Checked out the page beccause the title screen art really appealed to me, and when I saw the snail I was immediately intrigued. I've only gotten the Self Sacrifice Ending so far, so I don't have the full picture of what's going on, but I feel like I have enough to understand the gist of certain plot points >.>
You did such a good job at creating a believably messy friendship. Both of the boys broke my heart in different ways, and even with only one ending under my belt, seeing Austin go from trying so hard to be a better friend to Riley and to put his life back together and overall just be a healthier person, to what he becomes in the end os just.... heartbreaking, through and through. And of course, guiding Riley through such self sacrifice was painful too.
I think you also just did an incredibly job of showing how the world doesn't stop when you're in the middle of a crisis. Still having to go to work, still having to go get your mom's meds, having to juggle self care with trying to navigate a crisis, having every task be a step you have to guide Riley through that tires him out even more... it really added to the atmosphere, to the feeling of helplessness, having to slog through work the day after you've been mauled by a bear and aren't sure if your friend is even alive, because Capitalism Hell never takes a day off and your family can't afford you skipping more than a day... Just it's own little slice of the overall nightmare.
This is SO incredible for your first game! I'm so excited to play the other two endings, and to see your future endeavors!! ^^