I found this while browsing the 2025 Queer Games Bundle, and downloaded it on a whim because I quite like dragons. (And reptilian creatures in general; big surprise, coming from a reptile. >.=.> ) I don't normally leave reviews for the games I play, but this one is well-hidden enough that I figure I have something unique to say.
First of all, thank you for including a native Linux version that just works. It's always disheartening for me to find a game (or visual novel) that allegedly runs on Linux, but then crashes on startup/refuses to load at all. You, on the other paw, are helping to resist the Windows/Mac software hegemony; especially doing so on a DRM-free platform like Itch, rather than Steam. And thank you, as well, for not using an unnecessarily bloated game engine (Unity and Unreal, I'm looking at you) that my integrated GPU struggles to render. (I did notice that the color filters used at various points in the story tended to make my laptop's fan run quite a bit, but there weren't any performance issues onscreen.) And also, for not using generative programs to make any part of the game for you; creativity and quality are swiftly becoming undervalued in favor of unthinking soullessness and quantity, so I'm always glad to see other creative types like myself who resist the allure of the energy-hungry, randomness-spewing machines.
But, the real reasons I wanted to leave a review pertain to the story. SPOILERS FOLLOW BELOW.
Happho is so sweet and kind! She stole my heart pretty much instantly. I tend to be drawn to characters in a story that have a sort of victim/caretaker dynamic, because the caretaker provides something that the victim was in dire need of; in Amaia's case, actual love, with no strings attached (unlike with Horacio's misguided protectiveness and Caleb's savior complex). And it's interesting that, rather than go the romantic route like a lot of stories would, their mutual affection is more friendly or familial, and I'm glad that it's not treated as lesser for it.
The split between Amaia's compassion and Happho's pragmatism is also something I appreciate, regarding the soldiers that Azaiah and Horacio sent to capture Amaia. Both women have a point; the rulers never should've sent the soldiers to die in an unwinnable battle, and Happho should've laid out the consequences from the start; but also, Amaia shouldn't have to surrender her life to the whims of tyrants, and Happho has every right to defend herself from anyone who seeks to murder her. I'm glad that Amaia and Happho each come to understand the other's viewpoint, Happho apologizes for not being as straightforward as she could've been, and the two reconcile with no love lost in the end.
When I got to the reveal as to why Amaia can't play a piano (until Happho helps her reclaim that hobby), I felt a pit in my stomach. Azaiah is fucking vile. Poor Vasserelli...
While I'm sad that the original dragons were hunted to extinction, I like to believe that there are more transformation trinkets like the gold nugget hidden out there, allowing other humans who wish to escape terrible circumstances (or who just want to become a dragon) to create a new dragon population bigger than 1. And, while I understand and am satisfied with the bittersweet canon ending, I also like to imagine an alternate, headcanon ending where Happho doesn't die, Amaia finds another such trinket, the two of them live together as dragons, perform their respective duties alongside each other, and overall spend their centuries in peace and comfort. I just want them to be happy, dang it! -cries-
And finally, in my definitely unbiased, serpentine opinion: Your dragon designs are adorable. 10/10; love the teefs, snoots, stealthy flight, snaky bodies, fluffy manes, and comforting tail gestures; friend-shaped, would hug. n.=.n