User:BigLenny

I discovered the Choices app through several ads, which I ignored until I decided to give it a try. At first, I was skeptical because of the premium choices and how they're better than the non-premium choices. Over time, however, I've come to enjoy the game even if that means not picking premium choices all the time.

My Personal Ranking (from Favorite to Least Favorite)

 * 1) Endless Summer: This is, in my opinion, the best book in Choices. It also happens to be the first story I read when I first downloaded the app, and I became instantly hooked by the intriguing storyline and colorful cast. My biggest concern is that too many details on the storyline and characters can only be accessed through premium options. Not to mention Book 3 is a mess because of the uneven pacing of the story, new stuff I find unnecessary, and the rushed ending. Nevertheless, I highly encourage people to give this a try if they haven't despite the overwhelming number of premium options.
 * 2) It Lives: I'm usually not into horror, but this series is one of a kind. Even though the effects of the nerve system came too late for It Lives In The Woods, I still appreciate how interesting the main cast and plot are. Despite the first book's ending (with all characters except Noah alive in my game), I'm still dying to see the cast in some way or another. It Lives Beneath is definitely the story I look forward to every time it updates because of the intriguing mystery behind Rebekah Davenshort the lake ghost and the Society. Most of the new main cast is great, and I'm glad to see more of Tom. The action is also awesome to watch, making the premium options worth it in the long run. I also love the new nerve system, where I have to build up nerve, which makes things more intense. I'm excited for the third book, so it better live up to my expectations.
 * 3) Veil of Secrets: The mysteries behind this book got me hooked immediately. Every time I learn something new about the town of Birchport makes me want to learn more, up to and including the ultimate mystery behind the crimes in the town. Even the mastermind behind it all is a well-written villain who has scored notable victories before the reveal, has sympathetic motives that still doesn't excuse such heinous actions, and really scares me to the core. Definitely a recommendation from me.
 * The Crown &amp; The Flame: This story is very enjoyable. I love how it challenges me to understand tactics in the game to gain troops for upcoming battles and special choices that give me a further edge. My main concern is that so many potentially characters are doomed to oblivion if I don't pick certain choices, especially premium ones. Despite this, the story is something I also highly recommend.
 * 1) The Heist: Monaco: A score system that determines the ending I'll get, good choices for roles I'm filling, and a fun take as a criminal? I'm sold! Especially since there's little emphasis on romance, more emphasis on plot, the crew members being unique characters in their own right, and good old strategy. It's an underrated gem that I recommend.
 * The Elementalists: This series makes excellent use of introducing the reader to a whole new setting, which I'm proud of. Not to mention it also allows the player to determine the protagonist's sexuality. What I don't like is shoving Beckett Harrington in every chapter as of late, and most of his scenes are pointless. He's okay personality-wise, but Pixelberry has milked him more than enough while not developing his character and hiding details relevant to plot and setting behind premium options. The second book is exciting so far because of Kane having an interesting personality, the new lore on the elemental sources, and certain actions affecting the MC's morality.
 * 1) Perfect Match: I was already intrigued by the plot when the first two chapters were released, mainly because I was curious of the whole deal with Eros. It captured my interest even more with the events of Chapter 10, starting with the revelation that Hayden's a robot in the previous chapter and him/her coming to terms with it. Some things are predictable, such as Eros being up to no good and Hayden being a robot, but other things like Hayden's realization of his/her own identity are not. In fact, I'm impressed at Hayden developing into his/her own character as the series progresses. As for the ending, it was satisfying to take down Eros and declare my love for the love interests, but there are a few things that kept me wondering, such as Keegan and Dames. Overall, an awesome story.
 * 2) Open Heart: This story starts out okay and excites me since Chapter 4. I like many of the characters, particularly Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, and Bryce Lahela. I'm also intrigued by Aurora Emery and see her potential to be a great character in her own right. The plot is also engrossing because of the MC's efforts to work hard to the top amidst all odds.
 * A Courtesan of Rome: As a big fan of Ancient Rome, I'm excited for this story, the political intrigue behind it, and my eagerness to see my protagonist reunite with her family. I'm still concerned about the historical inaccuracies, though. As the series progresses, however, the protagonist's story drags on for too long that I've lost much interest in it. Her mother Delphinia has the best storyline in this story, so that's a good way to keep myself interested.
