Four-Letter Word
A downloadable visual novel
What's the hardest thing to say to someone you really care about when you're not sure how they feel about you? Four-Letter Word is a gay, furry visual novel about love and some of the many different paths through life it can take you. Play as one of two roommates with a shared history who are on their own journeys to figure out who they are and what they want, and help them find the answers they seek.
The visual novel serves as a continuation of the comic of the same name (which you can read here.) Although it's not necessary to read it, as the game works as a standalone piece of interactive fiction, it can provide some background information and additional context to the events in the visual novel.
Development began in the tail end of 2014 and continued until early 2016, where I took an extended hiatus for health reasons, but now things are back on track with a new build coming out each month! If you'd like to help support the project, consider becoming one of my patrons on Patreon and getting access to builds two weeks before the public, along with a number of other available perks!
Download
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Development log
- Four-Letter Word v.0.1.4aOct 17, 2020
- New Public Build SoonOct 06, 2020
- Four-Letter Word v.0.1.3Jul 18, 2020
- Gay Furry Visual Novel SurveyJun 30, 2020
- Four-Letter Word v.0.1.2Jun 17, 2020
- 0.1.2 Delay and 0.1.3 PlansJun 05, 2020
- Player Survey Follow-upMay 18, 2020
- Four-Letter Word v.0.1.1a (itch.io Launch)May 15, 2020
Comments
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I really hope you're okay. Let us know, we are worried.
My favorite vn
this novel is so good, it's a pity that there won't be a sequel :(
i need to know if this guy is even alive man
He's def alive, he's just in the FFXIV mines. Knowing his situation, this is most likely a dead game; I don't see him returning to this.
literally in ff14? Or...?
He's likely spending a lot of time in FF14 and won't continue FLW VN.
Okay, so after almost 2 and half years, I’ve mustered up the fortitude to fix the 0.1.6 version.
Two things need to be done: Change line 4725 in the colby.rpy to “label c_nov26f:” Change line 503 in the scenes.rpy to “ jump c_nov26f”
That will get the scene to show up properly instead of skipping it.
I know this VN is super dead but I'm curious to see the scene properly, so how do I actually do that?
Are playing the Patreon Version?
Yes, version 0.1.6.
You have to unarchive the files. Via an unarchiver. I can’t get more specific than that.
I can find neither file name in what I've downloaded.
Are playing the Patreon Version?
Yes. Are we unarchiving the scripts .rpa file then to get to the ones you mentioned?
Yes
some reason i can;t download it. i am useing itch launcher and when i try to download it can't find the source for it some how. i like useing launcher to keep track of everything and update stuff and this is fit first that i found that seems to have trouble. not sure how this works and how to fix it.
This game is honestly really amazing, it does the "dating sim" thing really well to the point it doesn't feel like one, but instead just a good story.
I hope the author sorts out what he has going on and continues it!
Also Elias is best boy!
I doubt there will ever be an update on this site and becoming a patron is kinda pointless as the files are in a Google drive that needs the email of the recipient "verified" if this guy is still alive or still dealing with family loss its save to say this is abandoned. Or on another 4 year hiatus from 2021
Is there any way to get the Patreon build? I know the creator has been gone for a while now and If I knew they were still working on it, I'd become one. I don't want to put money into a project that is abandoned though just to see what's different from the public build.
If anyone has a Patreon build they'd be willing to let me see, just DM or something. I really enjoyed this project and just want to see more lol
Bump. Seriously a public post is long overdue.
not sure how notifications on post replies work but in case you aren't notified: i attached a link to the parent comment and sent the most recent status in response to another comment further down, in case you're curious :)
did some snooping and this is the most recent version i could find :)
I missed this so much that I'm actually crying rn lol, I really developed a bond w these characters two years ago and like I know that since it's free we aren't entitled to it, but not seeing these characters in forever just really takes a chunk out of my heart.
I'm only on the title screen and am a bit scared to continue reading the story if I'll start feeling like I want even more.
is this still going?
I don't think so, it's been over a year since any update here...
Out of curiosity could a patron just give a simple yes or no on if the last post a year ago mentioned if the project was over or not? i would just pay to find out myself but im already over the limit i set myself on patreon spending and the fact its over a year since the last post just adds to it.
Not a patron myself. Still figure something, because the last post in Patreon cames on Apr 30, 2021.
You get the idea.
this is the main text body of the post on 30/04/21:
Oh thanks i wasn't expecting the entire thing. Sad to hear what he was going through, also sad that he has done another disapearing act guess its going to be another 2 to 4 years before we see him again.
