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Thank you for the comment! I'm glad you enjoyed it~

I agree with the negatives 100%. The game's structure relies somewhat on there being a lot of content, but unfortunately the scope of the game doesn't match that demand. It doesn't really have the legs to run a marathon, ahaha. That's definitely something I want to improve in future.

The initial customization idea is really good! I wish I'd thought of that myself. I'll definitely keep that in mind when I come back to By Your Side. Thanks for the feedback.

Oh, and most importantly, thank you for supporting the bundle!

Thanks for the response! Despite the negative points, which I do agree with (the UI and presentation is definitely rough, and the gameplay lacks enough unique content to make it truly shine) I think you really took notice of the game's main focus: a strangely unnatural world that tries to disguise itself as an everyday human experience.

From the magic, to the Heroine's pushy idea of "together forever", to the protagonist's willingness to accept it all as normal. The slightly-strange character designs, twisted world history, and distorted soundtrack further this vibe. It feels fine sometimes, but other times you can't help but question if the Heroine is even safe to be around.

It's a prototype story concept for a future tale that I one day hope to create. When I feel like I've improved to a point in which I can do the story justice, it'll arrive. I hope, despite your impressions, It'll grab your attention when that time comes~

Oh, and for context on the skin tone customization, the game's setting is Northern England, and there's a bunch of random throwaway lines to the culture of the region. The boom of tanning—particularly with young adult women—is a defining trait of the area's fashion. It was marketed as a fake way to look rich, healthy and refined, even as a way to cure depression and anxiety (though in reality it was predatory, creating a syndrome known as tanning dependance.)
Nowadays it holds all the opposite connotations, largely due to British tourists being unsufferable. Teens/young adults still seem to love it as a confidence booster though.

https://takafumi.itch.io/by-your-side