Help Me Date Your Dad! is simply excellent. It has a solid emotional core, good prose, quality art and an unique presentation style that manages to be visually engaging without being too complicated. However, this project is sadly marred by a single, but all encompassing problem.

Starting the game, readers may feel deceived by the title. We follow a protagonist in a complicated moment. Something out of her control but that she completely expected threatens a very important relationship in her life. With descriptions, narration, visuals and sound that solidify these emotions, players are put right into her shoes. But wait, there is a silver lining. She finds in someone a way not only to mend this relationship, but save everyone involved from regret. MC approaches that person and asks their help and then... silly music starts playing.

Help Me Date Your Dad! suffers from severe tonal issues. For most of the time, it offers this grounded drama that's explored really well, but there are a couple of scenes that shift this mood completely with goofier dialogue, upbeat music and exaggerated reactions. The shift is harsh enough on the reader, but it also comes close to cheapening a particular relationship that's pivotal to the whole story.

My belief is that the story could be approached either way (though I won't deny my preference for the grounded drama), however the abruptness and frequency of this change really harms the project. 

This is one of my favourite Novembears and it is high on that list, but the tonal issue is just too much to ignore. The recommendation absolutely remains, but I would be nice to see this FVN "pick a lane" as it further develops.

Blackout: Zero absolutely nails its presentation but a handful of weakness hold it back.

Firstly, this project cannot stand on its own. Being a prequel to another project, it is surprising how much it hinges on your knowledge of characters and events hinted there. Not to mention, this VN lacks a gripping element of its own, as aspect further intensified by its imcomplete nature (at the time of this review).

The second notable issue comes in its brief gameplay session, where the reader is put in a dark area and needs to find and highlight certain objects. Thing is, the area is way too dark and with the filters used, it becomes nearly impossible to tell objects from each other. While that does enhance the sense of danger and mystery, it's a little disorientating in regards of what the player is even interacting with until the MC makes some comment about it.

All that said, the presentation is amazing, with moving parts, use of colour and unique menus that match the story's vibe completely. Writing is another highlight with little to no issues and good pacing.

 What little holds Blackout: Zero back unfortunately hold it a little too much to be its own thing. For someone who hasn't played One More Light, I'd recommend playing that first to get the most out of this one. Probably the Novembear with the best technical aspects, but not my favourite story.