HMM I feel like I played this too early...but maybe I also played it as intended? (Playing through this I feel like I got SIGNIFICANT spoilers for Quaint, but now I'm quite interested to see where it's going...)
First, I'll cover the technical aspects again - I really love the celestial themed GUI, as it does fit the "parallel universes" theme. The background is quite nice, and I particularly like the sunlight filtering in from the side (both in the background and for the title screen) - as it gives a v "melancholic sunset" vibe to the atmosphere. Q's slightly different design here is so interesting - one where he's free from the Organization, and has a much looser manner of dress. He's similar but different at the same time, with the same smile and subdued mannerisms but lacking the severe self-confidence issues that he has in Quaint. I like how his differences are highlighted in his design and his mannerisms, and even the coffee shop is different - presenting a universe very similar to Quaint's, but ultimately different.
========SPOILERS FOR TXXX and MINOR SPOILERS FOR QUAINT BELOW=====
While I knew that T was probably still alive despite his "death" in Quaint (considering that the game has two romantic routes overall, I believe), I wasn't quite sure WHERE he was for 6 years. I'll need the confirmation in the game, of course, but I suppose that T was somehow whisked away to this alternate dimension - one where he meets another version of Q (and, I suppose - takes over June's role at the coffee shop?). I do find it interesting that, in this alternate timeline, free from the Organization's thumb, T feels free to pursue a relationship with Q.
This game fleshes out T's character in quite interesting ways. In some ways, he's very selfish, just as he is in Quaint's flashback sequences - he enters this relationship with this universe's Q, well-aware that he'll inevitably have to leave - not caring enough about the effect that his departure will have on TXXX's Q. But at the same time, he demonstrates growth and maturity, choosing to leave this reality despite how happy and comfortable he is here, and choosing to go back to a reality with the bloodthirsty Organization - all because of his sense of responsibility towards his original Q. It's a good sign of growth for his character, although TXXX's Q ends up being a casualty in the process. The game as a whole is sweetly melancholic, with poignant discussions of the characters' feelings, and the "lovers in parallel universes" theme was an interesting one that fit well into Quaint's universe.
(I assume that T's departure at the end of this game announces his reentry into the main game, but I can't be sure! I'm quite excited to see.)
(and as for the title, TXXX...I'm guessing T's real name has 4 letters, and in this game he's struggling with his identity/sense of self - hence why the other letters are Xed out?)
Overall, a very intriguing entry that fleshed out T quite a bit and served as a good teaser for what was to come in Quaint!
fklkfdlksl So many interesting theories! 🤭 I wouldn't consider this story a spoiler (you'll see how things play out in the main game), but if it is, it's probably not the way you think. ^^
(this scene happens after ending #4 in Quaint and it's an alternate timeline where the Organization doesn't exist) (side note, i loved designing the Untraumatized Q (TM) lol)
Also, yes, the game shows T the way he'd be as an adult - a bit more mature and free of internal homophobia. (though, as you noticed, still selfish in some regards - he's still T after all kslkfsfsl) (and also: there's no 'right' ending here, both are canon ^^)
And thank you for the sweet words, your comments made my day 🫠💕
DFGDFGDGDG AFTER ENDING #4, I GOT IT SO WRONG, dang I need to come up with new theories.. I've been so bad at predicting the twists in Quaint, I swear 😭 I'm very interested to see how it all pans out, gosh, I'm eagerly awaiting the reveals 😭
I've played this before finishing Quaint Part 1 and I've been thinking: what if this Q is Quaint's Q? Q's Q seems heartbroken, still trying to get over his past, so it can be this timeline with T leaving, with this incident leading him to where he is now in his life. With AUs there are so many possibilites!!!
