Episode 13 Recap

Episode 13 Recap

Most of you have gotten the chance to play through Episode 13 at this point. I wanted to go over it in case there's something you might have missed and to let you know where everything is going. Spoilers ahead.

The Main Story

You have a few big tasks that are always at the forefront of the story. The first is your thesis, which you've made some small progress on after gathering the data from Vanessa's father. You don't need to see yourself actually doing your thesis but I did want to illustrate you are moving closer to your goal.

The coffee shop continues to grow with business even though we didn't see it in this episode. Don't worry. I haven't forgotten about it.

You've got the big tournament at the Proving Grounds, which you've successfully advanced in. Some scores were settled and we're starting to see some separation from the fighters. It's only one round but each of these rounds are going to continue to add up and when you look at the tournament as a whole, you'll have seen it played out over multiple episodes.

Sex

There's more sex in this episode than any previous episode. The number of animations was higher than I'd anticipated. With five different girls to choose from, you had more options than usual this time around.

This is the first episode where you finally had an opportunity with Harlow. You've done other things with Harlow but this is the first time you've gone all the way. You also got the chance to do something with Detective Seo for the first time as well.

Harlow

If it weren't already obvious, this was Harlow's episode. Going all the way back to Episode 1 when she's first introduced as your lab partner, I wanted to emphasize the growth she's had along the way to bring things full circle. From being your lab partner, to seeing her at the Pink Rabbit strip club, to the explosion at the coffee shop, Harlow has been through a lot. Harlow's story isn't complete but this was a big jump for her. Now she's not just a friend but a close friend, even if you're not pursuing a romantic relationship with her.

Harlow quits the strip club and finally comes to terms with her past. She tells you her deepest secret. I've talked about pieces to the puzzle that all of these characters have in previous Philosophy posts. You've gotten Harlow's pieces over the course of the game. Now you've gotten a major piece to her puzzle. Again, her puzzle isn't complete. But I'd like to think the picture you have of her is not only clearer because you know more about her, but also something you can appreciate in terms of completing her story. All of these small details I've thrown in on Harlow ever since Episode 1 are there.

Because this is a big moment for her, I gave her the whole episode. She doesn't have to share the spotlight with anybody. Nobody else gets a big, unnecessary moment to try and compete with her. It's all about her.

The Others

Harlow's received her time in the spotlight. In Episode 12, Erika got her chance in the spotlight. The other primary love interests didn't get too much screentime but they'll also get their chance in the spotlight soon enough. I wanted to emphasize this because some of you might have been disappointed in not seeing the girl you like.

I could have placed them in the episode but it would have felt arbitrary and shoehorned in. And as previously mentioned, I didn't want to take the spotlight away from Harlow. The last reason is something I mentioned last year.

There isn't much story left to tell. Some characters didn't appear simply because all that's left are the big story moments, which require large scenes—if not entire episodes—dedicated to them.

To sum it all up, everybody's time is coming. It's just a matter of getting there.

On Episode 14

There isn't much to report on Episode 14, as it's still in early production. I've gotten all of the major sets built. All of the outfits have been chosen. There are some early renders done but nowhere close to what I need. And to be honest with you, unfortunately, with the release of Episode 13 coming around the holidays, I did fall behind a bit do to a combination of taking a breather and spending time with family. Not a great excuse, I know. I just wanted to mention it for some transparency. If you get nothing else from this vague update, just know that rendering has started and I plan on blasting through a few big scenes starting today, through the weekend, and into next week. The first big, official progress update probably won't be until February, since I want to have something to actually report. But I'll keep you up-to-date between then in the meantime.

I have a few more ideas for renders this month as well as some Philosophy posts. I might try to squeeze in a poll or two if I get to it.

If you've got any questions or comments on Episode 13 or in general, feel free to send me a message. We're a couple of weeks into 2024. I hope it's treating you well so far. Take care of yourselves and I'll talk to you soon.