I love this game a lot, I've played it over and over multiple times on and off since the release of act 2. I find it to be oddly comforting?
I honestly thought going in that Benji would be my favorite. Design wise it makes sense.
Yet.. going in there were multiple things he said that immediately gave me red flags.
Love a guy that's caring, don't like a guy who's overbearing and trying to get me to be fully dependent on him.
I have to wonder how long he's been like this? Or if it's just come about after the mc made an attempt on their own life? I know it's implied that Benji has had a thing for the MC since high-school and hasn't really liked anyone they dated previously.
I have a huge feeling this friendship is doomed, especially with Benji denying therapy and insisting he's fine and knows what's wrong.
He's only really doing what he wants without considering the mc or maybe thinking he knows best. Either way he stomps all over boundaries and throws back in the mc's face the attempt they made on their life on multiple instances.
Unless he's able to step back and reflect there's a huge chance that the friendship is done.
I know this is all harsh, dude isn't all bad he genuinely cares and a lot of this behavior seems to be out of fear and a want for connection? Fear of losing the mc especially after what happened, that's enough to fundamentally change a person. The problem is he's not taking the right steps to help himself.
But personally the more I go over and replay the more Benji makes me feel gross? It's more of a personal thing.
In an unexpected turn of events I actually really love Ellis. He is also walking red flags in some obvious (and not so obvious) ways.
I just find it so interesting how the player gets on his route by showing continuous interest in him. The moment that there's some level of disinterest he backs off at least until the end of his route in act 2.
He listens a lot more and isn't so reactive when the mc vents. Which is what everyone needs every now and then.
Though I do like how there's subtle implications in Ellis's route that maybe something isn't right in comparison to Benji where it feels more blatant and in my face.
Anyways all this to say this is a great game and I made some fun art.
