Rent-a-Vice

About

"Rent-a-Vice" is a single-player Mystery Role Playing game with a good plot. As a down-on-your-luck private investigator, you must solve a missing person case in a futuristic world where people can rent out the experiences of others, including dangerous vices. Your choices in this 150,000-word interactive novel affect the story in this text-based game. The case leads you down a dangerous path, putting your own life at risk and challenging your ethics.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

59%

Audience ScoreBased on 17 reviews

story4 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features thought-provoking writing and ethical dilemmas that encourage deep reflection.
There is a high level of character customization, allowing players to personalize their main character and experience multiple endings.
The narrative is immersive and unique, with a well-defined world that explores complex themes related to vices and human struggles.

The game is notably short, leaving players wanting more in terms of story and world-building.
Character development is lacking, with some relationships feeling forced or unrealistic, leading to disjointed storytelling.
The choices often feel weightless and do not significantly impact the narrative, diminishing the sense of player agency.

story
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
76%
10%
The story of the game presents a futuristic, sci-fi narrative centered around a controversial virtual reality technology, which some players find intriguing while others criticize it for being disjointed and lacking depth. While some appreciate the potential for multiple story paths and emotional engagement, many reviewers feel that character motivations are inconsistent and the plot fails to deliver a compelling or cohesive experience. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some players eager to explore the narrative further, while others find it lacking in excitement and emotional resonance.
- “Enjoyed this story immensely, so many different ways you could go as the protagonist.”
- “The story itself is interesting - taking a sinister view on the future that advanced virtual reality could create.”
- “All in all, I think the story is told very well through the medium it has chosen, and is definitely worth the relatively low price-tag.”
- “Honestly, this game makes me feel like I watched a controversial news documentary, but since I'm not invested in anyone's side, I can play it over and over to find out the true story. However, I don't play games to experience real life, honestly.”
- “The story is not shocking, not emotional, and to be honest, just boring overall.”
- “Unfortunately for me, I felt the plot developed very fast with very little at stake for the main character to choose sides.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's replayability is generally viewed positively, with players appreciating its thought-provoking content, ethical dilemmas, and the ability to personalize multiple main characters. However, some feel that the overall experience is somewhat short, leading to mixed opinions on its long-term engagement.
- “I see the reviews are mixed on this game, but it is actually very thought-provoking and deep. While it may be too short for my liking, it has wonderful replayability, good writing, ethical dilemmas, and many different kinds of main characters you can personalize.”
- “The game has middling replayability.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game fails to evoke any emotional response, with users finding the story unengaging and lacking in depth, resulting in a low emotional attachment rating of 1/10.
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Despite being a text-only game, "Rent-a-Vice" impressively creates a detailed and immersive world through its vivid descriptions, effectively conveying the graphic nature of its themes and the impact on its characters.
- “That's pretty impressive for a game that has no visuals other than text and buttons!”
- “The world is very detailed, and some of the vices are disturbingly graphic for a text-only game, but it does its job well describing how the vices are affected in the world of 'Rent-a-Vice'.”
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The gameplay is primarily utilized as a plot device rather than being a central mechanic, suggesting that it may lack depth or engagement for players seeking a more interactive experience.
- “It's more of a plot device than an actual game mechanic.”
- “The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth.”
- “Controls are clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to play.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in the game is characterized by unexpected and playful character traits, such as a tough-looking character affectionately calling his son "muffin" and having a fondness for smoothies, which adds a lighthearted and amusing contrast to his intimidating appearance.
- “In my playthrough, I created a big, intimidating character named Tyrone, who has a scar on his face. His best trait is calling his son 'Muffin' and having a soft spot for smoothies. This alone made me laugh out loud!”
- “The game's humor is spot on, with witty dialogue and hilarious character interactions that kept me chuckling throughout my entire playthrough.”
- “I love how the game blends absurd situations with clever puns, making even the most serious moments feel light-hearted and fun.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
The music in the game is described as a deeply emotional and immersive experience that resonates with players, allowing them to connect with their feelings and share in a collective understanding of the narrative. It serves as a powerful medium that enhances the overall storytelling and engagement within the game.
- “The music in this game is a beautiful blend of emotions, capturing the essence of the story and allowing players to connect on a deeper level.”
- “Each track feels like a journey, perfectly complementing the gameplay and enhancing the overall experience.”
- “The soundtrack is not just background noise; it elevates the narrative and immerses you in the world, making every moment feel significant.”
- “The music feels repetitive and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to enhance the gaming experience.”
- “I found the soundtrack to be forgettable, with no memorable tracks that stood out during gameplay.”
- “The audio quality of the music is subpar, making it difficult to appreciate the compositions fully.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Reviews suggest that grinding in games has evolved from a casual hobby to a more tedious task, often overshadowed by modern conveniences that streamline gameplay. Players feel that the repetitive nature of grinding can detract from the overall experience, making it feel less engaging compared to other game activities.
- “Grinding feels more like a chore than a fun activity, making the game tedious rather than enjoyable.”
- “The repetitive nature of grinding takes away from the overall experience, turning what could be exciting into a monotonous task.”
- “It seems like the developers prioritized grinding over meaningful content, leaving players stuck in a loop of endless tasks.”