Note:
Reviewed on 2024/03/28; Episode 1-3
TL;DR:
“Having a HARD Time” isn't a character-driven story. If you're more interested in lewds than exploring the MC (Jane) dealing with this life-changing event, then I'd recommend this game.
If you're more interested in exploring Jane's inner world, and shape her story based on your choices, you'll be disappointed. At the time of writing, choices largely only serve to open or close paths of LIs. Most LI in this game are of the thicc(est)-flavor, in case this matters for you.
General:
Having a HARD Time starts with an interesting premise, but fails to make the narrative stick. The promised exploration of the consequences of Jane's physical change never really manifest. While she gets self-conscious about her erection now and then, she just goes about life as if nothing changed.
At the end of episode 3, a total of 42 characters can potentially be introduced (depending on choices about certain activities). In addition to this massive cast, Jane has 10 traits that are influenced by choices the player makes.
This is overwhelming, and when replaying the game it becomes clear that these traits are largely cosmetic, mostly changing only a few lines of text here and there. With a total of 10 episodes planned, I don't see how this cast can be done justice, even less if traits are considered to make scenarios play out differently.
The game has a high production value. It has a customized main screen, sound and music design, in-game achievements, a gallery, and a collectible hidden image mini-game.
The in-game phone app can be used to view a character's profile, the MC's stats, send texts, or interact with the social network.
Text is readable and a configurable textbox is included. Wording and phrasing is clear, with attention to giving each character a unique voice.
Adult:
This game deals with several adult themes apart from the lewd content. Some characters are dealing with severe mental issues, physical abuse, or the use of drugs. So far, all of this is handled tastefully and with nuance. Getting to learn more about what drives each character has been my favorite part of the game. I'm excited to see more of this in future episodes.
Visual:
Visually, the game is gorgeous. The renders are well-made, with attention to detail. Some facial expressions can look uncanny, but overall, they're well done, if not underused. The animations look fine, but don't stand out. Several of them feature positions or feats of strength that aren't realistic.
Character design is a different matter. Most female LI range from thicc to thiccer (curvy is an understatement), with only a select few looking athletic or petite.
Sound:
HaHT features an extensive soundtrack and has sex-sounds. Music is thematically matched to scenes.
The sex-sounds are hit or miss, since they don't line up to what's actually happening on-screen.
Some music tracks have lyrics, which I think detract from the immersive experience.
Novel:
As I mentioned earlier, the premise is interesting. An accident happens that results in a woman growing a penis. The player can control how this woman reacts in different situations, except not really. Often, Jane will make bad/dumb decisions out of the player's control, only because the writer wants an event to happen.
Where I would've loved for the player to control/decide who finds out about Jane's situation, so far, everyone discovers it outside the player's control.
She'll get an erection during class, and instead of waiting it out, she'll head to the bathroom, where she bumps into an LI. She'll go out in a short skirt, and gets found out because her footlong erection sticks out…
Jane doesn't get depressed, scared, angry, frustrated, happy or sad because she suddenly has a penis. She'll wear skin-tight skirts or pants without giving the bulge a second thought. She doesn't question her identity either. Instead, we'll see her getting drunk, with the excuse of relaxing… But it's never shown or driven home how stressed Jane is feeling, or how a player's choices influence her state of mind.
Player choice comes in when these scripted decisions lead to some kind of issue or confrontation, mostly serving to open or close paths of LIs, and to experience or avoid their lewd scenes. These choices can increase or decrease Jane's traits, but then these choices/traits have no effect during events with other characters. Why have a lust stat if Jane is unconditionally horny all the time? Why have a willpower stat if it doesn't open or close alternative ways to deal with her impulses?
Conclusion:
While I can appreciate the work that went into this game, I feel it isn't enough. The large number of characters make it difficult to care about anyone, and the MC's personality stats create the illusion of choice/influencing the story, while none of it manifests.
Where I would've loved the story to be informed by the player shaping Jane's character and experience, the writer forces events on the player without regard for their previous choices.
The only reason I'll come back to this game is to see if the writer does a better job at characterizing the LI than they do the MC, because their personal stories are by far more interesting.
