Valentine’s Special: Gameplay and Music 🎶 + Stream Next Tuesday!

Hiya everyone! Asking cuz my paras didn't get there yet - are all "male" vocied paras quite.. quiet during intimacy? I really love Sofia's voice here and kinda nervous that's what devs went with

Is there or will there be fire alarms and fire men/women that will come and help put fires out?

It's so cute how they cuddle together in bed!

I love the music so much and it will really make the live mode better! like you said it sets the mood so well, like in a movie!

I love everything about it so far, but when something bad happens maybe the music could be more dramatic.

Oh I didn't see this post lol, I love the approach of having music in live mode! One criticism I have though is that the first music doesn't fit as well, it's giving more spooky menacing vibes, a fire should sound a little more urgent i think? Also a suggestion it would be nice to have some really short jingles for when specific things happen, like the fire being put out could use a very short happy or relieved sounding jingle etc. Though I guess that's a lot of extra work I just noticed that typing it out lol But still very cool! I love the romantic and the everyday vibe songs they sound so cute

The UI definitely needs a working … too much going on the screen. Anyways the game looks great… For early access, even better than I thought 🥰

Absolutely love the idea of the music, and I love that it gives me a bit of a vibe of the old animal crossing games. I think it makes the game much more immersive, and I can’t wait to join my para on afternoon walks and enjoy exploring the town. Does the music also change depending on the time of day?

That’s so cute they can cuddle

I think the best solution is to make it all optional. I love this context music, it's immersive, but sometimes I would like to turn it off and listen to my own music or maybe I would like to record the game and add music to the video instead. I believe that anything that helps immersion is worth having, but we will need the option to turn it off. Another thing that would be nice, is the option to turn on/off the paras' sounds when love making, I'm thinking about streaming and content creation, in some cases this sounds might be uncomfortable to listen to 😅 Don't get me wrong, I like the realism and I don't want a PG13 game, I just want to be able to turn it off in some cases.

may 25th.. may 25th!! i need this game now😭

What about the timing? In the video, the "get intimate" music matched the scenes perfectly: the two walked to the bed and when they were both under the covers the song got more "intense" (for lack of a better word). But what if the characters are closer to the bed (so it takes them less time to get into it), the intro is skipped? is cut short? How do you match the length of the music bits to the actual game?

I really like this approach to music! I really can see myself being totally immersed in this! For those who don’t perhaps it would be good to have the option to turn it off (I guess it’s already there)

I've been following since 2019 & I'm enamored with the direction the game is going! For this particular post, I was surprised by the audio during the intimate scene. I'll admit, it had me a little 😲😳, but I also like how it isn't cartoony. I'm all for realism... but I think the woman's voice (Sofia) is sounding a little TOO enthusiastic (I do admire how much she loves her husband 😏). I just feel that maybe she should be toned down a bit, or the male voice should at least match hers, especially since he's so giggly (I mean by all means, enjoy the moment, Jason!), while she's not laughing nearly as much. I will say, though, I do love the music that plays during the scene! As for the fire scene, I love love love the idea of the music picking up as the fire/danger does; that is such an interesting dynamic that I can't wait to explore further. I do think the music is a bit too subdued for how dangerous the scenario is; I feel like the music should either be louder and more dramatic to signify how dire the situation is. I tend to play on a faster speed during "needs filling" time (cooking, showering, etc.), so I feel like since the music is so calm, I would probably end up with a slighter more cooked Parafolk than I started with... maybe the tempo could be faster than it is, depending on the stage of the fire? Otherwise, I actually quite like the danger song, but like I said, I think it reads too calm for the situation.

Love this but the together cards pausing the entire simulation pulls me out of the immersion so bad. Are we able to queue up social interactions?

Well I'm not a big fan of music being played for everything, like The Sims 4, they do that too much, and it kinda disrupts things, especially when I am recording something going on, like I had some Sims get married, and during the wedding ( which wasn't going too well anyway, since the wedding part doesn't work well ) one of their stupid festivals pops up and of course this music started as well, and even a bit later in the video I was making, another thing was happening that popped up and of course more music. I find it so distracting and annoying, I wish we could actually turn stuff like that off or at least not have the music as well as the popup in the corner. I mean I get it, in a way in Paralives at least, the music would be like how they play music in movie and tv shows when certain things are happening, so it probably wont be as annoying as TS4 is with the music that starts every time they popup some event in the game. But I will have to see when I get the game I guess, I mean whether its as annoying.

