Although I'm uncertain if you're still checking this comment section, I still want to leave a review. Game deserves one. You deserve one. Sorry for potential mistakes or strange wording, not a native English speaker.
General feelings and thoughts:
To be honest, I was not expecting much from this game when I stumbled upon it. I thought... I don't even remember what exactly, just not much in expectations. Artstile looked simple, and I was for some reason under the assumption that this game would be a fast and light reading, and not serious. In the end I clicked on it because it was about creatures that looked like mermaids (I'm kind of obsessed with them).
Boy, how wrong I was about everything. Started in the morning, finished in the evening. This story is everything I want in visual novel and more. Now it's on top of my favorites, and I've read hundreds. After maybe an hour in game, I have fallen in love with the sprites and the backgrounds. The narrative and the ideas are very important to me. I'm somewhere (still exploring where exactly) on aro/demiromantic and asexual spectrum, so I enjoy reading about platonic relationships and friendship the most. Which this game provides. I also do enjoy reading about romance on occasion, but mostly only if it's in the background or if it's accents already existing friendship. Which is exactly how it goes for this game. I enjoyed watching characters growing closer together and overcoming differences. It's delighted me how different and original is your lore. This world is alive. I can feel how much thought you put into it. It has a soul.
Questions for feedback:
--Who is your favorite character and why?
Honestly, every character is deeply lovable for different reasons. I feel like I would be friends with everyone from the group, which is not an easy feat for me (making friends). Well, maybe on a somewhat slower pace with Kameckt, he's too energetic for me to deal with on most days, haha, but still! We will be friends! But if I had to pick one favorite... Groriu, for sure (with Makani as close second, she's fantastic). As for why - well, I'm nowhere near his level of jerkiness (I'm on zero level, I think), hah, but we have identical views on honesty. It's an important part of who I am and how I treat others. It's amazing, really, I almost never meet anyone irl or among the characters in media who would have this particular thing integrated with them and explored in 'character arc', so to speak. So I can't help but relate to him. I can relate in other aspects too, just less. He also has other traits I find enjoyable - he's funny and witty, and, as others said, actually can be gentle and almost nurturing.
--What was your favorite moment from the game?
Hmm, probably the first encounter with Groriu. I was like 'ooh, pretty big mercreature'. ...And then he opened his mouth xD (jocking, I love his personality).
--Any advice or critique I should keep in mind for the sequel/other future games? (other than having more reasonable release goals)
Others have already said this in the comments, but I kind of not a fan of being forced to spend more time with Vane in order to get good ending. I love him and he's amazing, but I would prefer being free to choose with whom I spend my time. So I guess I wish it was implemented differently, but I don't know how. In the end, it's not a big deal, it didn't ruin anything. But I guess, yeah, this is the least fun part of the game for me.
--Any other comments/concerns?
Don't know if you still visit this page, but I wish you all the best. Be healthy, have a good life, do things you're love. Maybe, if your heart is in it, we will see the sequel for the deep unknown, but it is fine if not. I'll reread this. Have a good day, wherever you are!