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.
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!
Even if I'm not from an English-speaking country, I try to learn this language for my own pleasure. And, you know, I don't regret learning English at all. I was able to easily read this visual novel without using Google translator, and I am very pleased with the result.
About the novel itself - this is something wonderful. Characters are like... Alive, u know? The atmosphere is really perfect.
Promise that you will continue, that you will not stop and continue to improve it! This story is amazing and I really want to know what will happen next.
Regards, you fan ;3
P.S. I love this novel, love this world, love you and love everything!
The itch.io page says patrons get this two weeks earlier than the public, yet the patreon only says one week. Since I'm currently trying to organise the VNs im reading by their update day, it would be helpful to know whether this updates on the 8th or the 15th for the public build.
Hmm, can you show me where the Patreon says one week? That was the case back in 2015-2016 during the VN's original run, but now it should be two weeks and I had thought I changed it everywhere it was listed. It's possible that I had missed a spot, so if you could tell me where to look so I can fix it, I'd appreciate it!
Thanks so much! That made me realize I haven't updated that entire section since I launched the Patreon so I'm going to have to give it a once-over again.
It exists in the same continuity; parts of Four-Letter Word chapter 2 are included in the visual novel, but everything else you can consider as a continuation.
I love your work very much. The sprites and background really show how much time you put here. The CGs are also amazing! The story? I fell in love with it. And yes, both of theirs. There's just one thing that has been on my mind for a while. Can you date Noah (again) and Emil? They're just too adorable (and hot hehe). That's all haha. Thank you again! Keep up the good work! ❤️
And another thing: thank you for their stories and personalities! They really feel like real people, and not the stereotypes and cliches we are all used to by now. Thank you! Luv u author hihi (and not in the creepy sense. Sorry that sounds suspicious 😅. But really it's not like that. I guess I'll just stop talking huhu).
Haha, don't sweat it! And thanks! That was definitely what I was aiming for with the characters. I didn't want them to come off as too tropey and wanted them to feel like people you could meet in real life.
Aw, thanks, that's so great to hear! I'm really glad all that hard work showed throug, haha. And yes, Noah and Emil are both romance options, for sure.
Okay, so, I have played the game and covered every choice I was interested in. (Basically everything, including the dragon's route) At the end I filled out the survey, which is a very good idea btw.
Well... I love Four Letter Word already. It's hard not to like the characters or the writing. I wrote in the survey that the character sprites sometimes blend into the background, other than that you started developing a very promising project!
Emil Yates – Whatever May Come is easily comparable to for example Two Steps from Hell's music. No joke. I never expected such a professional song in a VN. Admirable.
Don't worry, I don't write for the sake of it. I mean what I said. Four Letter Word is not the first book I've read by far. I've read more than a few good books in my life, but visual novel authors are just so talented, including you... You can really bring characters to life!
A friend of mine suggested this and let me say this for the both of us..., YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GREAT! Me and my friend are righting this cuz, He's shy, And we want to tell you how great you are doing and we HOPE for more great works like these ^^
I don't care if you don't add that much nsfw, A kiss is all me and my friend need XD, I really hope that a 15 year old like me can be an artist for visual novels like this someday .HEHE...
i have a queston, is there or will there be ANY way to date Troy ??, because i really like his demeanor and i would like to ask the same for Cliff, India, Aubrey and Vaughn?. If so i'll be most pleases but if not then i wont be too surprised. Thanks!!
Sorry for taking so long to reply! Been kinda in the weeds lately, haha. Unfortunately, there are no plans at this moment for any of those characters to be dateable. It's possible that something NSFW could happen with Vaughn at some point, but that would probably be the extent of it.
Thanks! Hopefully it'll continue to live up to your expectations! I had made note of that bug in the v.0.1.1a changelog, but I haven't yet managed to iron it out, unfortunately.
Definitely good though having a issue when paying Asher (only one I've played right now) the first time I got hugh but after that I got Emil. The trouble is this now I get Slade and I'm not sure how to get Hugh again.
