I feel gutted after reading this <3 Like genuinely nauseous /pos
I saw so much of a person I used to be friends with in Sunny. Feeling forced into conversations about media and discourse you don't have feelings on, and like you have to agree because 'not having an opinion' (or not caring) aren't acceptable responses.
But at the same time I also saw parts of beliefs I used to hold and struggle with when I was younger, which I think heightened the sense of discomfort. I wouldn't say it's as extreme as 'seeing what I could have been' but rather, being reminded of the worst ways those beliefs and thought processes can hurt people, is always a little sobering. I'd like to believe I've grown as a person, but it's stuff like this that strengthens the resolve to make sure that growth continues.
Anita's constant shame, fear of hurting people, and of being hated and doing something wrong, were painfully relatable. The desire to create 'darker' media and express more complicated emotions with your work, while simultaneously fearing what people will think of you if you peel back that curtain even a little. Also as Person Who Loves Bugs. The fact that she wanted to make Hatoful But Bugs is also like omg!! same hat.
The parasite theming was so smart. The visuals and GUI were super unique and cool. The sound design was uncomfortably minimal and intimate. This whole game was so well crafted, such a succinct and powerful experience. Thank you so much for making this game and sharing this story. It's both a comfort to know so many other people have had these feelings and experiences, and heartbreaking to see how common these experiences are. Continue making awesome art <3