This is one of the few times I actually take the time to comment on a VN, because I just couldn't not talk about this! I've read through many VNs and IFs and I've grown very fond of them but I think Burrows might be the best one I've played yet.
The writing in this is amazing, the characters are portrayed in a way that one can understand both flaws and virtues; they're multifaceted and it's so refreshing to see that. It's human. I really like how the deeper and serious issues are touched upon and how they are discussed and it shows understanding of how these issues affect people. The art is also amazing and it accompanies the narrative perfectly. ALSO the UI is so beautiful, I was genuinely surprised by it and the fragments, archives and timeline are such nice additions, it creates a complete experience. Overall, this is the only VN that I feel compelled to read it again after finishing it, the romance, the horror, the story, the side characters just tie it all together perfectly.
I think I have one point that falls a bit flat for me: In all the routes the characters admit to loving each other really quickly. I feel it's a bit odd to admit that in 2-4 days within knowing each other. In some occasions I might understand it better (See Mark's route), but in other cases like Gabe I can't understand it. Though it isn't that big of an issue to the narrative for me.
I want to also leave my thoughts and personal experience with the routes so spoilers are to be expected!
I played through all routes and secondary routes so far that are available. I have to say that ranked they are Mark, Hiro, Jessie & Colt (not a route yet, but the path so far feels really removed from Ken's), Ken, Sim/Ollie, Gabe. (Gabe being last is also due to the fact that his route is still at an earlier point).
I played them in route order but I was already drawn to Mark. His route is definitely disturbing yet very interesting. I think I played his route in one sitting, because I was hooked. I was running on adrenaline all throughout.
My opinion on Mark is mixed. He's definitely charismatic and attractive and I think he cares for Grey, but at the same time there's a lot to unpack there -brother stuff, suicidal tendencies in the car, etc.-. But I also can understand where he's coming from and feels like that kind of relationship where they swear they'll get better and you pray they actually do so (Still my favorite though, should I be concerned?) . In a sense I feel like he and Grey share a karmic relationship. Both of them have a darker past and are recovering from it, but they are the ones to have caused hurt as well. It'sgg definitely a journey of trusting another and self forgiveness, or at least it could be. Mark's route is also the most horror heavy and it's a nice reflection I think of his guilt and self pity/loathing. (I think out of all of them -so far- he's the only one who feels likes he's a bad person unable to be saved.)
But I can't help but wanting to stick to him. Also, the angst is very delicious here so it's even better. The cliffhanger at the end what with the eye and everything left me really itching for a new update.
Sim's route is fun and a bit indulgent because it's reminiscent of old times with Sim (can't wait to see the potential angst with Et in Gabe's route), but I found myself worrying over Mark during that route. I think it's the only route that diverged that I was wondering what would happen to the main "RO" (?), in Atri's too but Hiro made more appearances.
Gabe is a story that I'd love to unravel to be honest, because I think there will be a really rewarding outcome at around day 4/5, because there's a facade there ready to be broken. I feel like Gabe is too normal, which is obviously not the case, comparing to the others. I think the gang will play a big role and I want to see how Derek will be involved in the whole scheme. If he gets what he deserves as well that would be very satisfying.
Hiro's story is so beautiful, you can really see and sympathize with the struggle he is going through, the fight, the struggle to prove himself, to fit it, it's heartbreaking but also very raw and real. His sense of self preservation does push him to be manipulative towards Grey, but when confronted he, begrudgingly, understands it. I think this is also good though for Grey's growth as well, setting boundaries and what not. I really like how his character growth is also shown (him becoming more trusting).
Atri, on the other hand, reads to me as incredibly tragic. The border on schizophrenia and the intrusion of (presumably) Virgil is so sad. I love this character trope though, happy face, really troubled inside and I really want to explore this cult thing to see what it really is.
Onto Ken. I went through many feelings throughout this route. I should have known what I was getting into with the hard exterior, soft interior persona, but it was hard to get through to him when he kept pushing Grey away (which is a great thing for the narrative) it made it more rewarding when he started showing signs of trust. Jean making an appearance threw me off but I liked how the character development came along. The issues presented here made me really sick, it was well portrayed and it really shifted the perspective on Ken. The fragments here made it even more real and scary, which is a detail I appreciated a lot. Can't wait to get answers because it was a bit of a weird spot that we left off.
Jessie and Colt's route so far is simply adorable. The found family dynamics and the feel-good feeling is simply lovely. Although, I fear when the route splits there's bound to be some angst here.
After having played Mark's route, I expected things to be quite similar to other routes: red horrorscapes where you have to solve a puzzle to leave. To be honest, I was a bit relieved that it wasn't that high adrenaline, but after playing all routes I realized that the horror aspect might come later, so I'm looking forward to that a lot.
I do hope when the game is finished there will be multiple endings (maybe at least good and bad ones, depending on choices), or at least good endings.
I think I've dragged on for too long, but it was worth it and I was having a really slow day at work so. Keep on the good work!
I'd love for people to speculate on what their thoughts are on the how the routes are constructed and etc. Or anything really. (I just like seeing how people interpret things).