ok. I promised a review. guess i have to rant now
THE PROS:
1. The world building.
Even without laying out the rules for every single diety or messed up family you introduce, i still felt like it was a living, breathing and functioning world. In fact, the way you left some information obscure (like what exactly happen between sentelje and his wife rena, or how Caramella's father died) only made the story more engaging as it left readers thinking up wild and crazy theories about what really did happen. You are a master of revealing just enough information, and i applaud you for that.
2. The conversation
Writing good conversation is hard. Writing good conversation that reveals the character's SPEECH PATTERN, LOGIC and subesquently PERSONALITY is even harder. but you managed it. I didn't need people telling me that sentelje is awkward, it shows through the way he talks and thinks. I didn't need people telling me that Caramella is a diva who is none the less tolerated, it shows through how pp react to her. despite the lack of sprites, i really felt like the characters were living and breathing through their dialogue.
3. The plot
To be honest, while i was dazzled by hierofania 1's world view and character portrayal, I thought that the plot was lack luster. there was not enough tension and i felt everything happened too quick and too haphazardly. I didn't have the same problem with hierofania 2. the prologue and the first chapter was masterfully done, telling the premise in an artful and interesting way. While i admit that my mind did start to wonder a bit during the third chapter as Caramella wandered around doing whatever that pleased her, the lurking political intrigue in the background was enough to keep me going. I especially liked the little epilogue about crocket and her new friend (AND THE FACT THAT EVERYTHING IS BEGINNING TO TIE TOGETHER. I WANT HIEROFANIA 3 OMIGOD I MUST HAVE IT)
4. The art.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. IT IS SO UNIQUE AND FITS WITH THE STORY SO WELL. I ESPECIALLY LIKE YOUR COLOT SCHEMES OMIGOD QUEEN STEPHANIA'S ROOM AND THE OPENING ANIMATION WERE TO DIE FOR.
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The cons
1. The sprite
Honestly, while your conversation was definetly strong enough to carry the story through,I still can;t help but wish to see the change in pp's expression visually as they talk. One of the biggest pleasure of visual novels is that it unfolds like a play, with dynamic actors and changing bacgrounds. But then again, it is a style choice.
2. the length.
it isn't a formal critique, BUT GOD DANG IT I WISH IT WAS LONGER. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 4 YEARS FOR HIEROFANIA 3 AHAHHAHAHAHAH
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I hope the fanart shows up, if not, just view it here.
http://amiralo.deviantart.com/art/hiero ... 1467349911
one last word.
SENPAI YOU ARE AWESOME. PLEASE MAKE MORE THINGS. I WILL PLAY ANYTHING YOU MAKE. ANYTHING. MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IS CARAMELL AND CROCKET AND-*gets dragged away*