I just finished the mini demo (and I believe I managed to look at every possible option combination!) My review is going to be thorough so, spoiler warning perhaps? Even if it is only chapter one.....
I was absolutely pulled in. The memory at the beginning that caused her to zone out to set up April's passion, and the rejections from multiple booths at the job fair created such a melancholy feeling. I feel like April is super relatable, even to those who may not be into photography since those feelings can be applied to many dreams. I also will admit I feel a bit anxious as to the conversation she'll have with her parents in the morning.
Now let us talk about characters --
April herself, as I said, feels really relatable. She has a dream, and it just feels like it's being shattered. It leaves her feeling empty, and longing, which is why I think seeing Faine compelled her to rush toward him, especially since it was the memory that made her zone out. I like how she feels relatable but at the same time, her own character. I also absolutely love her design!
Faine - he's mysterious, I do not quite know what to make of him yet, especially since we spend the least time with him in this demo but despite that the brief encounter was enough to make me drawn to know more. What he said to her in the past, if it has lingered in her mind, obviously holds a solid wait. I love when chosen to tell Faine she has no idea why she ran over, they were able to exchange contacts, which made the awkward opposite choice so painful when she lies and laughs it off, and when pushing for contacts -- he flat out says no. I felt so bad for April as it only added to the rejected feelings. So I can't wait to learn more about Faine and why he is so stand-offish.
Hendric - oh my, he is so funny! I honestly don't know if I can fully trust that April's stepping-on-$5,000-phone-debt could have been forgiven so easily, but the man clearly knows his candy, so who could be sure? His dialogue was absolutely hilarious, and despite the tense situation, he really seems like a cool guy that can come off a bit shady but perhaps is simply a little childish. I feel like getting to know his character will be an extremely fun and unpredictable adventure!
Now let's look at some technical aspects---
Artwork - it's absolutely gorgeous! I love the soft and dull coloring, which really fits with the whole rainy atmoshphere. Speaking of...
Atmosphere - I love how it has a rainy atmosphere. I personally LOVE rain, it exudes so many feelings. It can be melancholic, it can be fresh, hopeful, clean, cold, tragic. It can be hopes and dreams, it can be pain and misery. It just really fits with where April is right now!
Music - the soundtrack is very chill and fitting, blending extremely well with the game!
GUI - everything looks nice and clean!
Errors - the only issues I ran into were sometimes April's sprite would pop up briefly in the middle of transitions, as well as near the end of the demo, it switches from her yellow jacket to not having it on.
Overall experience - I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a neat introduction, and I can't wait to see more! The characters, including the MC, are all interesting in their own ways and I can't wait to learn more about them. There's just something really nice about stories like these, concerning dreams, and rain, and I also love that there's a little light-heartedness (namely concerning Hen) in the mix so things aren't too serious or gloomy,
Sorry my review was so long, but I just really enjoyed this piece! Your team's love and talent really show, congrats on making it for Otome Jam!