Degenerate

This story starts out considerably dark and almost gloomy, touching on expected tropes of noir fiction but not too much in a way that dismisses the story as uninspired or too close to stereotypes to fully enjoy. It wasn't difficult to immerse myself in the world that was established here, as well as the low-life, degenerate (roll credits!) character that I was playing. Every bit of detail, aided by wonderful prose and strong voice, only inspired more curiosity and interest. It was pleasant to read through.

I would say that I wish other storylines could have been explored more apart from the main/true storyline. Originally I started out with taking home the stripper, and I was a little surprised as to how short that path ended up being - not to say that it wasn't well written, I was just thinking it would've lasted a little longer.

Despite that, I think the main path makes up for it entirely. It's impressive, enticing, and the riveting twists make it so much fun to read. Again, I feel like the story ends somewhat quickly a little past the twist, but it's still a good ending that makes sense given everything that occurred in the story by then and the choices I had made to get there.

Overall, regardless of my issues with its length (which tbh are more just me nitpicking a little than actual issues, every path is enjoyable), I think that this is an excellent read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in dark, noir-type stories. 7/8.

This is excellent, just like basically everything else Ninja puts out. I think he's really at his best when he's kind of able to wink and nod at our expectations, as well as familiar genre tropes, but also create something totally unique. This is a great example of that. Tonally, I think this lands halfway between the self-aware noir cliches of Sterling City, and the modern crop (i.e. post-70s) of ultraviolent neo-noirs like Drive, with maybe a little bit of Taxi Driver.

Ninja employs a ridiculously strong narrative voice, as usual. From the way it's described to the reader, I could tell immediately not only what kind of character I was, but what kind of world this is. You gain an intrinsic sense of what the rules are and how characters will operate just from how the actual prose is written. It's so fucking good.

If I had to nitpick, I'd say that there was a bit too many false paths. You click an option, get a page of text, and then it takes you to the other option. Even then, that's a minor flaw.

I don't count this next one as a flaw personally, but some people care, so I figure I'd mention that one path (leaving with the stripper) is significantly shorter than the other one, which is the obvious "main" path.

All in all, I give this a 7/8. Ninja proves time and time again that you don't need a billion words to tell a riveting story.

SPOILERS BELOW

Also, one last thing. As I was reading, I was like "is this hot, rich broad really going to be interested in this disheveled alcoholic piece of shit narrator?" BOOM. She pins a murder on me. Should have seen it coming.

This story was really fun! Maybe not as polished as one I'd typically give a perfect rating too, but still utterly engaging and exciting. Definitely worth a play through!

My car can fly
When I'm high
Baby baby
Believe me
I'm dying now
I'm bleeding

quite interesting, little short tho and not much interaction

A dark trip where you can never really tell what will happen next with a million questions in the rearview. I have a problem with things kinda coming out of nowhere but overall I think the reading is time well spent.
The writing style and story reminded me a lot of A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick (in a good way) with its "Degenerate" main character, attention to funny details and product fan fair.

I think hitting a telephone line instead of the pole mean's my car can fly when I'm wasted. Cool!

This was great! I kinda just clicked a random story from the “story games in need” section, only to realize it’s not some random noob for once! Thank you thank you thank you thank you

I'm surprised someone else didn't manage to get to this title before you!
This is a very solid story, and while I can't say I enjoy the general idea of playing as some hopeless alcoholic getting tormented by strippers, your writing made it more than worthwhile. The setting is strong, and you do a lovely job describing a not-so-lovely environment.

The plot goes from dark to darker very, very suddenly, something I find that few stories can pull off well. This is one of those stories, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, even though this kind of game usually isn't my cup of tea.

A great read overall for a mature audience. Well done!

Ah, yes, the title is indeed a fitting one. Well I should say more than that. This was quite an enjoyable ride. From the opening lines, to the endgame that I found myself on, everything that was in this story made for a remarkable time.