I want to see some cuddling and kissing on the sofa. Yall probably don't have that yet but if not please add it.

Is there a longer video of this coming this week?

This video is super exciting as we get to see gameplay! Animations are rough, I'll admit. I assume they will be improved throughout early access. The dancing has a boob grab issue, the Paras just sliding into the bed and awkwardly moving into and out of the blanket, for example. I think taking a page from Sims 2 and having a beckoning motion by one Para to the other before disappearing into the sheets would be adorable and possibly necessary visually. Maybe after they each lay down one beckons to the other, the second Para rolls on top and brings the blanket with them. If animating the sheets is not going the way you want, a layer of "steam" covering the scene could help limit the necessity of perfect complex animations.

Amazing work!! I do have one small thought though, if the blacked-out windows are for performance reasons, I totally understand. But if it’s more of an artistic choice, I’d absolutely love the option to toggle them on or off in settings. You’ve built such an incredible city, it would be amazing to actually see it from inside. Please consider it

Walking down the neighborhood looks great the danger music is a little soft to me, but I’ll go to get used to it

I really like the philosophy of longer music clips less of the time. That way they feel special, not annoying. Also, I would really love a card like "talk about kissing" that you can use before the "attempt first kiss" card, maybe that can up your chances of success! I dislike that in games the first kiss always seems like a surprise. It's much sweeter to ask first!

Hi I don't know if this is a technical thing about the post or about patreon per se but somehow the reproduction of the video can't be shared to another device (for example when you reproduce the video on the phone you can send it to the tv where you can see it) sry of that sounds confusing but I don't know the accurate term to it. It is possible with the previous video posts but on this one it's not possible and I wonder why that is.

I have a few suggestions: 1. It would be lovely to see some kind of reaction from one para when the other para enters the room — especially if they’re coming home after a long day at work. I think that kind of interaction would add a lot of aliveness to a game. 2. Some of the animations look a bit stiff, for example sitting down or slow dancing. It would be great to see more natural movements, such as subtle facial expression changes or hand movements. 3. As others have mentioned, it would be nice to include something like holding hands or kissing before 'get intimate'. Maybe kissing on the sheets? Overall though, the game looks and sounds really really sweet!! <3

Might have to turn the volume down when they get intimate bc goodness 😭😭

With those together cards, could be reduce friction and make it so that if it’s a one-on-one conversation the target is automatically selected?

Another step closer to May 😍 One question: before they make out, wouldn't it be an option for them to take a blanket from the couch, for example, and just do it right there under the blanket? Or for them to pull each other into the bedroom, connect more with each other, and go to bed with their clothes on? Well, those are just my "sensitivities." When dancing with his hand on her breast, I had the feeling that he wanted to feel her heartbeat.

I guess it's a given at this point, but nevertheless could you specify if the recording of the stream will be made available in the following Patreon post for those of us who will not be able to see it live?

It was sweet at the end Sofia coming closer to Jason in bed: this little gesture is "assigned" at random by the game to one of the 2 characters? Or I don't know, it's always the one on the right? Just a curiosity

Jason: good looking, but don't ever make him cook

These animations are sweet, and the music is great. However, I have feedback on two things, even though I don't expect you will be changing them at this point. I just want to mention them since they are bugging me. First in the slow dance animation, he has his right hand in front of her shoulder, rather than in back. That isn't an actual dance hold, it pushes your partner away instead of connecting your bodies, and it looks like he is resisting her, not drawing her in toward him. Second (and this is the same as in the other game, but I was hoping you would do it better), when they decide to "get intimate" and head for the bed, their body language is immediately so clinical and business-like, it really breaks the mood. I understand it would be too difficult to get them to hold hands, for example, but maybe they could at least glance at each other and smile, or something like that?