Interesting theory. ^^ I don't want to say too much at this point, but you're partially right. 😏
This is not so much an alternate universe but an alternate timeline (one where the Organization doesn't exist). And the other Q they're talking about is actually the Q from Quaint. Though what actually happened between T and Q will be revealed in Part Two. ^^
I didn't know much about Quaint but now I'm interested, especially about what's going on, but so far I'm just gonna focus on this visual novel because ow-- I am weak towards alternate dimensions, I gotta agree with Q about this one, that it was selfish of T to approach him only to be discarded away, and though I'm not sure what the stakes are, I honestly couldn't leave Q especially with all the things going on. I did feel shitty about the other Q but there was this Q in front of me and with everything going-- I just, I just couldn't do it, I can't break this guy's heart but at the same time I'd be quite literally breaking the other Q's heart... This is making me think a bit too much but I'm curious, if this is an alternative timeline/dimension, what about Q's version of T? Is the T as our narrator not his version of T? If so, where is he?? I don't know if it makes sense but regardless, seeing the title screen change after my decision really impacted me, a wonderful visual novel for sure!
Thank you for playing, I'm very happy this little story resonated with you ^^
On one hand, I do think that T is ultimately a selfish character. But on the other, I imagine it would be hard to resist approaching an AU version of someone you loved cause you'd be curious to know what they're like and stuff. So while I'm not saying T was right to do what he did, there are other factors that influenced his decisions, too.
But that's what makes this scenario interesting, in my opinion. No matter what he chooses, someone will be hurt and something will be lost.
Ah, I'm weak to alternate timeline stories so I loved this quite a bit! Your art is so clean and pretty, it really works well with the small animations to make Q feel more alive. The main menu changing was also a great touch! I haven't played through Quaint's demo yet but this made me really excited to play through it when I get the chance so I can get to know Q and it's characters. Wonderful job!
I haven't played "Quaint" so I'm reviewing this purely as a standalone work. This is a great introduction that makes me interested to play the main game as well.
Love triangles in romance have always been a guilty pleasure of mine, although sometimes they can feel a bit silly when the choices are unbalanced: when one pairing has far more chemistry than another. It's a fascinating short thought-piece to see it explored in the multiverse scenario when you have to pick between the 'same' guy. Especially where the other version of Q might be in danger, or not, so it feels like a dilemma that truly matters. I enjoy Q for feeling human as well, that he voices displeasure for T leaving him and tries to convince you to pick the stay option, even if it possibly dooms the Other Q.
Very eye-catching to have the title screen change depending on which ending you picked to receive some continuum and make your choice feel heavier.
What's not told gives room for mystery too, like what's up with the previous T that got replaced by the T in this timeline?
Thank you so much for playing and for taking the time to write out all of this, I really appreciate it <3
Your comment perfectly encapsulates the essence of what I wanted to show in the game and I'm delighted you picked up on the little things I scattered throughout. <3 (and as for the mysteries, I think it's fun to let the player speculate a bit ^^)
(also, the game was meant as a standalone, but Quaint does give it a little more context)
I'M CONFUSED BEYOND BELIEF but I don't care??? Hahaha, this was so great! I loved how even with the tiny asset restriction, you still made it it feel so alive and immersive with the sprite and the animation and the whole subtly melancholy vibe and feel that was both calming but also kinda jabbed at my heart a bit. The music especially was very lovely! Also loved how the title screen changed! (I chose to stay, of course... I couldn't not lol...) BUT WHAT IS GOING ON DKAFJSDLKFJ WHO IS T. WHY AM I T? WHY ARE THERE TWO Q'S??? Now I'm hoping more of this will be explained once I get to experience more of Quaint and its story? It's making me look forward to it even more as I'm super intrigued and want to know more!
Lovely lovely job overall and a really beautiful little experience! <3
I both loved and hated the restriction on assets as I tend to make countless sprites ^^ I'm glad it all works together (and I think the music actually does the heavy lifting here)(props to my composer)
I wrote the script to be rather vague on purpose, but most of the answers are in the game itself. They're just not immediately obvious. ^^ I meant it to be a spin-off of sorts and though it ties in with Quaint in some ways, it's supposed to be a separate story. (and I might get back to the idea in time, who knows)
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HMM I feel like I played this too early...but maybe I also played it as intended? (Playing through this I feel like I got SIGNIFICANT spoilers for Quaint, but now I'm quite interested to see where it's going...)