 * The Royal Romance: I didn't expect myself to enjoy this series, especially because Book 1 is all about trying to impress other people at court in order to rise to the top. To me, Book 2 is when the series starts to shine as a political thriller, where I clear my name amidst formal situations, and that caught my interest. Book 3 is still great, albeit less so than Book 2 because I find it too stretched regarding the assassin threat and the wedding plans. It's a good thing this series has a spectacular ending.
 * 1) Bloodbound: Despite my worries about clichés in vampire fiction, I'm hooked by the backstory behind the vampires and the direction the story is heading towards. This series became even more exciting for me with the showdown against Nicole and Vega, as well as the ability to give my character badass moments.
 * High School Story: This story proved to be much more fun than expected. Instead of being merely romance, it also allows me to experience high school drama in an ideal high school. My only concern is that the idealism overwhelms me at times and Book 3's plot is absurd because it's forcing the protagonist to act like prom is serious business, making them no different from Max and Kara. Fortunately, Class Act is a fun take on the theatre club, which gets me interested to the point that I want my new protagonist to succeed in his play and see who he'll end up pursuing. However, I find Book 2 boring because of the student council presidential elections dragging too long and with not much conflict. Overall, it's at least a nice story for escapism.
 * Hero: This story is great, but the plot isn't put into action until the last third of Book 1. Another complaints I have on this series is that the love interests except Kenji aren't given enough face time and the Poppy and Dax drama is exaggerated despite being a trivial issue in the context of the story's narrative. I still have high hopes for Book 2 despite the hiatus, however.
 * 1) America's Most Eligible: I've been having fun with this story at times. I was first put off by the fact that the book is focused on reality TV, but the first few chapters already captured my interest on my relationship with the other contestants and my desire to eject Piper from the show. Unfortunately, the fact that choices still matter little despite its seeming importance in this story lowered my interest. It doesn't help that I'm forced to loathe Ivy with a passion even though I'm also told not to take game moves personally, which rankles me because it's ultimately a game. As for All Stars, I'm disappointed in the story's mistreatment of Bianca and most of the new contestants, though I still have some fun with the story, which I admit is a guilty pleasure of sorts. Still angry at the uneven treatment of the characters, particularly Ivy, Vince, and Slater, and that relations don't even change dialogue.
 * 2) Nightbound: This story's pretty cool, and I find the characters and lore intriguing. I just hope it exceeds my expectations because of its close ties to Bloodbound.
 * 3) Wishful Thinking: This story is a fine read because of the investigative aspect (e.g. Jinx99). The lack of gender options puts me off a little, but I quickly get over it and enjoy it as much as possible. The emus are a huge saving grace.
 * Desire &amp; Decorum: As a history geek, I find it a huge pity that a lot of people tend to associate the Regency era with merely romance and high society when it's actually more than that. It doesn't help that this series comes across as a rehash of The Royal Romance at first, and the presence of historical inaccuracy doesn't help matters. Fortunately, it improves as the series progresses, and I'm enjoying it to some extent, such as the protagonist being deliciously sarcastic in her politeness and that it's the first book where the protagonist's race affects the dialogue. Moreover, I like that all love interests are unique individuals who get to shine properly, and choices have long-term consequences on some characters's opinions on the protagonists. Sadly, Book 1's ending sucks because it's Rules of Engagement Book 1's ending all over again, this time disguised as a predictable "twist" that unnecessarily triggers victims of sexual assault and disregards the responsibilities of nobility. As for Book 2, I'd say it's still okay while definitely weaker than Book 1. I like that the inner circle is formed and cares for one another, but the story should've focused on the challenges of being Countess instead of dragging the attempt to break free from the engagement with Duke Richards. Not to mention that the series has become like The Royal Romance.
 * 1) Platinum: This story seems like an interesting take on a singer's life, and the songs add a fine touch to it.
 * Most Wanted: After playing, I find this series okay, not super good but not bad either. It's a shame that work on Book 2 has been put on hold for too long because the first book is far less lucrative than the first books of The Freshman and The Crown and The Flame. I still have high hopes that the second book will be awesome.
 * 1) The Haunting of Braidwood Manor: It's pretty short but fairly enjoyable. It would've been much better if it's longer. Nevertheless, it's okay so far.
 * Rules of Engagement: This series has some good parts, especially when it comes to the cousin and the party girl sister. The main character is so boring that I can't relate to her at all. I also feel like Pixelberry exaggerated her marriage issue, particularly on who to marry and what kind of wedding preparations there should be. The Newlyweds epilogue was a sweet distraction, however.
