I absolutely loved this visual novel.
I finished it up to the cliff-hanger "to be concluded." I am definitely looking forward to the reworkings of the initial chapters, including the enhanced graphics, added music and revised writing that I saw mentioned in an update. The current state of the story is... wow, damn good. I cannot accurately describe how amazing this story is. I think the greatest aspect of this game is the writing, and to me it was an excellent, introspective work. I also really liked the art and character designs even though they're (I guess) still in a rough draft form. So with the game, while playing, I actually started questioning my own self and my life choices leading up to now. Even though the story revolved around two young male characters' issues related to sexuality and authenticity, I still could relate as a mid-20s/trans-F. For instance, Zack's internalized homophobia and him hiding his true self for so long, as well as Braden's confusion on his own identity and his issue with dealing with the public's perception of him, resonated with me as someone who is beginning to question my own identity as possibly "non-binary" and who has had internalized transphobia in the past. I really liked the inclusion of Mikhail and Max (Ash), they were incredible characters who offered unique perspectives to the two main cast. Team Ash. The gradual build-up of the plot was done very well, and I felt like the sensual scenes near the end were normalized.
So yeah! Those are a couple of my thoughts on the story, and I am just obsessed. It was so good and I will stay tuned for new updates. Rooting for you guys because I think this game needs way more recognition. What were some game/media inspirations? This game gives me Life is Strange vibes, but with more mature content.
P.S. I listened to lo-fi hip-hop while playing and it.. oddly fit the vibe. Haha.