/writing the story, rest assured that I'll keep in mind some aspects of what you just said, and maybe even better what I already have a little bit!
Once more, thank you for taking the time to read, experience different routes, and then respectfully telling me how you actually feel about them. I personally also have a hard time reaching out to authors of stories I like with feedback that isn't all flowers, but it means a lot! ^^ I hope you had a good time overall, still!
Thank you for the detailed response! I now understand that the reason Elya and Ian responses felt similar in the dream sequence were because these are characters who have spent countless lifetimes with the mc in pervious reincarnations which is why the emotions and responses they give on how they felt about the mc in that lifetime were similar because mc was the only one who ever treated them with such kindness and respect. And how did you know elya was my muse ? Awwwwf but really I love all three of them.
I did get to play Joana earlier today and omg it was so heartbreaking and yes all three routes diverged greatly in the end because the introduction into the world concluded and it’s only beginning the individual stories of the RO.
I also found this , I figured it was an honest mistake and didn’t know how to discribe it in the bug report and I’m a visual learner as well 😅💕
Also 75210 is such a an amazing word count, I meant it felt long in a good way cause when it ended; I was feeling sad and wanting more 😭 I really do think this is such a beautiful story you have here and I can’t wait for you to tell it to us! I did adore both Emma and Thomas, I believe you did a phenomenal job with the found family aspects and such a genuine portrayal of Platonic relationships and you did it in a way that was welcoming, so subtle without trying to push the friendship to the player but done in such a way that was subtle but genuine , I thought it was refreshing since usually IF games and stories focus on the RO’s and romance that they neglect the family and friendships aspects of it! So I do appreciate your take on it, friendships especially with the right individuals is something to be treasured and you certainly nailed! I do hope we do get to meet them again and their friendship with the mc doesn’t drift due to the distance. I’m rambling
Also yes, it can be intimidating reaching out to an author since most authors have feedback they are looking for and feedback they aren’t looking for, it took me a couple months of me following an authors on ao3 for me to even comment on a chapter 😭😂😂. Also don’t mind what I said about the previous green screen, it must be my strong case of nostalgia speaking ! I tend to have that! The new aesthetic is equally as pleasing as well. 💝
Aw, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you can already feel the shift in the routes! Darling, wait until you see the next steps! Haha No more common roads are taken from here ❤❤
Thank you so much for catching that! I have no idea how it got there! 🤣 Just fixed it. Also, I hope you don't mind me bugging you a little more, but could you tell me where you caught the pronoun mistake for Alex? I've read it twice and I can't see it... I think I'm numb to my own writing at this point XD
Thank you again, especially for sticking around since our early green demo🥺 (yes, it gives me nostalgia already too and I still have screenshots of it! <3)
i already wrote it in the docs survey, but nonetheless, i will write again (although it will be a shorter comment this time HSHSJ ) >:)
first of all: your writing. please, it is so amazing. the characters, the universe, it is done so perfectly!! i instantly fell in love with this game.
second, i loved the music/sfx !! it really is a nice touch, and very innovative! i don't think i ever played an IF with music/sfx before.
third, i may or may not have fallen in love with the characters. I MEAN, they all look so interesting !!! and all of them seem very endearing in their own way :"0 ♥♥
congrats for the incredible work!!!
can't wait to play the full thing ^^♥
stay safe and take care !!!!!
( also, yes . i am the Adri from the survey form HSHSH )
I may or may not have screenshotted the comment you left on the survey because it made me so very happy! (❁´◡`❁) (As well as a few others, they're my treasure now)
I'm really glad you like it so far! I was a little worried that people wouldn't see how amazing Joana is because I gave her little screen time, but I'm very pleased to find out otherwise!! So thank you for sharing my love with all of the LI's! Each of them has a very particular way to love your MC and I can't wait to show you how it goes!
Thank you for reading it carefully all the way, being helpful with the survey, and leaving a rating and a comment!! It means the world to me!!
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Really hope this isinit abandoned
aw this made me tear up, hopefully we get a update..
