I remember being in the Outerlands, but i end up having to restart over again from the very beginning even though I did have some saves. I guess it happens whenever Chrome refreshes on my phone
Just finished chapter 8, and what can I say? I'm falling for Bella all over again.
The bug I mentioned in my previous comment is still there, though. I even replayed the game from the beginning to make sure, but only found two more bugs.
In chapter 2 story doesn't add up:
Same in chapter 4:
And in chapter 8 the Pen's pronounces constantly change between their chosen ones and they/them:
Or maybe I missed that Pen is genderfluid?
Also, I wanted ask if the last Bella scene will always be available only to patreon subscribers? Because I'm broke, and $5 for one scene is kinda too much for me.
Thank you thank you thank you! The screenshots are so helpful for me. I will be updating it next work day.
Totally understand about the Bella scene. It will be released when the game is finished. With all the rules and regs right now, it's just going to be kept on Patreon until I can figure something out.
Can't fault any of it, brilliant as usual. Hazel and Belladonna are my favourite ROs. I am curious though from reading the other comments, is Bella a solo romance route? I know she has a poly with Gabe but I swear I'm only romancing her?
At the end of the first book, you can choose whether to romance only Bella or both of them. It was kinda strange, though, that I had this choice even if I had zero romantic interactions with Gabriel.
This community has low key become kind of cancerous. Like have we all lost the plot what happened to the "Dont Like? Dont Read" rule? I know most of y'all have Ao3 accounts. You know better. Anyways though awesome update as usual! Unlike SOME people I will be happily consuming my Mal x Milo X MC crumbs and be entirely unapologetic about it. My MC is gonna break these men over her knee like a KitKat bar.
So, I don't usually leave comments, but this is one of my favorite ifs and I feel like A) people need to chill B) there are better ways to convey their feelings and C) u need some good vibes
Also D) I'm tired of seeing the Milo/Malcolm thing popping up AGAIN and AGAIN
People are allowed to be dissatisfied ofc, but u can be dissatisfied and convey those feelings in a productive way for fellow readers and the writer.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM PEOPLE
Good - I feel Hazel and Pen both lack romance scenes currently. Are future updates going to make up for this? Or do u have something else planned??
Bad - this story sucks because there aren't enough romance scenes with Hazel, especially a scene where we visit the selkies from book 1 again
One is personal. Because u have to remember that your personal feelings will always come thru no matter how objective u try to be. Anything u ask for, there is always someone against it and vice versa.
An author cannot cater to every readers desire. Hell, there have been horror stories from gaming companies where they did that and lost everything or things went to shit.
And, at the end of the day, if u still aren't satisfied, write your own.
BUT IM NOT A GOOD WRITER - ok, practice. As someone who had always been called a naturally gifted writer, I purposefully took courses that were writing weaknesses for me and I fucking sucked. But I learned and grew better.
BUT ITS TOO MUCH TIME AND EFFORT - and it's not for other writers?? It will take time and effort. So, remember that next time u wanna complain and turn that complaint into something the author can actually listen to to better their writing and not feel attacked.
There are things I notice that I think the author can improve on, but I have to step back and question 1) IS THIS A PERSONAL NITPICK and 2) WILL THIS ACTUALLY IMPROVE THE FLOW OF THE STORY
Now for the big one
MILO/MALCOLM
Do I wanna have a solo Milo route? Hell yeah, not just cause *MILO* but cause I loved the awkward but funny but also really sweet dynamic where all 3 were trying to figure out where they stood
Do I like the poly route? Yeah, actually. I was curious about it. And I'm enjoying how the authors handling it so far (the scream inside me when Malcolm is like "It's Milo, he'll break our heart"). And if I start not liking it, I got Bella, Gabe, Hazel, Pen, Bella/Gabe routes to turn to and a gazillion other amazing ifs on itch and hosted games.
Do u not like it? I'm genuinely sorry u don't. I've had personal icks (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP SETTING UP A VERY MEDIEVAL/OLD FASHIONED BASED WORLD WITH ALL THAT ENTAILS AND THEN HAVE A VERY MODERN VIEW OF SEX AND WOMEN) get in the way of some stories that make me wanna drop them. But maybe that's what u need to do.
Hopefully we get a new character that's not a forced Polly like the rest, so far all we have is Hazel 🙄 Yet her whole story pretty much get's swallowed by Milo/Mal too so...? Guess that leaves Pen who barely has any scenes, wonder how long until they're forced into some kind of poly dynamic too.
The Author originally claimed you could romance Milo solo, then after releasing it and people began to realise that *wasn't* true and the story was clearly setting up a poly route she then backtracked and added a disclaimer *after* people already bought it. Now it's gone even further and she's making Mal/Milo a locked Poly that stay together no matter what, which just confirms the fact so may fans have been saying, that they're "meant to be together" while you, the MC are... just not as important to them.
This is proven by the fact that unless you forgive Milo for murdering and betraying you... then you're locked out of Mal's route too, because he will choose to stay with Milo over you, he will defend Milo over you, and since there's no platonic route and Pen's romance hasn't been written then there's literally nothing you can do.
Seems like the author wanted to write a book, but changed it into an IF at the last minute and added a self insert with barely any agency. It's not a story about MC, it's a story about two couples and we just happen to be there to watch the drama.
I don't care if this sounds harsh, Actually I hope it does considering the way people are treated for showing the *slightest* bit of criticism. I've seen people who *paid* for the story try to give valid points and make detailed reviews and yet what did the author do...? run to Tumblr and complain about the reviews, then make condescending statements on her Patreon about fans who bring this up, and if that wasn't enough her other fans will just do the same and dogpile you into leaving.
I do think this comes off a little harsh, but in general I agree.
I would like to see more content with Pen soon, as much as I like Hazel I'm not interested in her romance so Pen seems the only other option for me, I think the author said something about twelve chapters? I could be wrong, but if that's true and there's been no real development with Pen so far then that's almost two books worth of content for the others and almost none for Pen, so his romance may feel a lot less focused on compared to the others :/
I'm really sorry that you feel this way. At this point, I would suggest that maybe I'm not the right writer for you. This is a wip and so I don't really have real concrete answers I can give anyone on the way of routes because I don't actually know what I'm going to be doing. And when I did try to address all the 'complaints' it ended up derailing the story to the point where I wasn't writing anymore because of so many code breaks. So, I'm just going to write the story I want to write. That might not fall in line with what you want to read so no hard feelings. This is not me getting mad about criticism or being condescending, I am just not going to physically be able to address all the different things that people want. Maybe the next story I write will be different with a new set of characters?