I'm not like most people here. I didn't find out about this VN until the creator came back from his first hiatus and honestly I wish I had known about it sooner. This was one of the first furry VN's I played on my Youtube channel and I love it. It's easily in my top 3 list of furry VNs.
While I think the art could use some work, I also like it and think it mostly fits. There's a surrealness to it that surprisingly blends in well with the more serious tone and subject matter that helps make it a bit easier to digest the stories being told. And boy do these stories feel like they were actually written by an adult. One of my issues with most furry VN's is the writing comes across as mostly tropes and barely concealed fan fiction writing at times, but FLW comes across as much more organic, for the most part.
I do think there are times the stories tend to dig too deep into explaining unimportant things and exposition but for the most part a very well-written story. Honestly, this VN will always hold a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to a certain character who is revealed to be trans. During the time I first reached that scene, I was dealing with my own struggles with admitting I'm trans, and having a character in a VN who wasn't your basic homosexual male really had me tearing up and relieved to relate to somebody. Even if that person is a fictional furry character.
All in all, I think this is an amazing VN and while I'm sad to see it being put on indefinite hiatus again. I also wanted to reach out and thank the creator for making a furry VN I can relate to in some way. And I hope wherever Kho is that's he's doing alright. Looking through these comments it's easy to see you've touched a lot of hearts and I truly wish you the best! Be well, Kho.
I advise you to create a collection for those FVNs that impacted you the most, like I did. Four Letter Word is also on there.
tbh I don't really care if this vn continues I just wanna know if the authors doing alright
I cant think of the worst for them. hopefully nothing bad happened
i dont care for the outhers i want the fox and wolf 2 date its been 7 years cut the pats and just do a story ware it shows the fox and wolf falling in love and it can go back and forth do it get it out do somthing els its been like 7 years my dude i love the story but you dont have the staff or cash for it do it now get it out show what you want cut the rest you have to maybe ppl that you can date that takes time that you could just use to show the story that is tbh good af like that bit ware they go to the apple place was so good show them lonely dont have them date outher ppl have em oupen up at the camp and date after and for what after have to deal with the stuff they have been pushing off like ther famley have the fox stop his job have them help him find a new one maybe the need the cash 4 rent and he thinks of doing his work but dus not like half life being on a track can be good and fun you let us see what you want us 2 see you i know ppl mite hate me for saying all this but i love the story i just think this would be best wiil they wont they is over dun and ill like to know is will they be ok and what will they do srry 4 the rant
please be careful, this almost gave me a stroke.
I feel as if my eyes went cross from reading that, lol.
played the 0.1.4 and it was great, is the game still being developed?
0.1.6 is available on patreon for $3. However the project hasn't been updated in over a year, so until Kho comes back (if ever) make sure to cancel your subscription after downloading.
is the game still going..?
Hi Kho
I just wanted to say, that I remember playing this VN, and that it really touched me. You've created something special here. You may or may not look at these messages, and I've no idea how you're doing (hopefully getting by okay).
Maybe it's painful since you probably feel really bad that you're not working on it, but maybe it's a little pick-me-up as well, that people are enjoying this thing you've made.
Once again I hope you're well, and I hope one day you feel up to working on this project again. I know all too well how it is too lose motivation, and dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. One piece of advice I might offer - don't set out to do much. Very small goals. Just do a little bit, and hold back. You may eventually want to do more.
All the best ❤
Hello,juat making time downloading this novel.
Funny thing, this *has* happened before took a few years to continue
To anyone here wondering. The creator has been have a few rough months. They posted on their Patreon a teaser of an upcoming Noah CG and Noah's Theme. We just need be patient for him to get out of this funk.
Can somebody write to the creator on patreon to don't forget about itch.io? :/
Actually i didn't read the novel, but i don't want to if it's a dead project at here. Sad, because it's looks like a masterpiece, but you know, i don't want to suffer.
They probably forgot this website and continued to post their updates in the patreon. I might subscribe to it depending on how much it is. Hopefully nothing too drastic. But maybe someone would be able to message them or something. If not then just classify it as a "dead project" if, however, the creator does start posting ill immediately let you know if that makes you feel better :)
Yap, it would make me feel better.
I should support him on patreon, but actually i don't have the money and also i want to be a developer too, so if i can make it, i would have no problem with this and i could support him. :D
Any good news?
Nothing, I'm afraid...
He updated on his Patreon earlier this month. Been having a rough time.
Hey, since he seems to still be active on Patreon. If any of the people who support him there also get to see this comment, could you ask him why have we not heard of him lately over here?
