So excited to see you released a demo! So far the screenshots and cover art look amazing. I can't wait to play it and report back!!
I was busy last week but am now playing it! I'm in the desert right after Shihan Castle. Some stream-of-consciousness comments:
The graphics are really pretty! I really loved the green graveyard aesthetic in the beginning, when there were leaves/rain falling across the screen, almost sad that section was so short :'( Also the sound effects when the chars are talking reminds me of Animal Crossing.
Also really liked the set design in the castle. The broken mirrors and way everything is laid out.
During the battles, the indicator of who's turn is active isn't super clear. It took me a while to realize the bg of the active char is different, esp. because the text prompt says "what will YOU" do (where I expected it to say what will [char] do ;__;)
Ohhh am I just imagining things or does the shopkeeper look kinda like the mom?
I love the UI, it looks very stylistic and fitting for a game which is charming, whimsical, and eerie at the same time.
Some additional thoughts on the game's genre: I wasn't expecting there to be so many shifts in tone? What I mean is, the graveyard/park/house interior scenes gave me the impression it was going to be a cozy game (I did read the content warnings but, moreso reacting to the peaceful tone of the first scenes), and then I thought it was going to be a darker psychological choose-your-own adventure with the option to take the meds, then it started emphasizing the RPG battling element with stats/HP/MP. This isn't a criticism cuz I personally really like genre shifts! I was moreso wondering your process of deciding on the genre(s), if you intended it to be more one or the other, or if the rest of the game will focus more on one genre.
That's all I have for now I think! Will try to finish later.
Hi Lapis!
Thank you so much for the in-depth review! It means a lot to me that you are enjoying it so far and are able to play it mostly without issue (hopefully)!!
Just to answer some of your questions: Yes, the tone shift was on purpose. The OG title screen you see is also only there if you do NOT have any Saves, so it is supposed to give off cozy-vibes at first to later turn into more psychological horror or mystery! It’s supposed to be confusing and kind of unsettling in a sense.
In regards to the RPG vs Psychological/Visual Novel aspect, I wanted to tie in both elements. However, battling will be a very minor element to the overall story. It’s basically for bosses and story progression, rather than to make the game more difficult long-term. I hope this makes sense?
Thank you so much again for your review!!!