Our Life: Beginnings & Always - Derek's Story

i dont understand this isnt working and i really want to play it

I am absolutely obsessed with Derek and the whole Suarez family... it is rare that a visual novel makes me cry nowadays but omg the tears were flowing throughout the DLC. 

Seeing Derek as a lil 13 year old caring for his family and being so selfless, craving someone to take care of him in the same way. Then being able to help him with various activities and care for him in Step 4. Watching him learn how to accept Jamie's love. My heart just kept melting over and over again.

I loved it and I'm so excited to dig into Baxter's DLC next!! Thank you GBPatch for such a beautiful Our Life universe and such complex characters!!! 

I love this DLC so much! I wish Derek and Jamie could have a wedding DLC too.

The more I get to know Derek and his family, the more I like this guy. Probably even more than Cove (Sorry!)

While his story is not as much as Cove's I really enjoy it. I like how adorable he is and his family. They're so sweet and welcoming towards our character. One of the things I like when we get to know them all is that Liz has someone else to hangout with. I feel like while we have Cove in the main storyline, Liz practically only hangs out with Shiloh, until he's gone. And later, she has no one, considering we never really see her friends and Lee is not around that much. I feel like this is especially true when Nico said he couldn't talk to anyone about feeling left out as the last to grow up, but in this DLC, he got Liz too~

I'm pleasantly surprised how well Liz is getting along with Jorge and Nico, considering their only interaction is only in one Step 2 moment. It feels as if by being friends or dating Derek, Liz gets two more younger siblings (in addition to Cove). I really enjoy the trouble trio's antics~

I wish we get a little more about Derek though. While he does have a happy ending, part of his future remains unclear. Besides potentially moving away or in with us, he still doesn't know what he wants to do in his life, whether he wants to keep doing sports as a career or something else. And that worries me a bit about him

I know there's not going to be more Derek-related content, but I wish there is a little, additional further story after Step 4. Maybe an engagement or wedding too~

And also I feel like he and Baxter should have five CGs instead of four. Seems like a good number and I'm pretty sure there are a few scenes in Baxter DLC later that warrant one more additional CG. For Derek, I feel like there should be a CG for him in the waterpark

And if I may also offer one more suggestion, even if it's late, the waterpark could use some tweak. Maybe, instead of not being able to visit the place when we choose to help Mr. Suarez with his business luncheon, the final date could have Derek take us there (if we choose to date him since the beginning of Step 4)? So that it feels like there's a reward for helping his dad. And Derek instead take us to boardwalk if we choose to go to waterpark first and not starting as his partner since the beginning. I don't know, but I feel like it's more interesting that way

In general, I really like this DLC. And Derek as a person. Thanks!

Omggg, I really loved getting to know more about Derek and his family, I really wish for a DLC wedding now. I am so excited about Baxter´s DLC and can't wait to play his. Thanks so much for this game and their wonderful characters!

I never thought I could anyone more than Cove. I was wrong, I love Derek soooo much. I wish there was more romantic moments with him. Thank you for this wonderful game.

I brought this DLC yesterday and just finished it, I loved it. It was a great purchase and seeing what Derek's life was like was so emotional ( in a good way). I loved everything about it and I am so excited about the Baxter DLC! Keep up the great work

This is really great stuff... although it makes it even more bittersweet that there's no Derek content in step 3 (18 years old) - besides him literally phoning it in at the end. It might take some tweaks to the writing for S4 (or not, there was no indication MC had zero contact with Derek) but it would be awesome to get 5-6 slice of life moments with high school Derek.

This DLC was so sweet! (Which is, of course, very on-brand for Our Life, but worth noting nonetheless.)  I loved getting to know Derek better.  I swear, all the LIs in this game are so delightful and lovable.  It's neat how both Derek and Cove are such sweethearts--and are similar in ways where it makes sense how they'd become friends--but Derek's story also highlights their differences, and really gives you a feel for his life and his role in his family.

And asdkljsadl, his family!  I adore them.  His parents are wonderful, and the little bros are precious (both as kiddos and as bigger-but-still-kiddos-to-me).   As a biggest sibling myself, I can relate to both Derek's desire to take care of them and the way he gets frustrated with them at times.  And seeing them (almost) grown up and how they've developed as people over the years is so cool--seeing characters grow up, change yet stay the same, is something I really enjoy in OL.  (Enjoyed seeing some other familiar faces in this DLC, too!  Little Baxter is adorable and I'll of course get his DLC once it's ready.) I'm adopting them as my new little siblings, and nobody can stop me.

