u/Mimi1b

Fishie is a natural and the new moves look so good on him, I could watch him for hours! Music: Alesso, Nate-Smith: I Like it

…and other issues regarding LADS.

This is solely my opinion, but I have thought about these topics for a while. Sorry for the rambling...

The first PV we saw was released on June 22, and the official livestream was broadcast on June 28. However, the official update was to be implemented on July 9. That means 17-18 days from the first teaser to the estimated official release. Usually when a new update/banner is introduced, we have about three (to five?) days between the first PV and the official installation.

What was different this time? A potential new LI as an update is, of course, an exception to a banner, because he would have been permanently implemented in the game after his release, while banners are only visible when they are obtained.

However, 17-18 days is an extended time, and some (now disappointed) players pointed out it was a "potential mistake" to wait that long. Except that it very likely wasn't a mistake at all!

Infold/PPG likes to take risks! One cannot expand their business without developing or trying out new products and selling methods. Any business that wants to survive and succeed over their competitors has to be "innovative"!

I noticed PPG/Infold's creativity and risk taking first when I started playing "Infinity Nikki." I know about gacha games and their selling strategies. Yes, they work like a slot machine but luckily don't exchange money, and their pity must be better regulated (at least a bit). Nevertheless, they are designed to become highly addicting on purpose. Here is a good video about that topic:

The REAL Cost of Gacha Games

One of the biggest successes in gacha gaming is HoYoverse and "Genshin Impact", of course. Their RPG-style gameplay and anime cell-shading graphics spawned many clones. However, while Infinity Nikki is also an open-world gacha RPG, in contrast to Genshin Impact, Infinity Nikki's graphics have a higher polygon count and are extremely detailed.

Instead of new characters for a roster, one pulls for Nikki's outfits, which can be freely restyled and give her new abilities. But her original character remains the same.

Another difference is that Nikki features many story-related tasks, but they are simple, and the main bosses are beatable with the regular free outfits. Its FOMO doesn't rely on beating and speedrunning the most difficult bosses comparable to mainstream games for a male audience.

Instead, it relies on creating a huge collection of many different fashion styles and an elaborate photo feature to share and present the different outfits. Nikki's storyline is also vastly branched and supports casual gaming without a specific goal very well. The players don't need to choose strictly and have a more "The Sims"-like playstyle.

It's the same with LADS too. Every player can choose their personal goal they want to achieve: Collecting banners, using the many different apps, reading the main story, being a fighting girly, beating the orbits/hunter contests, etc.

These play styles brand Infinity Nikki and LADS potential as niche products, since "the SIMS" and otomes are the only closely comparable games. There haven't been many SIMS clones released either, in contrast to classic mainstream RPG games.

However, Infinity Nikki and LADS provide much better graphics than "the SIMS," even! PPG's graphics can be compared to titles such as Skyrim, The Witcher, and Cyberpunk, along with the latest Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and GTA releases. Players underestimate the expenses related to creating live-rendered 3D graphics. It's 50 million and more per finished game to buy.

Why does a gaming company invest in high-quality graphics for niche games that feature gacha monetization? Since clearly nobody else does! Most likely because they utilize LADS and Nikki for their 3D-graphic project development.

It is impossible to create something innovative without financial support and testing. Producers who lack personal investment in the project are often unreliable and may withdraw funding, which happens often in the game industry as well. (Hideo Kojima knows a thing or two about it!)

However, if the 3D graphic developing project is made of several games, which could fund themselves with the help of personal invested players... Actually an excellent concept!

Now back to the original topic. To keep players interested, a game has to preserve its quality, but it must be every now and then slightly modified. While many players think it's controversial, changing intros (Infinity Nikki) and introducing potential new LIs (LADS) is worth a try, because there has to be new content at some point.

But not even PPG/Infold can foresee (despite extensive research) each popular trend, so there is always a "hit and miss" element involved. Many gacha games use characters as their new banner because it fits the RPG play style, but the Nikki series can't do that because Nikki is the main character and can't be replaced.

However, LADS could have more potential love interests, but it's not an RPG but a visual novel and otome dating sim with certain rules. Players get very much attached to the characters and react even more sensitively to sudden changes and potential unfair treatment of their cherished LIs.

Infold/PPG knew they would take a big risk when they introduce a new LI because they have done so before. But like I said, without innovation there is no development. That's why they had this overly long time period so they could estimate how people will react and how big the potential backlash will be! Game companies and entertainment media studios usually know of the risks when fans disagree with their business decisions.

Within eight days from 22 to 30 June, they had collected enough data and received too much backlash in general, so they came to the easy conclusion their update failed and they canceled it! They might have been disappointed, but as a designer myself, I know this can happen.

