Star-Crosst

Due to lack of reviews, I thought why not provide my own. Before everything else, I'd like to warn whoever is reading this, that it's a highly cautious recommendation overall. Gonna keep it spoiler free the best I can. I bought this game for 2 purposes: - As a thank you to QuietShy for all the Warframe content from back in the day (some of us ancient relics haven't forgotten ya :P) - To stream it with friends as a sort of group reading activity (yea, I know, we are nerds) [h1]Game engine and technical stuff[/h1] Star - Crosst runs on Unity, an interesting choice for a visual novel. Personally, so far I haven't seen anything which couldn't have been done on RenPy, simpler and more reliably. At least once I saw character's name having a typo in their speech panel meaning that, for every dialogue line, the developers had to write in character names manually. Damn, that gotta hurt. Characters also tend to slightly shift their position when their expressions change. Could be intentional. Could be Unity. Not going to judge it. No bugs and no crashes though. What I would like to add here is to point out that white-out transition, nicknamed "the flashbang", isn't always the best choice in an otherwise avg-to-low brightness game. [h1]Voice Acting[/h1] It's... occasional. As we started to call it, "surprise voice acting". Most of the lines don't have voice acting to them, but a few, more impactful ones, do, sometimes rather unexpectedly. Overall, not an issue, and, of course, expecting an audio book out of a visual novel is silly, but a fair warning is in order. The quality of voice acting is pretty good overall. The VAs are doing their best to perform the roles they were given which is nice. [h1]Art and assets[/h1] Character art is good from what I could see so far, clearly a lot of love and effort went into it. Gotta love Isol's tail being an indicator of her emotional state. One minor note: there were a couple of moments where characters kept expressions not exactly fitting the lines they were speaking. Backgrounds are... not the strongest suit of the game. Perspective is clearly the arch-nemesis of the artist who made them. Another thing: BGs in VNs are supposed to allow you to feel like you are standing/sitting somewhere, and you are seeing what your game character is seeing. In this game you often find yourself floating a few meters into the air, standing on a roof of some car stuck in traffic and so on. Proportions and distance are also off on some, esp. the observatory and city streets. Kinda distracting. Developers could certainly use at least a little more variety for backgrounds as well. Music and sounds are alright. [h1]Story[/h1] [b][u]Intro[/u][/b] For what is supposed to catch your attention I feel like intro is not paced very well. It starts with attack on Earth, but wait we have colonies on Mars, too, but wait, we have one on the moon as well. Now, I'm not a very good writer myself, but I feel like it's better to first establish time, then the fact that humanity has colonized Mars and the moon, then that we met friendly aliens from Ghi, and THEN that we got attacked. [b][u]Overall[/u][/b] I felt like it had its pacing and focus all over the place. Random time skips (say, from "let's go to the bar" and "that bar was nice") were a bit grating. Like, has nothing at all happened there? No chat? At one moment you get a phone call, and the background is day. When the call ends, it's night BG. It was one long phone call. By around mid-point I started to properly grasp the conflict, or, rather, the idea of the story, but tbh I don't think it had enough time to blossom properly. Also depending on a particular choice, the story tries to dive into a topic rather unrelated to the main plot, and given already rather short script, it didn't fit particularly into the narrative. As a side note, it's a personal thing of course, but I prefer numbers in text to be numbers rather than words. So 2323 rather than twenty-three-twenty-three, it's just easier to read this way IMO. [b][u]Player character[/u][/b] They feel a little like a blank slate, which I suppose is to be expected in a VN, but not blank slate enough if that makes any sense. They have a distinct personality, but that distinct personality is a little flat. You also can't pick your... their name. Honestly, this game could benefit from further developing the player char. and making them their own person, rather than something between that and sorta-not-really-blank player avatar. [b][u]The main three[/u][/b] They are decent, if rather underutilized. They could really use more screentime an, more importantly, interactions with each other. I also found it strange how once you chose one specific "final" route, the other ones seemingly disappear into the aether. [b][u]Support cast[/u][/b] They are well-written and I honestly liked their personalities. However, without any spoilers, I feel like they tend to overshadow the main three very noticeably, and, in fact, they are the ones which determine the main storyline, while the poster girls (and Nikita) don't seem to be as too involved overall. [b][u]Romance[/u][/b] One glance at my avatar prob. already told you whom I picked as the "love interest" for the story. I mean, it's obvious, really. So let's just say, that besides saying yes to an offer at the very start, my char didn't even get a hug from her (granted, because of choices thing, I haven't had the opportunity to pick her as my chapter 2 path). 0/10 literally unplayable unless chapter 2 redeems it. But on a more serious note, the game does feel somewhat undercooked and rushed in romance department, and it's all too happy to fade to black at any opportunity, and not necessarily to hide "da action". In fact, I think there was only one implication of it happening in my playthrough, and it was at the start, with that choice. [h1]Closing remarks[/h1] It was interesting to see Shy try to take a new direction in her creative endeavours. I give this game a thumbs up, because it does pick up its writing noticeably by the mid-point as well as to honor of all of those laughs Shy's content had given me back in the old days. I would say though, that the story could really benefit from a few more thousands of words, both to develop relationships as well as not to rush important parts.

