Friendship with Benefits

This is certainly going to be the strangest review I've ever provided, but if you're reading this (as a potential patron), you are likely just as curious as I was when stumbling across this game. For that reason, my review will primarily be directed toward the creator, rather than gamers, because if you're trying to judge if this game is worth purchasing, you've likely already made up your mind.

This erotic narrative--with a few choices, and open world paths that provide replay-ability--scratches the itch for any Brony or fan of the My Little Pony:Friendship is Magic/Equastria Girls art style. While it isn't an exact replica of either, for obvious legal reasons, rather a hybrid of the two, with altered names and even some altered color pallets and hair styles, it is so close as to be welcoming enough. Whether you intend to satisfy your desires with this game, or even to simply enjoy experiencing the story as I did, it is a great piece and worth the purchase at full price or on sale. It may not be a complete RPG, but it gives you so much more freedom than reading a fan-fiction... which it technically is, but that's not an insult to the content! The art work is original, and fairly well done at that, and the characters are drawn to each have unique bodies, rather than simply swapping the color pallets and hair style; there are multiple body types! It's also such an inexpensive game, that your chances of buyer's remorse are bordering zero. It may not be animated, but the creator found a way to still make the "cut-scenes" feel immersive, with edits and sound effects cleverly used. I highly recommend this game to anyone who is on the fence about it.

Now to transition my review toward the creator. Despite my praises above, I will say it was a slightly confusing experience. There are moments of romance, and the way the story is written (the non-dialogue text)--but also some of the dialogue itself--clearly loan well to romance, however it felt lacking in some regards. At points that kissing or embracing would have been fitting, whether during intimacy or before or after, it was notably absent but a rare occasion. Much of the time, the protagonist seemed distant or indifferent, despite the contradicting thought texts that would describe things in a romantic manner. It just made the experience a little confusing, as to whether it wanted to be a romantic erotica or a strictly lewd erotica. There are certainly ways to blend the two together, as have been done in the countless novels found in bookstores around the globe. Of course, I can understand if that's the story that was desired to be told.

Another notable absence are certain fetishes, despite the inclusion of technically two taboo fetishes. Considering how popular the foot fetish is, in particular, its absence in place of one taboo that involves one of the Elements of Har'Mony, and another taboo that is experienced up to three times involving three different groups--then made available after completing the game--just seems a tad curious. If either or both of the former two were included, I may not have even mentioned this part of the review. It just would have been a little more inclusive, since the taboo were included and unavoidable toward completion.

Other than those issues, the game was very entertaining, and I found myself returning to it almost daily to see what else was going to happen. Making the fourth wall character go beyond the fourth wall in this game was hysterical! The difference in personalities also made me appreciate certain characters more, and I even found myself smiling and chuckling at certain reactions and dialogue from various characters. If I should leave off on one more critique, and it's more so a suggestion for future works than an actual criticism of the game, is that it would have been even more enjoyable with more control to the character: that is, more variety in options since much of the time, the choices are borderline an illusion and lead to the exact same result. I enjoyed the way the story was told for the most part, and it would certainly take much more work to add varied options since that requires also creating more branching paths and outcomes/consequences, but even if it meant future games would have to be more expensive to implement, it would be a great expansion to the experience. Of course, that's easier said than done, so I don't expect it, but I wanted to at least throw the idea out there. There were times I was locked into an outcome where, if it were me, I'd have done something different in that moment than freeze or accept.

Overall, the game was a wonderfully creative and fun experience to read and click through. I haven't completed it 100%, and I'm glad the end-game doesn't force my save to end--seriously, thank you for letting it return to open-world mode--but I certainly intend to, and hopefully I can find all of the secret scenes without checking guides! I'm eager to see what the sequel game has to offer, especially with its more fantasy direction!

P.S. The "intimacy" sounds are hilarious! Are those recorded just for this, or taken from somewhere else? I keep catching laughter every time the realistic sounds suddenly flood my headphones!

Not only is the character design amazingly cute in this game , the story isnt too bad either !!! Genuine reccomendation !! Fluttershy Approved !

I know it sounds like a joke, but I honestly am playing this for the plot now. Rather than just making this a legally distinct Equestria, the designer actually went out of their way to build their own world with its own lore, history, and characters. While it's easy to tell which characters in this game are inspired by their MLP counterparts, they all have brand new histories and traits that keep them in-line with their MLP selves, but allows them to have unique arcs and personal growth stories that you can choose to be a part of. And at the center of it all is the mystery of just who--or what--you really are and how you arrived in this world.
Sure, sure sex is great and all, but the plot is actually entertaining.

At first it seems like just some degenerate porn game with the funny horses made human-like. And, wholeheartedly it is. BUT it's also just some dumb fun, with more racey and "mature" writing, really even if the sex scene's were implied I think I'd still enjoy it.

The writing is good (enough), the girls are pretty! Arcadia is a paradise!

Truly a masterpiece, a refined exploration of... cultural exchange and other hands-on experiences. This game pushes the boundaries of what we thought pony friendship could be, reaching new, unexpected heights. This isn't your everyday "magic of friendship." No, no—this is a deep dive into the, uh, other side of Equestria. The plot? Well, it’s there, somewhere in the background, serving as a convenient excuse for why our human protagonist is suddenly the most popular visitor in Ponyville. But let’s be real—we all know what this is about.
The Characters? Well, let's just say they’re a bit more complex than usual—both in personality and, uh, other areas. The ponies aren’t exactly ponies anymore, folks. They’re anthro, humanoid versions of themselves, curious about this new human in more ways than one. It's less "friendship lessons" and more "biology class gone very, very off the rails."
The romance? Oh, it's intense, with interspecies, uh, relations. It’s like a cultural exchange program, but instead of studying language or history, the focus is more on, well... anatomy. It’s less Fifty Shades of Mane, and more, "shouldn't this technically be beastiality?" (Don't worry—it’s all in the name of science and exploration... right?)
Visually, the game is a feast for the eyes (and maybe other senses too). The anthro design brings a new perspective to your favorite ponies—one that will definitely make you pause... and reflect. Or maybe just pause.
In conclusion, "Friendship with Benefits" is a visual novel that is, let’s say, special. It’s not for the faint of heart or the easily scandalized. If you’re looking for a game that redefines the boundaries of Equestrian relationships, well, saddle up—you’re in for a wild ride. Just make sure to bleach your eyes after every session unless you want everlasting trauma.
10/10 for those seeking a truly unique, pony story experience.

I pirated this originally, but it was so good I had to buy it. The 11 hours I have is something like 1/2 or 1/3 of my total playtime. The art in here is all absolutely amazing, and the story is actually really charming as well. All of the characters are super likable! TwistedScarlett really knocked it out of the park, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Came for the smut. Got into the philosophical discussion about immortality and madness. Also got great smut. Great characters fun VN