I'm really enjoying this story so far and am definitely interested to see how it all plays out. What I found really interesting is the Affliction is already kind of occurring with humanity with the diminishing of the Y chromosome (except with humanity, it won't happen in a few hundred years - might need to add about five more zeros on the end of that to be closer to the truth). Looking forward to more. :)
There's an addictively thought-provoking and layered atmosphere to this game. Can't wait to see where it goes and unravel the mystery alongside the best boi.
I didn't start it yet, i just have one question.. why the hell is the reddit bot here? (Nah, just kidding it's funny, i post this comment while i wait to the download to end)
In short, an amazing story. Good balance in storytelling. Waiting for more now obviously. Thank you for making such a great game. Thank you even more for making it for free.
Before I go and try to decipher the algorithm, does anyone know whether its a real message or just a bunch of symbols mashed together? It could possibly be that the message isn't whole since byte said that there was only half the algorithm
I don't know how xou do it, but Takhi has the most colourful and creative insults I have ever read in my life xD how the hell do xou even come up with a phrase like "malignant shitfunnel"? X'D
My favourite line from this update has to be: "Jus' keep dogin' axes like they're flyin' pussies come ta' snatch ya' spunk!"
Xou're amazing at creating characters, because not only is Loken all we could ever ask for in a woof, but engaging with the other characters is just as satisfying~ ^__^
All in all I like Soulcreek very much! The horror elements beat Echo 100%
But, IMHO the whole theme with sex is a little rushed and takes more place than it should. For example, hearing really scary noises almost right after sex scene is... Unpleasant.
I feel like that might be intentional, to try and get the reader to feel how fast of a change or how unpleasant it really is for the protagonist with this information.
First off, fantastic writing. I have not been this enthralled with a VNs backstory or it's universe since Shelter. I love that the MC is not a complete jerk with irrational knee jerk reactions. And the story feels very human in it's responses. Really cant wait for the next act to drop.
Second, the lovecraftian mythos mix of the machines, the pall of madness, advanced and primitive technology merging into one cohesive novel, really set this up as a must read for FVNs.
Not too sure about first one but I believe the demons are some kind of amalgamation of man and machine. I think the mc is either what the demons were meant to be but somehow got corrupted (as in a perfect synchronization of man and machine working together in harmony) or that the mc is what all the demons were at some point before the ai they had in them started altering their bodies in unforeseen ways. And because the mc was in hibernation, these negative effects have not yet occurred between him and his ai. I suspect the mc might also be more akin to a cyborg and so the demons being corrupt versions of this makes sense to me if I'm correct.
I think you might be right about the demons and Alex. Maybe when Byte combines the algorithm it tries to overtake Byte and Alex and turn them into a demon. Doesn't really explain why the blackzones exist or why the demons never leave them though :/
Maybe that event landed with a rogue AI, then it created machines especcially made to kill with some crazy computer-made stuff, I can imagine the fog being a proyection of machines to mess with your mine, and the machines using some material that causes light that induces PTSD
I will highlight some loose ends, maybe this will help us to see a pattern.
We know there was a war against humans, but not what caused it and who they were fighting against.
There is a Virus thats targeting the Y chromossome.
The algorithm was made during The Cascade (maybe it was planed).
There are no human remains to be found from the period everyone was gone.
Superhumans with AI inside them are a thing
Alex doesnt need to eat or breathe, something is sustaining him with what he needs and more, since he is capable of regenerating himself (so he is synthesizing proteins from nothing).
Maybe its just because of the region they're in, but I always found it really interesting how they reinforce again and again that its cold in the summer (something drastically changed the world climate maybe?)
It is said that the demon was mocking mylo, so he has to understand emotions to an extent. (AI? Human? Both?)
If anyone has any idea, please share it if you're confortable
I was thinking that maybe this virus affecting the Y chromosome was made for population control in the pre-cascade era. If there are less males, then there will be less births. And it's not like everyone is into having multiple wives. Plus as we can see, the only way for the current species to maintain their numbers was by making drastic changes to the mating culture by coming up with the Mating Troupe thing. Sooo, it's like shoot your load and go.