A customer suddenly withdraws from a project because they changed their mind, etc. One cannot survive as a developer, especially in the game industry, without "thick skin" and the strength to start anew when a project fails:

https://www.eurogamer.net/ea-motive-boss-cancellations-in-video-game-development-shouldnt-be-a-taboo-thing

Nevertheless, it has much less to do with "customer manipulation" than with planning and "trial and error." It's just that games instead of "a new high-function device in development (same costs, same trial process)" have a "highly dedicated fanbase" who react understandably emotionally if a new update is controversial. I can always choose another fridge model, because I'm not attached. Finding a similar high-quality game like LADS and Infinity Nikki, on the other hand...

Although the LIs obviously write about dishes and cooking skills, I've seen a few posts where players suggest the LIs could mean something else too!

Then I looked at an older note from Rafayel and couldn't help but giggle...😘

Does anybody else have a sticky note that could have a double meaning?

This is how he greeted me this morning after I fed him the "dodgy dishes" yesterday! I almost begged "for mercy"! 😘

The LIs even post about it when they eat/drink a first "dodgy dish" for the first time, but only once, I think! Please, correct me if I'm wrong.

The original video was over 12 minutes long, so I only show the best parts.

For Rafayel it was definitely an experience he won't forget easily! However, he loves to suffer!😭😻

Usually my house feature Rafayel doesn't have access to a bathroom, but I wanted to get the "Li restocks bodywash" conversation. So I did take the "How I Locked Rafayel in a Bathroom Until He Restocked My Body Wash" video by Luingene as advice.

I still gave my Raf attention when he asked for it, to not screw his behavior up, because my MC likes him being clingy!

However, I had bought too much body wash, so I let my MC shower as well. Rafayel usually comments in the bathtub by showing happy emojis and saying, "How fishies feel like the bathtub is a bed for them." Then suddenly he mentions, "A night of luxury and excess"!

From his limited 4-star card, "Oceanic Nightfall," and the "Curious Chase Event," we know Rafayel loves to party like the "Great Gatsby"! I wonder what he does at home while MC is on her missions? 😅

Since Martial Ode showed us a new side of Rafayel, I want to emphasize the connection of his different storylines and that Rafayel's amazing character development is indeed consistently written. It's the "main story Rafayel," after all!

Edit: Love and Deepspace trailers, music: Faouzia peace & violence

In fact, it might be even the very beginning of Rafayel's and MC's unshakable bond.

While "Carved Gemheart" is considered an "alternative universe" (AU), the parallels between the fourth myth and Rafayel's "Mortality's Tenderness" banner can't be ignored.

>!In both stories Rafayel is a prince from Ancient China. There are two "different theater plays" shown that depict Rafayel's and MC's fate in each story. In both stories Rafayel wears a mask because he has to hide his knowledge/true feelings and helps MC to become aware of her own feelings/true self.!<

>!In "Carved Gemheart," MC, working as a scholar, met Rafayel in Zhaole three years ago, where she researched rare jade to compile an illustrated catalog. She became acquainted with Rafayel, who was an imperial prince, and they became good friends. However, Rafayel fell deeply in love with MC and stayed by her side even when she interpreted it as friendliness. !<

>!Eventually MC returned back to Yunshao, the capital city. She and Rafayel met again when he was ordered by the emperor to bring him rare minerals from Zhaole. However, the rare jade called "Ice Soulpearl" that Rafayel is supposed to bring got suddenly stained, and he needs MCs' help to clean/restore it. Otherwise, a death by beheading awaits him for potentially insulting the Emperor.!<

>!Of course MC agrees to help Rafayel, and they rekindle their relationship and find a solution (a rare wine) for restoring the "Ice Soulpearl." But the helpful restaurant owner can't fetch it before the next morning. So MC and Rafayel spend the evening together and are invited to see a romantic theater play together where Rafayel translates for MC because it's performed in a different Chinese dialect than MC speaks.!<

>!Rafayel explains that the play depicts closely his and MC's relationship, and he also has unrequited feelings like the portrayed main character.!<

>!Then he recites the poem from the theater play:!<

"A fish of longing swims,

in the depths of my heart.

Hoping to become a clear stream,

that reaches your shores, I wish to dart."

>!He confesses to MC but gives her time to answer. Before that there was never a special bond between Rafayel and MC mentioned in "Carved Gemheart." However, Rafayel obviously fell deeply in love, and MC is most likely to reciprocate his feelings. In fact it might be that very moment where their bond is literally "carved" in stone. !<

>!After that, Rafayel returns to the royal guest quarters, and MC stays at her humble abode.!<

>!She was supposed to fetch the rare wine to clear the "Ice Soulpearl" the next day. However, when MC searches for Rafayel, he is already summoned to the emperor's banquet, and his life is in grave danger. But MC, now aware of her own feelings disguised as a maid, can bring the wine just in time to Rafayel and rescue his life. They confess each other's love and stay together, and their karma is sealed.!<

