(Review based on build 0.03.0)

I'm keeping the review short because I want to see the story in its entirety before analyzing it further; so far, it has been quite smart about setting up parallels and differences between its routes. For instance, while Suárez is sort of a subtle presence the completed branch, Tilman's introduction makes for a fun "good missionary/bad missionary" dynamic that lets us appreciate his character in comparison. It's all quite good, but what makes the VN more than the sum of its parts is the subtle yet precise touch with which it offers gentle commentary of this sort while maintaining an empathetic gaze on its characters.

Another example would be the way it depicts Hartley's simultaneous alienation from the country he has been sent to (in the form of being unfamiliar with politics, history, and so on) and genuine interest in being of help to its people. I was in particular struck by how language factors into it. While Tilman is a clear foil both in terms of his Spanish skills and his attitude, the story also comes with good observations about how Hartley is himself hindered by things like the short and homogenous list of approved reading. The meticulous portrayal of the linguistic situation is definitely among the game's strongest suits and probably what most of all helps it come off as something based on real-world experiences. If there's a criticism to be made, I think character voices feel a bit weak, representing an area where the writing could go for bolder exaggerations – these are literary characters, after all, not real people.

All in all, the VN factors the probable reader expectation about providing commentary on Mormonism and missionary work at large into its story in a very interesting way. While you get the sense that we're not building towards a grand statement of any sort, the documentaristic focus on the minutiae of missionary life and the grounded character portraits give the reader plenty to grapple with. I do hope and am willing to believe that what the game is doing becomes more effective with all the branches finished; I think the first ending comes off as a bit brief and simple compared to how big the drama is conceptually. You could maybe say something about the observational approach colliding with the genre elements in a way that compels in theory but also prevents the story from playing into the strengths of both, but we will see.

There's more to remark on – see: the pleasant art style and how the game juxtaposes it with photography and photo manips, the layered magical realist metaphor – but like I said, this is a case where I'm happy to wait and see how my thoughts evolve as the story goes on. How well-considered the nonlinear nature of the narrative feels even at this point counts as a strong endorsement by itself, and it's all polished and professionally made. I'll be back with more later; in the meantime, go play it yourself, dear reader!