Also, people do need to understand, that just as many people who want these mono routes, want poly routes. I can't do both. I am one person. This is a side job for me to support buying groceries for my kids. Maybe if I was someone who had her life to dedicate to this, but I am not.
The IF community is dominated by works that have mono routes. I understand it is disappointing that mine does not cater to that and frankly, what a nice compliment to endure since people want to read it that bad. But, if I cannot provide what you are looking for, there are wonderful authors out there that will.
Also, to address the "i originally claimed you could romance Milo on their own" I didn't. That's what everyone assumed. Maybe I said it in chapter two or three way back in a wip, but I never made that comment when I started actually getting into the meat of the story, or when it was paid content.
Some things have not been written yet. I will be putting up an update post when everything is. That poly route got a game break bug so it may take a little bit to get under control.
Still having the blank page glitch on bella's solo route. I can get past it just fine on anyone elses but her solo route doesn't progress for me.
I've tried clearing cache, starting over and clicking through again and using different browsers/computers but it still leads me to the blank page after the scene with Reese. Did the same on the patreon demo tho I haven't repledged yet to see if it's fixed with the newer releases?
Hi, we had a lot of family emergencies the last month so it has not been fixed but it is the first thing on my priority list. I will be making an update post when it is
In the Outlands when you call Milo through the portal, does Mal automatically come as well or is that a bug? There was only text of Milo coming through before the gate closes, but then Mal is just there as well when it gets to the talky bits. I'm romancing Milo and have only ever treated Mal as a friend (even choosing dialogue options with Milo that excluded Mal).
It's a bug. There are a few little things about coming through the door that didn't code right. I'm working on getting them fixed in the next month hopefully.
I have one more bug that I am not sure if anyone reported yet, I am on Hazel route in the outlands with deucalion and when I have the option to bring someone to me, no matter what option i choose it ends with blank page.
So, I went to the Outlands with Deucalion only, and later, in chapter 7, told Oswald to bring Bella. And then I got this weird scene which makes no sense:
You are welcome. You may also want to double-check Pen's pronouns in the first chapter(s) — in my playthrough they were female, and their pronouns were a mix of she/he/they. I was just too lazy to take screenshots then.
Ch7 is so good! Very satisfying relationship wise. I hope we see tne other ROs soon ! Jw but does n e 1 know if we Can we start alone and end up w mal? Side note:i'm aware that this is silly, but its getting annoyed that Milo nvr offers the MC a cig lol such a gentleman
Nah, it just depends on what level of 'poly' you want.
gabe is obviously still in love with Bella, pretty much jumps at the chance to accept her into the relationship, so his is more 'dont' acknowlege the fact he's always open to being ina poly... and Milo is straight up forced poly, author originilly hid that from people before it got complaints.
author basiclly guaranteed that you can't be in a relationship with two of the characters if you arent ok or forgive the dude that literally stabbed you, murderer youand betrayed you because he and malcom are forced polly.
pretty sure hazel is the only full mono relationship... and even then a dozen of her conversations lead back t Milo/Mal. Pretty sure there's even a moment in book one where she's all "they're made for eachother" like??
This is probably, by far, my favorite IF on itch.io. I love other ones, as well, but this one holds a very special place in my heart for being the reason I love the genre so much, and has helped me develop ideas very loosely inspired by it. I love to see it updated, and would still be super stoked even if it was merely to see the page info get updated. I hope you're doing well and never lose your love of your creations, because I also love them very much. <3
Absolutely love this game and book 1. In reference to the question 2 below this. Are we going to be able to let Bella continue her escorting? Maybe even have some scenes where we watch?
Hey, is it just me or is there a glitch for Chapter 6? I'm playing Bella/Gab poly route and I chose Reese as the person that helps Gabriel, but Chapter 6 came out blank. Is the chapter 6 for bella/gab poly route still a work in progress or is it a glitch in the codes?
A lot of people had to start from the beginning and click through again to get chapter six to work. Twine updated and changed a bunch of things around, and it messed with some of the coding.
I just wanted to let you know that I tried refreshing my page, clearing out my cache and restarting the game from the beginning of Book 2, but unfortunately Chapter 6 for Bella/Gab still came out blank. Hope that would get sorted out soon.
So far, I'm obsessed with The Night Market!!! I'd say it's one of the few Interactive Fiction games that are extremely good! Can't wait to see what's in store for this game <3
The Second book is even better than the first. I love the new characters especially Victor, love myself some crazy scientist. I have a few questions though.
1. Is Pen/Death a Ro? If yes, will it be a solo or poly route?
Pen is going to be an RO. I'm not sure at what point it is going to be presented as an option in the game but it will for sure be this book. Also still unsure about whether there will be a poly route. If there is, it will be a V poly.
I don't know how many chapters there will be. I don't plan my chapters out and instead just kind of go with the flow. I do know it will be longer than book 1 so over twelve chapters.
And as for how many books in the series, there will be three in total.
The biggest complaint amongst fans is the lack of authentic mono routes that don't revolve around, or feel centred around a poly dynamic. That's literally all they're asking for, just *one* authentic mono route and yet...???
LOVE THIS STORY. Please don't listen to those inconsiderate comments and keep doing what you and we love. This story is gold, and it's honestly one of the best I've read in a while.
Calling comments that bring up issues within the story or any slight critique as "inconsiderate" is absolutely pathetic, even more so when you tell the author to actively ignore people who literally *paid* for the game.
You're forgetting that many people paid for the first book, and if they have critiques then that's completely valid, especially since it wasn't until "inconsiderate" comments brought up the fact that the author originally hid Milo's poly route and even claimed he had a solo route.
If it wasn't for those "inconsiderate" comments, the author never would have put up the disclaimer to make fans aware.
if it wasn't for those "inconsiderate" comments, more people would have paid out of their own pocket for a game that doesn't deliver on what it claims.
it's all well and good saying this now that the author *eventually* put up a disclaimer and framing it as "inconsiderate" but fans were well within their rights to get a clear answer from the author especially when they *paid* for something.
The fact that you and the authors fans on Tumblr pretty much just tell them to "ignore" any criticism really says a lot.
