Initially I snuggled into a blanket and made some soup to relax and play, only to end up pacing in my room at like 3 am.
I kid you not, I've never scrumpt WHAT so many times during a VN play through in my life, the pacing of this story kept me hooked and the tense moments got me SWEATINGGG. It felt like binge-watching a show; I could not stop. Every time a new (GORGEOUS) CG popped up like a shiny gem I felt blessed, admiring the compositions, the colors and the little details, ARGHHH ITS JUST *punches air* SO GOOD. (I can't even pick a CG favourite bc they're all so!!!!!! Wow!)
I haven't even gotten to the story yet, and I won't. I'm not spoiling a single thing. Just, you know these silent book reviews? so like, *spins around, stomps, wails, flails arms, cries, pulls hair* man I was so engrossed in this world and it's inhabitants. (also! geeking out with Dove over the magic system!!!)
Also when hunting down endings I was so happy to notice little changes in the main menu, I'm a sucker for these little things. No spoilers, but like, once you reach a certain point and check the main menu,,, GOODNESS. HELLO? HAHAHA. AH.AHHA. WOW. HI???
Also, the good ending?? Just looking at the CG makes me TEAR UP. And the true ending? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
Okay but like the characters. THE CHARACTERSSSS. I love Dove and Basil so much, I love Dove's design, I love her complexities and how she navigates her complicated relationships and feelings with Basil by her side. Basil's helplessness is conveyed so well by him being a wolf. (LET ME HELP HERRR HOLD HERRR SAY ITS GONNA BE ALRIGHT AHHHHHHH)
Also, that protection spell. Just. My heart.
BTW The character designs themselves like,,,, I could write an entire essay. (The Witch?? The mother??? The (TRUE ENDING REDACTED) hehehe) And. The GHOSTS? Their designs convey tidbits of who they were so so well and they're so iconic. So recognisable from their silhouettes,,, truly in awe.
I do be yapping, but words truly don't do Dicentra justice. I had such a wonderful time playing this game, I enjoyed every second of it. Thank you for the experience, props to you and the team! Super excited for any future titles! ⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