This game is really digging at something. From the version I played, I could tell the devs were not quite there. But I also see why they are so passionate to complete it. The art is all handcrafted from the world map to the unique, expressive character portraits. Everything evokes a dream-like, surreal mood, which ends up being quite appropriate. The audio helped too, though I found myself fiddling with the volume knobs frequently to get a good balance. The combat is there, though it felt like I needed to cheese the bosses with so little options.
At first the story is muddy and seems to be a set up for some Marisa and Alice shenanigans. But then the LGBTQ connection squeaks in and when it hits, it hits hard. Spoiler to say, but the kind of rejection Marisa faces from the people are who supposed to love most would make even the Grinch's cold heart thaw. That scene is so intense the resolution of the story doesn't truly feel like it has addressed it. But then again, sometimes those issues are never resolved. We pick ourselves back up, find a new family who accepts us, and make our own way. A powerful message.