Drain Mansion [Kredyn]

  - Date Posted: 10/20/2022

  - Date Edited:   5/21/2023

          General Info:

Post Type: Review, Files ## Cheats, Saves

Developer: [Individual] Kredyn

Language: English 

Progress: Complete (Open to Updates)

Version: v1.8.0

Type: 2D Gameplay ## Side-Scroller ## Adventure, Puzzle ## Platformer, Resource Management (Slight) ## Horror (Slight) ## Modern & Fantasy

Engine: Unity

Style: 2D (Pixel) Animations, 2D CGs ## 2D View

Voices: Sfx

Fetishes: Femdom ## Male MC ## Succubus Girls ## Foreplay, Sex ## Multiple Partners (Very Slight) ## Lips (Very Slight) & Pussy & Breasts & Thighs (Slight) & Feet Fetish ## Drain (Slight), Mind Control (Slight)

Links: Steam | Patreon

                  For some context, check the current month. Indeed, it is October. Halloween! Spooooky~! Well, in all honesty, I know that plenty of creators use this month to post thematic content related to spookiness, and I was planning on doing the same! I remembered suddenly, while watching a video, then I also realized I was mid-October by this point. So, high time to do this! What is my plan? For this week, I'll post 3 Reviews of Horror-themed games. They are a bit small in size, but still, worthwhile doing a Review on! This Review is the first of them. Obviously.
                  With this out of the way, let's continue with the actual review!
                  Also, I'm aware the game already updated, and is still keeping on updating, but I'll try to keep up to date with the news on it. The Review itself should not change (since the current update, v1.8.0, is, by the Dev's words, the one right before the final release, that also will arrive on Steam, so we're already close to having everything), I'll probably simply have to update the Files as needed. That's a worry mostly on my end, so should not be really a visible concern here.

                  Review Contents (links to each part):

          - Full Review

          - The Files

                  Review TL;DR:

          All Scores:

================ Plot                        = ----

================ Gameplay              = 5.62

======== Mechanics            =  6.5

======== Complexity          =  6

======== Uniqueness          =  7

======== Replayability       =  3

================ Scenes                   = 7.62

======== Visual                   =  8

======== Written                =  7

======== Interactivity        =  7

======== Replayability       =  8.5

================ Development       = 9

======== Stability               =  9

======== Communication  =  9

================ Obtaining            = 10

======== Price                     =  10

======== Methods               =  10

================ FINAL SCORE  = 8.06

          QuickView

                  A slight-horror platformer with puzzle elements, this game has a good amount of pixelated h-scene animations, some Game Over CGs for certain enemies, secret areas and an reasonable price. I could easily recommend trying the game out, at least the public version first! A cool quick experience for the most part.

                  Full Review

 

                  Plot = ----

          Story = -

                  You're probably used to this, but nothing much here, either. I swear, I'll get to a game with meaningful Plot! At some point.... Still, the game is not disadvantaged by this lack. Still, for some explanation... You're the typical Shota, finding himself in a strange mansion filled with Succubuses, and now you need to try to escape from the mansion without raisin-balls. 'nuff said. On the subject of Story, currently you can already reach the main Normal ending of the game, with a possible other ending to be reached within a future update (most likely, in the last update, with the Steam release).

 

          Characters = -

                  The MC's... I mean, a Shota, so basic general innocence, gullibility and weakness to temptations and whatnot. The Succubi continue to succub around... Oh! There is one Loli-type Succubi who has a major inferiority complex and goes after the MC a few times. Actually, with this ocasion, I could employ the Spoiler tag....

                  In the Normal Ending of the game (currently the only ending in the game), you almost make it out of the Mansion, only for that Loly-succubus to finally catch up to you and Rape you to death, thus achieving her revenge against you.

                  Gameplay = 5.62

          Mechanics = 6.5

                  Unlike the games I've reviewed so far, in this one you are not as proactive in the fight against the enemies. Rather, you just run. Yup. A bit more realistic, this, considering the chances of a normal individual against supernatural beings. To that end, the MC has, at his disposal, his feet and his ability to grab items. Indeed, in this game you'll do a lot of evading the enemies and puzzles, be them logical or platformer-based. But, still, some mechanics to explain are still there.
                  You move as normal, have a button for Inventory and a button for Struggling out of Grabs (although you can also mash Left&Right for that, as well). No running though. You'll be walking around the mansion, trying to advance to the relative next area. In that sense, it does feel quite linear, even with the plenitude of general rooms to explore. But more on that later. At least you can backtrack generally to anywhere.