I can see that, but I also thought it could be a bioweapon. It is (apparently, judging by how alex got it) an airborn virus that doesnt express any symtoms except in the next generation, so it would be virtually impossible to notice it and react to it in time before everyone is already infected. If a robot wants to rebel, that would be a GENIOUS play. Slowly reduce the rate in which humans reproduce and when they notice something is wrong, finish them off. That way no one would suapect a rebelion until the very end.
My thoughts too! And what's up with the apples being the first thing he remembered? Is it related to the first sin of man? Or even to how it was depicted in Assassin's Creed (the apple of Eden) to house the secret of free will? After all, we did install free_will.exe at the start of the VN.
Its definitly possible that the translation software was installed with byte, but never explained how it automatically translated the language. We don't know what happened exactly or when the protagonist was put into preservation due to the memory loss, but it could definitly be a hint that either byte is hiding something from us OR beastmen had appeared around the same time that the cascade happened, which could be useful to know, instead of them appearing randomly years later.
(I'm also ruling out that the translation system was learning the language as they talked since loken talked very little and yet we understood him as soon as he started talking)
It could also be possible that the demons are a alien species, or at least crafted with alien materials. Since the mere THOUGHT or sight of them could drive people insane, much less what they could do to you if they catch you.
Also don't forget that demons ONLY target sapient species like the beastmen and humans, not wild animals. Could that mean the demons were specifically engineered to target humans and bipedal species? Or are they just smart enough to target any species that could pose a threat to them?
(another less likely theory is that the demons are just thinking of this as a game, like playing with their food, and don't leave the blackzones for the sole reason of giving their pray a fighting chance for survival, since they have emotions or at least intelligence, and can kill beings very easily.)
The image with morse code in the game file surprises me HAHAHAHAHAHA
Got me all "AHHHHH WADEFAKKK??!!!"
btw, this is very good. I like the horror build up and now I understand why it's so scary. This VN is current in early development, ig? but there's so much to read. The flirting got both Alex and me flustered.
This has been a great novel to read. Balances saving the world with romancing a husky man just right. Going to be interesting to see how the husky reacts the next day.
I absolutely loved it! This is honestly one of the few vns that have an mc who do not irritate me with their stupid behaviour. I'm invested in the story just as much as in romance. Can't WAIT to see the Soul creek mountain, this is all very exciting. And the demons! Portrayed their looming presence even without actually showing them and that adds to the story so much. I'm waiting for the next chapter!
I have never been so invested in a visual novel. Just the description of this caught my attention, and once I downloaded it, I became immediately hooked. I have finished Chapter 1, and am patiently awaiting Chapter 2. By far, the best VN I have ever read.
I don't know how i never considered techno-cosmic horror but now that I've seen it holy fuck it's amazing! this was so well written it's unbelievable. and the use of graphics (and lackthereof) work to enhance the horror perfectly! I can't wait to see act 2 holds in store
"medieval and sci-fi" themes in 1 game! Very intriguing I really like the main protagonist (Alex) isn't just boring guy, and Byte is really making the story funnier~ (But I think "he?" swearing a bit too much for AI tho)but I like the sassy attitude
The art style isn't bad, I like some of character design (I don't like Alex design) But at least the background is nice thou.. When we are in The Blackzone. the atmosphere is really perfect for that situation! Personaly I don't like Horror game because have random jumpscare... but this game has the perfect horror recipe. Don't have random jumpscare, but scary af!
For the character.... Loken is The best! I love when he go rough,and want Alex to himself! Very hot! but he can be cute at the same time. I laugh every time he say, we are small HAHAHA Never change Loken, Never!