First, I'll cover the technical aspects again - I really love the celestial themed GUI, as it does fit the "parallel universes" theme. The background is quite nice, and I particularly like the sunlight filtering in from the side (both in the background and for the title screen) - as it gives a v "melancholic sunset" vibe to the atmosphere. Q's slightly different design here is so interesting - one where he's free from the Organization, and has a much looser manner of dress. He's similar but different at the same time, with the same smile and subdued mannerisms but lacking the severe self-confidence issues that he has in Quaint. I like how his differences are highlighted in his design and his mannerisms, and even the coffee shop is different - presenting a universe very similar to Quaint's, but ultimately different.
========SPOILERS FOR TXXX and MINOR SPOILERS FOR QUAINT BELOW=====
While I knew that T was probably still alive despite his "death" in Quaint (considering that the game has two romantic routes overall, I believe), I wasn't quite sure WHERE he was for 6 years. I'll need the confirmation in the game, of course, but I suppose that T was somehow whisked away to this alternate dimension - one where he meets another version of Q (and, I suppose - takes over June's role at the coffee shop?). I do find it interesting that, in this alternate timeline, free from the Organization's thumb, T feels free to pursue a relationship with Q.
This game fleshes out T's character in quite interesting ways. In some ways, he's very selfish, just as he is in Quaint's flashback sequences - he enters this relationship with this universe's Q, well-aware that he'll inevitably have to leave - not caring enough about the effect that his departure will have on TXXX's Q. But at the same time, he demonstrates growth and maturity, choosing to leave this reality despite how happy and comfortable he is here, and choosing to go back to a reality with the bloodthirsty Organization - all because of his sense of responsibility towards his original Q. It's a good sign of growth for his character, although TXXX's Q ends up being a casualty in the process. The game as a whole is sweetly melancholic, with poignant discussions of the characters' feelings, and the "lovers in parallel universes" theme was an interesting one that fit well into Quaint's universe.
(I assume that T's departure at the end of this game announces his reentry into the main game, but I can't be sure! I'm quite excited to see.)
(and as for the title, TXXX...I'm guessing T's real name has 4 letters, and in this game he's struggling with his identity/sense of self - hence why the other letters are Xed out?)
Overall, a very intriguing entry that fleshed out T quite a bit and served as a good teaser for what was to come in Quaint!
fklkfdlksl So many interesting theories! 🤭 I wouldn't consider this story a spoiler (you'll see how things play out in the main game), but if it is, it's probably not the way you think. ^^
(this scene happens after ending #4 in Quaint and it's an alternate timeline where the Organization doesn't exist) (side note, i loved designing the Untraumatized Q (TM) lol)
Also, yes, the game shows T the way he'd be as an adult - a bit more mature and free of internal homophobia. (though, as you noticed, still selfish in some regards - he's still T after all kslkfsfsl) (and also: there's no 'right' ending here, both are canon ^^)
And thank you for the sweet words, your comments made my day 🫠💕
DFGDFGDGDG AFTER ENDING #4, I GOT IT SO WRONG, dang I need to come up with new theories.. I've been so bad at predicting the twists in Quaint, I swear 😭 I'm very interested to see how it all pans out, gosh, I'm eagerly awaiting the reveals 😭
(i feel like i shouldn't say any more because it's best if you just play it lol)
But TBH, I'm happy it's not that easy to predict! It's more exciting this way 🤭💕
[possible spoilers ahead]
I've played this before finishing Quaint Part 1 and I've been thinking: what if this Q is Quaint's Q? Q's Q seems heartbroken, still trying to get over his past, so it can be this timeline with T leaving, with this incident leading him to where he is now in his life. With AUs there are so many possibilites!!!
[spoilers here, too]
Interesting theory. ^^ I don't want to say too much at this point, but you're partially right. 😏
This is not so much an alternate universe but an alternate timeline (one where the Organization doesn't exist). And the other Q they're talking about is actually the Q from Quaint. Though what actually happened between T and Q will be revealed in Part Two. ^^
I didn't know much about Quaint but now I'm interested, especially about what's going on, but so far I'm just gonna focus on this visual novel because ow-- I am weak towards alternate dimensions, I gotta agree with Q about this one, that it was selfish of T to approach him only to be discarded away, and though I'm not sure what the stakes are, I honestly couldn't leave Q especially with all the things going on. I did feel shitty about the other Q but there was this Q in front of me and with everything going-- I just, I just couldn't do it, I can't break this guy's heart but at the same time I'd be quite literally breaking the other Q's heart... This is making me think a bit too much but I'm curious, if this is an alternative timeline/dimension, what about Q's version of T? Is the T as our narrator not his version of T? If so, where is he?? I don't know if it makes sense but regardless, seeing the title screen change after my decision really impacted me, a wonderful visual novel for sure!
