I will say 10 out of 10 FVN good story that keeps you confused and on your toes but comes together to explain it all at the end. The characters and the art style all work great together with the only mystery left being what happens to everyone after. (sorry for not being a long post im tired its late and i just finished the novel needed to say smth)
I wanted to write a comprehensive review for 9:22, since it has rapidly become my favourite VN since I first read it.
It's difficult to talk about 9:22's story without wading into spoiler territory, and the aforementioned story is all over the place, but in a good way! It's a perfect blend between confusion and mystery that keeps you constantly engaged throughout. During my read, I was constantly theorising and thinking about what was going on and why and what it meant and I was invested from the beginning to the very final moment.
Spencer is definitely my favourite protagonist of any VN I have read. He's relatable and realistic: tired, cynical, gay, and arguably not the greatest of people with his own share of problems. It's that realism that makes him so interesting - he's not just a blank slate made to carry the story forward nor a self insert for the reader, he stands out as his own character among the rest of the cast with his own personality. Speaking of, the main cast of the VN is similar, they are all both visually and behaviourally distinct from one another and support the very real and natural feeling of the dialogue that shows how well written this novel is and makes it an absolute delight to read.
My final point to mention and personal favourite part of the novel is it's effective use of the medium. I have read many visual novels that can be described as stories that have music, sound and character sprites simply alongside them, but 9:22 is a brilliant example of one that uses it's nature as a visual novel to boost the entire experience. Sound and animation are used perfectly, and even subtler details like body language and eye movement of characters convey emotions and other details that would have a significantly reduced impact if they were described by words instead. It is because of this that I think one of 9:22's major strengths is its harmony with it's medium that, in my opinion, would make the entire experience far more inferior if it was presented in any other medium.
Ultimately, 9:22 is a novel with a wonderfully well crafted and open ended story, supported by believable and great characters and fantastic usage of the medium that work in tandem to make an unmatched experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. 5 stars.
What a lovely mind bending story with delightful CGs and sprite work sprinkled throughout. Having jumped on board around v0.4 I can say it's been well worth the wait to see it finally finished, thanks for the wild ride!
Usually visual novels are not something I spend my afternoons on, but a little coy peer pressure can sometimes push me out of my comfort zone. There's never something that can't have a fun spin on it when you're with the lads, earlier this year was a golly good time with the likes of Angels with Scaly Wings and I Wani Hug that Gator!.
I stumbled upon 9:22 alone though, I then entertained the idea to read it alone. Like any good piece of thriller media I'd opine that it is better to enjoy it by yourself so you could take it and process it with minimal distractions.
I typically avoid furry VNs, or most VNs in general as I established. They usually put too much emphasis on the romance aspect and it is especially wanting when it comes to authors struggling on whether or not to make it a dating simulator. It is a shame considering that there can still be good stories in those, but they often seem to be undermined by a character relationship that I personally could care less about.
At least that's what I hear from another friend who is really into the bloody things. Not to shame on him though, he's a cool guy.
This one however, 9:22, is actually quite a unique tale. It wastes no time in establishing the characters, seeding the mystery, and taking a seemingly simple idea and deconstructs it into tiny little pieces, ultimately making it sensibly complicated. It lays out every piece of the puzzle throught the narrative to which the protagonist carefully puts back together, but not without its challenges. This is my favorite aspect of any good thriller story.
Chapter after chapter only left me with more questions, it is a level of intrigue so daunting that I even doubted the main character in the middle of it. Maybe he really was crazy, maybe the substances he was taking might have gotten the better of him, negatively influencing his resolve. Maybe his newfound buddy did something to him. Or maybe he just needed a good night's sleep.
If the VN had ended on 0.9 perhaps the author would have left us with one of the greatests cliffhangers of our time, or perhaps a very well elaborated open ending for fans to theorycraft for many years to come. I have never felt a sense of anticipation for a visual novel before, it is remarkable what good writing can grant, I would even consider it impactful. It is not often that I give something like this such a quality.
The final update eventually did come out and that alone is an achievement that the author should be proud of, not many others manage to tie up loose ends for projects like these. I can confidently say the ending still left me with questions, but at least it was satisfying enough to me, the protagonist managed to accomplish something completely unexpected after all, complete with foreshadowing.
