Oh boy it's been some time... hello! Sooooo I played this game for the first time like five years ago I think? And I absolutely fell in love with it... thing is: I am a horrible horrible commenter. I just... I don't do it, ok? I think out this beautiful text I want to write and then I just never get around to actually doing it. So: sorry for that, I'm just your casual lurker.
But here I am five years later. I always wanted to replay the game because it had left quite the impression on me after that first playthrough but, you know, life got in the way and I never found quite enough time. That is until I got sick and bed bound this last week and my brain immediately went: I need to replay that visual novel about the fish people! I loved that back then! So here I am rambling about this absolutely not important backstory about me replaying the game. What I actually just want to say is: I really really loved the theme and the execution of the story and the plot, it left a big mark on me and I went back to it for comfort when I felt sick and quite frankly simply like shit. The way the friendship slowly comes together even though all characters are so very distinct from each other touches my heartstrings every time. They are all so multifaceted and complex with their skills, their fears, their loves and their pet peeves, it makes them feel so real even though they are quite literally aquatic people. And the way the creation myth is handled is so frigging awesome. I love the concept and the idea so much. Is it based on an actual myth? I never heard about one like that before but I do have to say that I am a very white and very western person, so my repertoire is sadly extremly limited, even if I try to broaden my horizons.
I am not even sure anyone is reading this seven years after release, but hell, if you are out there I hope this reaches you! And that you are feeling well! I also thought I just answer your little feedback questions here, because if I already got my ass to comment here, than I might as well do it properly!
--Who is your favorite character and why?
Definitely Groriu. I find the concept of his people extremely interesting especially because I always had a love for anglerfish and the way the matriarchy works with the women being so much bigger than the men is just such a compelling idea. I love how well thought out the hollow societies were and how it reflected in Rius character. How he's standoffish but very much doesn't mind or rather even likes body contact because it is just something he is used to from his Hollow. The way his entire character arc went was just *chefs kiss*. From him just threatening Makani because he is the bigger creature and that is what he has learned to him learning that she's a female and therefore him being distant and snarky to the teasing banter and easy intimacy between the friends. It just melted my heart. His romance ending was also by far my favorite, I feel like it is such a nice ending touch to his character growth, but I am rambling again.
Besides Riu I definitely loved Makani the most. She's such a good protagonist with hopes, dreams and most important a character! I do see the appeal of a blank MC that one can self insert into, but I personally get way more attached to protagonists who have a heart and soul. I just love watching them grow and find their way.
I obviously also love Kameckt and Vane... heck I love the entire group so much! Their banter, the love, they feel so alive and playing the game makes you really feel like you are part of that friend group, it's a very cozy and beautiful feeling. Love my boys and Makani.
--What was your favorite moment from the game?
If I have to choose... I would choose four! hah! I just can't actually decide, I'm sorry. I love the scene where Vane finally stands up for himself! It felt so powerful and so right for his character arc. My sweet baby boy finally has friends that support him! Concerning friends, the second favorite scene is definitely the whale riding scene. That one had my heart jumping from joy. Vane deserves the world and to be happy!
Considering Riu being my absolute fave my two other favorite scenes are the one where you confront his mother and sister. I actually felt small and intimidated by the way they appear on the screen. The friend group just looks so small in comparison to the matriarch and the heiress, but you can clearly see that Rius sister cares for him deeply even though the culture and society of the hollow doesn't really encourage men being valued so much. I do hope she changes things a bit once she becomes matriarch. The other Riu scene is where Makani goes to braid his hair. I love the casual intimacy and how comfortable both characters just look and feel in that scene. The love and care they feel for their respected families ist just so palpable.
--Any advice or critique I should keep in mind for the sequel/other future games? (other than having more reasonable release goals)?
I would love being able to see that world again. I read mentions about a sequel here and there? But I do think real life has probably got a hold on you, so I do understand if that takes priority and we might never see a sequel. I would love to return to the world and learn more about the gods and the rest of the world.
If you do create another game I just hope you keep on creating such deep, complex, lovable and relatable characters with interesting stories and character growth!
Now.... I do think I have definitely written enough, probs to you if you even read all of my gushing! I do hope you are well whatever you are doing out there and even if your path never brings you back to creating another amazing game, I do hope it leads you down a path of happiness and joy! And that maybe sometimes you feel that some people are out there enjoying your story and feeling less lonely for it! <3