The building up for the sex scene is so good! When got Loken want to go rough on Alex, is super hot! but the execution a bit disappointed. I was expecting the sex scene gonna be long after superrrrr longgg tease from him and Alex going to destoyed once he was satisfied. like Real Dog... I-I mean The real Hounds.... I really hope in the future update, we go to see the real him! (oh! maybe we can get chained too pls :3) we got some foreshadowing at some scene :3
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That cutoff felt like one of those "buy the book" endings. But this kind of is the book.
I'm really enjoying this story so far and am definitely interested to see how it all plays out. What I found really interesting is the Affliction is already kind of occurring with humanity with the diminishing of the Y chromosome (except with humanity, it won't happen in a few hundred years - might need to add about five more zeros on the end of that to be closer to the truth). Looking forward to more. :)
There's an addictively thought-provoking and layered atmosphere to this game. Can't wait to see where it goes and unravel the mystery alongside the best boi.
Is this game still in progress? I thought it was finished but I hit a dead end.
I don't think it's going to be finished anytime soon, it's still being made with updates.
yeah their still posting snip-bits on their twitter so its still in development
I didn't start it yet, i just have one question.. why the hell is the reddit bot here? (Nah, just kidding it's funny, i post this comment while i wait to the download to end)
The story is so much fun and interesting to read. But then turn into horror and creepy when i reach the "blackzone". Love it :)
In short, an amazing story. Good balance in storytelling. Waiting for more now obviously. Thank you for making such a great game. Thank you even more for making it for free.
ya like jazz????
also are the backgrounds ai art? Idk they just dont look made by a human
They aren't AI, I think they are images run through a filter of some sort to make it look "painted" almost.
Yeah a lot of VNs do it that way, they predate the influx of AI stuff.
Ive just started, but this vn looks amazing. I really like the art style and the story.
Before I go and try to decipher the algorithm, does anyone know whether its a real message or just a bunch of symbols mashed together? It could possibly be that the message isn't whole since byte said that there was only half the algorithm
A few people have found it already, but there is a message in there somewhere! Not necessarily in the symbols, though!
Ah, the eat yourself in binary. I suppose there isn't a way to decode the message right now, and will probably be decoded later in the story
I wonder whether the message is slowly having an effect on the protags mind.
I don't trust bytes firewall.The story and horror are really well made! Those sounds are chilling
And I absolutely love Loken!
How can I trigger the public sex indulgence?
You have to take Flare with Loken on day 4, and pick the 'I want more' option when it comes up. Try from a new game if the option isn't coming up!
OMG NEW UPDATE
I don't know how xou do it, but Takhi has the most colourful and creative insults I have ever read in my life xD how the hell do xou even come up with a phrase like "malignant shitfunnel"? X'D
My favourite line from this update has to be: "Jus' keep dogin' axes like they're flyin' pussies come ta' snatch ya' spunk!"
Xou're amazing at creating characters, because not only is Loken all we could ever ask for in a woof, but engaging with the other characters is just as satisfying~ ^__^
All in all I like Soulcreek very much! The horror elements beat Echo 100%
But, IMHO the whole theme with sex is a little rushed and takes more place than it should. For example, hearing really scary noises almost right after sex scene is... Unpleasant.
But isn't sex is thing why people really read this VNs? :)
Yeah, but they mention it some good time, and its weird to see a Horny part and get punched with weirdness
That would depend on who you ask?
I myself am not opposed to the sex, but the story and suspense is what keeps me hooked.
I feel like that might be intentional, to try and get the reader to feel how fast of a change or how unpleasant it really is for the protagonist with this information.
First off, fantastic writing. I have not been this enthralled with a VNs backstory or it's universe since Shelter. I love that the MC is not a complete jerk with irrational knee jerk reactions. And the story feels very human in it's responses. Really cant wait for the next act to drop.
Second, the lovecraftian mythos mix of the machines, the pall of madness, advanced and primitive technology merging into one cohesive novel, really set this up as a must read for FVNs.
TLDR: wonderful read, keep at it.
(spoiler warning for people who are about to read)
Ok theorists! What do you think happened in the cascade? and what are these dangerous "Demons" blackrunners are afraid of?