 * 1) Big Sky Country: This story has an average start, but it's still somewhat enjoyable until it progresses because of the blatant preference of one love interest (Sawyer in this case) over the others pisses me off. The only characters I care for are Brooklynne Shao-Oakley and Miles Roanhorse. Every love interest who isn't Sawyer has untapped potential deliberately ignored in favor of the Oakleys despite Sawyer and Cliff's lack of reason. I think this story should have only one book.
 * The Freshman/The Sophomore/The Junior/The Senior: To me, the best thing about this series is Professor Vasquez, with Becca and Madison as close seconds as the story progresses, but even so they still couldn't compare to Vasquez, and not enough to make the series appeal to me further. Moreover, Book 1 of The Sophomore is really aimless. There's no goal for the gang until the end, which introduces Book 2, which is slightly better, but not enough for me to feel super excited for The Junior, which I find a failure in many ways. Pixelberry could've do better with this series. As for The Senior, I'd say it's average, with a few good parts like the opportunity to know more about Vasquez, Becca's mock trial, and the interview.
 * #LoveHacks: I find this story extremely aimless, especially the first book, where all the main character does is date some random guys just to appease her annoying boss. Even the individual characters' stories go nowhere. The series got better in the second book, but that was when the story had to wrap up. Even the ending was underwhelming because I didn't get to see Martin and TJ's expressions when they lost.
 * Red Carpet Diaries: I was initially excited about the book, especially with the struggles of climbing to the top. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed as the book progresses because the protagonist feels like a Mary Sue for landing a major role without much effort shown. In fact, the only characters I like in this series (not counting the HWU characters) are Victoria Fontaine, Gloria, and the ocelot, and even so the writers treat Victoria like crap by delaying her storyline. As for the second book, I find it an utter mess because of the mishandling of the Viktor Montmartre arc and the love interests except Matt shoved aside. At least working with the HWU characters (especially Holly Chang; her advice is much appreciated) was fun even if it's distracting, leading me to the conclusion that this scenario should've been in the first book instead. At the same time, however, I really hate that Thomas Hunt is a love interest because he's from HWU and already has a story that paid its due, so why make him a love interest in Choices again? This series is essentially a lost cause.
 * 1) Passport to Romance: On one hand, I'm glad this story's fairly light-hearted, and the love interests look fine. On the other hand, I don't like having the protagonist act stupid and disrespectful when it comes to historical landmarks, other people's privacy, and their job as a vlogger. Moreover, Elliot comes across as useless at best and detrimental at worst. It got worse with the protagonist's ungrateful behavior towards Yvette after everything she did for him. At least there's Sumire.
 * 2) Ride or Die: A Bad Boy Romance: Honestly, my opinion of this series has been consistently negative since the announcement that it's a "bad boy" romance and that the protagonist can only be female. Even playing the chapters simply confirms it as horribly written as it seems. It's full of clichés, the main love interest Logan is painfully forced while still bland, and most of the Mercy Park Crew and Brotherhood lack interesting personalities. Even with Colt Kaneko developing as an interesting character and some improvement along the way, this book won't convince me to reread it again, even for free diamonds. I'm annoyed that it gets a second book even though the first should've had multiple ending that reinforce it as a standalone.
 * 3) Home for the Holidays: At first, I thought this story will be short and sweet, but it dragged on for too long and became unenjoyable with its boring story. Not to mention that it has a genuinely detestable love interest (Nick Peralta). Pixelberry should've released this book on November or late October rather than December.
 * Across the Void: What can I say about this story? I was really excited when it was first announced, thinking that it will be a sprawling space opera with interesting characters, an awesome plot, an immersive setting, and a thought provoking theme. Unfortunately, as I played this, my expectations faltered when most of the characters are underdeveloped, I was thrust into the setting without properly knowing it, the Vanguard vs. Jura conflict is never expanded on, and I’m stuck dealing with mostly worthless passengers. The only remotely interesting characters are Kepler, Sol, and Lyra, but even then they’re wasted potential like most other characters. I also have scorn for Eos and Pax because of the former’s self-righteousness and the latter’s tendency to put others in trouble. While the story gets interesting with the introduction of the Void and premium options coming in handy against them, there are so many premium options to save character lives, which reeks of laziness. Even the ending is an utter disappointment because I’m never shown the consequences of my choices. In short, a huge disappointment to a story initially touted with great promise.

