I like this game and want to see it succeed, so I want to provide a full - in-depth review to provide insight to those interested in the game and help the developers. There is a huge potential for this game to rival visual novels/dating sims even from large producers - though I don't know if the Devs plan on taking it that far.
To begin with, the style. The art used in the game is perhaps what makes it stand out the most among all else and initially drew me to the game. The game has relatively simple character designs that manage to be aesthetically pleasing and manages to avoid the trap of putting in too much detail, yet also manages to stand out.
The core of this game, which is the character dialogue, is engaging with select few personalities. Such characters where this is visible include Flora and Isabelle. This game a demo so far, so I'll focus on some issues while keeping this in mind.
The flirting system looks good, but I feel it turns into a multiple-choice test after using it more than once. A simple way to add depth would be to turn it into a minigame-Esq experience by making it more interactive. Specifically, a model I have in mind would be to pan into a portrait of the individual upon clicking the flirt interaction and have the ability to choose items or parts of the character to compliment. The player would then have access to bits of dialogue to choose to say, similar to the current system with its outcomes. The advantage of this system would be more player autonomy for more interactions as the characters change settings. As another side thought it could provide more possible outcomes or areas to compliment by changing character dialogue upon "Lust" or "Love" thresholds.
Similarly, I feel the talk system could also function similar to the above model to maximize player interaction - with the player picking things in the room to talk about as an example. These suggestions all come back to the same issue, not enough player interaction. The most depth I get is through Event dialogues which makes it a jarring experience when I need to wait to complete Events or run out of Events.
Some smaller suggestions,
- A better explanation of how player stats work - explained through an in-game tutorial. The opening scene after the time warp and the scene with Flora's Quiz could work as one.
- Prop background characters to make it feel more lively. Right now the school feels empty.
- The additional option/mechanic to text numbers you have in your contacts.
- Adding daily tasks for class subjects you take to give a sense of urgency and time management.
- Add a message to signify the end of the current Demo version.
I also do hope that the final version comes out with more changes compared to the demo. So that those who play through each update can expect new content once it comes out. To make the final release feel more special and that there is more content to discover.
I don't know the final scale of the game nor how you are planning this so, what modifications the final version would add are up in the air. I would love it if you could direct me to information about the final outlook of the game. A separate website to dispense patches could also work.
The game so far looks very professional and seems to have a promising future. I understand it is a demo, but I wanted to voice some thoughts on how the game could be better. The idea of a visual novel centred around going back in time is a golden idea, and there is potential to develop the game even further to make this stand out.
Devs, if you are reading this - good luck in the future. And if you need any help I am more than enthusiastic to do so - I would donate, but I am extremely strapped for cash. I am excited to see the final product.