Ok, soooooo..., before anything I'd like to preface my statement with a little disclaimer that my intent with this comment isn't to be disparaging of the vn itself, or anyone involved in its creation.
With only two updates so far, there isn't really much to be said about this project.
The writing seems to be rather tight, and concise enough for a slice-of-life, kinda existential novel, the narrative is kept at a slower but steady pace, and the prose is nice. Corey and Stephan, to me, don't seem to be too compelling of characters, as of yet - we know things about them, but not much of who they are, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be able to learn as the story progresses.
Aurally the project is very competent. The cozy, but at the same time temperature dropping, longing autumn vibes are evoked within me while listening to the title screen piece, while other tracks support the mood of the assigned scene. However, and it truly deeply pains me to admit it, so far the ost doesn't particularly stand out to me, and I've yet to listen to a track in this vn to truly sweep me off my feet. But at the same time, it may speak to the sophistication of the compositions and the composer - to be able to coax and enhance the emotion while at the same time remaining a subtle presence in the background. And to state the obvious, having a dedicated composer is just wild, you're doing a great job Don Leonard, keep creating music.
Visually the vn is great, it's coherent, and nice to admire. The combined effort of all the artists really bumps up the quality. Don't have much to say in this regard, it's very furry.
However this brings me to gripes that I have:
- In this vn we are following two more mature, at least in age, characters. I'll admit I'm not best at spotting differences, but imo Corey on the fridge photo at age 16, and Corey on the textbox sprite at 32 doesn't show much change. That can ofc be a point in the vn itself, that'll be explored throughout the story. Stephan being 49 just floored me - personally at worst I'd say he looks like he's in his middle 30s, but definitely not pushing 50. Like, my point here being: if we're going for capital A Adults let's maybe not be afraid to show it. Again, that may be explored later on in the story, and I'd imagine that on anthro characters it's more difficult to convey age. And maybe it's beneficial for the story to sell the idea of a 50 yo built like a brickhouse, and a twink in his 30s, while they look like a guy in his mid 30s at worst, and a 20 something respectively.
- The date was great, up until Corey got his hands on Stephan's stomach, like excuse me! We're in a public setting, a cafeteria, and they are being actively observed by the employees, who while being supportive and spur both of them to action, don't make that part of the scene better. Like, I'm no prude, voyeurism? great, not for me but whatever. I know we're all animals here, and I'd be actively in pain while mentally preventing myself from just pouncing on my date if they looked like Stephan, but let's exercise some restraint from time to time.
- I understand that we as queer ppl have a very lax approach toward dating and relationships and such, but like a full on french kiss after the first date? Granted this is the most minor gripe, like I thought it's going to be a very slow burn, but I'm fine with a sudden boil as well.
So yeah, despite what I said, it's clear that a lot of effort is being put toward creating this vn. I'm curious to see how it'll develop, and wish all the people working on it all the best.
And as meaningless as it is, I'm really sorry for how difficult this year is for you Bjaker.