a pretty quick game with a relatable and deeply personal story i feel like a lot of people would resonate with! the mechanics and interactivity were good (i loved the silly running sprites), but the story, sound design and music really shone through
the implications of addiction and/or unhealthy relationships were subtle but pleasantly shown too! i love how the story was set in a resort, so it's like they all got into the same situation at the same time, but nearly every one of them had a different storyline. the different ways people could succumb to any kinds of addiction, peer pressure, or generally getting into the wrong crowd regardless of who they were at the start really puts different perspectives into place. i also appreciate the game showing how everyone starts "rotting", showing that getting into these kinds of circumstances isn't just a one-way thing: mccoy by accident, carmen taking vonnie along, and ryan by peer pressure. the two endings of june either letting herself be dragged down along with everyone else or to painfully swim back up and leave her friends behind seemed to be foreshadowed by the story of her cousin's situation early in the game, about leaving her friend group as well.
i like how the ocean (or water?) was also a metaphor. whether for substances or "fish in the sea" i.e. blending in with the crowd. there can always be too much of anything, including water. the shortness of the ending, i feel like, really fits. the path into and out of toxic bonds and addiction never feels good, whether or not we eventually get sober. it's as hard getting out of the cycle as it is to get in, but what matters is that we do find a way out.
gaaahhhh stories with hidden implications and symbolism>>>>>
den
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i like this interpretation! the symbolism in the game hinting to addiction/drug abuse is pretty spot on, and with lots of perspectives too. McCoy being reeled in by accident, Carmen roping Vonnie in with the drinks, and Ryan eventually succumbing despite almost staying till the end (bc of peer pressure). it shows a lot of sides on addiction that anyone can fall into, whether they get out of it or not. appreciate this analysis :3
oh my god. this game. i love the portrayals of neurodiversity and how that can affect people. the infodumping... the avoidance of eye contact... the bluntness... it's all so real.... also angel having ADD too omg my twin...
*** SPOLERS ???? ***
the inclusion of "i don't wanna be treated different because of it" from angel really, REALLY resonated with me, too. it seems to also reflect how people who don't "fit" into the normal standards of society (neurodivergents, non able-bodied people, or generally anyone seen as different/ coming from different backgrounds) feel and are most often treated. i like the representation here :3 thank you to everyone who contributed to this, u have my entire heart
both the endings give off different feelings of dread, but i think that's the point. both are understandable too i feel like. they're outcasts... somewhat, they're both lonely, and you can only do so much with what you can. the amount of little characterizations and foreshadowing in this game are so interesting to see. it's tense, it's awkward, it's impactful, and i love it