DEMO RELEASED! (03/11/2024)
Added 2024-11-03 12:17:42 +0000 UTCHey everyone! As promised, I'm excited to share the demo with the first five chapters exclusively for you! The public demo with four chapters will be live for everyone in a few hours.
Let me know what you think once you’re done! I'm always open to your feedback, so if you have suggestions for new scenes or choices, feel free to share. Also, please let me know if you spot any typos, grammar issues, or bugs!
For future updates, I may add new scenes to earlier chapters based on your suggestions or just ideas that I come up with.
Anyway, enjoy! I really hope you like this version.
DEMO (omg i'm so excited to hear your opinions)
Comments
While I did love the original, I must say that this version is definitely better. Everything feels more real and fleshed out. I particularly like what you’ve done with Isabella’s character and her dynamic with Alvena. I went from disliking her in the original to really enjoying her in this version and looking forward to seeing more of her. I like that she doesn’t take her problems with Alvena out on Alvena’s children like she did in the original which, to me, made her seem a bit cartoonish. In this version, she obviously fears what may become of Richard if he isn’t the one to take the throne but she also does seem to want all four of the kids to treat each other like siblings. And she isn’t actively encouraging Richard to hate his siblings like she seemed to be in the original. It makes her feel much more real and sympathetic. I also LOVE how you gave her and Alvena the background of once being best friends before they started competing against each other for Charles. It makes me much more invested in the dynamic because of the angst and betrayal of it all.
Danielle
2024-11-29 20:45:07 +0000 UTCAlways pick options friendly to him. Max out sword stuff. Always go to the training ground when the opportunity presents itself. And pick the toy horse at the blacksmith.
isaiah d penka
2024-11-15 17:55:37 +0000 UTCThe first game was a disappointment to me. With choices that made me feel like a directionless ship without a rudder. Sure it had branching paths, but It felt unfair at times (especially towards the end). I felt little connection to my family, and there was a profound lack of meaningful choices that had a profound effect on the narrative. I saw the great potential it had during the original demo days, and hoped it would be realized properly. The original product was a letdown. But this remake? This rendition? It's everything I could ask for & even more. The family feels so real, the King feels more personable while still being a deeply flawed character. Richard wasn't a mere caricature of a typical paragon, but a person with real flaws that endeared you even more to his character. Freya is still sweet, but she feels much more flavorful. Atheris, is still rowdy. But she feels more relatable. I like this version much more than the last one. Instead of an evil sibling (imo), she's a complex being that still deeply cares for her loved ones. The Queens ofc are still the same, but they're more fleshed out. I love that you gave their relationship added context. As for the other characters you've done a splendid job. I really enjoy them. And I can't wait to see more of them. The world seems lively, and I can't wait to experience more of it. Mysterious Witches lurking in plain sight, Immortal Gods woven into its foundation, Fickle Fates that seem everchanging with no clear outcome in sight. Is there any new fantasies that will enrich the setting even more? I can't wait to see what you're doing with all this. This rendition already is a vast vast vast upgrade. If the original was a mediocre 5.5/10. Then this one is shaping up to easily be an 8/10. Maybe even a 9 tbh. This already is one of my favorite choices games so far. So, I really think this time you will knock it out of the park. Thank you...
Teltaios
2024-11-13 03:21:19 +0000 UTCBtw, is it possible to beat [] in a duel or would MC always lose?
Mich
2024-11-13 02:37:28 +0000 UTCWould you consider removing the icon or changing it? The scales usually relate to like “scales of justice” so I thought it was indicative of some kind of diplomacy skill or something lol
Mich
2024-11-13 02:36:36 +0000 UTCThis seems to be a lot more fleshed out than the og version. I’ve really enjoyed the changes. I feel like the characters seem more dimensional and there’s a kind of building of all of the different tension and drama. Nicholas is a rake and kind of a horrible person but he’s also so tempting 😭 lol
Mich
2024-11-13 02:35:29 +0000 UTCNo worries.
Jason Burns
2024-11-10 12:05:24 +0000 UTCyes, i accidentally removed some "to" from the paragraphs when i was fixing the codes automatically. i correct them as i encounter them :)
Nutella Queen
2024-11-10 11:39:45 +0000 UTCThere are a few places where "to" has been missed but I appreciate this is just a demo and the storytelling is more important atm
Jason Burns
2024-11-09 21:19:41 +0000 UTCJust noticed a very slight grammatical error. In the beginning where it says the king returns the baby the handmaiden it should say "to the handmaiden"
Jason Burns
2024-11-09 21:14:52 +0000 UTCthank you so much for the support and kind words!! means a lot <3
Nutella Queen
2024-11-08 10:05:15 +0000 UTCclose combat also includes dagger skills
Nutella Queen
2024-11-08 10:04:46 +0000 UTClie option
Nutella Queen
2024-11-08 10:04:29 +0000 UTCAlso, what does ⚖️ mean?