Looking amazing. Honestly so fun to see them just being! Absolutely beautiful art style as always but it’s just so alive with the music. Love that when the bed is highlighted the white lines move! Such beautiful details

That little glitch at 2:25 where they smash their heads together right before getting down to business made me chuckle 😂 The music is sooo cozy, it's just beautiful 😻 As for suggestions, I would love if there was unique music related to childhood/adolescence events. Preteens or Teens having their first ever kiss, for example, or a child making a new friend. It would be really cute if there was some amount of distinct music for different life stages. Later on, the same could apply to pets. I also think music for social groupings would be lovely, occasionally. Like the whole family having some fun together or a group of friends hanging out at the café. For me personally, I tend to remember those sort of moments most fondly (we all know those scenes in movies where the main character is just watching his loved ones interact, feeling grateful and at home) One may call it "mundane bliss" It's of course hard to implement in a game, but I find life is about the mundane just as much as it is about the special occasions. Also, when seasons are added, having some tracks related to those would be great. I'm thinking of the transition of seasons, like stepping out into the first spring morning or the first snow starting to fall

Will there be the option to be able to lower or turn off the music when playing? :)

Hopefully we can lower the music volumes in game? There are times when I prefer the realism of street sounds when playing sim games.

The suspenseful music was so fun! And, hell yeah, cuddling!

Wow, the game looks incredible. The music in the scenes brings the whole environment to life. I loved the suspenseful music and the dancing. Great job!

I love the cuddling after the Get Intimate interaction and love the decision to name it Get Intimate.

Amazing work 🥰 Will it just be possible to slow dance or kiss with thogeter card? Or is it also possible if music plays or someone plays an instrument? Like click on objects and choose to do it.

Slow dancing in the base game? Awesome! (However, Jason, get your hand off her breast! You're not at that stage yet.) Can you be intimate in places other than the bed, or are there plans for there to be other "woo-hoo spots"? (if you'll forgive The Sims terminology.) A personal wish: for fires to destroy walls if they go on long enough. I'd love to see fires do some *structural* damage. As always, I love these clips you've been showing us. I can't wait to play the game!

I'm happy with how much thought you're putting into this! Also...the infrequent, long music during special moments reminds me of Minecraft. It's quiet for a long time, and suddenly the music just hits you and hits deep. Makes it feel much more nostalgic.

Hi Andrei! Thanks for the post. I loooove how music is incorporated in the game! Having it change for the mood is absolute perfection in my opinion. For special moments that could get music, I was thinking maybe giving birth, birthdays and weddings should have their own special music. I also think sad moments like deaths and breakups it could be good to get music. And if there's like an amicable or friendly breakup vs an angry or sad breakup it could be different. Another idea is if Para's are reminiscing (especially older Paras!!) maybe nostalgic sounding music could play? Another idea is depending on where the intimacy happens, maybe the sexy music could change if it's say somewhere more public. Just an idea.

When the relationship is so hot it sets the kitchen on fire:

Sound design is always my favourite part of a game because it makes them sound so much more alive! I love seeing these little snippets and the behind the scenes of how everything is made, it’s so cool!! I’m so excited for that live mode stream too 🙂‍↕️

I'm curious about multiple musical stings going on at once and if any of them will take priority. Like if a kid is playing with toys in one room and the parents are flirting in the other will it only play the flirtatious music when one of the parents is selected or in the room? If one household member is across town and another is starving somewhere else will the danger theme be played on every household member to let the player know something needs their immediate attention?

Music is amazing! I've noticed the animations are a bit weird when they start and end, will this be improved on?

I shared this idea on the discord too but I was thinking along with the fire music increasing in intensity you could also make the screen colour gradually become more desaturated as the fire spreads further. To further signal how hopeless/bad the situation is getting.

I love how you've gone about these musical moments. 🥰 They really vibe in the background in a good way. Great work Andrei as usual!

Sound design really makes the story come alive love it

Oh I love it! The animations are adorable, the music is very fitting but unobtrusive, and it’s just sweet!

