Well, I finished it all in one sitting today, after putting it off for ages.
Jesus Christ. I am astounded by how well the writing balanced and acknowledged different elements and themes.
So much of this visual novel should be a trainwreck, really.
It makes so many decisions that break away from conventions and stereotypes. It also tightly acknowledges others, respecting the audience and the medium of the story. It builds so much up with the viewer, the characters, and the story in mind, and delivers on the premises it sets forward the way that the best stories often do.
It also has so many thoughtful, bold choices that I'm still a bit aghast at how outstanding it is. There has only ever, among all the visual novels I've completed in my years, been two visual novels that have made me openly sob. This is one of them.
Thank you Howly, and everyone involved, for doing what you do.