I know the game Supernatural by 13Leagues uses a feature like that , so maybe you could check in with that developer ? Just a suggestion of course , but I do know they use it for their series with a total of 3 current games ^^
The fact that there's still no platonic route and you kind of forced to romance someone if you want to read second book - feels like a punishment for not wanting to romance anyone. And if i recall correctly, author just abandoned work on it for who knows how long. I just want to enjoy the story...
I mean, the author literally posted that it was comments like this that made them want to step back yet... you still came and left one. Saying stuff like "forced to romance""the author just abandoned" and "feels like a punishment" is quite literally over the top, not true and those types of accusations do nothing but make authors in general feel less motivated to write. They're WIPs for a reason.
Option 1: If a platonic route is that important to you and you just want to "enjoy the story" and this Author and how they've decided to write their plot is keeping you from doing that; your best bet is playing something where romance is not basically one the biggest parts of the game.
Option 2: Be patient. Be considerate. Wait until Zinnia gets to the platonic route (if there will be one ). Nobody is "forced" to do anything. You are actively making the personal decision to play something making you unhappy.
This is a WIP. There will be a platonic route at some point (as I've stated multiple times it will be in the final copy). It is not abandoned. I currently have someone in my family dying and therefore, they are more important. But even if none of that was true,I would suggest trying to write over a million words in a year, which include about a dozen routes, learn how to code a game, and also live your life at the same time. Then talk to me about how you feel punished. When you have done it, you can come talk to me. I'm done with this.
I love your work and Im sorry for what your going through with all these nauses and for what your family and you are going through with your loved one. Im not good at words but I wanted to leave something positive under this and say I wish you and yours well despite everything thats happening and I hope you take some time away for yourself to heal when you can.
Every time Ive seen you make a comment yuunksu, it was to b*tch about something. You used super condescending language when noting they had not made a correction you just COULDNT live without. Your attitude needs work. This person owes you NOTHING. Stop acting like they should be working on your schedule instead of their own. Read something else in the mean time. Maybe even pick up a book or learn a new skill.
Then don't read it. It's the authors story, the author is working hard to write it, and trust, there are soooo many ppl out there that love's what the author does, appreciates all the hard work and waits with baited breath for all the work that gets put out. Yes it is a interactive fiction, but it is still the author's story, no if, ands, or buts about it period. If you find this punishing why continue to read it, just so you have something to complain about??? Smh, I never understand why someone will willingly do something like that. Anyway I am one of the consumers that wait for the author's hard work to come out. There are few author's out there that I would say I would buy their work 5 times over if I had to. That's how good the product is. I hope you have a great day and find some sunshine in your life so you stop complaining about things you really have no right to complain about. Live more, laugh more, and love more. The world and you need more of all 3 of those things.
Okay. That has been working for everyone else so I'm not sure what is happening because that would be something on your end. However, when the next chapter does come out, I am going to do an entirely new file and upload. I'm transferring everything to a new file to make sure there is no lingering issues from the Twine update they did. Hopefull that should fix it.
In the meantime, does anyone else have suggestions? I haven't heard where this hasn't worked for people. Usually deleting the cache and restarting the game from scratch fixes it.
Hiii, idk if im the only one with this problem, but I guess this happens when you take all the more aggressive options with Milo or something because literally I have another file when I take all the more soft option with him (Romance him) but after you found him in the aqueduct and talk with him, I also clicked in the option him escorting MC to the exit and there is also a bug or something where you can't continue the story.
In the pic is other part of the story (with the same characteristics I write before) where there is not "Next" part
I am currently working on this bug. It may take a bit of time but I will post an update when that is all smoothed out. I'm not sure what happened yet and I have a feeling there is a random code somewhere that is causing the glitch.
honestly I really hope the author of this wonderful book would give us the options to romance all of the characters individually and give the option to enter poly routes without jeopardising the whole individual romance and the fanbase, I understand that they want to be inclusive but it'll really be cutting off the majority of people who play and read the story. that's just my opinion on the whole milo and malcom poly stuff.
Yes. As one of the most sought after romances options in the series is milo removing the option to only romance him is potentially a risk, a lot of people prefer a single person romance, not saying that the poly route should be erased, just give the reader the choice like belladonna and Gabriel's romance routes instead of removing the opportunity entirely :)
The author has said you can romance Milo and Malcolm individually, but they will still be in a relationship with eachother. I don't know if it's a path they just haven't gotten around to yet like the purely platonic path (I haven't tried it myself, I'm perfectly happy with another rare case of a genuine poly route), but unless they've changed their mind, the option was not removed. Unless you mean cutting Milo and Malcolm apart entirely so it's not even a v-poly; in that case I don't believe there's ever going to be any intention of that
Lmao, judging from the drop in fandom and the downvotes you're getting, the majority made itself clear. The only way the author can recover the fanbase it once have is with the new characters, but considering how theyve handled everything else I doubt any of them will be solo either, not to mention the sheer lack of content those characters will have compared to the others from book one.
Well... looks like most of us have to just accept that we payed money for soemthing thats never going to happen... i payed for the first book before the author added in that little bit about milo being a poly only option, had hoped he would atleast have a mono option, but from the authors tumblr they're making him a forced poly.
i wanted to romance mal instead, couldnt stand milo after what he did and the cosntant 'woe is me' bullshit, yet now i have to give up on two romances... it's been obvious from day one most of the fanbase would love a mono milo/malcom option, but instead of being upfront from the start the author basiclly waited months/years after everyone already bought the game and then just changed it at the last second, and if anyone dares criticise them they get dopiled,.
* Due to there only being a handful of places to read reviews I thought I would leave this here to help people who are buying this game for the romance *
TLDR - While the story and characters are incredible, the handling of the monogamous male routes (to me) feel like a serious gut punch due to the way they feel more like an afterthought of the Poly-Routes. You're either made to feel like a "third" in a relationship between two soulmates or a "second choice" after the first choice rejects them.
*Spoilers*
After playing both the Book One in full (All Romances) And reading the current Demo for book 2, I was incredibly disappointed in the way the author handles the Male Romances, specifically the handling of the poly routes. As the author has stated both Milo and Gabe have Solo and Poly routes, but this isn't entirely true, and from reading some of the replies on the Tumblr, it's borderline sneaky.
