com__et
- October 31, 2023
- SuperBiasedGary
"com et" is a single-player adventure game with a unique story. The game, a queer romance/horror visual novel, follows a protagonist who must navigate hidden words and choices to reveal different endings. With 6000 words, 4 songs, and multiple endings , players must explore and make different decisions to see the full story. The game deals with themes of communication, manipulation, and self-discovery.
Reviews
- The game features a unique mechanic of obscuring text, which enhances the storytelling and encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover the full narrative.
- The art and music are praised for their quality, contributing to an engaging and emotional experience.
- The story is relatable and thought-provoking, effectively capturing complex feelings and societal pressures in a short format.
- Many players wish the game was longer, as the short length limits the depth of the story and character development.
- Some technical aspects, such as the use of stock Ren'py UI and music, detract from the overall presentation and immersion.
- A few players felt that the game may not resonate with everyone, indicating it might miss the mark for those not in the target audience.
- story32 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story is a brief yet impactful visual novel that explores themes of repressed romantic feelings through a seemingly straightforward love narrative. While some reviewers wished for a longer and more complex plot, they praised the emotional depth and relatability of the characters, as well as the innovative storytelling techniques employed. Overall, it offers a condensed experience that effectively engages players, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking a quick yet meaningful story.
“This game manages to pack a surprising amount of detail and emotion into a very (and I mean very) short story.”
“An excellent visual novel, which creatively uses the medium to tell an intriguing and heartfelt story.”
“There's an appeal to having a condensed story that says exactly what it wants and then ends... but the 'gimmick' doesn't get to fully shine when there's only a single, narrow plot thread.”
“A big part of the story seems to be dealing with repressed romantic feelings, so literally censoring the main character's thoughts from the reader in a first-person setting works really well in tandem with this theme.”
“Though the visual novel initially reads like a love story, there's a little more going on underneath the surface.”
- music12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the dynamic soundtrack that enhances tension and suits the gameplay, others find certain tracks, particularly the main menu song, unappealing and describe the overall sound as overly loud with clashing instruments. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the music effectively complements the game's atmosphere, especially in later stages.
“Art is amazing, as well as the music.”
“Kept surprising me every time I made new or different choices with both the writing and the dynamic music!”
“I'm not a pro when it comes to music, so it's hard to really describe my issues with it, but the tracks all sounded very 'loud' even when I had my volume turned down, and the instruments used seemed to 'clash' with one another.”
“Also, I didn't like the music very much.”
“The main menu/beginning song isn't my jam, but the soundtrack really does suit the game well in my opinion; especially later in the game, it does a great job of building tension.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke strong feelings, particularly through its heartfelt storytelling and relatable themes. While some players wish for a deeper exploration of character emotions, many still appreciate the game's capacity to resonate with personal experiences and create a sense of connection. Overall, it effectively conveys its message, leaving players feeling understood and less alone.
“An excellent visual novel, which creatively uses the medium to tell an intriguing and heartfelt story.”
“Made me feel a little less alone in regards to those particular sorts of experiences.”
“If it went more in depth on the feelings of the characters, I would probably feel really emotional, but either way, I really like the way it gets its point across.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this short queer visual novel is highlighted by a unique mechanic where players are unaware of the true implications of their choices until later in the game, adding an element of surprise and engagement. Overall, while the gameplay is fun, it is noted to be limited in scope.
“A unique mechanic of not knowing what your choices really mean until later.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game utilize stock Ren'Py assets, which are functional but could benefit from enhancements for a more visually appealing experience. However, the artwork received positive feedback, indicating that it adds a pleasing aesthetic to the overall presentation.
“Also loved the artwork.”
“Stock Ren'Py is fine and it's perfectly functional, but it would've made the experience look more aesthetically pleasing.”