Not Going Back is a choice-based adult visual novel by Cicada, built with Ren'Py and presented in 3DCG. It follows a male protagonist from an unstable background as he begins his first year of college, hoping to improve his life and leave past troubles behind. The story is set in a school environment and uses teasing character interactions as part of its adult drama, while choices affect the path through the story.
The current build is Ch.4 Party, released on September 11, 2026 for Windows, Linux, and Mac in English, with no censorship. Development remains ongoing, and the latest update adds a large party sequence with 4,000 renders after eight months of work. Earlier notes mention plans for two more releases in the same year.
Developer's description
Not Going Back is a choice-based, story-driven adult visual novel centred around a man from an unstable background entering his first year in college with intentions of bettering his life and moving on from the past troubles he experienced.
Trailer
Spoiler
Ch.4 Party
8 months, 4000 renders, one big party. I really hope you all enjoy!
Ch.4
The Prelude serves as a stepping stone between chapters 3 and 4, and comes in at 1633 renders, slightly more than Chapter 1. This is the quickest I've been able to complete an update, and I'm fully intending on getting 2 more releases out this year, one in the summer and one by the end of the year.
Ch.3.1
Gallery Bugfix
Ch.3
Chapter 3
Ch.2.2
Bugfix
Ch.2.1
Bugfix
Ch.2
Chapter 2: The Worst Guys continues the story, with a focus on further exploring the characters established in Chapter 1. Over double the size of Chapter 1 at over 3300 renders, Chapter 2 is a big step forward in the project.
Ch.1
Initial Release
Chapter 1: Sunrise, which contains over 1400 renders, primarily focuses on establishing the setting for the story, as well as introducing a majority of the main characters and potential love interests.
Player reviews
Player rating5.0 / 5 · 20 ratings
Written reviews20 · avg 4.3★
Positive (4–5★)75%
Latest review2026-02-11
What players say
Generally positive, with many praising models and characters, while some criticize basic presentation and a crowded cast.
5★11
4★4
3★4
2★1
1★0
Players like
Attractive models and renders
Female characters have distinct personalities
Meaningful choices and branching paths
Believable college setting and atmosphere
Common complaints
No animations
Too many characters
Basic visuals and expressions
Best for players who like college AVNs with attractive models and branching choices.
Summarised from 20 written player reviews.
LionInDarkness2026-02-11★★★★★
This rating may change but i just got to the party and OMG. Dev if you read this, you have my respect. Usually i hate playing most games because i hate having to play as a white guy in every…
ghostuser10772026-02-05★★★★★
Chapter 1-4 Review I'm not sure what to say since this game is a passion project. I'd rather not lay into it like the other devs who have 3 unfinished games, Patreon-exclusive content, and selling their incomplete games for $XX.99…
Rumjunkie2026-01-18★★★★★
Start game, first 5 mins, MC says he doesn't like to drink due to a family history of alcoholism. Fair, good to know, could be interesting with a college story for a change.....aaaand literally the next party he's blackout drunk…
★★★★★(20)