BanaNat
2024-11-08 04:22:21 +0000 UTCDoes the close combat skill include dagger skill or is it swordsmanship that’s directly related to dagger capabilities?
BanaNat
2024-11-08 04:18:19 +0000 UTCI love it, thank you for coming back!!
Kayla F
2024-11-07 09:37:26 +0000 UTCI'm so happy that you're back and wish the best given my love for the first book as it was one of the first IF stories I've read. I was always a Richard supporter from the original but seeing this new side of him brings so much more depth to his character along with more sibling interactions of Atheris and Freya make it really the family drama feel believable being more tragic due to the sins of the mother that is Alvena's pettiness. I got the the end of chapter 4 then bought a membership for the next chapter and was continuously dreading the end of chapter at every page but alas I can't wait for more updates though take your time please as we know you are trying your best with this and will support you all the way.
LlamaSouls
2024-11-07 09:33:42 +0000 UTCfor now, the mc will be chosen regardless. i’m not sure if i will add other routes since i felt they lacked strong writing/gameplay and made the mc too passive.
Nutella Queen
2024-11-05 21:15:22 +0000 UTCI like how Freya didnt react differently when I named my horse after her.
Nola
2024-11-05 19:38:50 +0000 UTCI really loved this! I love that we interact more with the king and that we interact more with our siblings (including petty Richard! But I was a horrible brother to him lol) I’m so glad you’re back and safe :-) can’t wait for more
Anoush 🦈✨
2024-11-05 16:30:49 +0000 UTC(My comment is really long. Read at your discretion) Really enjoyed the new demo! I even liked the addition of the dog. I just kind of wished that we could decide on what type of pet we could have. Like Dog, Wolf, Cat, Lion/Tiger cub, Snake, Horse (that could grow up as a mount later in the future) or a Hawk. Would add some neat re-playabilities to the game depending on what kind of MC you want to be. It feels like we're getting close to the plague scene and I hope that's been changed because I didn't like that whole scene. Specifically I didn't like that there was no way you could've prevented it beforehand and didn't like how it would make it hard (morally) to spare Astryn because of how many people died because of what she did and how mad everyone would be if you did spare her. Could just change it to where you encountered her in a skirmish and depending on your choices that affects whether she lives or dies, you could capture her as a prisoner of war and use that time to convert her to your side/cause and possibly befriend/romance her later on. If you still need her to carry something dangerous for the plot. Then maybe something like a poisoned dagger/vial that she planned on using either on the current ruler the Sword chose or one of the heirs (namely the MC if they decided to get physically close enough) instead of causing something serious like a plague that happens almost as soon as the next ruler is chosen. Another suggestion I thought of that might be interesting is changing the prisoner event near the beginning of the game a little to where you can decide (before they visit your kingdom) on whether Xavier or Lena is your family's prisoner as a way to try and bond/romance them a little earlier while keeping their personalities intact of course. I would guess that Lena would be a lot more rebellious as compared to Xavier but would still make for a interesting change to the game and if you're romancing them, you could still decide later on if you want to marry the captured sibling specifically instead of the sibling that was left behind to rule in their absence and probably with a option on making the sibling that was captured earlier a ruler of their kingdom in place of their sibling either because they wanted it or you persuaded them to. My last suggestion would be adding a few more events similar to the hunting event that the MC's father takes all the heirs to based on what fighting style you decided to focus on. The hunting event is already suited for the archery style (though you also need to pick the option to join the soldiers on a hunt to do well in it). A small tournament based in the castle could work for a Swordsmanship style by sparring with the knights and maybe any of the current heirs if you're confidant in your skills or wants to show off or have a beef with one of them (or all of them). Having your mother call in a Martial Artist or self defense instructor to teach you close combat and undergo some rigorous monk like training to get into the whole martial artist feel and even unlock a meditation option as a way for the MC to relax or focus/center themselves in certain situations. Same with unlocking