I will start this off by giving a warning: this will be a long review, as I have so many thoughts that I do not know even where to begin. For starters, I do not usually read this sort of genre. I tend to stay away because quite a few different media depict it the same, perhaps being a formula as the previous commentator before me mentioned. The alpha and omega meet, fall in love among certain cliche tropes, and typically have a happier ending. It's stale to me, personally, where I end up expecting similar outcomes. But I was too curious to pass up this game, however, and after a while of mulling over whether I wanted to purchase it or not, I ended up doing so. And, I was not disappointed.
I stayed up very late pouring through the game, reading Aura's tale of misfortune from a young age, his struggles with what to do with his life, and then his fortunate offer to the Mannequin Academy where he studies to better himself in a world that would take every chance to see him where all other Omegas 'belong'. In a marriage house, or some other demeaning lifestyle. The cruel, biased thoughts are not as prevalent in the academy as they are in the outside world, but there were still times where he was treated poorly due to his social standing and secondary gender (I'm looking at you, Vincent, and the blonde beta woman). I felt for Aura and the mistreatment he was given. He's human too, but people cannot see past the gender he presented with and I felt injustice from the verbal lashing he's given.
My point is, is that this game looks deeper into the societal issues and biases of the A/B/O worldspace and I love it. I love the harshness, the cruelty, and the stigmas. It paints a bleak picture, and even can reflect on issues in our own society as well. This game delves into the problems, all the ugly things about the societal structure that raises Alphas on a pedestal and lowers Omega's to be what their base nature defines them as - 'breeders', as to refer to what was said to Aura. And while they do have their instincts, you have crafted a world - a school for these fictional characters - where that does not define them. They may struggle against themselves, and may not be able to fully push past the limitations their secondary genders instill, but there is an opportunity provided to raise above that and become something so much more. It's a wonderful take on the A/B/O genre - a breath of fresh air to read something that does not focus solely on their instincts, but instead the difficulties and successes on how they can overcome them.
I was truly enthralled from the very beginning, and felt only heartache when I realized I'd come to the end of what is currently available. It was like putting down a good book, and I desire to read more; to submerse myself more in this world. I am in love with everything, and a sucker for the small bits and pieces of worldbuilding thrown in. Those random facts of why an Omega has to cover their neck, why they are so desirable, why doctors cover up their scent to ensure a neutral harmony - I cannot help but want more of it. I want to learn more, I want to know why x does this, or y is because of this. I want to learn of the disparities between the secondary genders and what makes them different; if their academy uniforms are specific to their aforementioned genders. Of how the world is set up, of the rules and nature and everything in between. It is fascinating, and you have done a fascinating job of cultivating a world that is unique within the genre.
Did I mention this was a long review? My apologies. You will have to bear with me for a while longer, as I have not even dived into the other aspects of this visual novel yet. I will try to not ramble so much and keep this relatively brief. Here we go:
The art and the backgrounds - it is all simply stunning. Each character has their own unique, memorable appearances, and every background is gorgeous. The setting reminds me of the Victorian Era with its wallpapers and architecture, and everyone's attire fits very well with the time period; so formal in its design. The academy looks to be a place I would not mind living in, with its charm and its library, and its beautiful grounds. I was pleased with the art. It was simply beautiful and so lovingly crafted. I applaud the artist(s). They have done a wonderful job!
The music - I am in love with the music. When I was going through the story, I would often stop and listen to the tracks that would play; just to feel the emotion within the notes, and the rise and fall of melodies. It gave me a sense of peace, fear, and amusement depending on what was playing in a situation. Forgive me, but I do not completely remember if the scores were original works or not. If they are, my compliments to its composers. I was enthralled. If there is any chance of a released soundtrack at all, or somehow to listen to the OST, I would be thrilled.
The characters - they are all charming, every one of them with their different personalities and quirks. The main cast is absolutely wonderful, reminding me a bit of the friend group Harry Potter had at Hogwarts (forgive the reference, but everyone seems to be able to be the type of person Aura could come to rely on and find a friend in). Side characters are just as lovely (yes, I am even including Vincent, and those two Alphas, Oscar and Raymond). They add so much to the story, whether they be an antagonist pushing Aura or a helpful professor who wants to see him succeed. I have individual thoughts on every character, but this review is already a mountain of text, so I think I'll just touch upon the main cast.
Aura: where can I start? He is such a strong character. Even in the face of opposition, he fights to take his future into his own hands, and show the world he can be so much more. He's faltered in the face of hopeless despair but even then he always seems to find some way to try to be optimistic. I love that part of him; the ability to try to look forwards and use his wits. He has a strong personality despite the injustices he goes up against.
Noah: a strong silent type, he seems to be an Alpha with little he cannot do. As he's described, he is a model student of his make. There is so much more I want to know about him, however. His character seems to run deeper than his aloof, isolated personality, and the scene with him and Aura in the library makes me wonder about his take on Omegas. And not only that, but why does he not have any friends? It is a factor of wanting to focus more on studies, or something else? I can only guess, and that makes me more curious about him.
Julien: now that is a hard-working character. He is a Beta, but seems to be on a higher level with his method of work. As the Student Council President, he takes everyone, even Aura, into consideration, and comes off as the kind of guy you would want as a friend. It might just be his job, but Julien seems to truly care. He treats everyone with equality. And, even when he is busy or swamped with work, he puts aside time to help his friends with their own issues. Like Gilbert, for example, with chemistry (It was Gilbert, right? My apologies if I got it wrong).
Nor & Esha: I get the feeling Nor is something of a charmer. He seems to be a little more abrasive with his words than Esha, but that makes for a dynamic that compliments each other. As an Alpha raised with equality, he gives off the impression of a protector, extending some of that concern even onto Aura. 'Shortie' is definitely a nickname I found to be very amusing. On the other hand, there is Esha - more docile and mannered than Nor. Overall, he comes off as a graceful individual, an opposite to his twin. There is something about him that is calming, but I cannot quite find the words to describe it. The two of them are an interesting pair for certain, and I am more than curious about who they are. How does their story play out together, and, how do they develop around the academy and our main character, Aura.
Cami: a frail Omega, sickly and ill. He has something of a sharp tongue, and I love the banter that he and Aura get into. Despite bearing his own insecurities with the limitations of his body, however, he is a character that comes off as a fighter. Even if he's faltered, he seems to try to make the best of what he can do for a situation. I fear for his heat, however. It seems to put such much strain on his body, and for his mentioning of not wanting to attend the heat rooms anymore (for maybe his mind's sake, perhaps), I worry there may be trouble brewing.
Laurent: I am yet unsure if he is a main character, given we have seen little of him up to this point, but I am throwing him on the list anyway. He is, in short, an enigma. Something about him is off, as he certainly knows more than he lets on. There is a strange connection between him and Aura, and I cannot tell if that has anything to do with the Rose Theatre, or Sasha and Louis (bless those characters, they are having one hell of a hard time). There is so little known about him, and it is driving me up the wall with theories. Who is Laurent? Is he a student, or something else entirely? Is he related to the theatre? I suppose only time will tell.
And, that is a wrap. You have my deepest, sincerest apologies for this incredibly large review, but there was so much on my mind, I simply had to put it down into words here. I wanted to give recognition where it was due, and to thank you for the incredible experience you have created so far. I am anxiously awaiting the next update, and to continue with this fascinating story. Aside from a few spelling errors, the game was wonderful.
I do have one question, however, if you will humour me one last time. What frame of time can we expect for the story? I know when the game starts, it is the first semester, but I was wondering over what span of time the events would unfold.
And with that, thank you, and have a wonderful day.