My Favorite Characters

 * Enrique Vasquez: At first, I thought he was just a stubborn old man who should've known better than to nitpick on students. Over time, however, his soft side shows and with it his desire to make amends. After thinking about it, I realized that all he wants is to provide the best things to the main character, James, and Gabriela.
 * Luther Nevrakis: I normally don't want to include villains, but Luther has been a fascinating man since his debut. On one hand, I don't condone his slaughtering and reign of terror, but on the other hand, I admire his charisma and acumen as he provide a lot of challenges for Kenna and her friends. It helps that he has a believable motive for his actions: uniting the Five Kingdoms in order to fight against Azura, especially since he lost family members to her. He plays his cards well, and I respect that.
 * Cousin A.K.A. Violet: She was definitely unpleasant at first because of her actions towards the main character and her siblings. Her character development in Book 3, where she gets into good terms with her cousins as she yearns for closure, finally seals her as my favorite character in Rules of Engagement.
 * Jake McKenzie: His sarcasm and sense of humor immediately won me over. Even more so when he uses his skills to help the group overcome their misadventures in La Huerta.
 * Estela Montoya: She may be aloof and abrasive, but I also respect her for not getting herself tangled with inner conflict. My respect for her grew even more when she showed that she cares about others deep down.
 * Michelle Nguyen: I didn't like her at first because of her clingy attitude towards Sean and dismissive attitude towards other people. I ended up appreciating her gradually when I notice that she never intends to act mean towards others and learns that she works her way up from the bottom. It helps that she gradually warms up to other people, which shows that she really cares for them.
 * Maxwell Beaumont: Adorkable, loyal, bubbly. These are the traits I describe my favorite character from The Royal Romance. A friend in need is a friend indeed, and Maxwell abides by this saying.
 * Olivia Nevrakis: She started out as snobby and condescending, but I found her rather funny as well. As the story progresses, however, I gradually appreciate her for her loyalty, resilience, and character development as she warms up to the MC and co., even supporting them in dire times. It helps that she still has her witty and humorous snark.
 * Aiden Zhou: Let's be honest. I have a soft spot for socially awkward geniuses struggling to open up to other people, and I can relate to that.
 * Michael Harrison: I admit that I see a lot of myself in Michael, especially with having to put up with bullying in the past and staying away from most people as a result. I also like his fun takes on many situations.
 * Maria Flores: I really enjoy a lot of moments when Maria appears, mainly because of her resolute personality and dedication to her goals. She either inspires, amuses, or interests me in her scenes. Definitely a character who has my respect.
 * Naomi Silverhawk: I'm really impressed at her loyalty to her principles and the spirit of her job even when Chief Tommy Walsh chose to save his skin by staying in the Sterlings' good graces. She may be a bit of a stickler to the rules that allows less flexibility, I still find her a much better option than Walsh or Duffy.
 * Jeff Duffy: To me, Duffy is no doubt one of the greatest villains Choices has ever produced. His sympathetic motive to commit crimes, his success in diverting attention away from others, and his clever use of resources and other people makes him a terrifying foe to face against.
 * Skye Crandall: I'm intrigued by her since she first appears, and even more so when she's revealed to be a victim of abuse by her parents and brother. What gets me to like her even more is when she helps others on her own free will, trusts the protagonist when almost everyone else in the theater club turned against them, and has a keen mind on the play and other people. Definitely a character I have mad respect for and proof that first impressions are insufficient.

