This is all just one big rant and it's hella long. It's more for me than anyone else. (I think devs definitely don't care what I have to say here, so yeah, this isn't for them either)

Originally rated it 5 starts because I liked the demo, back then when I played the first version of it, like, 4 years ago, I think?

The release was delayed and I was completely fine with waiting, because a lot of things are happening in the world now and life happens. I wished devs would leave an update here on Itch (which is where I planned to purchase the game) whenever the release didn't happen on date they posted, instead of going silent, but whatever - life happens, it's stressful times, it's how it is.

I would usually post a question to ask about the update about several months after the release date passed without any release or any word from them. Which means that, in 4 years, I asked about it 3 times total (to clarify, I wasn't asking every few months, just some months *after* the scheduled date passed). I wasn't making new posts, I would just ask in the same post in a comment section.

So, the last date they gave us passed and few months later (without me asking about updates) they updated their page not with the full game, but demo version 2.0 - which is still okay, despite most of us believing the game was pretty much finished. They want to rewrite the game, add more contact, that's cool, I'm all for it (and again, it's difficult times, devs have their own lives and responsibilites, I can wait).

But with the update, they also changed their page so that you can't make a post or leave any comments. And again, I purchase games on Itch as Patreon is not available in my country. I also check for updates here and stuff. And now it's been more than half a year since demo 2.0 with no release date in sight and no way for to ask them here - and believe me, people weren't asking often. Someone would occasionally post a comment to ask if the game is still in plan after it's been months after the date when the release was supposed to happen. When the devs said "sometime in the spring next year", people would wish devs  to take care of themselves, then go quiet and wait patiently. 

Maybe devs still felt pressured by people leaving rare comments and asking about the update. Maybe this game is only meant for those who are on their Patreon (which I'd go to as well, but as mentioned, it's not available in my country so my only option is Itch). I know they are releasing a lot of cool stuff from the game on Patreon, but as I'm unable to use it, I'd happily wait here to purchase the final version when it's released. 

It's just that they removed the only way for me to ask for the updates here on Itch and, maybe it shouldn't be a big deal, but it's just the fact that those asks were so rare already (both from me and from other users) and everyone was happy to wait, and the comments they left were supportive and understanding. So, why remove that option when people weren't really putting pressure on you? I can't see the updates on Patreon and I'm unable to use it, so I've got no other way to check.

Devs, frankly, don't owe me anything and I, as one person (or maybe a few, cuz surely there are more fans of this game who are unable to use Patreon and are planning to purchase the game here on Itch), am insignificant to many of their followers that are able to use Patreon and support them. So I'm just gonna give up on this game right here (completely!) and wish you all the best. If it's petty, then that's okay. Itch isn't allowing me to post a review without rating (and I really want to post it, even if devs aren't gonna give a damn about any of it) and I don't wanna leave the 5 star rating, so here's 1 star. I don't think there's much harm done to the devs, again, I am - was - just one insignificant fan of the game who feels let down.

But yeah, it's not the delays, it's not the issue of waiting, it was just the lack of notice coupled with removing the only option to ask about updates here on Itch.