Though I do have some criticisms. I do not like that some events go out of sequence just to then bounce back to continuity either immediately, or way later on. It confuses me considering the plot already demands that you keep track of each succession and occurrence as they happen, especially given how precarious the events are.
I get it that by design we the readers must be as confused as the protagonist given we are in his shoes, but I feel like there is a better way of handling it by keeping it all in order. There is still enough here to twist the mind of the reader without having to splice one timeline over the other, but in the end I suppose it might just be a my personal inconvenience.
The somewhat immature scenarios involving the college juvenile raunchy life is not my thing either. But they are coming from the perspective of a teen lifestyle from the late 2000s, in a backwater corner of America no less. So at least it is not out of place, it is rather appropriate, even.
I can still emphasize with that aspect despite having comparably faint experiences with it when I was Spencer's age, I have at least heard many stories from my friends which claim to have gone through similar phases through their own early years. I can then still affirm that it makes the story feel that much more real.
Anyway, these have been my thoughts, opinions, ramblings, whatever you name it. 9:22 is a one of a kind visual novel that perhaps everyone should take a dip into, and maybe they'll find something in it that could potentially put them to think throughout the waking hours. There is nothing quite like it, and I once again hope that the author is greatly filled with pride for the outstanding work he has done here.
Just finished reading rn 2:06 am... I have tests tomorrow but this VN is worth it ^^ really loved the story and God I wish there's more, I had some headaches at some parts trying to piece everything together hahaha and when the reveals came I was just like... "Oooooh... I did not expect that" 100/10 amazing story
Wonderful ending, with the perfect amount of confusion. Worth the god damn wait, this might just be one of if not the best vns I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Hats off to you and I am very happy that this VN wasn't abandoned after all this time.
I've been holding myself back for the past two years to download and play this game because I want to read it when it's complete. I am SO EXCITED for when it actually comes out omgggg
Actually rotting right now. I should never read this VN from the start it already making me to much invested and i already read this VN 2 or more time now 😭😭😭
Yes, this bot is really good, but I decided to create it on a free site so that everyone would feel comfortable writing like others, but I don't condemn that either. Thanks anyway :З
Update after finishing the rest of it so far - it's brilliant! Love the characters and the story has gotten very compelling. Art and stuff is also amazing, with tons of simple and little details that make the whole experience better. Big fan of this vn.
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10/10 Nuf said.
I will say 10 out of 10 FVN good story that keeps you confused and on your toes but comes together to explain it all at the end. The characters and the art style all work great together with the only mystery left being what happens to everyone after. (sorry for not being a long post im tired its late and i just finished the novel needed to say smth)
I wanted to write a comprehensive review for 9:22, since it has rapidly become my favourite VN since I first read it.
It's difficult to talk about 9:22's story without wading into spoiler territory, and the aforementioned story is all over the place, but in a good way! It's a perfect blend between confusion and mystery that keeps you constantly engaged throughout. During my read, I was constantly theorising and thinking about what was going on and why and what it meant and I was invested from the beginning to the very final moment.
Spencer is definitely my favourite protagonist of any VN I have read. He's relatable and realistic: tired, cynical, gay, and arguably not the greatest of people with his own share of problems. It's that realism that makes him so interesting - he's not just a blank slate made to carry the story forward nor a self insert for the reader, he stands out as his own character among the rest of the cast with his own personality. Speaking of, the main cast of the VN is similar, they are all both visually and behaviourally distinct from one another and support the very real and natural feeling of the dialogue that shows how well written this novel is and makes it an absolute delight to read.
My final point to mention and personal favourite part of the novel is it's effective use of the medium. I have read many visual novels that can be described as stories that have music, sound and character sprites simply alongside them, but 9:22 is a brilliant example of one that uses it's nature as a visual novel to boost the entire experience. Sound and animation are used perfectly, and even subtler details like body language and eye movement of characters convey emotions and other details that would have a significantly reduced impact if they were described by words instead. It is because of this that I think one of 9:22's major strengths is its harmony with it's medium that, in my opinion, would make the entire experience far more inferior if it was presented in any other medium.
Ultimately, 9:22 is a novel with a wonderfully well crafted and open ended story, supported by believable and great characters and fantastic usage of the medium that work in tandem to make an unmatched experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. 5 stars.
