I admit I'm more of a slowly-paced plot kind of reader/player, but I really liked this VN. The characters were all interesting, names and character designs suiting them well without making them predictable or flat. I like the combination of dialogue/action choices, roaming around, avatar customization, and time limits during battles, cool programming. (This is very very different from other VNs I've played; it makes me realize how VNs usually carry the characters and the reader/player through the setting, only giving player autonomy when it's time to make a decision, the pace otherwise the same without time limits... the inconsequential customization lets me breathe as a reader/player, too.) Graphics are nice, as are the writing and music... which never seemed to have awkward transitions.
Overall, I've really enjoyed this game. Thank you for it! The rest of this post is just what I think about the characters and answers to your guide questions.
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1. See above for overall thoughts.
2. Is how the suspense's justifying Aldrich's optimism considered a part? Looking back, I'm amazed how the stakes and time limit made their victories realistic... In static stories, it usually feels "of course things will turn out okay, they're the protagonists" but here that wasn't the case... totally makes use of VNs' multiple endings... very dynamic.
If I have to pick one instance, though, the most memorable part wasn't a battle, however much the suspense there almost killed me--I barely have enough time to save--the most memorable part was with Emelie. I knew it was coming, but the delay didn't calm me down at all! That CG's going to be burned into my mind's eye for a week!
3. I don't think I have suggestions.... Honestly, the last VN I've liked this much and proud for liking was four years ago. Would recommend this to someone if I get the chance.
4. Yeah, the future chapters. :p But seriously, just do your thing. The only thing I'd be left unsatisfied with not seeing in future chapters is Mari.
5. It would be nice if the MC and Aldritch could have matching clothes often, at least in terms of colors, maybe? I'm not sure if the MC found some for him in Emelie's mansion since I haven't had more than one playthrough yet, but I'd really like them matching. Aldritch could even joke about it as a way to show off their bond as partners and the MC would roll her eyes.
6. I've just realized that I don't get to shape the MC's personality much if not at all... which is actually fine. I feel that the restraints and autonomy with the game are working.
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Natalia- From my playthrough, I really liked her. She intimidated me during the first battle and at the tents after, but I began appreciating her when they talked, and began liking her more after that. Based on my playthrough, I haven't seen the side of her who thinks that "humans who aren't bonded are a useless drain on society" as is on her profile, but I don't think I can change my opinion of her at this point. She loves being a harlequin, but it's clear she cares a lot about her reaver even though his sickliness keeps her from regular battles. I'm convinced she couldn't be that bad.
Lucy- I appreciate him being fabulous. Even as an antagonist, I could not help liking his character. I don't like his being elitist but I can't completely hate him either. I enjoy seeing him.
SantanaxLucy- He's the epitome of how the harlequins complement their reavers. I don't know why, but I can't imagine LucyxSantana not being LucyxSantana! SeigfriedxNatalia is also a good match, but I feel like it's easy to match dominant characters with mild ones (Seigfried being mild, Natalia being dominant). LucyxSantana isn't as easy to pull off, as both of them feel like dominant characters.
Min- Adorable guy!!