Milo is non-monogamous with a locked in poly (Book 2), The MC can either be apart of that Poly or Choose to only date Milo while he remains in it. This wouldn't be an issue for me *At all* if it didn't become clear how little Milo actually care's for the MC. In his route, you are basically a walking doormat for him, you will always be a background character compared to the other RO in the poly and it's glaringly obvious. The other RO is special to them, a point that is reinforced constantly by the author, story and other characters... while our MC is kind of... there. I don't know if the author wanted to do this for Angst? Because they didn't notice? but it just come's across to me and a number of other reviews I read as basically "If you want to romance this character, you have to accept a non-monogamous relationship in which you're side-lined... because Character Trauma *TM"
This is all made even clearer in the Second book, to the point that the author plays on it. There's multiple scenes where the author pushes the narrative of Malcolm and Milo *immediately* getting close again, so much so he's accused of jumping into bed before your body is even cold. and how Malcolm even states he just sees him and Milo as *being on a break*, Through the Book 2 Demo, Malcolm and Milo consistently find one another, they consistently choose one another and Malcolm consistently defends Milo when the MC "goes too far". Though the author *has* tried to give M&M issues between one another, and put our MC more at the centre of the relationship rather than as a bystander, (Even adding in that Mylo may feel jealous of Malcom). As others have said, Milo's route feels like, and heavily pushes the idea that Malcom and Milo are soulmates, meant to be together and will always find each-other. We just happened to turn up while they were "on a break"... that's it, that's unfortunately how it feels and it's something that even the game itself pushes with many characters framing it that way.
Gabe has similar issues but is far less "In your face" While Gabe *does* have a solo route, it becomes clear that that is *not* his preference... It's obvious that while you can Romance Gabe solo, he is constantly open to including his Ex... which is an awful way of handling a Poly route. It comes across as though they're just "waiting" for the MC to change their mind and that's... awful. We learn that Gabe was (and considering they get back together in the poly), still is, very much in love with Belladonna, he simply hasn't come to terms with that. The coldness and arguing between the two is a good way for the author to show that they have issues, that their relationship is not something that can easily be repaired... however... considering *you* the MC can have a similar relationship (If you choose the whole 'He was prepared to let you be butchered in a flesh pit' route) then it no longer seems as though they are quite against one-another as it first seems. The existence of a poly route for Gabe, at least in the way it's done now, almost entirely invalidates the solo route, because the reader knows that Gabriel, with the right wording, would include Bella in the romance.
All in all, I believe that the Author really should let people know about these issues with the romances before people invest time and money, I understand if perhaps, these issues were made to be angsty or even as a specific trope, but it doesn't come across that way. Hopefully these issues are touched upon in the Book 2 Demo, All of that said and as harsh as I may have sounded, this book is honestly incredible, I may have my issues with the romance but they are still good compelling characters with an incredible story, the amount of variance you can have, the way the story changes based on your decisions, it's incredible. The Night Market itself gives me the same kind of feeling as "Alice in Wonderland" in that it's this beautiful, eerie place and I think the author should be proud of not only creating such a place, but also making it feel alive.
U should put this on there steam, suprised you've not got a dozen people giving you shit for this review, but I doubt the author cares anywya, theyre getting their money now, screw the fans huh
I think I might have found a small bug in the not romancing anyone in the first book route. When you're done with the Gabriel tea situation (as in, made the boy drink the darn stuff), there's nothing to advance the story where normally there's a Next you can click.
Also, absolutely awesome work!! This whole story is super cool, I had a blast playing Book 1 repeatedly with different MCs!
If i'm not mistaken your MC can romance Malcom alone but he will eventually enter a relationship with Milo too, and the same thing happens for Milo route. You can do their solo route but your MC will always end up in a polyamorous relationship: either a V poly (where you dating one of them and they're dating each other) or a triad poly where you're dating both of them and they're dating each other so basically the three are together.
Nope, author now switched up again and said him and milo are beig a poly only option, so now anyone who doesnt want to get with the dude that lied to you constantly, killed you and betrayed you... well, you lose out on two romances... guess all thats left is the women, (sucks if uou're gay) or gabriel, whos still obviously in love with bella
Hey there, I know this is WIP, but I thought I'll mention it in case it's a bug. In Chapter 3 when You agree to Milo escorting you back. There are two dialogue options on a way, and neither of them has any continuation making game stuck.
Edit: Never mind! I suppose it's related to the fact that I used saves from previous versions of the game. When I reached end of chapter 3 the same thing happened and I could not continue to Chapter 4, but on the "New Game" I could continue all the way to chapter 4. Is that going to be a constant until the final release of the game? If you want to continue to next chapter, you have to restart from the beginning? Would be really nice to know, thank you!
It shouldn't be a constant. Twine updated not too long ago and I'm starting to wonder if the document I write in is not compatible with it anymore. There is something very strange going on with it all. I will usually post a note though if there is a chapter you need to start from and click through for a coding situation. Or I will put in backdoor codes and clean it up on the final version. Thank you for letting me know what is going on.
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So I've seen on tumblr that there are post ch9 stories out.... does that mean a public update is in view? Possibly?
For some reason im getting a blank screen in belladonna rute that doesn’t let me progress
I remember being in the Outerlands, but i end up having to restart over again from the very beginning even though I did have some saves. I guess it happens whenever Chrome refreshes on my phone
Finally getting around to chapter 8 and again Mal is just randomly there when I didn't take him to the Outlands.
Just finished chapter 8, and what can I say? I'm falling for Bella all over again.
The bug I mentioned in my previous comment is still there, though. I even replayed the game from the beginning to make sure, but only found two more bugs.
In chapter 2 story doesn't add up:
Same in chapter 4:
And in chapter 8 the Pen's pronounces constantly change between their chosen ones and they/them:
Or maybe I missed that Pen is genderfluid?
Also, I wanted ask if the last Bella scene will always be available only to patreon subscribers? Because I'm broke, and $5 for one scene is kinda too much for me.
Thank you thank you thank you! The screenshots are so helpful for me. I will be updating it next work day.
Totally understand about the Bella scene. It will be released when the game is finished. With all the rules and regs right now, it's just going to be kept on Patreon until I can figure something out.
Im obsessed! N e one else getting major "hindu incarnation of an aspect of a god" vibes?