The best Visual Novel i ever played.
10/10
after reading this vn back in 2022, i was really looking forward to read it fully
and man am i not disappointed, the twists and turns this novel takes truly took me off guard
it has been a while that a game or book has made me feel this emotional before and i am glad it did
an amazing work that i highly recommend 9.5/10!
my brain is already a mush, so some things flew over my head.
HOLY PEAKKKKK RAAAHHHHHH
Will there be moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?????????????
I NEED MOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
What a lovely mind bending story with delightful CGs and sprite work sprinkled throughout. Having jumped on board around v0.4 I can say it's been well worth the wait to see it finally finished, thanks for the wild ride!
Usually visual novels are not something I spend my afternoons on, but a little coy peer pressure can sometimes push me out of my comfort zone. There's never something that can't have a fun spin on it when you're with the lads, earlier this year was a golly good time with the likes of Angels with Scaly Wings and I Wani Hug that Gator!.
I stumbled upon 9:22 alone though, I then entertained the idea to read it alone. Like any good piece of thriller media I'd opine that it is better to enjoy it by yourself so you could take it and process it with minimal distractions.
I typically avoid furry VNs, or most VNs in general as I established. They usually put too much emphasis on the romance aspect and it is especially wanting when it comes to authors struggling on whether or not to make it a dating simulator. It is a shame considering that there can still be good stories in those, but they often seem to be undermined by a character relationship that I personally could care less about.
At least that's what I hear from another friend who is really into the bloody things. Not to shame on him though, he's a cool guy.
This one however, 9:22, is actually quite a unique tale. It wastes no time in establishing the characters, seeding the mystery, and taking a seemingly simple idea and deconstructs it into tiny little pieces, ultimately making it sensibly complicated. It lays out every piece of the puzzle throught the narrative to which the protagonist carefully puts back together, but not without its challenges. This is my favorite aspect of any good thriller story.
Chapter after chapter only left me with more questions, it is a level of intrigue so daunting that I even doubted the main character in the middle of it. Maybe he really was crazy, maybe the substances he was taking might have gotten the better of him, negatively influencing his resolve. Maybe his newfound buddy did something to him. Or maybe he just needed a good night's sleep.
If the VN had ended on 0.9 perhaps the author would have left us with one of the greatests cliffhangers of our time, or perhaps a very well elaborated open ending for fans to theorycraft for many years to come. I have never felt a sense of anticipation for a visual novel before, it is remarkable what good writing can grant, I would even consider it impactful. It is not often that I give something like this such a quality.
The final update eventually did come out and that alone is an achievement that the author should be proud of, not many others manage to tie up loose ends for projects like these. I can confidently say the ending still left me with questions, but at least it was satisfying enough to me, the protagonist managed to accomplish something completely unexpected after all, complete with foreshadowing.
Though I do have some criticisms. I do not like that some events go out of sequence just to then bounce back to continuity either immediately, or way later on. It confuses me considering the plot already demands that you keep track of each succession and occurrence as they happen, especially given how precarious the events are.
I get it that by design we the readers must be as confused as the protagonist given we are in his shoes, but I feel like there is a better way of handling it by keeping it all in order. There is still enough here to twist the mind of the reader without having to splice one timeline over the other, but in the end I suppose it might just be a my personal inconvenience.
The somewhat immature scenarios involving the college juvenile raunchy life is not my thing either. But they are coming from the perspective of a teen lifestyle from the late 2000s, in a backwater corner of America no less. So at least it is not out of place, it is rather appropriate, even.
I can still emphasize with that aspect despite having comparably faint experiences with it when I was Spencer's age, I have at least heard many stories from my friends which claim to have gone through similar phases through their own early years. I can then still affirm that it makes the story feel that much more real.
Anyway, these have been my thoughts, opinions, ramblings, whatever you name it. 9:22 is a one of a kind visual novel that perhaps everyone should take a dip into, and maybe they'll find something in it that could potentially put them to think throughout the waking hours. There is nothing quite like it, and I once again hope that the author is greatly filled with pride for the outstanding work he has done here.
WOOO xmas came early baby!
Just finished reading rn 2:06 am... I have tests tomorrow but this VN is worth it ^^ really loved the story and God I wish there's more, I had some headaches at some parts trying to piece everything together hahaha and when the reveals came I was just like... "Oooooh... I did not expect that" 100/10 amazing story
Truly a great VN. Engaging from start to finish.