Me crying cuz I am now trapped in the same trap of every IF
ah crap im now worried this game would end up like SCOUT, it's popular but we dont know where the dev is or when it'll update TwT
Worst nightmare came true.. also i enjoyed SCOUT too.. so we wait! I can completely understand that writers need breaks tho. We all deal with life things. So here's to hoping it doesn't go on Hiatus for too long.. 💜🤞
Unfortunate that this is deader than a door nail.
I’m so curious about the choice of not choosing any divison, when will it be released? *puppy eyes*
Hey Lou, I've replayed the game again, amazing as ever! Could there be any possibility of it being released soon? Or does it still need some fixing?
Hope you are having a great day!
KtheLegend099
I don't actually think I've commented here-
SO, why not do it now? (Note: There'll defo be me rambling at the end)
I always come back to Ascendance often because it always lingers in my head. The plot is new (for me) and the ideas of the Y are unique!! I like that in the beginning we can pick whether we're a night owl or early bird, or if we are usually late or early to class, it just adds a little flavour to the text and makes it feel just a little more real ya know?
Not to mention our friends Thomas and Emma (who both have one part of my heart) and how the three of us just fit together like puzzle pieces. It feels nice and reminds me of my own friends.
Elya's entrance is just wow. My first reaction though was just "they can walk through doors what" but its a fun thing to read. I keep thinking that he just stands outside the door though-
Ian's entrance always confused me since I honestly thought he went in through the window (seems like something Ian would do ngl). Waiting for the day we throw something at him because he scares us fr.
Joana's entrance is just MMMM. The emotions I can feel in it, and you can tell apart each different emotion based on the way the text it written. It's just *chefs kiss*.
The writing itself is just so good. There can the obvious and the hidden in it where it isn't too much or too little, just right. The writing style gives me light academia vibes (note: huge fan of light and dark academia aesthetics) and sort of some poetry vibes (another note: I love poetry too). The writing really ties in well with the plot and the way the characters are written are always so good!!
If you have time to play Ascendance I recommend you do! Lou is such a good writer and story creator, you'll get immersed pretty quickly and you'll forget that this is only part one! Part one!! I honestly forgot it was only part one until I got to the end and I can't wait for more. Not only that but there can be platonic or romantic ways to go with the routes which is always so nice to see!
Rambling time (you can skip this) !!
Both Lou and I have followed each other since around July of last year and every time I see Ascendance pop up on my timeline I've never been so happy. Lou can always find a way to real you back into the story of Ascendance somehow and that's how I know I'm going to enjoy the game a lot. Ascendance has always been a safe space for me and for others too, the game gives me so much comfort. It gives me a warm feeling and reminds me of the good times from ages ago (I'm not that old I swear).
I can't put into words how much the game means to me and others. If there's one thing I'm thankful for, it's for Lou making Ascendance. No matter how long it takes for the game to be finished I'll be here ready to continue playing and I'll still continue to play ever once the game is finished and won't be updated.
Wow..! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this blew me away. Your imagination is wonderful! It was a truly refreshing read and I really hope I get to see Ascendance develop into a full story. The characters are very engaging so far and I'm eager to get know them even better. I especially like Elya, though it is hard to choose between them :,)
My only slight criticism is that the use of dashes to indicate dialogue rather than speech marks was a bit jarring. Was there a reason you chose to write like that? /nm
Anyhow, I wish you well <3 (even if it turns out that you don't return to this project, you've more than convinced me to stay for any of your other creative endeavours)
I am quite stunned. I'm more of surprised that it already ended. I already fell in love with your work. I can't, I just can't after reading the current chapters. I want mooooore. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a good day, month, year, or any indefinite time because I am absolutely thrilled you made something like this that I fell so hard for that I wish you great fortune.
I enjoyed reading what I could, but I guess life has made me jaded. I couldnt Choose (or rather my choice is currently not available), because I just became too suspicious. Mostly it was because of one of the LIs and their evasive mannerisms and a reveal about their situation as opposed to the MCs (trying not to spoiler here.)
