I feel blessed to receive another release from Azalin. This one settles Azalin as one of the most promising vn teams out there, if I may get a bit ahead of myself. The performance overall is genuinely impressive and really gets me invested. This is also some real wild dive into the deep end stuff, during which I can see a lot of exploratory efforts into details one usually considers unconventional. Such practice has been the writer's forte. I really do appreciate it. While a further step is taken, a balance is found. In a more concise and natural manner, the writing style on this project is fitting.
Azalin's programmer has always exerted presentation potential of Ren'Py to the fullest in past works, and this one is no exception. One not familiar with Ren'Py properties or visual novel in general might be surprised how vivid and expressive the game presents itself to be. Quite a few creative approaches are adopted here as well. Moreover, music composed for this work played its role well, really adding a nice touch. Illustrations, whether of characters or scenes, never fall short, albeit made for a relatively small project. These collectively make the reading experience pleasant and ensure the reader an unhindered nightmarish descent. :D
I plan not to talk much about the characters or plot, partially because I don't feel equipped to do so, being not so familiar with the topic and having a hard time choosing words. Nevertheless, it's an intriguing read I'd like to recommend.
With all those said, please excuse me if I'm making major mistakes, be it factually or in wording. I have recently picked up English and not read much, so my views on literary works might be off the mark at times. Since impressions may vary, might as well try it out yourself then. Some other thoughts and random impressions with potential spoiler are likely to be followed later in replies.
Readers may find that not everything in here are eventually explained in a clear or accessible way, for instance, some characters' identities or capabilities and more. It's of note the novel is one part of a narrative universe the team's been working on, and the undisclosed or unresolved will presumably be given more insight into in future works (Rosebound, Caelestis Phylaca...). I usually just sit back and take in how the events make me feel on such occasions)) The story itself is complete of course.
This is also a potent competitor as a game jam entry, with itself essentially being an exemplar of a game on the designated theme. I'm impressed how the team put this together in 45 days. To sum up, it's been a good read, will follow through. Kudos to Azalin and all the team members. It's a job well done.
(Days before I had trouble accessing my account, during which I tried to submit the review several times with an alternate one, but (possibly) to no avail. My apologies for the possible spam ;-;)