LETS GOOO
VN so good it made me wish cockhole was real..
fly high Angel thanks for the good food 🕊
This must be the ending of all time.
10/10 melted my brain right off without sacrificing the emotional roller-coaster.
No I still don't understand how it work despite repeated explanations.
In the words of Alex yiik "what the fuck is going on"
Thank you cockhole for the food.
As much as i love this game...
Could you add more save slots? The amount is painfully small
GG Yo'all
goodness gracious that was a lot in one session
ho boy
that was a rollercoaster
Fuck you Cockhole for making me invested. IT'S PEAKKKKK
COCK HOLE YOU HAVE BLESSED ME AS I DONT DESIVE TO EXSIST IN THE SAME REALITY A THY!
Wonderful ending, with the perfect amount of confusion. Worth the god damn wait, this might just be one of if not the best vns I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Hats off to you and I am very happy that this VN wasn't abandoned after all this time.
But my GOD I need more Spencer and Ian content I need my favourite boys to be happy
No but seriously, at least an epilogue please 😭
The end had me dying
Man.... that was crazy... and crazy good. Welp, time to write fanfics about the characters in a coffee AU in my head for hours end in my bed.
LETS FUCKING GOOO
Its fucked my head really bad! I need an epilog rn! I need to know what happens to all of them after that ending. I love this vn so much 😭.
bit confused about the ending! but i enjoyed this a lot!.. well worth the.......... 4 years of wait xD
Just finished this peak vn... I need an epilogue......... this shit is so good.....
That ending gave me soft brain bro 😭
It damaged my soul
What in the hells happened 🤯 9:22
been following since 0,6, amazing to see the August 2022 disappear! well done absolutely
just finished it. my brain. its melting.
amazing work, 10/10. worth the wait.
OH MY GODD ITS HERE!!!
I RLLY NEED A FANDOMS ABT THIS, THIS THING HAS YEARS AND IT DOESN'T HAVE A FANDOM😭😭 (amazing game btw :3)
I just finished this. This is amazing. I don't usually enjoy visual novels, but this one was different! Can't wait for the full version!
Popping in again, I played this what feels like forever ago, but no rush - I'm looking forward to MORE still.
NECO????
Yes :) I LP'd this a long while back (maybe not THAT long). As a 'Non-VN Enjoyer' - I enjoyed this one. I have an eye for quality.
this is probably on3 of my favorite vns honestly, even though it's the one I've done
Well guess fuckign what
I've been holding myself back for the past two years to download and play this game because I want to read it when it's complete. I am SO EXCITED for when it actually comes out omgggg
I really can’t wait for a continuation because…holy fuck
I kid you not that i played this in ninth grade and now i am a senior in HighSchool, its been so long 😭
LMFAO SAME it shouuld come out this or next month, Ive been looking forward to it my entire highschool life XD
GIVE US THE GOODS 😭
Actually rotting right now. I should never read this VN from the start it already making me to much invested and i already read this VN 2 or more time now 😭😭😭
I agree, to be honest, this is the best detective story I've read in my life, so I confirm that your opinion is the best
I was able to create my first bot in Spicychat ai, namely Spencer, if you want, you can correspond with him :>. My most favorite character :___)
https://spicychat.ai/chat/9e433e3a-bd7c-4e0d-a4f2-9bbdc65a9477 (temporarily closed)
IM very very grateful for this thx you
:) hehe
Ive cuddled spencer now thanks to you! Thank you!
There's also a C.ai version too! Here you go :)
https://character.ai/character/HfbK6Q1v/spencer-swain-college-student-insomnia
Yes, this bot is really good, but I decided to create it on a free site so that everyone would feel comfortable writing like others, but I don't condemn that either. Thanks anyway :З
imma keep it honest this is extremely weird
everyone has their own opinion bro, so thank you for commenting on the work))
Spencer's constant cynicism in his own thoughts makes for some very entertaining reading. If only he wasn't so relatable.
Update after finishing the rest of it so far - it's brilliant! Love the characters and the story has gotten very compelling. Art and stuff is also amazing, with tons of simple and little details that make the whole experience better. Big fan of this vn.