Not too sure about first one but I believe the demons are some kind of amalgamation of man and machine. I think the mc is either what the demons were meant to be but somehow got corrupted (as in a perfect synchronization of man and machine working together in harmony) or that the mc is what all the demons were at some point before the ai they had in them started altering their bodies in unforeseen ways. And because the mc was in hibernation, these negative effects have not yet occurred between him and his ai. I suspect the mc might also be more akin to a cyborg and so the demons being corrupt versions of this makes sense to me if I'm correct.
I think you might be right about the demons and Alex. Maybe when Byte combines the algorithm it tries to overtake Byte and Alex and turn them into a demon. Doesn't really explain why the blackzones exist or why the demons never leave them though :/
Maybe that event landed with a rogue AI, then it created machines especcially made to kill with some crazy computer-made stuff, I can imagine the fog being a proyection of machines to mess with your mine, and the machines using some material that causes light that induces PTSD
I will highlight some loose ends, maybe this will help us to see a pattern.
We know there was a war against humans, but not what caused it and who they were fighting against.
There is a Virus thats targeting the Y chromossome.
The algorithm was made during The Cascade (maybe it was planed).
There are no human remains to be found from the period everyone was gone.
Superhumans with AI inside them are a thing
Alex doesnt need to eat or breathe, something is sustaining him with what he needs and more, since he is capable of regenerating himself (so he is synthesizing proteins from nothing).
Maybe its just because of the region they're in, but I always found it really interesting how they reinforce again and again that its cold in the summer (something drastically changed the world climate maybe?)
It is said that the demon was mocking mylo, so he has to understand emotions to an extent. (AI? Human? Both?)
If anyone has any idea, please share it if you're confortable
I was thinking that maybe this virus affecting the Y chromosome was made for population control in the pre-cascade era. If there are less males, then there will be less births. And it's not like everyone is into having multiple wives. Plus as we can see, the only way for the current species to maintain their numbers was by making drastic changes to the mating culture by coming up with the Mating Troupe thing.
Sooo, it's like shoot your load and go.
I can see that, but I also thought it could be a bioweapon. It is (apparently, judging by how alex got it) an airborn virus that doesnt express any symtoms except in the next generation, so it would be virtually impossible to notice it and react to it in time before everyone is already infected. If a robot wants to rebel, that would be a GENIOUS play. Slowly reduce the rate in which humans reproduce and when they notice something is wrong, finish them off. That way no one would suapect a rebelion until the very end.
My thoughts too!
And what's up with the apples being the first thing he remembered? Is it related to the first sin of man? Or even to how it was depicted in Assassin's Creed (the apple of Eden) to house the secret of free will? After all, we did install free_will.exe at the start of the VN.
That's an awesome connection, i forgot about the apple. Adding to that, apples are also used to depict forbidden knoledge.
Its definitly possible that the translation software was installed with byte, but never explained how it automatically translated the language. We don't know what happened exactly or when the protagonist was put into preservation due to the memory loss, but it could definitly be a hint that either byte is hiding something from us OR beastmen had appeared around the same time that the cascade happened, which could be useful to know, instead of them appearing randomly years later.
(I'm also ruling out that the translation system was learning the language as they talked since loken talked very little and yet we understood him as soon as he started talking)
It could also be possible that the demons are a alien species, or at least crafted with alien materials. Since the mere THOUGHT or sight of them could drive people insane, much less what they could do to you if they catch you.
Also don't forget that demons ONLY target sapient species like the beastmen and humans, not wild animals. Could that mean the demons were specifically engineered to target humans and bipedal species? Or are they just smart enough to target any species that could pose a threat to them?
(another less likely theory is that the demons are just thinking of this as a game, like playing with their food, and don't leave the blackzones for the sole reason of giving their pray a fighting chance for survival, since they have emotions or at least intelligence, and can kill beings very easily.)
