[Review of Chapter 6]
This chapter returned to a more classic style of rpg gameplay in terms of puzzles and mechanics. It explored what riddles and obstacles you could put into a certain environment while crafting a connected story around it.
This concept - when executed well - makes for a very fullfilling experience - a proper feeling of adventure.
The area this time around - a misty and spiritual forest - is designed vast and exhaustive. From a normal design perspective, this would sound bad, as it leaves the player confused and tired. But it executes the theme of the setting so well that it makes sense to be like this - and within this context it is designed effectively well to create the intended feel in an enjoyable fashion.
The story is tied to this location very strongly in both main plot as well as portrayal of the characters. It gives the new side character a fundamental outlook of hope despite what is happening. Together with the role they are playing in regards to Leafko themself, it not only creates a perfect immersion into the setting and gameplay, but also makes for a really wonderful partnership for the story and growth of the main character.
At the end of the chapter, I was really invested in their quest and beliefs, which made the final scenes and how they were executed so much more touching. I am not exaggerating by saying that I was not attached to characters like this in a long time.
What adds to this is something that I really enjoyed this playthrough, as well: The additional polishing in small details and gameplay in general that comes with every new chapter. I really noticed this time around how people of the world not only changed dialogue quite more often that you would expect, but were even replaced with other people or put somewhere else as well. It made the world feel very alive and it was fun to go back to previous areas. What also helped in that is noticing how every settlement has a purpose in terms of shop items, which not only differ but get updated along the way.
That last segment comes to a bit of a halt when entering chapter 5 and especially chapter 6. But it makes sense. A lot of these little touches and details were added over time to improve previous content.
Which brings me to my only critique about this chapter: It does not feel as polished as the earlier ones. Which I could not care less about at this point because the developer already showed me more than once that they put more thought and passion into this project that I would ever had expected at first - and that I can safely assume the content that did not receive the same revisions as of now will receive them in the future.
I wrote in my review of the first chapter that this game may not be for everyone - which is okay. And taking feedback into account and shaping the game over time can be a good suggestion in general, as well. But I still feel that - whatever route the game will take in the future to become better or garner more attention - it is already great in what it does right now. Because these specific thoughts and details that went into making it are what should be appreciated.
In regards to technical performance: Very good this time. Except for two softlocks (which have been fixed by now), the game was really stable and tested.
Keep up the good work. I am sure it will turn out well - no matter what.