(Speaking of, Elizabeth and Jorge's friendship was such a wonderful surprise!  Their dynamic is so much fun, and I love that for both of them.)

I can't count the number of times that I caught myself smiling so hard that my face hurt while playing, and OL is definitely one of those games that I've come back to replay many times and I'll continue to do so.  It's a perfect "comfort game."

I’m kinda sad to be honest, I would’ve preferded if it worked the same way as for Cove’s step 1 2 3 dlc’s, I got it on steam and I thougth I could install it on my android the way I did with the others but I can’t, it’s still an Awsome game tho!

I don't know if this is called for but a Derek wedding DLC 

wrong place to say this but, WHERE IS MORE COVE DLC!?!??!

Sooooo it is 8 AM my time, meaning that I have been awake for 24 hours to finish this DLC 😂 (Started playing a few days ago but Step 4 alone took an all nighter to finish). I literally neglected my schedule and duties for this day onwards because I literally could not stop playing. I constantly read so many books, fanfictions, VNs, watch romance asian dramas lol, play through so many emotional games...For really good stories, I feel incredibly deep emotions and butterflies in my heart that leave me buzzing for days, weeks or even months after. This DLC really made my jaded, cold heart (lol) believe in a genuine love. It's been a really, really long time I got that from a story, probably at least over 2 or more years..  This DLC made me feel those butterflies and happiness once more. And this game is so pure and sweet. I'm a bit too jaded to believe that I would romantically come across someone as amazing and lovely as Derek 😫😫 He's really such a prince and everything you could ever want in a partner. This DLC also inspired me a lot. As a fellow artist who works in video and editing, the inspiration is quite a lovely surprise since I normally am only inspired when I am feeling negative emotions.

I really think I'm going to carry this story with me for a while <3 I did NOT expect this DLC to resonate with me but instead be a cute little add on that I play quickly. But this DLC was extremely fleshed out and an emotional ride. I really thank you guys for all the hard work you continue to put into your games and for giving us readers a peaceful place to escape. I could go on and on as I have wrote paragraphs for reviews before, but I'm literally falling asleep after every line I type at this point.  😂 Thank you guys again for this experience! And for giving me false hope and false expectations of getting someone like Derek IRL ;_;

(Edit: Okay soooo I'm waking up a few hours later and I feel like I'm going through a break up from having finished this DLC 😂😂😂 I feel so empty. I'd kill for some more Derek content ;_;)

i've been waiting for this dlc for YEARS. my love for derek has only grown stronger over that time. so excited to figure out everything he has to offer. 

Let's talk Derek.

I loved this dlc for what it is. Something cute, funny, expanding, and unique! Having a chance to get to know Cove's (and now Our) second summertime friend on a deeper level was so worth the time and money spent to play through this. Honestly I'm gonna have to play it several more times to see everything.

To go deeper into it, let's start with Step 2. One of the first things I appreciated is the added moments this dlc brought in, they're not just moments that were for Derek; but for you and Cove as well. It added a special depth to all the characters: A moment for the trouble trio to hang out, moments for Liz to shine, moments to be a "big sibling" to others and a little sibling to one. I almost wish there was more time to hang out with the Suarez boys and take up the mantel in earnest.

Next like other people have said I adored Derek's perspective as the eldest sibling, as one myself there was just so much Real feelings that went into being in Derek's shoes. Including going above and beyond not just for the little one, but putting your parents before you too. This game from the beginning made the life you play feel Real, even if it is condensed and a bit dramatized. Almost every line feels like something someone would actually say or feel, and that writing extended into this DLC too.

I also have to admit, and sorry Cove, but I preferred Derek's Soiree to Cove's. I'm not gonna spoil anything for real, but it was personally just more my speed of things. Cove's Soiree is appropriate for his route and growth; but Derek's felt more like it was a shared experience of growing, and doing something new and maybe a little scary together.

Lastly, one last shout out to the younger Suarez bros. Jorge is the best kid in my opinion; sweet, smart, wise beyond his years, and yet still truly a kid. I vibe with him so hard, probably cause even as the eldest I was That kid. But even in the few scenes he is actually there for, love him! That Elizabeth moment? Priceless. Meanwhile Nicolas is the most adorable kid. Annoying? Yes, most younger siblings are and yet that's the charm to them. Again if I wanted anything from Step 2, it'd totally be to spend more time with those two actively. Along with Derek of course.