                  As for the enemies. the huge majority are the type that walk predefined areas, patrolling them, with a rectangle-of-vision in front of them (colored green). It has a bit of a distance, but sadly, this also means that, for the most part, the enemy will be off-screen as they approach you. Fairly soon as you see them, it's usually when you're either already in their vision rectangle, or hidden. When they see you, the rectangle turns red, the enemy gets a speed boost (making them faster than you, instead of generally being slightly slower than you) and dash after you, even if you get out of their normal patrol route. By that point, the only way to escape is to either switch rooms (valid strategy, unless it's a special "Boss" type enemy that follows you through rooms, as the event dictates) or to be caught by them and escape their Grab instead. 

Still safe VS Not-as-safe...

                  You can also hide yourself in a closet (they have an eye symbol around them to mark them for being usable as hide-outs), which makes enemy not spot you, so long as they weren't already in pursuit of you (a.k.a. their vision rectangle is not red yet). You'll end up using hiding spots like this to dodge around enemy patrols, especially if it's in a vertically-tight area and you cannot jump effectively (not that you could avoid an active pursuit via jump; at best, you can try to avoid being spotted that way). Also, keep in mind that, later on, a Mimic enemy starts appearing, being a fake closet (her tell is the eyes appearing from the closet opening, and a bit of ocasional movement). As a general rule, for one enemy patrol, you rarely get more than one hiding spot, later in the game (if you see more of them, there will be mimics as well among them). 

                  As for Grabs, you can struggle out of them, as mentioned previously, either by mashing Left&Right or mashing the specific button for Struggles. In this game, struggles are more active; that is, you'll try to empty the Struggle Meter to escape, while the enemy, in their active Grab H-Scenes, will slowly refill that bar. Your Struggle Rate has a hard cap, so there is a limit to how fast you'll struggle out, regardless of mash-ability. The Refill rate and amount depends on their current action, but as a rule, the more you stay in a Hold, the faster it gets (and thus, it becomes harder to escape). Also, during any enemy Hold, you're Arousal bar keeps on filling up. When at full, you Cum (of course), and lose from there. Enemies can keep on Draining you from then on, you even get a health bar just to show the progress of the Drain! Some enemies also have separate H-Scenes for the Lose Drain. 

... VS Very-not-safe-and-actually-dead.

                  Some enemies have a Skull sign above them. That doesn't mean "Boss" per say, it actually means that the enemy, if they grab you, you will lose, since they'll have an Inescapable Hold, in which the Struggle Bar empties too slow to escape before Cumming. Yes, I even hacked the Arousal value to stay the same, to test struggling out of a Skull-signed enemy, and even emptying the Struggle Meter, you cannot get out even like that (even though it was already impossible to empty the Meter on time, considering the capped Struggle rate). Usually, when seeing those types of enemies, you're meant to evade them completely, and stay as far away from them as possible (or to have saved recently). Some enemies don't have Vision Rectangles, and attack in different ways (like shooting charm hearts to you, being Closeet Mimics, or attacking only in scripted events). And, as far as "Bosses" are concerned, they are usually special events in which you have to get away from a certain enemy in a different situation, usually involving more puzzles, and being at the end of a Stage. There is no "Boss" bar or many gameplay changes, they are pretty much integrated into the normal gameplay, and it does make for smoother transitions between stages, if only for some teleport cuts in some certain scripted events. 

                  As for your UI, most of it I already explained, like the Arousal Bar (which can be healed at specific Rest spots; those usually also have Save spots next to them as well) and the Inventory. When using an item, you will have to specifically select it from the Inventory and use it that way, when near the place it can be used on. Don't worry, very rarely you'll have a lot of items, and only the Double Jump upgrade you'll get later on will stick around as a Passive Item. You could probably see, from the Pic above, a "V" heart near the Arousal bar. That's your Virginity Status. Enemies that attack via rape with their Pussy will take it away (relevant only for enemy with escapable Holds that have Pussy rape, since enemies that kill you will make you reload a previous save, in which you still have the Virginity). That status is needed for one of the Secret areas. Yes, the game has Secret areas, although they are not that hard to spot, and those Secret areas will work towards reaching the other ending of the game (when it's implemented). Also, those areas have separate enemies / H-scenes, so even more incentive to find them. 

                  Another esential aspect of your UI is your Mini-Map. Considering that enemy Vision Rectangles span pretty far, and you will need to stay away from them as much as possible, you'll be using the Map quite a lot, to see the enemies around you before they see you, to notice moving platforms from the distance etc. Quite useful, in this game.

Your lifeline. Keep track of it!