Enlightenment is a journey that everyone takes at their own pace. It can not be hurried, rushed or quickened by an outside force (unless the person seeking enlightenment chooses to look for that outside source) and any attempt to do so, no matter how well meaning, is going to create resistance to it, ranging anywhere from confusion and disbelief, to anger and hostility. The more an individual or culture is pushed toward "enlightenment" by an outside source, the stronger their resistance will become.
There is no such thing as Forced Enlightenment, the proper term for that is Indoctrination.
Hey, thanks for reading!
I completely agree, hence, you'll be able to choose in that sense as well =)
Hope to see you in the future! Take care.
This is really amazing, can't wait for more updates and I really am grateful I found this, thank you for making this
Thanks for reading <3 and for the lovely comment!
Hello Dev(s)!
The game is way ahead of anything I've ever seen! I really hope to see and enjoy the full version of this full story, but still it leaves me with a lot of questions. When are you planning on updating/ finishing the game? When do you possibly think it'll be available?
I played popular games, but they don't have such great story, the interactions are amazing!
KtheLegend099
Hi, K! You're too kind, thank you very much =))
Since I need to get back on track with this project, I plan on updating it sometime around August/September. You should get a revamped demo with some more lore and content then ^^
I don't have a full release date yet, but if I ever do, you'll definitely know.
Thanks again for your time and love! Take care.
Thanks you so much! I really hope this game is going great for you! If you don't mind me adding ideas, but do you think if you can, the spirit animal that you choose add some perk? Like for example
Wolf = Bravery, increased combat skill
Snake = Deception, charming people is easier
Would be cool if that could happen! The game is amazing.
And if this isn't a weird question, when the game is fully completed would it be available for free, or would you have to pay to play? I honestly would care for the price, the game is good and the expirience is worth it.
Hope you are having a great day today, and enjoy your day!
K
Interesting suggestion, thank you! Each of them will provide the player with unique interactions and scenes, so that is already underway ^^
The full game will be completely free to play! If I do manage to be more consistent with this project, I might provide monthly Kofi supporters with extra content and perks, such as early access. We'll see how that goes!
Hope you're having an amazing day too, K! Take care 💕
I hope I'm not bothering you good people much.
Will there be a sequel when Ascendance is finished?
It would be pretty sad if there would be just one project! This game is too good to be that short.
Also do you have a Discord channel that I can possibly join? Or do you have a Discord username that I can add you?
Hope to see you soon in the Discord channel!
K
Hey again, K =) There could be a sequel, I haven't planned this far ahead yet!
I, unfortunately, haven't made a discord channel for this project yet, but when I do, you'll be one of the first people to know ^^. Take care!
I cant wait till the next update when we got to choose no division to join >:)))) *intensified evil laugh
Hehehe, >:))
Tehee
Amazing story! Thank you very much <3<3
Aw! Thank you for reading 💕
I know I love Ian for some reason, I love this story so much!! Can't wait for more update <3
Aw, thanks a lot 💖🥰 Can't wait to share it with you!
Tall blonde guy has my heart now
love this game and can not wait for the next update :P
Thanks, dear 💕 What can I say, you've got his heart too!
I love this game, really. Thanks a lot for making my day better lol.
Hey, there. Right back at you with that sweet comment 💖 Thank you!
I am in love with this. 100% no doubts about it, this is amazing. I'm excited for more, and I give you well wishes too!
Hey! My, you're so kind ❤ Thank you!!
My best wishes go out to you as well ^^
It's a great story so far! I've played all divisions because they all seems interesting and I can't just choose one. I love all of them! Can't wait for more updates!
Hi, cherry ❤ Aw, I'm so happy to hear that. I hope you'll enjoy the following updates just as much ~ Thank you!
Such a great and interesting game!
Hey! Thank you ❤ I'm glad you're enjoying it!
I got Pluralis
I love this game so much! just had one suggestion that is possible it would be great to have an option to change the background. White text on black made it a bit difficult to read for a long time.
Hi, dear! ❤ Thank you for your kind words, truly!
As for your suggestion, I'll see what I can do, okay? Thank you for bringing it to my attention, ^^
Hope you have a great morning/afternoon/evening!
