I replay the game again because it brings me nostalgia. I did answer the questions on DeviantArt but that was 3 years ago. I guess let's freshen up a bit and have bigger wall of text!
- 1. Which guy did you like the most and why?
It's between Mitra and Reksa. But my pick is Reksa and with Mitra, very close behind. If he's real, I would choose Mitra, he's a husband material. But in the game, I really love Reksa and his route so much. His route shows how the Komodos lives and more about them. In Rama's route, he warned the MC about the attack and it shows that he cares about her and how her actions affected him. I love him, not just by design-wise but also his personality. His type of character is usually my type in VN games. I like that the MC have to earn his trust to get his ending.
I don't have any issues with Rama at all. I'm neutral on him. His behavior is very PSM-ing though. I like his behavior towards the kids and it's just fun to see. It's kinda sad that in other routes, you can't save him. I wish there were. It felt hurt that to properly save him is to play his route and that's it.
But overall, the characters, I like them, they have very diverse traits that make them lovable. Mitra with him being a big softie, Reksa being the bad boy, Tsundere-ish personality and Rama being emotionally engaging(and relatablity) and sweet on his own way.
- 2. Do you play a lot of otome/visual novels? What made you choose to play Nusantara?
I don't play a lot of VNs as of right now, I'm very picky, in fact the only game I'm waiting to come out is Cinderella Phenomenon Fan Disk, Magical Paws 2 and of course, your current project, Bermuda Triangle but 13 year old me is thristy for some actions and played anything romantic VN related. What makes me play the game is the title, one VERY specific word. Nusantara. That word pique my interest, it's very Malay sounding word and I never saw any words like that in a game title.
It made me download the game. I'm from Malaysia and it's very rare to see a VN that has Southeast asia, specifically Indonesia culture into it. (I have an Indonesian mother but she doesn't really talk about the tradition and history behind them.) Usually, they would have East Asia and Western culture. Not that it's wrong, it's just the usual. So seeing something SO different is interesting and make me excited. The only games that I know that was released in Malaysia are Sara is Missing and The Simulacra.
- 3. Which element of the game would you say was the best and which ones would you say need work? Consider story, art, characters, music etc.
The best elements are the characters both in design department and personalities. They are so lovable! Asih, Yuda, the triplets, Granny Sukma, and the bachelors are great! The story is also interesting and engaging!
As for the cons, at the time when you released the game, some of the CG art pieces are iffy. Like Tamara seeing Rama(?) getting shot by arrows that wasn't a good piece not gonna lie but the majority of it are fine, same goes for the background, the Herb forest, it doesn't feel the same as other locations, that's that. But seeing the Bermuda Triangle sneak peak, you definitely improved from those!
- 4. Do you have any other questions, comments or constructive criticism?
I don't have a question for the game, I feel like I understand them but maybe a little criticism on the story. There is a text cut scene where Rama said something along the lines of "it's her fault, why does she needs to involve herself in my personal business" It doesn't sit quite right on Mitra and Reksa's route but on his route it would make sense. Because the MC is literally involve with his personal business but the MC isn't up and involve herself in his personal business when she is on other routes, especially Reksa. I don't think there is one time where she goes to check on Rama, at least not on my playthrough.
I feel like it wasn't needed when the player isn't paying attention to him. That sounds so mean but you know what I mean. Another thing is that the endings, the good ones, feel so short. I don't know if they are shorter than the bad endings but they feel short.
I think that's all...? I just can't wait for Bermuda Triangle, aahh! I'm gonna snatch them up once they are on Steam! I want to see the antagonist and know more about the bachelors. Speaking of antagonist, I see that some people want this game to have Purba route, which I'm not gonna lie, I lowkey kinda want that too.