For the dancing animation, there are a few small mistakes. Typically when slow dancing a waltz, the lead will stand with their left hand underneath the follower's right hand, and then put their right hand on the waist of their partner, and the follow will put their left hand on the lead's shoulder. Jason's left hand is under Sofia's, which suggests he is leading, but his right hand is at her shoulder, which looks a little bit awkward and makes his right arm seem slightly wonky. Also, while men are generally leads and women follows, this isn't always the case, and a lot of times the lead is the tallest of the pair instead of going by gender. (Though it would probably be easier on programming to make the lead the one who asked ro dance?) Fantastically cute animation, regardless!

The woohoo is longer then Sims 4. I love this it's more realistic. I also like that paras kiss before they go under the tables and spoon after woohoo. Will there be any additional locations for woohoo?

I absolutely love every moment and aspect of the music in live mode!! Andrei once again you did amazing!! Another thing regarding the relationship interaction here. I'd like to highlight that in my opinion being intimate can happen in multiple way and not only through sex. So the card "Get intimate " is not right for me. Intimacy lies in a myriad of shared moments & gestures. In deep conversations, confessed fears, vulnerabilities laid bare, hearty laughter, attentions, in shared dreams & the mundane. Intimacy is hidden in every moment when we reveal a little more of our soul to each other. So when it comes to sexual intimacy why not just calling the card/interaction "Having sex" or "Having sexual intimacy" or any other way to describe this special form of intimacy?

!! I loved it! I really hope that get intimate has a small chance of pregnancy. I like the randomness!

12 in-game minutes is how long they were under the blankets for, in case you're wondering. :D I think that works but I'd like to see more cuddling before walking to the bed and in bed so it's more of a transition. :)

Ladies and gentlemen, the weekend ! Haha that made me laugh XD I look forward to all the other jokes, memes and/or popculture references in the titles of work upgrades (and more). Including coming from the community once mods come into play. Thank you for this new post, Andrei. It's always great to hear from you. This system reminds me a bit of what happens in Project Zomboid : the music is also procedural, for instance when a horde of zombies are chasing you the music soars and become high stakes... It's very thrilling in the moment ! It IS exactly like your gameplay having its own custom movie soundtrack, and works brilliantly for immersion. In PZ it's part of the entire ethos of the game (it's VERY big on environmental storytelling, something so many games could benefit from working on in particular in the survival genre), and of course it comes from its origins (it's based not on other zombie games, but on zombie movies/TV shows), but that's really something I appreciate, and seeing it playing out for a life simulation game was something I had been very curious about. Life simulation games don't just benefit from storytelling, they are almost entirely about that, and seeing how procedural music enhances not just Build Mode, but Live Mode itself, is really a treat. It's everything I was hoping it would be. I also think that's it's a better option than a cinematic sequence, which tends to break immersion and sometimes even proves to be annoying (particularly if you're playing several characters at the same time), interrupting everything, and feeling quite repetitive over time. Imagine having a group of teenage Paras playing 7 minutes, and you'd get a cutscene ever 7 minutes !!! No, thank you. This is more subtle, more embedded in the mood of the scene, and more flexible. I'm curious about hearing more transitions from one mood to the next, though. "instead of short music cues that appear often" Far be it from me to attack the competition... but I believe this is yet another way That Other Game™ 4 has it all wrong. It comes out jingle-y and grating every time a character gets a new emotion. As if we didn't have enough notifications, bells and alarms in real life ! Paralives' approach to this is very cohesive with the cozy vibe of the game. And as someone with acute anxiety (no really, to the point of it being one of my recognized disabilities), the less I am notified of every little thing, the more I can relax and appreciate the ride. "In the case of fire, a short sad cue is played right after" Full disclosure, I thought that music was about relief. I thought it was like "oh, phew, it's over" rather than "oh no, things have been destroyed". Maybe it gets sadder when people actually die ? "What special moments would you like to have music in them?" Off the top of my head, and setting aside the obvious ones like breakups, births and such, I'd say things related to moving into a new place, moving OUT of your old place, family members moving out (typically, a Young Adult Para getting their own home for instance, but it could of course be any separation whatsoever), etc. Those are big changes too, and it's always bothered me that many life simulation games, though thankfully not all, treat it as completely banal. I'd also love something for retirement, when Elder Paras decide to stop working (even though of course, for the Early Access release in May, I don't remember hearing about actual retirement gameplay, just the fact that someone is elderly and leaving their job would be enough even if they actually are switching to a new career). First day of school would also be deathly adorable ! There's a lot of first times that don't have to be about love, that society doesn't emphasize enough and that I'd love to see highlighted in the game. First time making a friend when you're a child ? Super big deal ! First paycheck ? A momentous occasion ! And of course, being a huge proponent of less-than-perfect storylines, I'd also love it if the music paid attention to things like household funds getting very low (if a Parafolk family was poor, I think they would very much NOTICE !), catching the flu at work/school (if I remember correctly this is a planned feature), exceptionally bad performance at school, etc. These would not only make negative events immersive (...aka empathy), but also form cues for players who want to try and improve things. If you hadn't noticed your Para is getting close to being fired because you're juggling with several household members for instance, it serves as a subtle notification of it. Lastly, "If your Paras start flirting a bit too much" ...it's never too much ! 😏 EDIT : Actually that's not true, the actress who dubbed Sofia made me blush a little during the intimate sequence. My, my, that's quite the fitting acting, is Paralives' rating going to recover from this ? XD