                  Essentially, the game is quite simple to understand, so not many mechanics employed here. They do their job in outlining your strength in comparison to the enemies' though (or, you know, the lack thereof in strength).

          Complexity = 6

                  Pretty easy, in general. Since there are not many separate mechanics, it's easy to get the hang of playing the game. Movement-wise, for the most part, it's not difficult, unless you specifically enable Hardcore mode (done from Tutorial, the door to the left, and putting the Skull item on the Altar), which generally adds more obstacles in your path of running away from Succubi. Puzzle-wise, it's still medium-towards-easy, either straight-forward item fetching or some unique mechanics / codes to use in different ways. 

                  Still, I do recommend Saving often, especially if you wish to keep that Virginity badge (sick) for one of the Secret Areas.

          Uniqueness = 7

                  While the Platformer and the Puzzle part of the game has been done, quite a lot, the idea of generally not fighting back at all (in any meaningful way, at least) it's the unique part present here. In fact, it fits in well with the idea of a Horror-ish game (as in those, usually, you also don't have the choice to fight back, to add to the helplessness factor). That being said, the game is not extremely Horror. Even with the dynamic lighting present, I don't think you'll really get scared in it for real. Though, on that note, I wonder if you could really go really Horror in an Adult Erotic game, but that's a matter of personal taste honestly. 

          Replayability = 3

                  Not much to be had here. That's a downside to be expected from games relying on a unique experience, since they don't have much in the terms of reasons to replay. Unless you do it after a great while and you really borderline-brainwash forgot everything you played before. For the gameplay, it's really a one-and-done deal. You usually can still backtrack through the game, if you want to revisit some specific areas, maybe to see certain enemies, but Events won't reset, and for he enemies you could get a similar experience by using the game's Gallery, from the Main Menu. 

                  Scenes = 7.62

          Visual = 8

                  Decent visuals and animations. The H-Scenes are all done in-game, as Pixel Animation, and almost all of them are done via Holds (although some Holds are either impossible to Struggle out, or don't have the Hold UI at all). As said previously, some Holds have separate H-Scenes for after the 1st Cumming (as Lose Scenes, since from that point on, you cannot Escape anymore). The animations are smooth enough, have decent amount of detail, and there is some creativity in some of the H-Scenes present. In my opinion, there's a predominant amount of normal sex, but at least it's with Succubi, if nothing else.
                  A big number of enemies also have, after the Lose H-Scene, a more detailed CG appearing on the Game Over screen unique to them. At times, the CG actually changed how I saw some enemies looking. So it's a cool addition to the game, although I don't think you'd fap specifically just to the CGs. 

I genuinely thought, from the her Pixel form, that she had coloured tags on her head. Having 4 separate colours in her hair though.... Subverted expectations

          Written = 7

                  Being a more dynamic game, writing-wise, there is not much narration present. There are some small descriptions during Holds that appear to the side, to describe the current moment, similar to RPG battlelogs (if you were to consider Hold "moves" as "attacks"). As for direct dialogue, the more-relevant enemies do get to talk with you, although it's usually to either prepare to attack you, to temporarily not attack you, or to detail how they'll attempt to attack you. Other than that, as for passive dialogue, all enemies get small blurbs, during the Active Chase of you and during Holds. It does add a bit of flavor and personality to the Scenes, which might aid in getting you proper hot for them.

          Interactibility = 7

                  The expected amount from an Action-type (in movement at least) game with Hold-based H-Scenes. Added bonus is that the Struggle-Meter is more dynamic (as enemy's own movement can also increase it while you try to lower it). Subtracted negative, then, it's the fact that your own Struggle rate is pretty obviously capped. At least, it's pretty easy for me to reach that cap, being kind of a Mash/QTE aficionado.

          Replayability = 8.5

                  Game has a Gallery. Pretty clear from here. Short jokes aside, the Gallery option in the Main Menu takes you to a special area, and you move through it much like in the normal game. You can also view the CGs for the enemies that have them from that Gallery. There is also the Unlock All option in the Gallery, always a good thing to have, just in case. The Scenes are categorized per game areas, and they do include even the secret areas H-Scenes. Sadly for me, in the Gallery you don't have your Arousal be influenced, but alas. Apart from that, has a sizable amount of Scenes, and teleports between the enemies to move faster within each room, so it's a good target for replay whenever you feel like seeing some more pixelated succubi.

                  Development = 9

          Stability = 9

                  Pretty reliable, at least with general information updates on the Patreon. The last few versions have been a bit spaced (v1.8.0 in October, v1.7.0 in July), but the Kredyn did also put out update logs in the meanwhile, also detailing what's planned for each game version. He also did inform his Patreons about the intention to also have the game up on Steam, and how he's soon approaching that very moment. 
                  Since the Development of the game is soon to finish, we'll see what are the final results, and if the Dev has any other future projects in mind. Still, he's, at the current, still reliably active.