a option to polish/sharpen your sword for Swordsmanship and readying your quiver and adjusting your bowstring for Archery. And even add a profession/class title for your MC based on the style while also giving them some skills that meshes with those skills. Archery = Ranger/Hunter/Huntress Swordsmanship = Knight/Knightess Close Combat = Martial Artist/Fighter And if more fantasy element shows up later like magics (if it's expanded on in a big way) then- Archery + Magic = Arcane Archer/Ranger/Hunter/Huntress Swordsmanship + Magic = Magic Knight/Knightess or Spellsword Close Combat + Magic = Monk/Nen Master/Arcane Brawler Could even make the Sword of Rhivenia into a shapeshifting weapon that suits the user's preference since if you focused on Archery more than Swordsmanship and you get chosen by the Sword then using that Sword wouldn't be that beneficial to your MC if they focus on anything other than Swordsmanship (especially if they need to use it in a big fight like against the Lord of Fire's weapon). The forms I could recommend based on the combat styles would be- Swordsmanship = Longsword, Broadsword, Bastard Sword, Greatsword, Shortsword, Scimitar, Blade/Katana, Rapier Archery = Longbow, Shortbow, Warbow, Light Crossbow, Heavy Crossbow, Hand Crossbow, Throwing Daggers Close Combat = Gloves, Gauntlets, Claw Gauntlets, Giant Gauntlets, Quarterstaff, Club, Hammer, Mace Though I guess if you changed the Sword into a weapon like that then the game wouldn't be called "Sword of Rhivenia" anymore. A title like "Throne of Rhivenia" or "Heirs of Rhivenia" sounds like it would work, though if that did happened, I'm not sure if the remake would be released as a update to the existing game or if Steam would force you to release it as a separate game even though it's a remake of it. Also, it would be good to add, change and adjust existing and future combat events (both potential and not) to include Archery and Close Combat styles since it feels like that most of the main combat scenes or certain ones like the Tournament in Chapter 4 will focus more on Swordsmanship so having most of your skills in Archery or Close Combat won't help much in those scenes. If a player focused on either of those two when you fight in that scene, they would get throttled and embarrassed just for the sole reason that they didn't focus on Swordsmanship.
Zarkrai
2024-11-04 21:34:22 +0000 UTCLOOOOOOOVE all the extra content 😩🤌🏼❗️I am curious, do the choices on who becomes the next ruler still depend on the type of MC you make or is MC always the runner up (according to their father) ?
Parson
2024-11-04 20:57:31 +0000 UTCleia will be adopted, but I can’t say when yet. i’ve removed the poisoning scene.
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 17:31:29 +0000 UTCglad you enjoyed it!! <3
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 17:29:21 +0000 UTCthis demo is incredible! really enjoy the interactions between the royal family. made them feel a lot more like real people compared to book one! so glad to see your back, healthy, happy and safe after the long hiatus. excited to see what's next for the new version of this story. and curious about the other new love interest!
Chelsea (Patreon) Smith
2024-11-04 17:20:58 +0000 UTCBut we'll still adopt Leia later in book 1, right?
Bessie Burnet
2024-11-04 16:36:44 +0000 UTCOh duh, you're right. I am an idiot and totally forgot that, ignore me.
xValkyx
2024-11-04 15:22:39 +0000 UTCSylvane, and that's the Rhivenian royal family's surname. You can see in the character profile. Nicholas is calling us by our surname.
Bessie Burnet
2024-11-04 14:10:56 +0000 UTCMeant to say this yesterday actually but forgot! when interacting with Nicholas, I noticed he kept calling my character "Sylvia" (or something like that). He did it in both playthroughs I made. My character was called "Serena" but he was the only one that referred to them as that.
xValkyx
2024-11-04 13:32:24 +0000 UTCi’m still considering it. if the mc has kids, it will happen in book 2, which means there will be a time jump from the end of book 1. that’s the plan for now, but we’ll see!
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 13:32:22 +0000 UTCDo you still intend to do your original plan of having the MC be able to have (up to 4 I think?) heirs throughout the story and them growing up or have plans changed with that and the story is more compact now?
xValkyx
2024-11-04 13:29:28 +0000 UTCUpdated or sequel, main thing is we're getting new content. Good to have you back ☺️ and good luck with it
Jason Burns
2024-11-04 12:29:23 +0000 UTCprobably just updated, it’s up to HG
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 12:28:00 +0000 UTCAh that's great. Love a good rewrite. So will the original game be taken down?
