I saw this randomly while searching for visual novels on itch io, and this was an absolute gem of a find. Just from the title screen and the tag-line alone, I was hooked lol. There's just something about co-dependencey stories that itch my brain.
First of all, the art? Absolutely gorgeous. The art style is simple, but I feel like it displays everything it needs to. I especially love the details of the eyes, with Austin's looking more empty after the bear attack, or Riley physically looking more and more exhausted the more time he spends caring for Austin. I also love how strong the color red is in all the CG's, always drawing your attention and highlighting something the scene.
The main star is the story though. YOU COOKED. I went for the self-sacrifice route for my blind playthrough, and I honestly feel like that's the best way to start the game. I cannot stress how well you wrote the dynamic between Austin and Riley, as it doesn't feel overly toxic or healthy either. From the beginning scene to the roof scene, I feel like you can clearly see these two are friends. So when you do see the scenes that hint at the toxicity of it all, it makes you feel conflicted on how you should feel about it. On one hand, as a friend, I felt like Riley needed to care for Austin. Right from the get go, I was choosing all the options that centered around Austin, almost getting frustrated when Riley couldn't fulfill the task needed to be done for Austin. But you clearly see how this can be taken too far by Riley constantly getting exhausted doing anything really to take care of Austin. The flashbacks also show Riley putting his safety and self behind as he looks out for Austin, and Austin feeling threatened by Riley's sacrifices rather than thankful adds more conflict on whether or not Riley should be doing all of this. I like the detail that despite Austin arguably inciting more of this toxicity in the relationship by always pressuring Riley into looking out for him, Riley also is somewhat at fault for always putting himself there, whether it be intentionally or not. Although, that clearly comes more from this inherent need to be needed, and I think that's what makes the two so interesting. Riley knows it hurts to be with Austin, but he can't bear knowing what would happen if he wasn't there. Austin doesn't like Riley's overbearingness, but he almost invites it whenever he does something stupid. They're like two stars orbiting each other before they explode and it's great. Anyway, that leads me to the main point that I adored having this be the first play through because to me, it almost seems like the most reasonable way their relationship would play out due to how they had been acting already. Not that I think this is the true ending or anything, but I feel like it serves as a good conclusion on where the two could end up if they just let their current relationship run its course.
Just a little note of using the visual novel/rpg maker medium to your advantage-- I especially, especially enjoyed how whenever you'd have to make a choice for Riley, it always emphasized that helping Austin would mean getting more exhausted or that you could get hurt. It's almost like it's representing Riley's thoughts as he thinks through what could potentially happen if he focuses on Austin. Every time though, in the end, he has the choice to stick to Austin, to fall into the habit he knows he should get out of. Because maybe getting hurt will be worth it in the end when Austin is happy and things are back to normal. Even if it's only for a little bit.
So yeah, sorry for the long review but I couldn't help it haha. I could go on about the little bits of symbolism or parallels throughout the story, but I don't want this reveiw to be too long. Just know that I loved all the intricacies throughout this narrative. The story is simple but very well executed, and I'm excited to see more games from you!