Where do I even start with this?! The story is SO engaging, and the characters are so interesting and fun! It was simply a blast to play - I kept zooming through the entire game because I was having so much fun with the characters and the story!
I'll start by talking about the setting? Mafia?!?! That's SUCH a fun concept for an otome! It was really interesting listening about how the family was organized (and how Danielle related to it - I had no idea that was even a thing!) We just got whiffs of the plot in the demo, but I can SMELL the drama coming! I'm really looking forward to seeing how it develops!
I have to say, my favorite part of the game is definitely Danielle (the MC)! The starting scene of the game is so incredible at characterizing her - you really get to know her sense of responsibility, her caring nature, and her close relationship with her grandfather. As the scene progresses and you hear about her past tragedies,, you become deeply invested in her last remaining familial relationship. I love that she is likeable, but flawed, like any good character. She's kind, but she's also willing to stand up for things that she believes in. At the same time, she has a temper and can be impulsive/immature. The demo did a wonderful job at establishing her both as a character that you want to see and root for as well as a character that you want to see grow as the story progresses.
I ADORE how ALL of the relationships are well-fleshed out, not just the relationships between Danielle and her LIs. Danielle's relationship with her grandfather is SO sweet and wholesome, and you really feel her betrayal after learning that her grandfather has been lying to her for years. My favorite had to be Danielle's relationship with Morgan - while Morgan will be a LI later (and I RELISHED finding the option where you can flirt with her), I also just appreciated that Danielle and Morgan are very good friends! Through their interactions, you can really tell how close and supportive they are of one another. Furthermore, each of the LIs also has a dynamic with each other that is apparent as you play. For instance, Luca is demeaned by most of the other guys (but mostly Alessio). Ren has a playful nature and loves teasing the other guys. Leo is very aloof and professional with his colleagues. And Antonio is just trying to wrangle his five very large children.
I won't include an essay about each of the LIs, but I'll just say that I LOVE how they were written (even Alessio...) They are each so different in their personalities and how they treat Danielle. REN is definitely my favorite. I thought he would be much more of a scamp, but he's actually SO sweet and adorable towards Danielle (bringing her paper, cooking for her, etc.) My second favorite was Luca! It was so cute when Danielle called him by his real name and not Junior, and he got along with Danielle so well. Even though you only get a few scenes with each LI, you really get a good sense of what their personalities are like AND what their flaws/weaknesses are - what they will grow to improve throughout the game. I am so intrigued by all of them (even Alessio...)
The writing is so good?! I LOVE the dialogue. Each character has so much personality and dynamicism that comes through in the way they speak! I also really liked the pacing, as it never felt too slow or fast.
I also really appreciated how you got a snapshot of each of the LIs as they encounter Danielle and Morgan on their outing before the "start" of the story proper. It really makes them feel more fleshed out and real, seeing them going about their daily lives, and the stark contrast between their normal everyday selves and their "mafia bodyguard" selves was very fun to see!
I love the look of the start menu; the black silhouettes with the logo displayed against the dark red and black background is so ominous and yet mysterious at the same time. It really sets the tone of a game involving dangerous men!
The MUSIC was just INCREDIBLE. With every single track, I was just thinking, "WOW, this sounds awesome?!" Not only are the songs very pleasant to listen to on their own, but they also set the tone of the game so well. My favorite was the nighttime theme!
DANG there were so many backgrounds?! And Danielle and Morgan's sprites are drop-dead GORGEOUS. (Also Ren has a very cute face. I'm definitely not biased...)
Overall, fantastic work!! This was so fun to play, and I loved meeting the characters (finally) and watching them all bounce off each other! I CAN'T WAIT for the updates!