Thanks for taking the time to write such a lengthy review! I really appreciate the feedback. I'll do my best to respond to as much as I can.
First of all thanks so much for your kind words! I'm flattered by your praise and comparisons.
1. In regards to the combat system, let me assure you that the actual mechanics of combat will not be changing. For example exploiting weaknesses will still allow Red to perform extra actions. However the core system will be restructured to allow for many new opportunities. A detailed dev log discussing everything about the new system and why I changed the old one will be posted later this month.
2. In regards to clothing, there are absolutely hidden values attached to them, but there are also over sights and errors at the moment that have not been addressed leaving some of them with unintentional side effects. This will be cleared up by the time of the next update hopefully.
3. Continuing from that, the next update will also finally include optional tutorial prompts. Currently I've omitted these as the game has been in a pretty unstable state as far as mechanics, but as it nears completion and things reach a stable and finalized place, it will finally make sense to actually include in game information explaining to the player the ins and outs of the various systems and mechanics. From the various uses of Tarot Cards, to the Heart and Blood meters displayed on screen.
4. About the key you can find in the cemetery. This has no use in the demo, however it is the first clue to the bigger mystery and plot that the player can uncover in the full game. You will need it to access the hidden final Chapter 13 in the full release.
5. Side activities will be receiving a UI update (As is the entire game actually, I've already shown a lot of this on Patreon but a free devlog here on Itchio will be showcasing all of this months progress in late June.) So things like where to access events, or what NPC's are shops will be clear at a glance. I also aim to improve the fishing mechanic, and intend to have more optional bosses from the depths that can be fished up.
Again thank you so much for taking the time to write out your thoughts! I unfortunately couldn't quite follow all of it due to the translation at times distorting your meaning but I really appreciate it regardless. If you don't mind me asking I'd be curious to know what your native language is as well.
The full game is intended to release here on Itchio before the end of the year. A steam version is then planned but will not be available until 2026 due to the extra work of setting all that up and my commitment to meeting a 2025 release for the base game.
I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with Project Red and hope the final game will be to your liking!