Personally, I don't mind if he has changed his plans regarding public updates, but I'd rather have some clarity about it.
on march 3rd, he released build 0.1.6 on patreon, 3 versions ahead of what we have currently. either he's abandoned updates here or he's completely forgot about itch.
He posts a public update two weeks after the new one in patreon, and it's also posible that he just posts an earlier version... I'd just wait a couple of days to see if he posts 0.1.5 here before making assumptions.
Ok, it seems it's taking a while now. Does anyone know if there is a way to contact him and ask him about it?
Reply to this post when the next update drops
nsfw?
Any news when the VN will be updated? Last update was in October 2020... I'm getting worried...
He just posted a new version on Patreon, so I think that it won't be too long before we get to see one here as well.
Hopefully...
It's good so far, although it drags on at times like at the bar or restaurant. I never saw the lion in the screenshots, did I miss something
You have to play as Asher to hang out with him.
Is this work in android
Yes
Dead again?
Well ... You are assuming very soon. He update a new demo on patreon a month ago and he also notice that he was very busy this last month and soon in a time (maybe weeks) he're gonna post another update. We only have to be patient ... He do this project in his free time and obviously he has a life outside of this. And he deserve to take his time for whatever of reason he has.
The creator will probably release a new update once they release a new update on patreon. Right now the creator only has up version 0.1.5a on patreon, so once 0.1.6 comes out, 0.1.5a will be posted here
The update on patroon is said will come out soon
is there any daily update?
Is there a guide to this game? Like a flow chart?
Can the characters in the pictures be romanced? Eli the tiger? Hugh the Doberman? Noah? Emil the Lion? I'm specially interested in the Eli and Hugh...Can Eli be dated as Asher?
Also, Hunter is cuteness overload personified! Loved seeing Hugh taking care of lil' Hunter, they're adorable together! :)
Found a bug I think... Playing as Colby and playing Eli's (Elias) Route his contact doesn't show after meeting him... Do we get locked automatically into Noah's route for helping and forgiving him even if we're doing Eli's route?
I like how this is set up. It's a refreshing to see something not as linear and being able to choose between the characters for new insights and snippets of their backstory and inner turmoil.
Keep up the lovely work! (Also Hugh and his Nephew... my heart melt... that was cute overload. Best Boyo.)
i like this game pls continue to making it!im support
Hey Kho, are you gonna make a route in which Asher and Colby end up together? I SO want then to be together <3
Yep, it's one of the possibilities you can end up with!
sorry about your troubles but what is with the delay
Heya, I put out an additional update to the patron build from 2 weeks ago so I wanted to give them a little bit of exclusivity time with it. The build will go up here soon!
I like what's here, but (spoilers) at points it feels like a wikipedia article or information piece on the various fields you researched to make this game. It's a little dull to read about "Deaf culture" and the subtleties of AA the way you're wording it. I care more about the characters than getting exposition about their back story. I'd trim it down a bit, just a suggestion. Show, don't tell.
Also, the tiger being deaf, why is that so emphasized? I legit laughed when the second conversation also started about him being deaf. Don't deaf people want to be treated like regular people, too? Don't gay people want to be treated like regular people?
Colby seems normal enough, he gets around and is even a porn star, but he doesn't march down the street in a rainbow jockstrap because gay isn't his only personality trait.
Sorry if this is a bit abrasive! You're a good writer, besides. I'm enjoying it, and the text message mechanic is especially cute. Just wanted to give some constructive feedback.
Thanks for taking the time to write me! You aren't the only one who's brought up the first point to me. I have heard from a couple of other people that the writing is too expository at times. To be honest, the sections you've outlined have been rewritten a few times already to try and pare it down and make the conversation feel more natural, so I'm not quite sure what to do with them at this point. I will likely take another pass at them later if I feel like I have a better idea of how to approach them.
Regarding your other criticism, I can understand if it feels like it's too much, but Colby is approaching the situation as someone who doesn't have any idea about what life as a Deaf person is like and wants to learn more about it, and there is truthfully a lot to know, so I don't feel it's insulting to have it be such a dominant topic of discussion with Eli. I have also received comments from actual Deaf people or hearing people who are part of that culture via friends and family who were really appreciative over the way it's covered in FLW, so I don't really think it's much of a problem.
It's not. I really quite liked those sections, fwiw.
Totally fine my dude. I'm just one guy with one opinion, and others obviously don't feel the same. Best of luck with your game, it's looking great so far!
New Build on Patreon.
We are still waiting.
I am still waiting.
This story just really took my soul.
He is still here. Don’t worry. He gave a status update on Patreon a short while ago.