[Takes a deep breath.] This will be long. Bear with me.
It has been a long, long time since I felt like this playing a game. I'm still feeling nervous and anxious and...! Ugh! In a good way, of course, but ugh! And this is all Mr. Worthington's fault.
Since the moment he appeared I knew he would be my favorite. If I had to compare him to a Jane Austen hero I'd say he's our own Colonel Brandon, and boy do I love that man. I also happen to love horse-riding so, bonus points.
"I must admit, I was glad to observe you were immune to his charms."
[Internally screaming.] A-hem. Good to know you were glad! Very good! (No childhood sweetheart or handsome scoundrel could draw my attention like he did, so it's nice it was acknowledged! I did like the other love interests, they were all perfect in their own ways and I'm excited to experience all the routes, but I'm so very biased lol)
Small exhange between MC (I love her default name, so she's Colette for me!) and Sinclair that made me laugh out loud:
"Ah, well then I will be out"
"Every day from now on?"
"... Yes."
But BACK to my favorite topic. Mr. Worthington.
I need some reassurance here. I really do. I adore slowburns, and characters that maintain decorum in historical pieces that demand it. But I grew concerned about his feelings the further I played. If their story (Colette and Mr. Worthington's) is slow-paced, with longing but him being far too considerate and humble to ever think she could love him romantically, thus hiding his feelings behind a mask of politeness that will inevitably break at some point, then I'M ALL FOR IT. Give me that angst!
But if their story never involves real romantic feelings and they simply have a 'friendship' marriage with respect and affection (which is nice, mind you, but I happen to be in love with the man!) then MY HEART WILL BREAK. I'm SO anxious about this, the demo left me a complete mess.
[End of my rambling about that perfect man.]
The writing was superb! And the art! Being able to choose what to wear is such a nice addition and the artist did a great job with the clothes. Also being able to change Colette's personality is great. Although I found some strange moments (very few). Example: I was going for a calm, kind and polite Colette and this was reflected perfectly but suddenly with Captain Sinclair she was all teasing. I think it was maybe because I chose to leave when she finds him in the ruins? But she is all smirks and witty banter suddenly, which doesn't really convey my choice of 'Leave'. But it didn't bother me, really! Just giving feedback about thoughts I had while playing.
A thing I simply adored: Colette's thoughts on Emily. I don't know if choosing different things would lead to different thoughts, but my Colette made me so proud. She misses her friend far more than her old suitor, and it's so nice that Emily is not 'demonized' in the narrative. Both Colette and Emily seem realistic characters and I hope they manage to mend their friendship with time and effort. I'm rooting for them.
Aaaaand, that's all. For now. Is there a release date for the whole game? (And by release game I mean something like, 'we plan to finish it this year, or next year, etc. Nothing specific.)
In summary, it was an incredible experience playing this demo and this game could very well become the best Regency game out there till now. I can't wait to learn more (and keep replaying the demo). Also, I'm sorry about the LONG comment, I'm just too excited.