Although I have only completed one route so far, I thought this was a really nice and well written story. Each of the characters you are introduced to are unique in their own way. However, in my opinion my favorite character hands down has got to be Isol. Overall, I really enjoyed the game, I'm a sucker for romance and I'd gladly pay for a sequel or some form of continuation to the story.

This should be a thumb sideways, if i could put it that way. The price is too high for what the game is, since there is only about 3 hours max of "game", and that 3 hours is mostly left clicking on the dialogue box. The only options that are given end up just being a choice between a different rail-line, not really having an impact on the story, because all the lines are just a different story. The art style is good and consistent, the writing is clear but there is way too much text and eventually it just feels like lore dumping.

Star-Crosst is a sci-fi romance visual novel set in the far future. Humanity has just won (?) a thirteen-year war against invading aliens called the Riklid. After one of their superweapon ships was destroyed, the remaining aliens retreated and left the solar system entirely, leaving the bewildered and war-weary humans and Ghians (friendly aliens) to face the big question: what happens now? Or, at least, they'll face that question after throwing the biggest, booziest, and sexiest interplanetary victory party ever. Players take the role of Ezra Foy, a robotics student living on one of Saturn's moons. They've joined in the festivities, but the question remains: what will they, personally, do now that the war is over? The answers may lie with three people who seem to know what their plans are: Carla Vaughn, Ezra's best friend; Nikita Klein, a pilot-in-training; and Isol, a lizard alien. These three characters are Ezra's romance options. As the player progresses the story, they get to choose to spend time with each character for the morning and evening (but never the same character twice in one day), learning more about them and about Ezra themselves. This isn't a porn game with sex scenes, although it gets quite thirsty in conversation. * * * The character art is gorgeous and expressive. There is care and detail put on not only the three romanceable characters, but also secondary characters who have their time in the limelight as well. The colors are very complementary, soft, and relaxing, showing an art direction for a game that is meant to be more soothing and reflective than garish and party-heavy. One complaint has to do with the backgrounds, in that it's not always at eye level for Ezra/the player. There are times we'll be floating in the sky, or at least the perspective is wonky. The soundtrack is fine, but I really like the characters' themes. Carla's eurobeat techno, Nikita's weirdly-jazzy tune and Isol's alien drum-and-vocalizations are pleasures to listen to when they kick in. There is voice acting, although only for important or character-establishing lines. There aren't many of those either, however, which is a shame, because the voice actors nailed it. * * * The writing deserves its own place in the review, given that there is no "game" here in the traditional sense. This is a pure visual novel, with player input being the rare choice of what to say in conversation or who to spend time with. Let's address my biggest issue first: I really like the writing and characterization, but there's far too little of it. There isn't a lot of room for the romanceable cast to breathe and develop due to plot development reasons. Without spoiling too much, the player only gets a chance to spend four or five chapters with each character, and these chapters aren't that long when you consider Ezra talks as much as they do. Not only that, it's rare that you get to spend time with more than one romanceable character on screen at the same time, which means there isn't much time for their distinct personalities to bounce off each other. Given this game is a romance novel, you'd think that the romancing would be more... well, romantic, but there's little of that, and more of budding friendships that become loving partnerships. But this development of love seems so awkward given there's not more of it! Another big issue: the pacing and transitions. There are some times where a player makes a decision or goes to a place with a character, and then there's a scene transition with not much reflection on what happened afterwards, or a chance to have more conversation with other unrelated characters about it. Also, without giving a glance or two at the game's databank (which needs some serious love and care to be remotely readable) a player may be confused as to where the hell Ezra is. It takes some time before this question is actually addressed, which is a rare misstep on the writer's part. Okay, I'm done with my complaining. Now I'm gonna gush. Let's talk about the Big Three romance buddies. Each has a distinct personality and active character, which bounces well off against the understandably more passive protagonist character. Unlike most other visual novels, Ezra Foy is not a blank slate avatar that the player can consider themselves to be. Ezra is a directionless, possibly-high-functioning-autistic shut-in who has some issues socializing, but isn't completely inept at talking to others and is actually quite a talented robotics student. This makes them a proper character in their own right that the player gets to experience as they almost-always positively interact with those around them. Also, big plus, no matter what your initial choice of biological sex, every character is entirely bi and willing to date you. Hell yeah. Carla Vaughn is sassy, energetic, witty, and can vocally spar with the best of them. Unfortunately, she's also British. Nikita Klein is down-to-not-Earth, super chill, and much more like Ezra in not knowing what to do in the future. Isol the Ghian is expressive, randy, jovial, and a sort of fish out of water that has tried her best to learn English as an alien, but is unable to pronounce sounds that involve lips, so her speech pattern and word choice betrays her pedigree. The writer definitely bust out his quite expansive vocabulary to get her communication skills out in a realistic way. There are a number of secondary characters that appear halfway through the game that add to the story, but I won't go much into detail due to spoilers. There is a sort of mini-arc that feels just a tad out of place for the game's themes when they show up, but could possibly have been included because of hopes for a sequel in this story's universe. Let's just say that the voice actors nailed their characterizations, though. The writer also gave due consideration for the themes of the story that really, really hit hard when these extras show up. Speaking of the themes of the story, I feel the writer knocked it out of the park. We have many stories that tell of wartime exploits, but what about stories of what the average person does when the dust settles? A very refreshing alternative, to be sure. * * * Star-Crosst is Lunatic Moon's first game, and it shows. There is plenty about the game that could have been improved from when it was first pitched, but what we got is a bite-sized treat. There are a few hiccups in the writing, but it's sturdy and playful. The art and sound design was definitely made with love and reflect the themes of the story. I've heard that Lunatic Moon does not plan to continue supporting this game. While I understand that this game has been in development for over three years, there is at least potential here to give a bit more love and polish to this game now that the pressure of publishing and release is gone. I agree with several reviewers saying the game felt too short but that the writing was excellent. Should Lunatic Moon reverse their decision, I propose a sort of retcon to the story, giving the player two more days before Ezra's parents return from the war. This would allow us more time to spend exploring Galilei with the three romanceable characters and give them more time to talk about themselves. I don't think a post-war DLC showing "where are they now" is a good idea, given that there are several possible endings with three unique results. I don't think more romanceable characters are necessary, either, nor is a harem ending good, but maybe a friendship ending? Just to give more variety? Again, I hope that Lunatic Moon doesn't give up quite yet on this game and gives it another shot at making some sales. It has potentially not sold well due to a lack of marketing, but I want it to succeed so that more games from the same studio can be made. Thank you for giving this review your attention and time! Now, go get deathrolled by some lizard ladies.

