Hey there, I appreciate the thorough review. I'm glad you liked it, over all, and I know where you're coming from, regarding some of the points.
It's worth pointing out that this demo is one quarter the length of the full game - and the first quarter, at that. As such, the more... shall we say... plot-related events (and conversations) occur later in the game. (For example, things with Arrim and the crystal are explored, more, and things related to Rosim's condition are explored. Things relating to the history of the setting are also explored.) But the atmosphere throughout the game is largely supposed to be cozy and philosophical, as this demo hopefully sets one up to expect.
As for my writing style, I totally understand if it isn't for everyone. It's simply how I like to write, and unless the reader is wanting chill conversations by a fireplace, while cuddling with a kind girl, they may not like the game.
At the same time, things between Arrim and Rosim are a little bit awkward in this section, because they've just met. They open up to each other and speak with each other in more relaxed ways, as they start feeling more comfortable, around each other. That said, my writing style is always present, so while the characters do start feeling more relaxed around each other as time goes on, the slightly formal or slightly stiff-feeling quality of the writing is present throughout the entire game. It's just how I write - at this point in time, at least.
As for the number of assets, I fully admit that if I had more time, I may well have made more art assets. As it stands, however, I needed to keep assets which were needed for the story, and cut other ones for time. That's just how making stuff like this goes. (And it's probably worth noting, here, that I'm an indie dev.) That said, while I understand that some people might dislike the style of having one generic background per character sprite - and while that was certainly done, in part, to save on time - I do find those generic backgrounds for the character sprites to be kind of charming, in a way, and feel like they add to the simple presentation of the VN.
At this point, I thought I'd let you know that the full, 20,000-word visual novel is out, now, if you'd like to pick it up. Only do so if you honestly want it, though, as it's a paid game. (I've got to put food on the table.)
(Here it is.)
Anyway, thanks for giving me and my visual novel your time, and please have a good day. ^^