Honorable Mentions

 * Becca Davenport: She started out as really unpleasant because of her elitist attitude, but she can be of great help even then, such as sabotaging Sebastian's election campaign because of his embezzlement of election funds. She shows that she's more than just a "mean girl" in Books 3 and 4 of The Freshman, but faced a setback in The Sophomore, Book 1, which I consider the low point of the series. Book 2 is when she shines for real because of her character development, which I admire. I may not be dating her, but her presence is pretty much one of a few saving graces of the series, which has become an utter disappointment as it drags on. She and Victoria Fontaine from RCD are proof that judging characters based on some superficial "type" and dismissing them as such hampers deep understanding of characters, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
 * Party-Girl Sister A.K.A. Jess: Honestly, she cracks me up most of the time she shows up, making her one of a few saving graces (aside from her cousin) of the series. Even her storyline is pretty fun to follow through because I enjoy her journey from being a party animal to someone who values work.
 * Quinn Kelly: I really underestimate her throughout Books 1 and 2. Book 3 is when I start respecting her, which is way overdue. She's not just a sweet girl who wants to experience life to the fullest and stays strong despite her illness, but also a loyal and generous girl who stands up for her friends in danger and encourages others to be strong despite various factors that can bring them down.
 * Aleister Rourke: He may be a snob, but I also like his approval of intelligence, and his interaction with Grace is super adorable and one of the best developed in the midst of ups and downs. It's awesome to watch him start as a know-it-all who looks down on others to someone who cares for the greater good. His "betrayal" in the end of Book 2 is understandable because of his awareness that his father's the only person with a plan. I also admire his willingness to sacrifice his reputation for the sake of the bigger picture. The part where he stabbed the Omega Mech in Book 3, Chapter 6? Genuinely badass scene that cements him as good all along.
 * Flynn O'Malley: I'm a bit cautious of Flynn at first because of his thuggish background, but he has proven to be a great friend and companion as well as a good big brother to his sister Kate. I like his zeal and gradual willingness to cooperate despite his hot temper.

Non-antagonists I Despise
Normally, it's hard for me to hate certain characters because I prefer to evaluate characters individually, but there are notable cases that such characters make my blood boil. While it's too easy to include main villains and their underlings on the list, there are some that I utterly loathe.


 * Nick Peralta: He comes across as a strict boss at first, but dumping the workload at an employee while staying at her house and disrespecting Winter Haven shows how entitled he is. I get that Winter Haven's cheerfulness can feel unsettling, but showing disrespect to its residents is unacceptable. While there are few moments when he showed some kindness, his overall behavior has no logical explanation, making him a poorly written character as well as the worst love interest in the game alongside Logan.
 * Markus von Groot: Honestly, what can I say about this guy? He's a pompous jerk who bullies other people for their insecurities, touts himself as the smartest director ever, and unfavorably compares Americans to Europeans. Even his "humor" is forced and cringy. For someone who claims to value practicality, he wastes resources and other people's efforts by rewriting scenes at the last minute possible, which makes him a hypocrite. He also values property more than people by getting angry that a famous painting is ruined while doing nothing to ease tensions between cast members. That makes him utterly out of line in Book 1 Chapter 12. Even worse is that he never changed his ways in Book 2, making him the worst character in Red Carpet Diaries alongside Viktor Montmartre. While Viktor still has a role to play as a perpetrator of sexual harassment, which is an issue that should've been addressed properly, Markus is utterly worthless because the MC and fellow cast members would've benefited from working with the HWU if it happened in Book 1.
 * Priya Lacroix: She objectifies people as mere sex objects, treats her subordinates like dirt, and is strongly hinted to be a serial rapist who expects everyone to be cool about her. No doubt she's a criminal who should pay for her actions.
 * The Baron: This guy downright disgusts me with his sadism that extends to children and disregard for life and common sense.
 * Mr. & Mrs. Crandall: Let's face it. I have nothing but contempt for parental favoritism and abuse of children, especially when your favorite child grows up to be an egotistical brat who harasses other people.
 * Logan (Ride or Die): Not only is he a forced love interest who's too prominent, but he's also a creep who gets the MC's phone number at random, encourages her to tag along into a life of crime without good reason, and even manipulates her into trusting him. Definitely someone I have nothing but scorn for and the worst love interest alongside Nick Peralta.