Finished a single playthrough/route today, and enjoyed the experience, found it worth the time and money. The initial premise of the story is straightforward, and sets the setting well. Mankind faces an extinction-level alien threat, survives, and the protagonist, Ezra, is suddenly faced with a looming existential question: "Now what?" The story follows their journey as they grapple with what it means to choose a future for yourself, and who (and how) to share it with. Things take a little bit to ramp up, but I felt myself become emotionally invested in the events of the story, and the writing delivered its core message coherently and effectively, with a handful of moments making me genuinely teary-eyed. Writing, Art direction, music, and voice acting all combined well to deliver an impactful experience, though some of the supporting characters could have benefited from additional expressions to convey deeper emotion in some of the more intense scenes. Voice acting was well done across the board, with Liam Cunningham's performance as Gabriel standing out as one of the strongest to me. My scope of the game is limited to the one route I have played, but I would note for players drawn to dating sim elements that the 'dating sim' aspect of the game is somewhat less focused on than the overall narrative, though not to its detriment. In the route I selected, Carla felt very naturally integrated into the story, and her relationship with Ezra felt well-developed and genuine. The character writing overall is great, and the humor is witty and enjoyable. Ezra and Carla *feel* like childhood friends, and Isol easily hangs right there with them when it comes to good-spirited banter. Overall I would recommend giving the game at least a single playthrough! I consider it time well-spent, and enjoyed my experience reading Star-Crosst.

While NSFW content is not nessesary for a Visual Novel to be good. The lack of it here hurts though, an adult patch would have made the difference for me. I knew there was non before buying it, but as the visuals and premisis looked promissing I decided to buy it anyway. But in the 1st 20 minutes you get the choice to pick for a threesome to just be rewarded with a rather uncermonious black screen. A weak effort at best. Also the sound is just not interesting, especially the lack of a background soundtrack, so you go for streches of text without some kind of mood music. I can't recommend the game, even at the Wintersale price I got it for.

I honestly really enjoyed this game. It was short, yes, but it was sweet. I found the characters fun and well developed, the basic premise engaging to think about, and the story and concluding philosophies of the ending I got very satisfying. I'm looking forward to what else the studio puts out in the future.

This game seemed to have an interesting premise but I'm not interested in dudes or lizard ladies (no offense to the dudes or lizard ladies out there.) The game seems determined to have me go on a date with one of them. It would have been nice to just pick no thanks I'll pass and stay home but that wasn't an option. Too bad Carla, it could have been great!

I will admit, i am a little disappointed that this wasnt the Warframe dating sim that it conceptually started out as. however, the detail to world building and character development is out of this world, if i'm allowed the pun, the artwork is so vibrant and expressive, and the story pacing is picture perfect. full of dumb humor and some genuinely heart breaking moments. its a shame that its so short but what we have is a nice packaged story. i do have one gripe with the music, not that its bad, far from it. but at certain spots, it can feel a bit misplaced for the tone of the scene. But all in all, great experience. cant wait for the next luney project. also, Shy put a gun to my head to say this game is good so send the polic-

Really enjoyed what I've played of Star-Crosst so far - characters are fairly relatable even in the future setting and as the story picks up it really starts to sink its teeth into you. Art style was a big attraction to this game for me along with the voice cast and neither disappointed.