Can't fault any of it, brilliant as usual. Hazel and Belladonna are my favourite ROs. I am curious though from reading the other comments, is Bella a solo romance route? I know she has a poly with Gabe but I swear I'm only romancing her?
At the end of the first book, you can choose whether to romance only Bella or both of them. It was kinda strange, though, that I had this choice even if I had zero romantic interactions with Gabriel.
This community has low key become kind of cancerous. Like have we all lost the plot what happened to the "Dont Like? Dont Read" rule? I know most of y'all have Ao3 accounts. You know better. Anyways though awesome update as usual! Unlike SOME people I will be happily consuming my Mal x Milo X MC crumbs and be entirely unapologetic about it. My MC is gonna break these men over her knee like a KitKat bar.
"Like a kitkat bar" has me on the floor bahahaha
Omg, so peak
So, I don't usually leave comments, but this is one of my favorite ifs and I feel like A) people need to chill B) there are better ways to convey their feelings and C) u need some good vibes
Also D) I'm tired of seeing the Milo/Malcolm thing popping up AGAIN and AGAIN
People are allowed to be dissatisfied ofc, but u can be dissatisfied and convey those feelings in a productive way for fellow readers and the writer.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM PEOPLE
Good - I feel Hazel and Pen both lack romance scenes currently. Are future updates going to make up for this? Or do u have something else planned??
Bad - this story sucks because there aren't enough romance scenes with Hazel, especially a scene where we visit the selkies from book 1 again
One is personal. Because u have to remember that your personal feelings will always come thru no matter how objective u try to be. Anything u ask for, there is always someone against it and vice versa.
An author cannot cater to every readers desire. Hell, there have been horror stories from gaming companies where they did that and lost everything or things went to shit.
And, at the end of the day, if u still aren't satisfied, write your own.
BUT IM NOT A GOOD WRITER - ok, practice. As someone who had always been called a naturally gifted writer, I purposefully took courses that were writing weaknesses for me and I fucking sucked. But I learned and grew better.
BUT ITS TOO MUCH TIME AND EFFORT - and it's not for other writers?? It will take time and effort. So, remember that next time u wanna complain and turn that complaint into something the author can actually listen to to better their writing and not feel attacked.
There are things I notice that I think the author can improve on, but I have to step back and question 1) IS THIS A PERSONAL NITPICK and 2) WILL THIS ACTUALLY IMPROVE THE FLOW OF THE STORY
Now for the big one
MILO/MALCOLM
Do I wanna have a solo Milo route? Hell yeah, not just cause *MILO* but cause I loved the awkward but funny but also really sweet dynamic where all 3 were trying to figure out where they stood
Do I like the poly route? Yeah, actually. I was curious about it. And I'm enjoying how the authors handling it so far (the scream inside me when Malcolm is like "It's Milo, he'll break our heart"). And if I start not liking it, I got Bella, Gabe, Hazel, Pen, Bella/Gabe routes to turn to and a gazillion other amazing ifs on itch and hosted games.
Do u not like it? I'm genuinely sorry u don't. I've had personal icks (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP SETTING UP A VERY MEDIEVAL/OLD FASHIONED BASED WORLD WITH ALL THAT ENTAILS AND THEN HAVE A VERY MODERN VIEW OF SEX AND WOMEN) get in the way of some stories that make me wanna drop them. But maybe that's what u need to do.
Drop it and take a breath. Step away for awhile.
Maybe u come back. Maybe u don't.
But take the goddamm breath before u act.
Hopefully we get a new character that's not a forced Polly like the rest, so far all we have is Hazel 🙄 Yet her whole story pretty much get's swallowed by Milo/Mal too so...? Guess that leaves Pen who barely has any scenes, wonder how long until they're forced into some kind of poly dynamic too.
The Author originally claimed you could romance Milo solo, then after releasing it and people began to realise that *wasn't* true and the story was clearly setting up a poly route she then backtracked and added a disclaimer *after* people already bought it. Now it's gone even further and she's making Mal/Milo a locked Poly that stay together no matter what, which just confirms the fact so may fans have been saying, that they're "meant to be together" while you, the MC are... just not as important to them.
This is proven by the fact that unless you forgive Milo for murdering and betraying you... then you're locked out of Mal's route too, because he will choose to stay with Milo over you, he will defend Milo over you, and since there's no platonic route and Pen's romance hasn't been written then there's literally nothing you can do.
Seems like the author wanted to write a book, but changed it into an IF at the last minute and added a self insert with barely any agency. It's not a story about MC, it's a story about two couples and we just happen to be there to watch the drama.
I don't care if this sounds harsh, Actually I hope it does considering the way people are treated for showing the *slightest* bit of criticism. I've seen people who *paid* for the story try to give valid points and make detailed reviews and yet what did the author do...? run to Tumblr and complain about the reviews, then make condescending statements on her Patreon about fans who bring this up, and if that wasn't enough her other fans will just do the same and dogpile you into leaving.
I do think this comes off a little harsh, but in general I agree.
I would like to see more content with Pen soon, as much as I like Hazel I'm not interested in her romance so Pen seems the only other option for me, I think the author said something about twelve chapters? I could be wrong, but if that's true and there's been no real development with Pen so far then that's almost two books worth of content for the others and almost none for Pen, so his romance may feel a lot less focused on compared to the others :/
I'm really sorry that you feel this way. At this point, I would suggest that maybe I'm not the right writer for you. This is a wip and so I don't really have real concrete answers I can give anyone on the way of routes because I don't actually know what I'm going to be doing. And when I did try to address all the 'complaints' it ended up derailing the story to the point where I wasn't writing anymore because of so many code breaks. So, I'm just going to write the story I want to write. That might not fall in line with what you want to read so no hard feelings. This is not me getting mad about criticism or being condescending, I am just not going to physically be able to address all the different things that people want. Maybe the next story I write will be different with a new set of characters?
Also, people do need to understand, that just as many people who want these mono routes, want poly routes. I can't do both. I am one person. This is a side job for me to support buying groceries for my kids. Maybe if I was someone who had her life to dedicate to this, but I am not.
The IF community is dominated by works that have mono routes. I understand it is disappointing that mine does not cater to that and frankly, what a nice compliment to endure since people want to read it that bad. But, if I cannot provide what you are looking for, there are wonderful authors out there that will.
