Oh my god, I loved this. The custom controller vibration, especially in the beginning, was super immersive. Also, the attention to detail was extremely impressive, with a lot of little touches, like how the chainlink fence surrounding the motel, despite being a static texture, actually makes a noise when you walk into it. I really loved the fact that, rather than using jumpscares or scary music or anything of those cheap horror tropes, the horror in this is subtle, intellectual, and purely based around atmosphere and the feeling of dread. I did have issues with this game when it came to progression, however. I had to consult a walkthrough (Alpha Beta Gamer's video) multiple times, especially the part where you have to stop at a certain point in the sign-in book in order for the bell to actually work. With both that and the first VHS tape task, I had managed to locate the specific target for the objective, but I couldn't figure out what to actually do with them in order to fulfill the objective. It would have been nice if, for the first task on the VHS tape, there was some sort of prompt to use the Right Trigger. With games like this that have non-standard or uncommon control schemes, the player should be introduced to the controls in-game, and I mean during gameplay (opening the menu doesn't count). Even then, the players shouldn't be expected to already know that zooming in on something can actually trigger events, which is why it's important to actually guide them through that special type of interaction in some way or another at least once, so they can understand the "rules" of this game. Overall, I absolutely loved this game, the style, the gameplay and interactions, almost everything. I just hope that the developer can figure out a way to better direct the player so that they are less likely to spend 5-10 minutes wandering around the map confused about how to progress.
I have been pleasantly surprised you caught the little things and subtle touches added to help immerse the players. My entire approach to this game has been to evoke fear and unease using sound, imagery and camera work. Your feedback on difficulties and enjoyments has been a big help and like so many other reviews, they are all being taken into account when making future adaptations. I thank you for the support you and others have shown. For an Indie, it is players like you and communities like Itch that keep us working so hard to bring about our games for others to experience.