Lou
Absolutely amazing. I was skeptical at first- after all, there are very few good interactive fiction games of the sort, but I decided to give it a go- and I love it so, so much. Reading this made me so happy for some reason, and I still am ecstatic- it's a little worrying, even.
My point is- if you need any help, opinions or mere emotional support, please don't hesitate to reach out- I will gladly contribute to the case or/and your well-being.
Thank you for creating something so amazing.
Hey, dear! What a kind comment, thank you! ❤
I can barely contain my own excitement while planning your next steps in the story, haha. I hope you will continue to like it!
Come hang out with us on Tumblr as well if you haven't yet, ^^.
Take care of yourself!
Lou
This was such a lovely experience! Stumbling upon this really made my day, your work is incredible <3 I'm looking forward to the future updates, thank you for sharing this with us!
Hey, darling!
Your comment made my day, so I'd say we're even, haha.
I'm very glad that you're enjoying it so far, can't wait to show you what happens next.
Take care! ❤
Lou
It was a fun game! Really liked the plot- and the characters (Both Ian and Elya have caught my interest). You really drew me in with the story! Can't wait for more <3
I have a question though; is there a way to turn off the sound effects? If so, I haven't figured it out lol. (I like to listen to my own music whilst playing games ^^)
Hey, dear! I'm very glad you like it 💕
My, I haven't implemented that option yet... What you can do is right-click the game's tab on your browser and choose the option called "mute tab", or something along those lines (it changes names from browser to browser).
I hope this helped. Remember to unmute the tab later! ❤
This was wonderful!!!! I've been completely drawn in to the story. The characters are so lifelike and easy to care about, and the world is so rich.... I can't wait to read more. Amazing work!
(i already adore elya so much........ hhhh no thoughts only ethereal blonde man)
Not gonna lie, the "no thoughts only ethereal blonde man" line gave me such a good chuckle, lol.
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far! ❤
Such a lovely update! it toke me a few hours to get it through with a few breaks, I finally decided to play it on my computer since the save doesn't work for me on phone lol, I feel quite nostalgic for the green aesthetic background, I though it was lovely, may I ask why you changed it? the black and white doesn't feel as inviting and lively as the green and feels lifeless, considering this game is filled with so much live <333.
Ben and Alex: Nothing noteworthy about them, to the point that both of them feel like the same character and only the name was changed for them but I felt some distinct differences for them in some passages otherwise they really did seem the same character. Are you using them as a catalyst for the mc to ease themselves into the different routes? is that why they felt indistinguishable? I'm keeping in mind that I have not done Joana route yet so I can't speak for its characteristics and tone of the route and its supporting characters. I'll probably play it tomorrow.
I also seemed to have found a pronoun error for Alex in which you referred to them as “he’ his” even though in all the other passages they are referred to using they/them pronouns so just letting you know that.
The paths: I though they were going to be a bit different but the ones I’ve done were eerily similar and only had slight vibrations of differences, both Elya and Ian routes were similar to one another. I don’t know if that was a choice or not.
Also from what I noticed, both Ian and Elya flashback story was again quite the same with only slight variation changed for them, nothing unique with the way the flashback dream was done, both seem to have the same motivation for how they felt about the mc in the solutions they give to the mc present tense, Some examples “You were my only friend” “A gift that was sent to me” “I came to hate you” if I as a reader hasn’t spend quite a while with them in the beginning and didn’t get to know their inner voice and speech patterns than I would’ve mistaken them for the same character, I am in no way saying that they are the same but am only acknowledging that their routes were quite similar only in the way they responded to the mc with the dream sequence and that only. Both are equally quite diverse and lovely characters with such distinctive voices so it felt a bit jarring when their response to the mc with their nightmare was line by line the same.
I contemplated writing this and I really do hate writing such harsh notes for my favorite authors, I never write them and is this the kind of feedback you are looking for? I hate to be overstepping my boundaries.
May I also ask what's the word count for the current demo? it felt really long or it might have been me playing really slow.