Thank you for playing, I'm very happy this little story resonated with you ^^
On one hand, I do think that T is ultimately a selfish character. But on the other, I imagine it would be hard to resist approaching an AU version of someone you loved cause you'd be curious to know what they're like and stuff. So while I'm not saying T was right to do what he did, there are other factors that influenced his decisions, too.
But that's what makes this scenario interesting, in my opinion. No matter what he chooses, someone will be hurt and something will be lost.
UOOO!!! Another “almost” solo dev in this jam ^!!
I love the animation of the character! Congratulations on your entry.
Thank you! I like the artistic freedom that comes with working solo ^^
Ah, I'm weak to alternate timeline stories so I loved this quite a bit! Your art is so clean and pretty, it really works well with the small animations to make Q feel more alive. The main menu changing was also a great touch! I haven't played through Quaint's demo yet but this made me really excited to play through it when I get the chance so I can get to know Q and it's characters. Wonderful job!
Ahh, thank you so much, that's so sweet <3
I'm happy you liked the animations and the main menu variants, I think little details like these go a long way (i also really enjoyed making them) ^^
I haven't played "Quaint" so I'm reviewing this purely as a standalone work. This is a great introduction that makes me interested to play the main game as well.
Love triangles in romance have always been a guilty pleasure of mine, although sometimes they can feel a bit silly when the choices are unbalanced: when one pairing has far more chemistry than another. It's a fascinating short thought-piece to see it explored in the multiverse scenario when you have to pick between the 'same' guy. Especially where the other version of Q might be in danger, or not, so it feels like a dilemma that truly matters. I enjoy Q for feeling human as well, that he voices displeasure for T leaving him and tries to convince you to pick the stay option, even if it possibly dooms the Other Q.
Very eye-catching to have the title screen change depending on which ending you picked to receive some continuum and make your choice feel heavier.
What's not told gives room for mystery too, like what's up with the previous T that got replaced by the T in this timeline?
Thank you so much for playing and for taking the time to write out all of this, I really appreciate it <3
Your comment perfectly encapsulates the essence of what I wanted to show in the game and I'm delighted you picked up on the little things I scattered throughout. <3 (and as for the mysteries, I think it's fun to let the player speculate a bit ^^)
(also, the game was meant as a standalone, but Quaint does give it a little more context)
I'M CONFUSED BEYOND BELIEF but I don't care??? Hahaha, this was so great! I loved how even with the tiny asset restriction, you still made it it feel so alive and immersive with the sprite and the animation and the whole subtly melancholy vibe and feel that was both calming but also kinda jabbed at my heart a bit. The music especially was very lovely! Also loved how the title screen changed! (I chose to stay, of course... I couldn't not lol...) BUT WHAT IS GOING ON DKAFJSDLKFJ WHO IS T. WHY AM I T? WHY ARE THERE TWO Q'S??? Now I'm hoping more of this will be explained once I get to experience more of Quaint and its story? It's making me look forward to it even more as I'm super intrigued and want to know more!
Lovely lovely job overall and a really beautiful little experience! <3
Thank you, I'm so happy you liked it <3
I both loved and hated the restriction on assets as I tend to make countless sprites ^^ I'm glad it all works together (and I think the music actually does the heavy lifting here)(props to my composer)
I wrote the script to be rather vague on purpose, but most of the answers are in the game itself. They're just not immediately obvious. ^^ I meant it to be a spin-off of sorts and though it ties in with Quaint in some ways, it's supposed to be a separate story. (and I might get back to the idea in time, who knows)
Anyway, thank you so much for playing <3
Gosh the design is *chef's kiss*
Awww, thank you, this makes me very happy <3
Love the art <3
Thank you, it means a lot <3