I love the Story of this visual novel!, the art looking great!, very nice musics as well! Especially when Emil was presenting to us (as Asher) the project he had been working on finish, i love to keep replaying that music again and again!. Althou...to be honest...i would really like to see if there would be an option for our character not drinking, and to all other characters as well...bcuz personally...i like to play my character as just like what am i used to be In real life...well for some most of part at least. (that's why i choose Asher in first place, just didn't expect that he would drunk). i just like being myself, i don't drink. And i think maybe you could use some more simpler words, i don't have very wide vocabulary...so sometimes i need a google translate for it. And maybe just bit more straight forward for characters what they were referring to or implying here and there. But i think overall this Visual novel was very great! The emotional, style, past of each characters was different from one to another and some of them have deep emotional story telling time, it touching me. Like Emil, he was not what i was expecting, i had in my mind when i was looking at him from here the game download page store Itch.io. when he is telling story of his past....he blew my mind, changing my mindset, open my eyes. I should be more thoughtful bout those are like him, with their own good reasons too. I should stop misjudging them if i will ever met 1 in the future...he open my eyes. I like Emil more now after that i knew more bout him, he's brave and full of surprise. I wonder if we will have his route in the future..? I hope so. I give 5 rate star to this game, actually 6!, 1 plus extra by myself for Emil!. I'm looking forward updates from this Visual Novel!
Thank you! I'm so glad you stumbled upon this project. When I first created Emil, you were exactly the kind of person I wanted to reach with him. Your reaction to him was everything I could have hoped for. You have no idea how happy that makes me!
Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about your requests, however. Asher and Colby aren't self-insert characters, they are very much their own people and part of that is they will sometimes do or say things you might not. I understand it can be difficult to relate if they behave in a manner that is at complete odds with you, but drinking is already such an established thing with them that it can't be easily removed. Removing alcohol from the game entirely would also mean I'd have to remove Hugh, and that's not something I'd ever be willing to consider.
As for the language used, I can definitely sympathize with how difficult it must make it to read. Unfortunately, I have to make sure that it's enjoyable for my target demographic first and foremost. I've discussed this matter with my fellow VN creators and that seemed to be the consensus among them. On the bright side, while it may be tedious to have to look up words so frequently, you might learn a lot of new vocabulary in the process and your English may improve to the point where you don't have to look anything up anymore!
I hope these issues don't prove to be too much of a hurdle for you long-term, and that you can continue to stick with the VN. I apologize that I can't do more to accommodate you.
Thank you! Really happy with the positive reception Emil's been getting from this build. I had some concerns, given the subject matter, but it seems like he's been well received so far.
I love how each character really feels unique and so real, that's an amazing job, not to mention the great art and music! Can't wait to see the future of this game! I wish you all the best ^^
Thanks so much! One of my goals with the characters was not to rely on tropes and try to make them feel more like real people. Glad to hear that's working out for you!
That's a shame, I really think there's a lot to him that makes him interesting and I can't wait to see how his path will unfold.
I'm obviously kinda hoping for a romantic path with Colby, but I'm not sure if that's a possibility for him.... He seems to be pretty bent on letting his past stay in the past. But they can move on together, right...? :D
Good to hear from more people who like Noah! He's been one of the less popular characters so far, so I sometimes wonder if I just didn't do a good enough job with him, haha.
You're not alone! He's definitely been one of the more popular boys (hence why he won quite a few Patreon polls back in the day and consequently had more scenes than the rest of the cast.)
My expectations were blown away from the title screen... I hope you manage to finish this wonderful story as I'm definitely hooked. I heard that you were on an extremely long break because you worked too hard, and now that you are back I wish you the best of luck with keeping up your motivation. ^-^
Welcome back! was definetly bummed when the hiatus went on and all the speculation on whether it would return was also disheartening but I'm glad you're back!! I hope you've been doing better <3
Yes, much better, thank you! Sorry for worrying all of you! I'm not sure if you've seen it yet or not, but there is a journal on my FA page explaining my absence in more detail.