Also, to address the "i originally claimed you could romance Milo on their own" I didn't. That's what everyone assumed. Maybe I said it in chapter two or three way back in a wip, but I never made that comment when I started actually getting into the meat of the story, or when it was paid content.
With a bitter attitude like that, I'm not surprised they locked you out of their routes. 🤣
Hello! When repicking choices for ch6, selecting Bella/Gabriel/No key leads to a blank page
Hi,
Some things have not been written yet. I will be putting up an update post when everything is. That poly route got a game break bug so it may take a little bit to get under control.
I see! I was going for my beloved Gabe alone, but I can see how these would overlap. Also, thank you so much for all your work!!!
You're welcome! Expect some update posts in the next two weeks. Then we can start fresh and see what is not working and go from there.
Still having the blank page glitch on bella's solo route. I can get past it just fine on anyone elses but her solo route doesn't progress for me.
I've tried clearing cache, starting over and clicking through again and using different browsers/computers but it still leads me to the blank page after the scene with Reese. Did the same on the patreon demo tho I haven't repledged yet to see if it's fixed with the newer releases?
Hi, we had a lot of family emergencies the last month so it has not been fixed but it is the first thing on my priority list. I will be making an update post when it is
In the Outlands when you call Milo through the portal, does Mal automatically come as well or is that a bug? There was only text of Milo coming through before the gate closes, but then Mal is just there as well when it gets to the talky bits. I'm romancing Milo and have only ever treated Mal as a friend (even choosing dialogue options with Milo that excluded Mal).
It's a bug. There are a few little things about coming through the door that didn't code right. I'm working on getting them fixed in the next month hopefully.
Yea, I played a little further and it looks like after the gate scene, the game thinks I took Mal with me to the Outlands.
I have one more bug that I am not sure if anyone reported yet, I am on Hazel route in the outlands with deucalion and when I have the option to bring someone to me, no matter what option i choose it ends with blank page.
So, I went to the Outlands with Deucalion only, and later, in chapter 7, told Oswald to bring Bella. And then I got this weird scene which makes no sense:
Oh! Thank you! Next week I'm doing a big bug update. I'll add this one to the list.
You are welcome. You may also want to double-check Pen's pronouns in the first chapter(s) — in my playthrough they were female, and their pronouns were a mix of she/he/they. I was just too lazy to take screenshots then.
Thank you! I will double check that. Codes are a bitch sometimes.
Ch7 is so good! Very satisfying relationship wise. I hope we see tne other ROs soon ! Jw but does n e 1 know if we Can we start alone and end up w mal? Side note:i'm aware that this is silly, but its getting annoyed that Milo nvr offers the MC a cig lol such a gentleman
There is mono route for Gabe and Milo right?
Nah, it just depends on what level of 'poly' you want.
gabe is obviously still in love with Bella, pretty much jumps at the chance to accept her into the relationship, so his is more 'dont' acknowlege the fact he's always open to being ina poly... and Milo is straight up forced poly, author originilly hid that from people before it got complaints.
author basiclly guaranteed that you can't be in a relationship with two of the characters if you arent ok or forgive the dude that literally stabbed you, murderer youand betrayed you because he and malcom are forced polly.
pretty sure hazel is the only full mono relationship... and even then a dozen of her conversations lead back t Milo/Mal. Pretty sure there's even a moment in book one where she's all "they're made for eachother" like??
This is probably, by far, my favorite IF on itch.io. I love other ones, as well, but this one holds a very special place in my heart for being the reason I love the genre so much, and has helped me develop ideas very loosely inspired by it. I love to see it updated, and would still be super stoked even if it was merely to see the page info get updated. I hope you're doing well and never lose your love of your creations, because I also love them very much. <3
Absolutely love this game and book 1. In reference to the question 2 below this. Are we going to be able to let Bella continue her escorting? Maybe even have some scenes where we watch?
Hey, is it just me or is there a glitch for Chapter 6? I'm playing Bella/Gab poly route and I chose Reese as the person that helps Gabriel, but Chapter 6 came out blank. Is the chapter 6 for bella/gab poly route still a work in progress or is it a glitch in the codes?
A lot of people had to start from the beginning and click through again to get chapter six to work. Twine updated and changed a bunch of things around, and it messed with some of the coding.
Ahh I see, thank you for the clarification!
I just wanted to let you know that I tried refreshing my page, clearing out my cache and restarting the game from the beginning of Book 2, but unfortunately Chapter 6 for Bella/Gab still came out blank. Hope that would get sorted out soon.
So far, I'm obsessed with The Night Market!!! I'd say it's one of the few Interactive Fiction games that are extremely good! Can't wait to see what's in store for this game <3
Idk if it’s mentioned and I just didn’t read it but ¿is Bella still working as an escort (idk what to call it) when you are romancing her?
That is actually going to be a conversation the MC and her will have on her romance route
The Second book is even better than the first. I love the new characters especially Victor, love myself some crazy scientist. I have a few questions though.
1. Is Pen/Death a Ro? If yes, will it be a solo or poly route?
2. How many chapters will the book two be?
3. How many books will there in the series?
Pen is going to be an RO. I'm not sure at what point it is going to be presented as an option in the game but it will for sure be this book. Also still unsure about whether there will be a poly route. If there is, it will be a V poly.
I don't know how many chapters there will be. I don't plan my chapters out and instead just kind of go with the flow. I do know it will be longer than book 1 so over twelve chapters.
And as for how many books in the series, there will be three in total.
I'm so glad you are enjoying it!
Thank you for replying!!
Oh ffs.
The biggest complaint amongst fans is the lack of authentic mono routes that don't revolve around, or feel centred around a poly dynamic. That's literally all they're asking for, just *one* authentic mono route and yet...???
Is this directed towards me or is this for someone else. I'm not sure what you are asking here.
LOVE THIS STORY. Please don't listen to those inconsiderate comments and keep doing what you and we love. This story is gold, and it's honestly one of the best I've read in a while.
THANK YOU
Calling comments that bring up issues within the story or any slight critique as "inconsiderate" is absolutely pathetic, even more so when you tell the author to actively ignore people who literally *paid* for the game.
You're forgetting that many people paid for the first book, and if they have critiques then that's completely valid, especially since it wasn't until "inconsiderate" comments brought up the fact that the author originally hid Milo's poly route and even claimed he had a solo route.
