itch.io

This visual novel was such an experience, in the best sense of the word. From the start I kept making guesses of what would succeed and they always got turned around, I presume that's partly my fault for forgetting the prologue after I opened the game, BUT, GOOD GRIEF, that was amazing. I kept thinking "oh no, I'm going to get the protagonist killed with this option" and then... he survives. Personally, this happened thrice. 

First off, I truly appreciate the multitude of options in the preference screen, very useful for trial-and-error playthroughs for the endings. Must admit this was my first time struggling to get a bad ending, as I couldn't figure out what type of attitude would be bad for a demon that seemed to enjoy mischief so much to decide, but eventually I caught on, and when I finally got it... wow. It was incredibly (and ironically so)  good. The depictions of the scratches and wounds, the flames... It was simultaneously surprising and very, very pleasant to read and witness. The CGs, sprite style, backgrounds and soundtrack all added to the story and ambiance so well, I'm specifically in awe of the stargazing scene. Everything is so fitting, and calm... the sort of calm that happens right before the storm? Exactly that.  

It was also quite joyous to have a demon character that simultaneously seems human yet doesn't, even to the player, and the human companion being both compassionate and distrusting of them. (Maybe it's my specific choices, but it did seem as if Mihal--I love the name choice for both of them, by the way--kept both those traits in mind through each interaction). I also thought the marigolds and pumpkins bit was a very nice detail, as well as the response to Mihal if he asks Ashur about why must he be so cruel. Their expressions make it even better. Oh and of course the comments about the camera and technology overall, I'm somewhat curious about that still... an enchanted camera... I'm divided on if Ashur was joking taking advantage of the benefit of the doubt or it truly is an enchanted camera and some kind of metaphor (or foreshadowing?) for fear of loss, so to speak.  

This was truly like a tragedy that unravels little by little while hidden by the calm, as if it were happening in the eye of the storm. I truly enjoyed playing through it and its endings. It's been long since the release of this game but I'd still like to say thank you for all the effort that went into it! And for sharing this game as well.

(I once again apologize for the length of my comment)

Oh no, it seems I was just as late to read your reply... My apologies...

First of all, I'm very glad to hear my rant-comment was well received! 

I hope it's not inconvenient of me to reply again but--my god, we could have had a CG for that scene. Now I'm going to have to  sit down and process the countless possibilities for that, I would love to know if you had any in mind for it? I'm sincerely still reveling in the CG for Zakhari during those last moments of the story... Not only did it take me off guard initially but it also leaves such a pleasant impact and fits perfectly... Remembering it now makes me want to play it again...!!!  I cannot stress enough how much I love the entirety of this game. 

And! Yes! Every detail was incredible I can barely keep myself from replaying it so I can go again through the trail... If it were not because I'm busy I definitely would but I suppose the memories will do for now. Something that came to mind about them while thinking further on it is how the puzzles were mostly concerned with things that one could not only indeed find at an old elegant manor but also how it aids to the immersion in the way they all interact with the rest of the aspects... I apologize that the explanation sounds a bit odd... The entire place is really just one house and an adjacent small building to explore but it captures that essence of never ending rooms and space so well that one can almost hear the low echo when walking through...

I'm also glad to hear I caught most of if not all the clues!!! I adore puzzles and also eerie manors and also eerie manors with puzzles and especially when there are literary references involved. Initially I didn't intend to scourge through everything on the very first playthrough but when I found a coin randomly, I had to. And actually the library was one of my favorite places... I'm quite certain I interacted with the books there multiple times while exploring as well... It gave some food for thought about the plot as it advanced and Gareth's character as well... He seemed very interesting from the first apparition and, I realize that against your intention, I decided to give him more thought since Zakhari's comment... It was truly curiosity inducing, so Gareth was also the first character I invited to the tearoom, and laughed for a good minute at his reaction LOL I really enjoyed the tearoom feature, it's the first time I've seen it implemented and I'm fascinated especially that there are even variations depending on...ahem...inventory. (Also, this isn't exactly relevant, but one thing that truly did add suspense and caught me off guard was that the toys--and especially the teddy bear--in that one room did not attack Aidan. Or maybe they do but the way I played didn't cause them to...? The teddy bear at the Witch's House game left some memories there lolol. The whole time I was expecting it to start chasing but I wanted to approach either way in case there were a coin...) I'm honestly baffled that the only thing I missed (until the exposition room) was the cookies in the inventory (are they interactable? I'm not even sure) because at the moment I was focused on looking for Zakhari and forgot I even had them... Oh, and that is another thing I realized afterwards, how he isn't around as much while the others are with the exception of the tea party... very subtle, I loved that. 

And, lastly, thank you so much again for creating it and sharing it as well! I cannot imagine my brain-space without the memories of this game and I am eternally glad for it. I also meant to check out the piece of media referenced in the exposition room since I was very curious but I forgot the name and have yet to do so...!! so I need to re-open the game and definitely not fall into playing through again. (he said, most certainly intending to play again as soon as possible.)  

My apologies once more for the long comment, I seem to be unable of putting halt to all the thoughts this fascinating game caused... 

(On a very small last note, I cannot properly express into words how much I love the idea that there could have been a CG for that scene. Ah but I don't mean to say that it's disappointing that there isn't, nothing like that, I'm just eternally glad to know of the idea because personally and, pardon the oxymoron, in my most subjective and biased opinion, I adore that kind of thing and even more to see others having those ideas as well! I'm not sure if I've seen any posts on plans for or other content itself by you since I uh, might have forgotten to check last time I opened the page, but will also be looking forward to that!!!)

I just finished playing literally less than thirty minutes ago and had to make an account just to comment here. This game bumped itself onto my top five most beloved games. Wow. I loved it. All of it. The setting is so good and interesting, absolutely adore how the ambiance is set and the art itself as well as the pained artist themes... and first and foremost, the puzzle trail aspect!! Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the entire experience.  Thank you so much for this game. Two things I want to point out that I loved the most which may be a bit niche among all I mentioned are the detail of the hand being too stiff in the you-know-what-scene (I don't want to cause an accidental spoiler), I think this is the first game I play that took into account the. well. state of a corpse and even put sound effect which was Very Pleasing; and then the comment on poison in the exposition room, and also the tea time events! And of course the comments on the reasoning behind their names... Can't put to words the excitement I got when Zakhari introduced himself.  Oh and the little bits of literature at the library... which made me wonder if they were hinting at something from so early on... The story itself is fascinating also I will be thinking about this game non stop for longer than a week. Just, wow. That was amazing. I can't say I encountered any bugs to mention them here so! that is all!! Again thank you for the time spent in this piece, I find it astonishing on all levels of the experience. Apologies for the long-and-maybe-nonsense comment, the ranting had to go somewhere </3 (In the haste I forgot to mention about the endings. I loved the option for variety in Aidan's reactions and reasoning as well as the CGs involved in each one... I'm not a chase scene fan but I did spend a good time of the gameplay on my toes wondering when it would come, considering the holes and cracks on the floor... very cool I really liked that part as well!)