Jason Burns
2024-11-04 12:26:10 +0000 UTCthere will be two books, instead of three! This one and the final one
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 12:24:39 +0000 UTCYep glad you're back. Really liked the demo so far so will it just be rewritten as one larger book, instead of the three you had planned?
Jason Burns
2024-11-04 12:22:52 +0000 UTCglad you liked it!! everans will be back in the next chapter, and who knows, I might even extend the whistlerock part and add more scenes with them
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 08:30:09 +0000 UTCthere will be more moments with her :)
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 08:28:32 +0000 UTCglad you liked it!!
Nutella Queen
2024-11-04 08:27:56 +0000 UTCFinished all 5. Was very excellent, enjoyed the new bits with Nicholas. Can't wait for the next part, I remembered being invested in Lena and Xavier. 💜
starpendle
2024-11-04 06:45:40 +0000 UTCId like more bonding moments with Atheris like in the first book.
Nola
2024-11-04 02:15:48 +0000 UTCI like the demo a lot! Actually, I like this more than the original Rhivenia more. The Royal family feel like actual people than the first version because I can see more layers to them. I was disappointed in the lack of Evernys content bc Daemir is my first choice. 😅 I do understand it was for Marinaira, I did like visiting that kingdom. Nicholas was a pleasant surprise, I appreciated the flower very much. 😊
Anna
2024-11-03 22:35:46 +0000 UTCi’m glad you liked it!!
Nutella Queen
2024-11-03 20:04:02 +0000 UTCthank you so much for your kind words and support! your comment really made my day! I think I remember you lol. criticism doesn’t make me lose my passion; i use it to improve :) thanks again! <3
Nutella Queen
2024-11-03 20:03:44 +0000 UTCReally well written
Habibullah
2024-11-03 19:20:16 +0000 UTCHi Nutella! I just want to say that I ADORED Sword of Rhivenia when I came across it years ago. Literally obsessed with it to the point I used to do RO walkthroughs on the forums for people (xValkyx - I think that was the name I chose?). When you disappeared I was so heartbroken and worried that the criticism made you lose passion for the story (and then I got worried for your wellbeing lol). I'm glad to see you're safe and healthy! and the news of you continuing the story honestly made my year. First thing in the past year to make me feel that happy honestly, so thank you for that ^_^ Just played the demo and want to say that I enjoyed it immensely and you've improved so much! I'm loving all of the new content and I look forward to seeing all of the future chapters :) thank you for not giving up on The Sword of Rhivenia <3
xValkyx
2024-11-03 18:56:12 +0000 UTCif you’re on tumblr, feel free to send an ask to point out the mistakes! if not, you can always message me here. i’m so glad you enjoyed the demo! :)
Nutella Queen
2024-11-03 18:29:47 +0000 UTCOk, that was a good read and I really got into that! I'll have to do another play through with all those available options.. and yeah Richard is really snarky! :) I did notice a number of places where text is duplicated, and there are some $MC parameters showing instead of the values in some place, but overall I didn't see a huge amount of mistakes. Where is the best place for us to let you know about things we spot? Thanks
Saisho
2024-11-03 18:15:19 +0000 UTCI am so happy for your return! I am curious about how the Book 1 will end. It is great that we know a lot more about the royal family, their secrets, their past, their true feelings, their relations. I'll wait for more scenes with the original ROs in the next update. I know they'll be great as well. 😊
Beata Juliette
2024-11-03 17:41:21 +0000 UTChaha, i was rooting for you to win… but you’re right, this is not over!
Nutella Queen
2024-11-03 15:33:23 +0000 UTCHe just kicked my ass, THIS IS SO NOT OVER.
york
2024-11-03 15:31:01 +0000 UTCReally loving how more petty Richard can be… I was being the best little bro I could be to him and then he decided to be petty and treat me like dirt… the gloves are off, richard. He’s getting NOTHING…
york
2024-11-03 15:24:24 +0000 UTCi’m glad you liked it!
Nutella Queen
2024-11-03 14:51:31 +0000 UTCGuess i'll grab a cuppa and sit down and have a good read. Welcome back and hope you're doing well!
Saisho
2024-11-03 14:42:48 +0000 UTCYup loved it
Starfirewater
2024-11-03 14:42:30 +0000 UTCBefore starting I just wanted to say I’m so glad you’re ok and OMG 5 CHAPTERS?!!!, ok I’ll start it now I have no doubt I’ll love it
Starfirewater
2024-11-03 12:32:50 +0000 UTC