If it wasn't for those "inconsiderate" comments, the author never would have put up the disclaimer to make fans aware.
if it wasn't for those "inconsiderate" comments, more people would have paid out of their own pocket for a game that doesn't deliver on what it claims.
it's all well and good saying this now that the author *eventually* put up a disclaimer and framing it as "inconsiderate" but fans were well within their rights to get a clear answer from the author especially when they *paid* for something.
The fact that you and the authors fans on Tumblr pretty much just tell them to "ignore" any criticism really says a lot.
Is there going to be a way to transfer saves from book 1 to 2.
I am looking at a way to do that for the final version. Twine is a bit finicky with stuff like that but I can't be the only one in that position.
I know the game Supernatural by 13Leagues uses a feature like that , so maybe you could check in with that developer ? Just a suggestion of course , but I do know they use it for their series with a total of 3 current games ^^
The fact that there's still no platonic route and you kind of forced to romance someone if you want to read second book - feels like a punishment for not wanting to romance anyone. And if i recall correctly, author just abandoned work on it for who knows how long. I just want to enjoy the story...
I mean, the author literally posted that it was comments like this that made them want to step back yet... you still came and left one. Saying stuff like "forced to romance" "the author just abandoned" and "feels like a punishment" is quite literally over the top, not true and those types of accusations do nothing but make authors in general feel less motivated to write. They're WIPs for a reason.
Option 1: If a platonic route is that important to you and you just want to "enjoy the story" and this Author and how they've decided to write their plot is keeping you from doing that; your best bet is playing something where romance is not basically one the biggest parts of the game.
Option 2: Be patient. Be considerate. Wait until Zinnia gets to the platonic route (if there will be one ). Nobody is "forced" to do anything. You are actively making the personal decision to play something making you unhappy.
This is a WIP. There will be a platonic route at some point (as I've stated multiple times it will be in the final copy). It is not abandoned. I currently have someone in my family dying and therefore, they are more important. But even if none of that was true,I would suggest trying to write over a million words in a year, which include about a dozen routes, learn how to code a game, and also live your life at the same time. Then talk to me about how you feel punished. When you have done it, you can come talk to me. I'm done with this.
You updated within the past couple months while you have a dying relative. This person is insane and so is anyone else pestering you.
I wish you and your family the best in navigating this hard time.
I love your work and Im sorry for what your going through with all these nauses and for what your family and you are going through with your loved one. Im not good at words but I wanted to leave something positive under this and say I wish you and yours well despite everything thats happening and I hope you take some time away for yourself to heal when you can.
Every time Ive seen you make a comment yuunksu, it was to b*tch about something. You used super condescending language when noting they had not made a correction you just COULDNT live without. Your attitude needs work. This person owes you NOTHING. Stop acting like they should be working on your schedule instead of their own. Read something else in the mean time. Maybe even pick up a book or learn a new skill.
Then don't read it. It's the authors story, the author is working hard to write it, and trust, there are soooo many ppl out there that love's what the author does, appreciates all the hard work and waits with baited breath for all the work that gets put out. Yes it is a interactive fiction, but it is still the author's story, no if, ands, or buts about it period. If you find this punishing why continue to read it, just so you have something to complain about??? Smh, I never understand why someone will willingly do something like that. Anyway I am one of the consumers that wait for the author's hard work to come out. There are few author's out there that I would say I would buy their work 5 times over if I had to. That's how good the product is. I hope you have a great day and find some sunshine in your life so you stop complaining about things you really have no right to complain about. Live more, laugh more, and love more. The world and you need more of all 3 of those things.
can't even express urself in this 'fandom' without being dogpiled by people...
I tried what you said but I still can't travel their route
Okay. That has been working for everyone else so I'm not sure what is happening because that would be something on your end. However, when the next chapter does come out, I am going to do an entirely new file and upload. I'm transferring everything to a new file to make sure there is no lingering issues from the Twine update they did. Hopefull that should fix it.
In the meantime, does anyone else have suggestions? I haven't heard where this hasn't worked for people. Usually deleting the cache and restarting the game from scratch fixes it.
Gabriel and Belladonna's routes still don't work even if I start from scratch
Did you delete your browser cache and start from the beginning? You have to delete everything your computer has saved with it and start a new game.
I haven't been this hooked on a story in who knows how long. Absolutely wonderful work!
In the pic is other part of the story (with the same characteristics I write before) where there is not "Next" part
Hi,
I am currently working on this bug. It may take a bit of time but I will post an update when that is all smoothed out. I'm not sure what happened yet and I have a feeling there is a random code somewhere that is causing the glitch.
honestly I really hope the author of this wonderful book would give us the options to romance all of the characters individually and give the option to enter poly routes without jeopardising the whole individual romance and the fanbase, I understand that they want to be inclusive but it'll really be cutting off the majority of people who play and read the story. that's just my opinion on the whole milo and malcom poly stuff.
Lmao a poly relationship jeopardizes the fanbase huh.
"Cutting off the majority" huh.
Yes. As one of the most sought after romances options in the series is milo removing the option to only romance him is potentially a risk, a lot of people prefer a single person romance, not saying that the poly route should be erased, just give the reader the choice like belladonna and Gabriel's romance routes instead of removing the opportunity entirely :)
The author has said you can romance Milo and Malcolm individually, but they will still be in a relationship with eachother. I don't know if it's a path they just haven't gotten around to yet like the purely platonic path (I haven't tried it myself, I'm perfectly happy with another rare case of a genuine poly route), but unless they've changed their mind, the option was not removed. Unless you mean cutting Milo and Malcolm apart entirely so it's not even a v-poly; in that case I don't believe there's ever going to be any intention of that
Lmao, judging from the drop in fandom and the downvotes you're getting, the majority made itself clear.
The only way the author can recover the fanbase it once have is with the new characters, but considering how theyve handled everything else I doubt any of them will be solo either, not to mention the sheer lack of content those characters will have compared to the others from book one.
Well... looks like most of us have to just accept that we payed money for soemthing thats never going to happen... i payed for the first book before the author added in that little bit about milo being a poly only option, had hoped he would atleast have a mono option, but from the authors tumblr they're making him a forced poly.
i wanted to romance mal instead, couldnt stand milo after what he did and the cosntant 'woe is me' bullshit, yet now i have to give up on two romances... it's been obvious from day one most of the fanbase would love a mono milo/malcom option, but instead of being upfront from the start the author basiclly waited months/years after everyone already bought the game and then just changed it at the last second, and if anyone dares criticise them they get dopiled,.