[Spoiler alert! And long answer ahead, my dear, I hope you wanted to hear from me. If that was just very thoughtful feedback, I'm sorry!! 🤣]
Hello, darling! ❤ You are not, by any means, overstepping any boundaries. As a matter of fact, I appreciate the time you took to write such a thorough message! And you called me one of your favorite authors?? 🥺 Thank you, again! Now, to your interesting points!
(1) I am absolutely confused by the fact that it doesn't work on some phones... I thought that might have been fixed, but apparently no! I'll look into that asap!
(2) It came to my knowledge that the green theme, in different devices and for different people, was too bright or just overall uncomfortable to read =/ Due to that, I figured that choosing colors like black and white would be a safer bet to make reading comfortable for the largest number of readers possible! I personally really like it, but I'm sorry it feels lifeless to you! ^^"
(3) Yes! Ben, Alex, and Avery (the one you're yet to know!) serve the same purpose in the plot so far (exposition of concepts and friendly support for the MC) and that's why they feel so similar to one another. The difference in their personality doesn't really shine through *yet*, especially because I tried to clarify the same aspects in different routes for MC, with one or two exceptions. Maybe it could have been done better, or differently... I'll think it through ^^. Also! I'll get to that pronoun mistake for Alex! Thanks for letting me know.
(4) Well noted. The story initially has a set backbone, meaning that you will get the same scenes (introduction to the training facilities, flashback, initiation ceremony...) with variations for the different LI's. It made sense to me, since your MC is under the same amount of spiritual stimuli (flashback-wise) in different routes and a lot of the other aspects would be protocol. The Divisions, like any institutions, have a certain way of doing some things. I will think about that aspect as well, though! ^^ I'm hoping to really set the routes apart in the upcoming training and missions (because those *are* really different)!
(5) This is actually really interesting for me to read because I, particularly, see Ian and Elya's routes flashbacks as pretty different in their core, as I tried to explore different struggles of theirs in past lives. Elya was deformed, Ian was beautiful. Elya was fighting guilt and shame, Ian realized that his vanity and superficiality were his dooming. Elya sacrifices himself not to kill MC, Ian gets killed. They do react similarly because it was a lifetime in which your MC bonded with them in a way that no one else would, and they were both in a similar evolutionary stage (even though our darling Elya was a little worse). You perceiving them as the same might be a sign that I didn't accomplish what I was aiming for... gives me food for thought!
I believe you'll find Joana's route slightly more contrasting. Her flashback is set in a different stage of her evolution, which might be refreshing for you (hopefully). There will be common points still, though... *sweats*
As it is now, the average playthrough is ~28089 words (according to Twine, we're at 75210 words total), though you getting the feeling that it is really long already might not be a great sign for me as a writer! 😅
That's about it! I hope this didn't sound like I'm being defensive of my work, since I really value the points you raised and think that they can help me improve the way I tell the story, if not right now, in the future. I'm a little concerned with my mid-terms now, but as soon as I resume planning/writing the story, rest assured that I'll keep in mind some aspects of what you just said, and maybe even better what I already have a little bit!
Once more, thank you for taking the time to read, experience different routes, and then respectfully telling me how you actually feel about them. I personally also have a hard time reaching out to authors of stories I like with feedback that isn't all flowers, but it means a lot! ^^ I hope you had a good time overall, still!
Take care, much love!
Lou ❤
Thank you for the detailed response! I now understand that the reason Elya and Ian responses felt similar in the dream sequence were because these are characters who have spent countless lifetimes with the mc in pervious reincarnations which is why the emotions and responses they give on how they felt about the mc in that lifetime were similar because mc was the only one who ever treated them with such kindness and respect.
And how did you know elya was my muse ? Awwwwf but really I love all three of them.I did get to play Joana earlier today and omg it was so heartbreaking and yes all three routes diverged greatly in the end because the introduction into the world concluded and it’s only beginning the individual stories of the RO.