Ou la laaa.....I've been hoping to see this! Loving the musical enhancement of a significant moment in the Para's life. Had me blushing at those other sounds 👀 but I love ittt. That intimate music tickled me. And Sofia being knocked out while Jason was still awake tickled me even more 😭😍 Happy Valentine's Day, y'all! 🥰💞

Why hasn't anyone thought of letting the music play for a longer period of time? It feels so right and natural, like it was always meant to be this way. 😍 I have a few comments: Firstly, I found it very stiff and unnatural when the Paras shuffled together while dancing as soon as the Together Card was selected. Perhaps the Para could extend their hand to their dance partner and ask them to dance. This could also allow for a rejection, for more drama.😍🫣 Secondly, I would like the Paras to flirt, talk, and do something similar before becoming intimate. It felt very abrupt when they went straight to bed. Finally, I would like you to work on the fire animation in the future, when you have more time for such things. For example, you could create multiple silhouettes for the fire so it doesn't look copied. And you could incorporate sounds and movements. For example, crackling and flickering, especially when the Para approaches with the fire extinguisher.

initially i was on the fence but now i love the idea of the music immersing the player in the current emotional state of the para, at all times, not just in visual or short jingles, but as a constant auditory background ambience.

Jason made a mess in his house. Jason's house is on fire. Also love the after cuddles for Paras, unlike Sims where they just pretend nothing ever happened

love the fact music is being used as a storytelling tool by the devs! i think any older sims player remembers the burglar music or the little twinkle music when a sim would get pregnant (i hope we have something like that for pregnancy in paralives!). Something I'd like to add, it would be really helpful if, when an important/dangerous moment is happening the camera zooms in on the para(s) while it's happening. That makes it feel more immersive and more significant. TS4 ditched this compared to TS2 for example and sometimes I'd completely miss my Sims' important moments which, over time, made them feel less important or valuable.

That's a great idea! having music in special moments like these! I love it! You're doing such a great job! 😍 I wish you all a happy Valentine's Day! 💕💕💕💕💕💕

I Loooove the music! It feels so cozy and nostalgic. I know it reminds me of Animal Crossing, but also of other stuff I can't pinpoint exactly. Excellent job Andrei.

Amazing out of this world

I feel like im intruding 👀 lol The music is so lovely! 🩷

I know this isn't what the post is about but the town looks so prettyyy. So excited to explore it all. The rest is all great of course too! Some of the animations still need a little tweaking but I like what I'm seeing

i love these interactions! <3, but i think get intimate for the first time can be more deep if they talk first and then go to the bed, but i love how complete these animations feels, of course they need more fixes but they look real good!

Love this! Can’t wait to hear all the music when the game releases in early access!

This post is ooooo la laaaa!! Hope you guys have a wonderful valentines either way ✨💕