Finally finished the entirety of the game! I must say, it's been a while since I played a long visual novel. I think the last one was 2 years ago. Anyway, I immensely enjoyed the game and the story. Something I have to commend is how you handled the Antagonist's story and character. I like how when you're not during his route, he doesn't suddenly gain redemption at the end of the game. To the bitter end, he is still set on his hatred, pain, and rage. And that is so refreshing to see. All too often, antagonists are lectured by the main characters and suddenly have a redemption moment. Even though it makes no sense for them to get enlightenment from a group of people they do not know. So I liked how the antagonist stayed true to his goals and hatred. Yes, he faltered a bit after the LI speech but that didn't stop him from still saying he won't forgive those who hurt him, hence why he met his end. So bravo on that. Because you wrote him in such a way during the 3 main LI's route, when I got to his route, it hit me so much harder. Because now I could see and hear how agonizing his pain was. Now I could see where his hatred stemmed from and it made me want to help him forgive himself even more. I wouldn't have felt so deeply for his redemption if it was achieved in the main LI's story because it would feel cheap at that point. Like I'd wonder, "So you went through all that just to let 4 people who weren't there change your mind?" I wished we'd seen his epilogue, after he atoned but I guess it's more realistic since he would have a long way to go.
***Spoilers ahead***
One thing that frustrated me about the game was the characterization of Maya. When we first met her, we're told about how she didn't complete high school and started working as a pole dancer at the young age of 15. Now I'm unsure if it's a culture thing or something else, but I expected Maya to be mature, responsible, and have sound judgment. I mean, she's 19, yes but she's been in the working world for 4 years, and even more so working in the adult entertainment world. I expected her to be a bit more sensible, but she wasn't? And what really told me she wasn't was when she trusted Kaiden and Gale like immediately upon meeting them. During the whole Harpy segment, I was confused on why she trusted Kaiden and strove to see the good in him so much? I almost thought I chose the wrong choice, but I deliberately chose the choices that said not to trust them, but she still did and I was like huh? During the scene in the Spring Village where she said she felt betrayed, I was so confused because...we don't know them? We spent 1 month with them and barely talked so why is she feeling betrayed? And there were times where Maya was naive and idealistic and then the story would continuously push the fact that she's an "adult" but never once did she show characteristics of one? Again, I don't know if this is a cultural thing but she did not come across as an adult rather a 16-year-old. Never mind the fact that she came wholly unprepared for the journey despite getting time to prepare from the Goddess. She didn't pack matches, or cooking utensils, or anything worthwhile but she made sure to pack coffee, and chocolate. If it wasn't for Gunther, Arya, and Khalil, she would have died a month into the story. Which was proven when she packed better in the ??? route. To be very honest, she is my least liked character simply because I couldn't tell if she was supposed to be the bubbly 19 year old who acted her age or was she supposed to be a 19 year who had to grow up quickly due to her circumstances?