Hello, NSAID. We would definitely like to release the game on Steam in the future. Check out the demo here: https://dragonfirestudios.itch.io/netghost-demo
It's Ok I've downloaded and played now, but still stuck on endless loop (I don't think I've reached "true" ending yet). I feel some addition of flowchart and list of ending would be nice to keep track of the progress
Some nitpick I'd like to address:
- Some of the UI is still Ren'Py standard like History and prompt screen (I feel like it doesnt reflect overall production quality, should have been made better)
- There is no option to Skip unseen text. I know you might want to prevent the player for not actually reading, but it pains me I can't directly skip what I've read on demo version
- There is no option to Load in the middle of the game, right click only leads to "Save" (again, it might be intentional but I find it is rather inconvenient)
Actually, can you tell me how many endings it has? I feel like I have exhausted all the options (by replying/not replying the email) but somehow all the endings felt inconclusive...
The email that influence the endings are Bitlord's, Viktor's and Mike's. The rest of it? Doesn't seem like it will change much
I can't help to think there must be a better solution
The endings are these: One Leaf Clover, The Human Factor, Long Straw, Short Straw
There is no designated True ending - I wished to let the readers decide which ending is the True one - though if I were to pick, I'd pick The Human Factor, and if not that, Long Straw.
Thanks for all your feedback, again!
- Phoivos
So I guess I have reached them all. When I go back to the first part, it makes sense actually. "I will return" seems implicating there will be a continuation though. Is there any plan to continue this story in the future?
Still, I'd like to see more content with this price tag, and more conclusive ending (there are still a lot of things that could be explained, and I'd really like to see if Hope had a bigger role
A sequel to Netghost is a possibility, but nothing definite as of now.
You are correct in saying more things in it could be explained, for the purposes of the overall narrative of Ian's story. Though, if I were to give my own opinion, I'd say that as the story is strictly told through Ian's eyes, not everything in it has an explanation. There are a number of so-called red herrings that serve as misdirection, and information that Ian has no way of knowing can only be inferred by him, and consequently the readers. Some of that information may seem relevant, but ultimately isn't; that is all part of the guesswork, in which the players actively play their own part. I think what I would pick as the True ending is conclusive to the story [(spoilers) The hack on Veritee goes through, Bitlord's plans have succeeded, Schweizer and his hired guns have all met their end & Vivie continues her treatment (/spoilers)].
That being said, your assessment has been duly noted!