Now Step 4...which had what I think are some ups and downs. Overall it was good and it's awesome how much content there really is. I had to go and reload some saves to play out different scenarios right in the middle of playing through once. But there are still some routes and choices I want to go back and play through to see what happens. It felt welcoming and fluid to slip into the dynamics with both Derek and his family at an older age, but I do wish there was some build up or backstory to it beyond a mention of a time (off-screen). It didn't quite feel as good as slipping back into Sunset Bird as each Step passed. I think this is because of the way it contrasts with Cove's big send off in Step 3. Derek's big send off happened in Step 2 so coming into Derek's Step 4 referencing that finality from 2 chapters ago feels a little less impactful.

I still love the dynamic of the Suarez family though, maybe even more than in Step 2. Maybe because they're all grown enough to interact on a different level, maybe because we get to see them interact more, or maybe just because Jorge and Nico grew up to be Amazing, interesting people. I am only saddened by the fact I couldn't hang out with Jorge and Nico even more than what was there. Even some one-on-one time with each sibling would've been really special.

Side Note: I also think having more side characters that just Exist in different ways of identity and appearance was super touching. This game is very positive on a lot things so far and getting to see Nico and Xavier express themselves as they wanted was awesome (there was Nova too, but I'm mainly referring to visual characters). It makes me look even more forward to Baxter and Now and Forever.

Derek in Step 4 is charming and easily flustered, the best honestly. There are some notable scenes that touch on his independence and humanity that weighed heavy in my chest; even those were precious to me. However, it also felt a little...unresolved?

That's my main and only real gripe with this DLC. It is so special and impactful to Derek and the MC (you). It, like the rest of the game surrounds you with emotions and people you come to love and care about. And don't get me wrong, it feels really good and there is closure to Derek's Step 4. It's an open ended closure, which is Never a bad thing and leaves so many possibilities. Yet there is this sense of something left undone, of not quite being satisfied with waiting till tomorrow and the day after that.

There's some personal things Derek addresses and it does get brought up, but it also feels like the "solution" is glossed over for one that doesn't solve too much other than proximity. I also think I did things right (but I'm not 100% since I don't know all the outcomes yet), but pursuing Derek romantically also feels a little tiptoed around. Feelings were never actually discussed until the end, and even then it felt out of place and one-sided. I can only recall one person openly bringing it to attention, maybe two if you count some will-they/won't-they teasing. Maybe it is just meant to be more subdued, but it was kind of a let down and put me off of romantic pursuit in exchange for just a good friendship. I almost wish there was a second part that takes place around the time of your moms' anniversary, so a passage of time could give you a chance to decide how things are turning out after reconnecting with Derek before leaving you to fill in the blanks.

However! It was still a great play and I don't regret getting this DLC at all. I had fun with it. I honestly laughed and cried and wished for more. This IS a DLC and a side romance story at that, I can't at all bring myself to be mad or even disappointed at this just because of the stuff I mentioned above. It was an experience worth every dollar and I plan to come back to it again and again (Always) and [Forever]

this is so good! i absolutely loved this. derek is such a sweetheart. 

the amount of screen time the other family members of derek's have might be a turn-off to some, but in my opinion, it's needed to show you how the dynamics are and how derek's mind works.

anyways, bottom line is, i loved this and love derek. stayed up til 2 am because i was so enraptured with the story!

OMFG I LOVED THIS DLC. I just finished it and let me tell you it was so worth the money. not only the sincre tlks both dereks little brothers were adorble. Cove has some competiton for my favorite our life caracter.

i usually never write comments but i could not NOT send a message here to express my happiness about this DLC. i've been so excited over it since the release date was announced, and now that i just finished the game i can confidently say that i'm far from disappointed. this was such a great experience, it really did a great job at getting to know derek and made me love him so so much. his relationship with his whole family was so endearing to me and i just felt like i was getting a gigantic hug when i played this dlc. the whole team did such a great job on this, thank you for your hard work <3

Just finished the DLC, and oh my god I love Derek so much, I love how much you get to be involved with his family, they all really make you feel loved and accepted, and Derek is just such a sweetheart, I loved getting to know his character better, I cant wait for the Baxter DLC too I wanna know his story better too.

im shaking and crying over derek HE'S SO SWEET AND CUTE AND POLITE I WANT MORE OF HIM TT

Thank you so much for this!!! now im just gonna go and cry in the corner goodbye

is there a way to add this to steam? Instead of buying the copy from steam.