BRO WTF THE PROTAG GOT THE SAME NAME AS ME LET'S GOOOOO
Loved this :3 Can't wait for more :P
The image with morse code in the game file surprises me HAHAHAHAHAHA
Got me all "AHHHHH WADEFAKKK??!!!"
btw, this is very good. I like the horror build up and now I understand why it's so scary. This VN is current in early development, ig? but there's so much to read. The flirting got both Alex and me flustered.
Really good story. Was completely invested in it and craving more. Can't wait until the next update.
Just started reading, and I'm instantly hooked!
This has been a great novel to read. Balances saving the world with romancing a husky man just right. Going to be interesting to see how the husky reacts the next day.
that last image (on this page) lmao
It's been a year daddy where's the update 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
31/03 babyyy
source: their twitter
March 31?
yep
nice
Ohhh eeemmmmmm gggggggg ok ok I'll wait (Patiently 😌💅)
Let's gooo
Nice! :D
Ah yes, man-made horrors beyond my comprehension. Technological singularities really are something.
sooo..ummm....does any one know when will act two be updated or its just me that doesnt know how to continue the story
There is a date on twitter so, the end of march maybe?
ohhh thxxxx <3
I absolutely loved it! This is honestly one of the few vns that have an mc who do not irritate me with their stupid behaviour. I'm invested in the story just as much as in romance. Can't WAIT to see the Soul creek mountain, this is all very exciting. And the demons! Portrayed their looming presence even without actually showing them and that adds to the story so much. I'm waiting for the next chapter!
Oh, that's sure I'm looking for... Postapocalyptic world, remains of civilisation and a big stubborn gay husky alpha-male...
It's been a year daddy 😭😭😭💅
Really enjoyed act 1. Hope the high quality continues.
I have never been so invested in a visual novel. Just the description of this caught my attention, and once I downloaded it, I became immediately hooked. I have finished Chapter 1, and am patiently awaiting Chapter 2. By far, the best VN I have ever read.
I just finished act 1 and am now eagerly awaiting act 2. Great VN so far.
Just wow.Just wow.I'm impressed...really..This vn make me stun.Mix with horror and warm.I'm hoping for next update.Anyway great job.
I don't know how i never considered techno-cosmic horror but now that I've seen it holy fuck it's amazing! this was so well written it's unbelievable. and the use of graphics (and lackthereof) work to enhance the horror perfectly! I can't wait to see act 2 holds in store
is it too much horror? I'm interested in playing but I'm not into horror stuff
There is not much horor at this moment, you can focus on their story
Its only ambiental horror (no jumpscares or ugly things, just a creepy mood), if thats what youre asking
"medieval and sci-fi" themes in 1 game! Very intriguing
I really like the main protagonist (Alex) isn't just boring guy, and Byte is really making the story funnier~ (But I think "he?" swearing a bit too much for AI tho)but I like the sassy attitude
The art style isn't bad, I like some of character design (I don't like Alex design) But at least the background is nice thou..
When we are in The Blackzone. the atmosphere is really perfect for that situation!
Personaly I don't like Horror game because have random jumpscare... but this game has the perfect horror recipe.
Don't have random jumpscare, but scary af!
For the character....
Loken is The best! I love when he go rough,and want Alex to himself! Very hot!
but he can be cute at the same time. I laugh every time he say, we are small HAHAHA
Never change Loken, Never!
The building up for the sex scene is so good!
When got Loken want to go rough on Alex, is super hot!
but the execution a bit disappointed.
I was expecting the sex scene gonna be long after superrrrr longgg tease from him and Alex going to destoyed once he was satisfied.
like Real Dog... I-I mean The real Hounds....
I really hope in the future update, we go to see the real him!
(oh! maybe we can get chained too pls :3) we got some foreshadowing at some scene :3
Amazing Story! Amazing Artworks! I loved the game and Loken i enjoyed the game♡~
Wow! This story was amazing. I loved the Lovecraftian horror of it!
Simply echoing the other comments, what excellent story telling. It's given me ideas for a D&D campaign. Just don't tel WoTC ;)