I also found this , I figured it was an honest mistake and didn’t know how to discribe it in the bug report and I’m a visual learner as well 😅💕
Also 75210 is such a an amazing word count, I meant it felt long in a good way cause when it ended; I was feeling sad and wanting more 😭 I really do think this is such a beautiful story you have here and I can’t wait for you to tell it to us! I did adore both Emma and Thomas, I believe you did a phenomenal job with the found family aspects and such a genuine portrayal of Platonic relationships and you did it in a way that was welcoming, so subtle without trying to push the friendship to the player but done in such a way that was subtle but genuine , I thought it was refreshing since usually IF games and stories focus on the RO’s and romance that they neglect the family and friendships aspects of it! So I do appreciate your take on it, friendships especially with the right individuals is something to be treasured and you certainly nailed! I do hope we do get to meet them again and their friendship with the mc doesn’t drift due to the distance.
I’m rambling
Also yes, it can be intimidating reaching out to an author since most authors have feedback they are looking for and feedback they aren’t looking for, it took me a couple months of me following an authors on ao3 for me to even comment on a chapter 😭😂😂. Also don’t mind what I said about the previous green screen, it must be my strong case of nostalgia speaking ! I tend to have that! The new aesthetic is equally as pleasing as well. 💝
Aw, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you can already feel the shift in the routes! Darling, wait until you see the next steps! Haha No more common roads are taken from here ❤❤
Thank you so much for catching that! I have no idea how it got there! 🤣 Just fixed it. Also, I hope you don't mind me bugging you a little more, but could you tell me where you caught the pronoun mistake for Alex? I've read it twice and I can't see it... I think I'm numb to my own writing at this point XD
Thank you again, especially for sticking around since our early green demo🥺 (yes, it gives me nostalgia already too and I still have screenshots of it! <3)
Xx!
Yeah I believe I found it here , it can be found a few passages after the mc and them have their breakfast I believe before the expected ceremony.
Haha the green background will be missed, may it Rest In Peace. I wish you luck and all.
I've been sucked into your story already! Can't wait to read more, you're awesome!
And I already love Elya, is it too early in the game to already love an alien who showed up and briefly inhabited your body? Asking for a friend 😆
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it 💖
And it's definitely never too early for you (or... ahem...your friend) to love such a handsome alien. Can't wait to show you the next step!
Take care ❤
Lou
😆😆🥰
i already wrote it in the docs survey, but nonetheless, i will write again (although it will be a shorter comment this time HSHSJ ) >:)
first of all: your writing. please, it is so amazing. the characters, the universe, it is done so perfectly!! i instantly fell in love with this game.
second, i loved the music/sfx !! it really is a nice touch, and very innovative! i don't think i ever played an IF with music/sfx before.
third, i may or may not have fallen in love with the characters. I MEAN, they all look so interesting !!! and all of them seem very endearing in their own way :"0 ♥♥
congrats for the incredible work!!!
can't wait to play the full thing ^^♥
stay safe and take care !!!!!
( also, yes . i am the Adri from the survey form HSHSH )
Hi Adri! That's so sweet of you to say! 🥰
I may or may not have screenshotted the comment you left on the survey because it made me so very happy! (❁´◡`❁) (As well as a few others, they're my treasure now)
I'm really glad you like it so far! I was a little worried that people wouldn't see how amazing Joana is because I gave her little screen time, but I'm very pleased to find out otherwise!! So thank you for sharing my love with all of the LI's! Each of them has a very particular way to love your MC and I can't wait to show you how it goes!
Thank you for reading it carefully all the way, being helpful with the survey, and leaving a rating and a comment!! It means the world to me!!
You take care of yourself as well!!
Stay hydrated, my dear 💖
Lou
I enjoyed the demo, but the links on the last page aren't working. :(
Hey! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
How odd, they are working for me... Could you tell me what platform you're using to play?
In any case, here they are!
Bug report/Survey: https://forms.gle/8UPeyfoDtMo5u3b49
Ascendance on Tumblr: https://ascendance-if.tumblr.com/
Thank you for playing and reading it carefully until the very end! 💖
Lou
I'm on Windows
Windows I can cover! 😊 Onto it, thanks for letting me know!
Lou