I hear ya! The original intent was to try and make the player have to pay attention to it, but I can understand it can be a very frustrating thing to miss so I'll look into adjusting it in a future build. In the meantime, there is a sound effect that plays as well as the flash, so keep an ear for that if you're able to!
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Comments
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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.
So.. Emil's story by the bonfire... thank you Kho, I absolutely adore you
I'm really really curious about one thing but I'm scared to ask in case I end up getting a big spoiler
I'm just going to say that I really hope Colby and Asher end up together
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I think Elias and Colby are cute together!
As well as Emil and Asher!
Oh my gosh
This vn is sooo good
Eli is my precious boi,
Noah is my precious baby now. MUST PROTECT
Hi Kho!
Even if I'm not from an English-speaking country, I try to learn this language for my own pleasure. And, you know, I don't regret learning English at all. I was able to easily read this visual novel without using Google translator, and I am very pleased with the result.
About the novel itself - this is something wonderful. Characters are like... Alive, u know? The atmosphere is really perfect.
Promise that you will continue, that you will not stop and continue to improve it! This story is amazing and I really want to know what will happen next.
Regards, you fan ;3
ahhhh it's so good! now im sad i found this so early in the build, now i have to wait for more content :(
I agree with you :(
*Hugs*
Soundtrack ? ;-;
I love the soundtrack so much too, we need the link to the soundtrack ;0;
The itch.io page says patrons get this two weeks earlier than the public, yet the patreon only says one week. Since I'm currently trying to organise the VNs im reading by their update day, it would be helpful to know whether this updates on the 8th or the 15th for the public build.
Hmm, can you show me where the Patreon says one week? That was the case back in 2015-2016 during the VN's original run, but now it should be two weeks and I had thought I changed it everywhere it was listed. It's possible that I had missed a spot, so if you could tell me where to look so I can fix it, I'd appreciate it!
In the 'About' section near 'When does it update'. The last line says, "Public builds will be released one week later."
Thanks so much! That made me realize I haven't updated that entire section since I launched the Patreon so I'm going to have to give it a once-over again.
Is this the continuation of page 6 four letters word 2 comic ? Or an alternative universe version?
It exists in the same continuity; parts of Four-Letter Word chapter 2 are included in the visual novel, but everything else you can consider as a continuation.
Thank you, very kind of you, and yes, I absolutely intend to continue!
I love your work very much. The sprites and background really show how much time you put here. The CGs are also amazing! The story? I fell in love with it. And yes, both of theirs. There's just one thing that has been on my mind for a while. Can you date Noah (again) and Emil? They're just too adorable (and hot hehe). That's all haha. Thank you again! Keep up the good work! ❤️
And another thing: thank you for their stories and personalities! They really feel like real people, and not the stereotypes and cliches we are all used to by now. Thank you! Luv u author hihi (and not in the creepy sense. Sorry that sounds suspicious 😅. But really it's not like that. I guess I'll just stop talking huhu).
Haha, don't sweat it! And thanks! That was definitely what I was aiming for with the characters. I didn't want them to come off as too tropey and wanted them to feel like people you could meet in real life.
Aw, thanks, that's so great to hear! I'm really glad all that hard work showed throug, haha. And yes, Noah and Emil are both romance options, for sure.
Yay! Thanks, Author! Wishing you all the best! 😃
P.S. Don't sell yourself short! You're doing great and I love it. 😊
Okay, so, I have played the game and covered every choice I was interested in. (Basically everything, including the dragon's route) At the end I filled out the survey, which is a very good idea btw.
Well... I love Four Letter Word already. It's hard not to like the characters or the writing. I wrote in the survey that the character sprites sometimes blend into the background, other than that you started developing a very promising project!
Emil Yates – Whatever May Come is easily comparable to for example Two Steps from Hell's music. No joke. I never expected such a professional song in a VN. Admirable.