Guys I can't find book 1 :(
it's on the main page of the writer, but if you can find it here's the link (the full book is on sale both here and on steam)
https://the-night-market.itch.io/the-night-market-free-demo
AAAA THANK YOU SO MUCH
* Due to there only being a handful of places to read reviews I thought I would leave this here to help people who are buying this game for the romance *
TLDR - While the story and characters are incredible, the handling of the monogamous male routes (to me) feel like a serious gut punch due to the way they feel more like an afterthought of the Poly-Routes. You're either made to feel like a "third" in a relationship between two soulmates or a "second choice" after the first choice rejects them.
*Spoilers*
After playing both the Book One in full (All Romances) And reading the current Demo for book 2, I was incredibly disappointed in the way the author handles the Male Romances, specifically the handling of the poly routes. As the author has stated both Milo and Gabe have Solo and Poly routes, but this isn't entirely true, and from reading some of the replies on the Tumblr, it's borderline sneaky. Milo is non-monogamous with a locked in poly (Book 2), The MC can either be apart of that Poly or Choose to only date Milo while he remains in it. This wouldn't be an issue for me *At all* if it didn't become clear how little Milo actually care's for the MC. In his route, you are basically a walking doormat for him, you will always be a background character compared to the other RO in the poly and it's glaringly obvious. The other RO is special to them, a point that is reinforced constantly by the author, story and other characters... while our MC is kind of... there. I don't know if the author wanted to do this for Angst? Because they didn't notice? but it just come's across to me and a number of other reviews I read as basically "If you want to romance this character, you have to accept a non-monogamous relationship in which you're side-lined... because Character Trauma *TM" This is all made even clearer in the Second book, to the point that the author plays on it. There's multiple scenes where the author pushes the narrative of Malcolm and Milo *immediately* getting close again, so much so he's accused of jumping into bed before your body is even cold. and how Malcolm even states he just sees him and Milo as *being on a break*, Through the Book 2 Demo, Malcolm and Milo consistently find one another, they consistently choose one another and Malcolm consistently defends Milo when the MC "goes too far". Though the author *has* tried to give M&M issues between one another, and put our MC more at the centre of the relationship rather than as a bystander, (Even adding in that Mylo may feel jealous of Malcom). As others have said, Milo's route feels like, and heavily pushes the idea that Malcom and Milo are soulmates, meant to be together and will always find each-other. We just happened to turn up while they were "on a break"... that's it, that's unfortunately how it feels and it's something that even the game itself pushes with many characters framing it that way.
Gabe has similar issues but is far less "In your face" While Gabe *does* have a solo route, it becomes clear that that is *not* his preference... It's obvious that while you can Romance Gabe solo, he is constantly open to including his Ex... which is an awful way of handling a Poly route. It comes across as though they're just "waiting" for the MC to change their mind and that's... awful. We learn that Gabe was (and considering they get back together in the poly), still is, very much in love with Belladonna, he simply hasn't come to terms with that. The coldness and arguing between the two is a good way for the author to show that they have issues, that their relationship is not something that can easily be repaired... however... considering *you* the MC can have a similar relationship (If you choose the whole 'He was prepared to let you be butchered in a flesh pit' route) then it no longer seems as though they are quite against one-another as it first seems. The existence of a poly route for Gabe, at least in the way it's done now, almost entirely invalidates the solo route, because the reader knows that Gabriel, with the right wording, would include Bella in the romance.
All in all, I believe that the Author really should let people know about these issues with the romances before people invest time and money, I understand if perhaps, these issues were made to be angsty or even as a specific trope, but it doesn't come across that way. Hopefully these issues are touched upon in the Book 2 Demo, All of that said and as harsh as I may have sounded, this book is honestly incredible, I may have my issues with the romance but they are still good compelling characters with an incredible story, the amount of variance you can have, the way the story changes based on your decisions, it's incredible. The Night Market itself gives me the same kind of feeling as "Alice in Wonderland" in that it's this beautiful, eerie place and I think the author should be proud of not only creating such a place, but also making it feel alive.
U should put this on there steam, suprised you've not got a dozen people giving you shit for this review, but I doubt the author cares anywya, theyre getting their money now, screw the fans huh
Is there a way to restore my save from book 1 or at least insert my name and gender
Hi,
As you go through the prologue and chapter one you have the option to do all of that.
I think I might have found a small bug in the not romancing anyone in the first book route. When you're done with the Gabriel tea situation (as in, made the boy drink the darn stuff), there's nothing to advance the story where normally there's a Next you can click.
Also, absolutely awesome work!! This whole story is super cool, I had a blast playing Book 1 repeatedly with different MCs!
Ah... Gabriel breaks my heart 🤧
Jw can malcolm be romanced alone?
If i'm not mistaken your MC can romance Malcom alone but he will eventually enter a relationship with Milo too, and the same thing happens for Milo route. You can do their solo route but your MC will always end up in a polyamorous relationship: either a V poly (where you dating one of them and they're dating each other) or a triad poly where you're dating both of them and they're dating each other so basically the three are together.
Nope, author now switched up again and said him and milo are beig a poly only option, so now anyone who doesnt want to get with the dude that lied to you constantly, killed you and betrayed you... well, you lose out on two romances... guess all thats left is the women, (sucks if uou're gay) or gabriel, whos still obviously in love with bella
Hey there, I know this is WIP, but I thought I'll mention it in case it's a bug. In Chapter 3 when You agree to Milo escorting you back. There are two dialogue options on a way, and neither of them has any continuation making game stuck.
Edit: Never mind! I suppose it's related to the fact that I used saves from previous versions of the game. When I reached end of chapter 3 the same thing happened and I could not continue to Chapter 4, but on the "New Game" I could continue all the way to chapter 4. Is that going to be a constant until the final release of the game? If you want to continue to next chapter, you have to restart from the beginning? Would be really nice to know, thank you!
It shouldn't be a constant. Twine updated not too long ago and I'm starting to wonder if the document I write in is not compatible with it anymore. There is something very strange going on with it all. I will usually post a note though if there is a chapter you need to start from and click through for a coding situation. Or I will put in backdoor codes and clean it up on the final version. Thank you for letting me know what is going on.
I see, thank you very much for clarifying :)