I had no idea what I was getting into. The one-liner blurbs are very mysterious so I just thought, "Okay. I'll try it."
1. Thoughts on the story and its characters? What are your impressions on each of them?
The first time I played through, I had no idea what was going on. I didn't know whose voice was whose a lot of time. However, by the end of the play-through I had a much better understanding of the story. So, my
second playthrough, I thought 'Ohhhh, that's who's talking!" And with every playthrough I understood the story more and more.
2. Thoughts on the art and different styles, as well as the black screens?
The art was unpolished but I felt that it got the point across so I wasn't all that bothered. I actually found the black screens a bit of a nuisance because it was a lot of scrolling for the play-throughs and no save function. If I wasn't so determined to get all of the endings, I don't think I could've made it through.
3. What were your choices, and why? What resulted from them, and did you think the outcome was fair/satisfying? If not, how do you feel it can be improved.
First time, I chose to keep the info to myself & listen to Black Water because those choices felt morally "right". The ending was dissatisfying but made sense because it was like I did the same things the characters were doing before, so ofc nothing would change. I didn't understand what favor Black Water performed for Richard, though.
Second time, I chose to keep the info to myself and not to listen to black water and killed Diana. I understood this ending too, because it felt like Diana was still loyal to Ian.
Third time, I chose to tell, to trust her, tell it the truth. Richard got a job under Ian. I was less satisfied with this ending, because I thought to myself that I didn't know what was going to happen with Ivy, especially since, in this storyline, Black Water still tells Ivy that she can come to town with her. Does she get captured? Does Richard become like Henry?
Fourth time, I chose to tell and not to trust her, but to tell it the truth. Same ending as the second time. This time, I thought to myself that I wish there was some kind of information as to whether Ian was still killed by Ivy or not.
Fifth (final) time, I chose to tell, to trust her, and to not tell it the truth. The least impactful ending because I felt there were too many questions about what would happen with Ivy, especially since now Ian was employing all stops to kill her.
5. Do you have a favorite character, moment, scene, etc? What about least favorite?
No favorite character since there wasn't a lot to know about them. Same with least favorite. To me, I spent more time piecing the story together than getting to know the characters. I guess... Black Water's perspective was interesting? And Ian was a douchebag? idk though.
6. If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be?
More insight into the transition of Diana and Ian's relationship from loving to... whatever weird emotional manipulation game. Ian said that he couldn't believe he used to love her so I'm curious about what made him stop loving her. Was the birth of Ivy just kind of an mid-life-I-married-a-monster-crisis?
7. Final thoughts & additional comments? What were you satisfied and dissatisfied with? Would you recommend this VN to someone?
The only thing I was frustrated about it that I couldn't save, so if I wanted to try another choice, I would have to start from the very beginning, over and over. Even though it wasn't long for one play-through, trying to get all of the choices made this into a two hour play-through for me.
All in all though, I enjoyed it. Interesting story! Great job on this!