>!Eventually they will be separated by death and reborn into different lives.!<

>!Here "Martial Ode" continues. Rafayel is reborn as a similar Chinese prince as in "Carved Gemheart." But he didn't encounter MC and died a tragic/violent death under a 1000-year-old tree. However, he is reborn as a martial deity because he made peace before he died. Despite becoming a deity, he is unable to ascend to the realm of heavens/gods because he is bound to MC (as the old priest will tell him). !<

>!He has to rescue MC's soul from becoming bound to the same tree by dying of a similar violent death 300 years later. However, different from Rafayel, MC lost her home and family in a continued war as a child and is filled with hatred and thoughts of revenge. Thus, she is not able to achieve peace. !<

>!It's Rafayel's fate to repay her kindness from "Carved Gemheart" and rescue her soul. Additionally, Rafayel still loves her even when he forgot their former life. So Rafayel waits patiently 300 years as a martial deity and helps MC to reclaim her home/city, fulfilling her lifetime wish. However, Rafayel does so much more. !<

>!By meeting Rafayel, MC learns how to love again and let go of her pain and revenge. Rafayel's story in "Martial Ode" mirrors hers, and she understands that she has to let go of her inner war just like Rafayel did when he died. She tells him he cannot go! Otherwise, "his inner demons will consume him," but he states he died and made peace a long time ago, and it's her, in fact, who has to make peace now! !<

>!Rafayel ascends to the heavens, and MC dies. However, she felt peaceful enough to not become a "deamon" or a "bound martial god." Instead, she becomes a wandering soul, but she can be reborn. Rafayel appears many years later, obviously still being a deity, as he can see MC and the other wandering souls. !<

>!He collects her bones and brings them to the Land of DI/future Lemuria. "The fish of longing," which was the beginning of their love, continues in their different futures together.!<

In his bond story "Ebb and Flow", MC is a bit skeptical of Raf's Lemurian origin since they are in the early stages of their relationship. And because he is so secretive and teases her a lot, MC playfully uses the "trapped mermaid trope" and threatens Rafayel playfully to be her "slave"! Of course she doesn't mean it, and Rafayel knows that because he doesn't subdue MC (like he does in "Land of Secret Flames", but he's possessed then) and just plays with her a little.

However, in the house feature, my Rafayel would constantly bathe, drink coffee and empty the fridge! So I deleted the bathroom and the coffee machine and disabled the "shared food function"! Now Rafayel has to wait for every meal and usually paints (he also enjoys the view, watches TV and tends to the garden, etc.).

I fear I have accidentally become an evil MC, and my "house feature Rafayel", has to accept his fate! He seems very happy, though! 🥰

No spoilers, but the story of his myth portrayed him very well, and he was always in character. His love for MC is kind and selfless!🥹❤️

No spoilers, but the story of his myth portrayed him very well, and he was always in character. His love for MC is kind and selfless!

When we met him at "the Nest", there wasn't a hint of his playful, cheeky attitude visible. Instead, he is very composed and dominates the scene! That's also the case for warlord Rafayel. He knows what he's doing! I also love when Rafayel's VA uses his deeper voice to portrait him.

I rarely do fan art work, but Rafayel's new myth design is stunning. Please share and repost! Give credit if you like! But I give this artwork for free, and it's hopefully used to support Rafayel's myth.

I always wanted to make a (funny) video edit including Rafayel's iconic bond storylines. Enjoy! Music: "Monster" by DEV (nightcore version)

An inspirational fan photoshoot for his upcoming 4th Myth.

There must be a certain reason why "the bed" is his favorite place in the house!🥰

First he tended to the flowers, allowing me to finally reach 100%!

Then he showed off his cooking skills and invited MC to join him at the table! He even provided her with a decent meal (curry and a cup of warm milk)!

After that he cooked again, and sadly he created "the greatest invention", but now he is not offering it to MC anymore. He quietly disposes of it and ponders sorrowfully by the fireplace.

Of course MC had to give him a hug! I’m curious if the LIs get rid of the burned food, is it still possible to obtain the hidden achievement of possessing 10 "greatest inventions"?

Redditor serenityxixi was wondering how Rafayel would have looked if we were able to see his "merman form" more clearly in the main story. Original thread here: https://www.reddit.com/r/RafayelMains/comments/1v50fkf/linkon_rafayel/

So I made an edit to satisfy our curiosity! Video and Music: Love and Deepspace

MC's and Raf's private trip went a little bit overboard. Enjoy! (Please turn on audio.)

Music: Gut Genug KITSCHKRIEG Marimba Ringtone

Video: Love and Deepspace

Keep it up, Valko girlies! We have to get him back!

Credit: Official Love and Deepspace trailers.

Music: Negative Won't Let Go

If we trust our love to take us

To a place unknown

Even we're not sure if we could

Get back on our own

No way out

That your tired heart can tell

It breaks me down

It kills me

I won't let go

Of things that I was dreaming

I won't let go

Of you, you keep me believing

Deep in my heart

There's a place that I

Could never show to you

I won't let go

Of you, my dear