I am about to finish checking both routes and I am amazed.
I firstly did Benji's route, since it's easier to get.
At first he seems really manipulative and dependant, but I am not sure if he's purposely manipulative, I mean, he could be saying all of this without actually being aware of the impact of his words. But at the same time he makes harsh comments, which he claims that are just out of pure honesty, that could make one feel worse, leading into feeling like you need Benji in order to continue. This is what he wants, clearly, but I am not sure if he's fully aware of how egoistic he can be, since he always talks as if he is an "empath", it's more like a fake empathy.
The situations with him can be really nice, but he gets stressed easily over your actions, as if his whole life depended on YOU.
I was honsetly glad when the M/C told him to go to therapy, it's sad that he inmediately turned it down because he claims to be "self aware".
Then there's Ellis' route, and probably my favourite. I prefer his route because he's not too... needy? I mean, he is a whole creep, but his ways are nicer, somewhat. He's less intrusive.
At first I assumed that his way of speaking was due him teaching himself how to "socialize" or to be more humane, if this makes sense. As if he's not really sure of what to say, he's just trying to say something as to fit in, to seem normal. But then, when going for a walk with him, I realized it's because of his father. It still feels as if he's not fully aware of himself, as if he doesn't understand that he's a human too, or well, how society and humanity itself works.
I JUST FINISHED HIS ROUTE, I LIED, HE'S AS INVASIVE.
Both characters are interesting, I still want to know what else is yet to come.
But my beloved is the M/C. I really enjoy said character's personal story and the replies, although their decisions can be changed by the player, I just adore their ways. This is probably one of the best M/C's I've seen. I am so thankful of how they're written.
If they were an interest I would go for them and it probably wouldn't work out, but I'd still appreciate them.
(My apologies for the grammar mistakes, English isn't my thing)
I really love hearing about how players experience the game, thank you for sharing this! I agree, in the beginning, Benji may not be 100% aware of his manipulation, but only because he’s convinced himself he’s a “good friend.” He’s a little (or maybe a lot) delusional about who he is. He genuinely wants to be a good person, but also…he believes a person must be willing to do anything for the people they love, which could potentially take him to some dark places. And you’re right…he does depend on you a lot, and is trying to recreate that same dependence. Maybe he believes this is what bonds people together.
Yep, Ellis can get invasive, too! He respects your autonomy a little more than Benji, but will still assert control when he feels it’s necessary. Ellis did teach himself how to socialize through books, and it’s true that he’s unsure of how to act or what to say sometimes. You’re also correct about his father! There’s always been a lot of pressure around talking for Ellis. Growing up, I imagine he was probably ridiculed for being more quiet and punished if he said the wrong thing. While he’s naturally more reserved, a lot of it was his conditioning, too.
This is the first time someone has expressed interest in the mc/protagonist! I’m so happy you enjoy the way they were written. If they were an available interest, they would be very hot & cold, use humor to diffuse situations, and the player would have to be very patient with them (and laugh at their jokes even if they weren’t funny) to win their heart.
Thank you sosososo very much for playing this game, and your analysis was incredible. My cup is filled to the brim! I hope you have a wonderful day!