My Main Characters and Their Love Interests

 * The Freshman/The Sophomore/The Junior/The Senior: Grace Shen – Chris Powell
 * Rules of Engagement: Diane Perkins-Lim – Stanley Sloan (Business Guy)
 * Endless Summer: Kevin Thomas Leary – Jake McKenzie
 * #LoveHacks: Rani Nisha Joshi – Ben Park
 * The Haunting of Braidwood Manor: Serena Hopkins – Victor
 * The Royal Romance: Cassandra Trent – King Leonard (Liam; Asian)
 * Hero: Zack Budiman AKA 天使 (tiānshǐ; written as Tianshi in the game) – Eva¹
 * High School Story: Joseph Edward Grierson – Aiden Zhou
 * High School Story: Class Act: Akzhurek Sampson – Skye Crandall
 * It Lives In The Woods: Wesley Paul Bowers-Fragonard – Stacy Green
 * It Lives Beneath: Samuel Vance – Imogen Wescott
 * Home for the Holidays: Patricia Joy – Wyatt Hart
 * Red Carpet Diaries: Jessica Inoue – Victoria Fontaine
 * Perfect Match: Ian Park – open relationship with Hayden Young (Asian female), Damien Nazario, and Sloane Washington, though I have a slight bias towards Sloane, and I added Alana Kusuma into the mix
 * Bloodbound: Esther Castro – Kamilah Sayeed
 * Veil of Secrets: Paul Higgins – Naomi Silverhawk¹
 * America's Most Eligible: Anthony Lopez – Guilherme (Handsome Stranger; white)
 * Desire &amp; Decorum: Charlotte Parkinson – Prince Hamid
 * Across the Void: Aibek Elara – Sol
 * Big Sky Country: Gary Suharja – toss-up between Juliette Mendoza and Dallas James²
 * Category:The Elementalists: Cole Calvin Conroy – toss-up between Griffin Langley, Shreya Mistry, Beckett Harrington, and Aster D'Yew²
 * A Courtesan of Rome: Cornelia – Syphax
 * The Heist: Monaco: Jason Feng – Sonia Alves¹
 * Ride or Die: A Bad Boy Romance: Marisa Rivera – Mona
 * Open Heart: Josiah Darmawan – Bryce Lahela¹
 * Passport to Romance: Ferdinand Harris – Sumire Nagasawa¹
 * Wishful Thinking: Lydia Hamilton – toss-up between Jaime Lewis and Anna Koishi
 * Nightbound: Forrest Lam –
 * Platinum: Starla Darmawan –

¹ While I'm also spending time with other LIs, the LI shown here gets top priority when the situation gives me the option to choose any of them.

² Choice not finalized yet

Animals I Adopted, Named, or Plan to Adopt

 * The Freshman/The Sophomore/The Junior/The Senior:
 * Lobster: Snapchat
 * Puppy: Champion
 * Cat: MVP
 * The Crown &amp; The Flame:
 * The Hawk: Cluckity
 * The Bear: Adriana¹
 * Phoenix: Ignis¹
 * Mechawolf Pup: Scooby Doo¹
 * Rules of Engagement:
 * Lizard: Martini
 * Endless Summer:
 * Fox: Sundae
 * #LoveHacks:
 * Pigeon: Gelato
 * The Royal Romance:
 * Marabelle's Dream: Jet Rocket
 * Corgi: Max
 * Red Panda Cubs: Kit and Kat
 * High School Story:
 * Hamster: Platinum
 * It Lives In The Woods:
 * Crow: Mascara
 * Kitten: Danielle
 * Moss Creature: Shish Kebab
 * Red Carpet Diaries:
 * Ocelot: Garfield
 * Desire &amp; Decorum:
 * Clover: Gold Star
 * Pug: Frederick
 * Big Sky Country:
 * Kitten: Tulip
 * Horse: Obsidian¹
 * Cow: Wagyu
 * High School Story: Class Act:
 * Dog: Denis
 * It Lives Beneath
 * Otter: Santa Maria
 * Coyote: Gnasher
 * Owl: Hedwig
 * Jackalope: Bugs Bunny
 * A Courtesan of Rome:
 * Greyhound: Claudia
 * Monkey: Callidus¹
 * Asp: Tia
 * Open Heart:
 * Turtle: Giotto
 * Chinchilla: Laura
 * Fennec Fox: Habibati
 * Wishful Thinking:
 * Jinx: Monsoon
 * Puppy: Superkid

¹ Not yet named and/or adopted