Thank you and good luck! <3
;)
Ahhh, wow, thanks so much! That's really kind of you say, and I'm really not sure if my work's deserving of that, but I absolutely appreciate it!
Don't worry, I don't write for the sake of it. I mean what I said. Four Letter Word is not the first book I've read by far. I've read more than a few good books in my life, but visual novel authors are just so talented, including you... You can really bring characters to life!
Is there a guide?
I have one, but it is a Patreon reward so I can't share it, sorry!
hey i have a question, is Eli a datable character?
Yes
thanks a bumch man :D
A friend of mine suggested this and let me say this for the both of us..., YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GREAT! Me and my friend are righting this cuz, He's shy, And we want to tell you how great you are doing and we HOPE for more great works like these ^^
I don't care if you don't add that much nsfw, A kiss is all me and my friend need XD, I really hope that a 15 year old like me can be an artist for visual novels like this someday .HEHE...
Loving this cant wait for more.
i have a queston, is there or will there be ANY way to date Troy ??, because i really like his demeanor and i would like to ask the same for Cliff, India, Aubrey and Vaughn?. If so i'll be most pleases but if not then i wont be too surprised. Thanks!!
Almost all of those side characters you have named are in relationships with other people already. I am sure about India though.
Sorry for taking so long to reply! Been kinda in the weeds lately, haha. Unfortunately, there are no plans at this moment for any of those characters to be dateable. It's possible that something NSFW could happen with Vaughn at some point, but that would probably be the extent of it.
oh, ok, a bit dissapointed but it's better than nothing, right?. Thanks anyways
That's very good, omg... The story pretty good and the arts too. i can only recommend (for +18 👉👌😅)
Haha, thank you! Please do recommend it to anyone you think might enjoy it. More feedback is always appreciated!
Liking it this far. Found a bug though, in the main menu.
When you click on "Continue", you cannot return to the main menu, even if you click on the "Main Menu" button.
Thanks! Hopefully it'll continue to live up to your expectations! I had made note of that bug in the v.0.1.1a changelog, but I haven't yet managed to iron it out, unfortunately.
Definitely good though having a issue when paying Asher (only one I've played right now) the first time I got hugh but after that I got Emil. The trouble is this now I get Slade and I'm not sure how to get Hugh again.
You have to accept Troy’s offer to go to the Bar again to see Hugh.
Right i forgot that email when fast forwarding.
I love the Story of this visual novel!, the art looking great!, very nice musics as well! Especially when Emil was presenting to us (as Asher) the project he had been working on finish, i love to keep replaying that music again and again!. Althou...to be honest...i would really like to see if there would be an option for our character not drinking, and to all other characters as well...bcuz personally...i like to play my character as just like what am i used to be In real life...well for some most of part at least. (that's why i choose Asher in first place, just didn't expect that he would drunk). i just like being myself, i don't drink. And i think maybe you could use some more simpler words, i don't have very wide vocabulary...so sometimes i need a google translate for it. And maybe just bit more straight forward for characters what they were referring to or implying here and there. But i think overall this Visual novel was very great! The emotional, style, past of each characters was different from one to another and some of them have deep emotional story telling time, it touching me. Like Emil, he was not what i was expecting, i had in my mind when i was looking at him from here the game download page store Itch.io. when he is telling story of his past....he blew my mind, changing my mindset, open my eyes. I should be more thoughtful bout those are like him, with their own good reasons too. I should stop misjudging them if i will ever met 1 in the future...he open my eyes. I like Emil more now after that i knew more bout him, he's brave and full of surprise. I wonder if we will have his route in the future..? I hope so. I give 5 rate star to this game, actually 6!, 1 plus extra by myself for Emil!. I'm looking forward updates from this Visual No
vel!Thank you! I'm so glad you stumbled upon this project. When I first created Emil, you were exactly the kind of person I wanted to reach with him. Your reaction to him was everything I could have hoped for. You have no idea how happy that makes me!
Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about your requests, however. Asher and Colby aren't self-insert characters, they are very much their own people and part of that is they will sometimes do or say things you might not. I understand it can be difficult to relate if they behave in a manner that is at complete odds with you, but drinking is already such an established thing with them that it can't be easily removed. Removing alcohol from the game entirely would also mean I'd have to remove Hugh, and that's not something I'd ever be willing to consider.
As for the language used, I can definitely sympathize with how difficult it must make it to read. Unfortunately, I have to make sure that it's enjoyable for my target demographic first and foremost. I've discussed this matter with my fellow VN creators and that seemed to be the consensus among them. On the bright side, while it may be tedious to have to look up words so frequently, you might learn a lot of new vocabulary in the process and your English may improve to the point where you don't have to look anything up anymore!
I hope these issues don't prove to be too much of a hurdle for you long-term, and that you can continue to stick with the VN. I apologize that I can't do more to accommodate you.
I love so much Emil!!!! He is so cute and the fact that "he is what he is" is amazing!!!. I love the art and the style too! Keep going please
Thank you! Really happy with the positive reception Emil's been getting from this build. I had some concerns, given the subject matter, but it seems like he's been well received so far.
Yes, there are some NSFW Scenes but the vast majority of it is SFW.
Most of the NSFW Scenes can be easily avoided but there are some that can't.
I love how each character really feels unique and so real, that's an amazing job, not to mention the great art and music! Can't wait to see the future of this game! I wish you all the best ^^
Thanks so much! One of my goals with the characters was not to rely on tropes and try to make them feel more like real people. Glad to hear that's working out for you!
does it contain nsfw - content ? ^^
Yes, there is NSFW content
I really, really like Noah. His path shook me the most.
Yay, more people to add to Team Noah! I believe currently Noah is the least fan-favorite path right now which is a shame because he is my favorite!
That's a shame, I really think there's a lot to him that makes him interesting and I can't wait to see how his path will unfold.
I'm obviously kinda hoping for a romantic path with Colby, but I'm not sure if that's a possibility for him.... He seems to be pretty bent on letting his past stay in the past. But they can move on together, right...? :D
I hope so too
I think Kho has some really great plans for how to end the Noah Path.
Good to hear from more people who like Noah! He's been one of the less popular characters so far, so I sometimes wonder if I just didn't do a good enough job with him, haha.
I wasn't expected to be so taken in by Hugh. Can't wait to see what's next
You're not alone! He's definitely been one of the more popular boys (hence why he won quite a few Patreon polls back in the day and consequently had more scenes than the rest of the cast.)
My expectations were blown away from the title screen... I hope you manage to finish this wonderful story as I'm definitely hooked. I heard that you were on an extremely long break because you worked too hard, and now that you are back I wish you the best of luck with keeping up your motivation. ^-^
Thank you, much appreciated! It's been wonderful having such a warm welcome to the site. Hope you continue to enjoy what I've got in store!
Welcome back! was definetly bummed when the hiatus went on and all the speculation on whether it would return was also disheartening but I'm glad you're back!! I hope you've been doing better <3
Yes, much better, thank you! Sorry for worrying all of you! I'm not sure if you've seen it yet or not, but there is a journal on my FA page explaining my absence in more detail.
Great Game!
However the hint of getting a SMS is too short and not quite obvious, better to flash a little longer
I hear ya! The original intent was to try and make the player have to pay attention to it, but I can understand it can be a very frustrating thing to miss so I'll look into adjusting it in a future build. In the meantime, there is a sound effect that plays as well as the flash, so keep an ear for that if you're able to!
After 4 years, it's worth the wait
Thanks! Really glad it didn't disappoint. What a bummer that would have been, huh?
My god its good to see this VN back wish you could finish it <3
Haha, that's the plan, at least!
OMG! You're back! Yes!
It's good to be back! Sorry for the wait!