I'm so sorry this is so long. Dx It's late at night and I think I must of repeated myself too many times.
Questions about the Demo:
1. Your first thoughts about the story and characters.
This is not what I expected when I haphazardly downloaded a game called cupid. Part of me wishes it was the cute cupid story I thought I was getting into before I slept. But I'm glad it isnt'. I accidentally skipped the intro, and then replayed it with the intro and it led to some very different feelings.
However, I do very much enjoy the writing style of the game. My other thought, is that in regards to the presence of the mother - I feel it has just enough ambiguity. It's clear that she is either emotionally abusive, or manipulative. However, it is also clear that we cannot be sure whether she exists or not. Which brings me to my other thought: I'm a little hot and cold with taking on the role of her mother's voice but not necessarily for bad reasons. I feel like the choices have some weight to them as I don't know what I would do. I feel like forcing us to roleplay a persona we (probably) don't express or have in normal circumstance also forces us to roleplay. Sometimes I really did want to use the harsher option because in the moment, I felt like that is what the mother would do.
On that note, I really do love the characterisation that is coming through too. Guilleme as a character really intrigues me aha, and that worries me. He's clearly 3-dimensional and well written, and the things he says add to his character rather than feeling out of character. But I just can't shake the feeling he's the worst person in the game and I shouldn't like him as much as I do. u.u;;; Tell me now that it's not safe.
2. Is the mature filter appropriate? What do you think is the mature rating for this game so far?
I'm terrible with mature filters, but I suppose 16+ is fine? I can see myself playing this at 16 and being somewhat okay with it aha. I mean looking at ESRB Teen ratings = violence, suggestive themes, minimal blood, infrequent use of strong language. Whereas Mature (17+) is intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language. So I guess it depends how graphic it becomes after the demo and if things are shown more often and less suggestive? That being said, it does deal with stronger psychological issues which can be touchy and triggering and if they get more intense... then maybe push it higher that 16. xD All I know is that this isn't for kids.
3. Did you see any bugs in the game and the UI?
So far no? I only played around with it twice and seemed to be fine. It only spazzed out a little when I changed from window to fullscreen and vice versa, but it was fine for the most part. I assume it was just trying to calibrate itself.
4. Do you think this is a game you'd wait around for completion?
Definitely. Me writing this comment is a sort of semi-remedy for the clear withdrawal symptoms this will give me.
5. Any improvements you can recommend?
All I can think of is getting the full version out. =p Since you've already stated that CG and backgrounds are what's left, I honestly don't know what to say. I did play around with the mature filter, since I like unlocking gallery CGs. If anything, maybe have a little symbol or something to point out a locked CG is mature in the gallery? I only say it so we know that it's not a CG based on story choice.
6. Do you think gameplay would add to the story or is it fine the way it is?
I think it's fine the way it is. I am however, dying to have choices for Rosa without her mother. But I realise it's not necessary. It's just a strong want of mine.
Additional questions if you've enjoyed the game!:
1. Share your theories about the story!
Ugh.... I can only assume that Guillaume is a very terrible man. Probably. Like mother says. And I expect that I will try to deny this until the very end, until some plot twist goes ahead and breaks my little heart.
I am torn by whether the mother is real or not, but I don't care enough about this fact to conjure up some theory about it. At the end of the day, I can't see it changing the story too much.
Probably not a real theory, but I do get the sense that Guilleme has achieved what he has through possible unethical means. And that he is quite predatory as the rumours say. We're introduced to him by Rosa as kind and possibly immaculate, and then shown an unfavourable view by Amelia. I mean, that negative view fades... but still lingers at the back of my head. I don't find it unusual that he may have a facade in public - I actually think it's quite normal aha. But man, I just can't shake the feeling that there's some truth to what mother says. I'm sure there's some deeper more sympathetic reason to his behaviour, but at this point I feel like Guilleme really does just spend women and then move onto the next. Like he did with Amelia, then Catherine and now Rosa. I really hope that he's a nice guy deep down. xD
Uhm. Other theory, I think is clear the Rosa is some sort of witch aha. But I think Guilleme might not be normal either.
2. Who's your favorite character so far or any favorite moments?
My favourite character is dead. xD I liked Catherine.
I'm really torn aha, I want to like Guilleme and I can just tell I will regret it.
Obviously, I like the library scene. He pretty much went out of character in a good way, and also shook Rosa up a bit. I have a slight dislike for girls who continue to stay weak, so I appreciated the 'dont give people a reason to pity you' scene. I also liked that he was so cold at points, it made me more unsure about his character and I enjoy not being able to guess what's going to happen next.
Goodbye cliches?
3. Your thoughts on Mother. How is Mother portrayed? Do you want more choice routes or are interactions enough?
I guess I've answered this throughout the response?