Clam Story is a surreal VN that I couldn't quite vibe with. In many ways, it's artistically obtuse, but at the same time, I can't help but feel some of its density was a product of clumsiness.
First and foremost, I must commend the vibes here. Visuals and plot work together to give the surrealist setting aesthetic cohesion without being overbearing. However, the project is written with several mistakes that made the reading experience noticeably worse for me. It's gravest problem in that regard is that it makes an already complex narrative harder to follow.
Additionally, I cannot quite see this as a VN as "cerebral" as others seem to. On one hand, it came off to me as the writer offering unique explorations through dreamlike imagery, but at the same time, some scenes and plot points feel straight out of a shitpost. As I warmed up and got engaged with the game as I read it, the game seemed to poke fun at me for taking it so seriously, which I saw as flippancy and bothersome.
Audio-wise, the project is a mixed experience too. Music tracks are all over the place, but that came off to me as intentionally beguiling, like so much of the project is. The real problem lies in a constant use of breathing sound effects I found extremely unpleasant; to the point I had to turn down all sounds about halfway through.
But are all these issues I mentioned intentional parts of the experience? Honestly, who knows. There are definitely aspects to this project I've enjoyed, but so many others that harmed my experience. I cannot confidently say I understand all of what Clam Story is going for, but I do not think all of its complexity was an artistic choice.