 

          Communication = 9

                  Again, with the stable updates, he does communicate to the audience what is to be expected of the game. And, unlike many other Indie Devs, he actually looks like he keeps his promises and goalposts. Always a welcome plus. Not only that, but also Poll votes for choosing the next CGs to be present in the game, for added interactions with the audience. All in all, pretty cool.

 

                  Obtaining = 10

          Price = 10

                  Currently, you've got the choice, on Patreon, between the Public version (about 4 versions older) and the Patreon version (the latest version essentially). For having access to the Patreon version, you can go for the €5 tier. It will also probably have a (higher) Steam price when it gets into its final version, but we'll have to see about that. Honestly? A good price for the game. I generally am more for the Patreon/Fantia/whatever funded games, when they have reasonably-priced Tiers that give you access to the game proper. You have an affordable option for getting the game itself, and the option to continue supporting the developer, if you see the potential in their works. Just keep in mind, as with all subscription services, to check up on them regularly and not lose track of them (basic economical advice). 

          Methods = 10

                  Easily obtainable through Patreon. Also, soon, to be on Steam itself. Speaks for itself. 

                  FINAL SCORE = 8.06

                  Pretty cool, relatively medium-sized game, and at a reasonable price through Patreon! For a first game from this creator, it's one that's worth giving a shot! You also have the Public version, to convince yourself if it's worth your time and support. Try it out!

              

                  Saves

                   Some saves made at the end of the game (right before getting the Normal End / entering the Garden Area). Have done the secret areas, and still have the Virgin brand. No Hardcore on the Saves. Also, the meta-save has the Gallery unlocked, but that's not much of a feat ngl. 

                  Cheat Table

                   Apart from the basics (auto-hook, speedhack hotkeys etc.), the specifics for the game are few. Variables for the Arousal, for the Struggle Meter and for the Health (which is only relevant during Lose H-Scenes). Essentially, you'll be relying on just the Arousal Variable, most likely freezing it so that it doesn't increase further. 

                   Keep in mind, for all those values, the change won't visually show in the game until those values are changed again by the game. (eg: setting your Arousal to certain values won't visually show until you get put again in a Hold)! Even if those value changes don't visually show, they still work. Trust me! (Source: see for yourself)

<<<<======== Edit: 5/21/2023

                  Saves

                   With the full release of the game, the Saves seemed to have moved to another folder. Initially, I even thought it was a different format... Alas, I still played through it once again. So, there's that.

                   I took this occasion to also add the Save File Location Shortcut (the relative format for it that I started using with other games), so you'll have an even easier time getting to the Saves Location!

                  Cheat Table

                   This one, however, really needed updating to keep functioning. Back to working for the newest versions!

                  Info

                   Since I replayed through it, I also decided to write down some of the few actual puzzle of the game. Specifically, their solutions. If you get stuck, or simply don't want to bother with the mentally-involving parts (not like they were that difficult...), this should be the thing for you! 

Edit: 5/21/2023 ========>>>>

                  First one of the Horror trifecta done! The others will roll out shortly following, have no, well, FEAR. I'll be honest, it wasn't easy to find, among games I have, ones that I could categorize as proper Horror. Even now, my picks are still debatable. Most likely I also missed some other games that I will end up reviewing at a later point, outside of October. Feel free to laugh at me for not even considering them for the Horror badge, and using them during the Spooky Month instead. It builds character (so I've been told....)

Meta_Review,Meta_Files, MetaFiles_Cheats,MetaFiles_Saves, Developer_Individual, Language_English, Progress_Complete, TypeGame_2DGameplay, TypeLookGenre_SideScroller, TypeGenre_Adventure,TypeGenre_Puzzle, TypeSubGenre_Platformer,TypeSubGenre_ResourceManagement, TypeSetting_Modern,TypeSetting_Fantasy, Engine_Unity, StyleAnim_2DPixelAnimation, StyleCGs_2DCGs, StyleView_2DView, Voices_Sfx, FetishMain_Femdom, FetishMC_MaleMC, FetishChars_SuccubusGirls, FetishSex_Foreplay,FetishSex_Sex, FetishSubSex_MultiplePartners, FetishFocus_Lips,FetishFocus_Pussy,FetishFocus_Breasts,FetishFocus_Thighs,FetishFocus_Feet, FetishSub_Drain,FetishSub_MindControl, Links_Steam,Links_Patreon,