Wow. This was an unexpected experience. Left me very emotional. Wish I had the eloquence of Zack's internal monologue to express just how impactful it was. Looking forward to the conclusion.
One question, since this is in alpha: Is there a preferred method or path back to you for feedback on nits or hiccups spotted?
Heh, didn't expect such a quick response. Sorry this post wasn't more timely. Not enthusiastic about joining yet another online site; Will have to think about that. In the mean time, here is some more-detailed feedback, none of which diminishes the emotional impact the overall story has had so far.
--the following contains spoilers--
I have played the game through three times. First time I played it through, which was prior to my first comment, I made what I thought were sensible choices. Have played it twice through again, once choosing what seemed like respect choices and once choosing what seemed like perv choices.
I was surprised that Zack still apologized at the pond (respect path) for nocturnal creeping even though I as the player actively tried to avoid that path. I even avoided going to the shower to observe Braden's shadow beating. And speaking of that, no mention of the shower wall on that respect path. My expectation there was for Zack to only apologize for the creeping that was beyond the player's control (like the removal of the shower wall.) Otherwise, why give a choice at all?
On the perv route, I had expectations going in that the two would be going their separate ways from the gym, with maybe Zack and Mikhail ending up together. I mean, how many times can Braden forgive Zack's BS. Glad it didn't go that way though. (Of course, it might have been interesting if they had separated only to have Max thrust them back together at the end of Chapter 9, since his plan was already in motion by time of the gym confrontation. Have them deal with each other in the room that first night rather than in the gym. The gym feels too public a forum for that discussion anyway.)
Max also missed a loophole when it came to Braden's phone; Zack was at swim practice earlier on the same night as the swim lesson and fire so the phone could have been left then--by anyone at practice. All Zack had to say was"Oops, I left that at the end of swim practice, can I have it back?" or words to that effect. Though Max's performance during the meeting is beyond awesome.
I also seemed to miss how Zack ends up with Braden's phone. Was that there somewhere?
I feel that some mention of the shower lights is needed since messing with a thermostat might not burn down a dorm but a poor wiring job repairing some commercial lighting definitely could.
----------
This is getting way too long so just a few questions:
Any significance to to Cody wearing the shirt Braden rejected when shopping? (LOL, BTW, on shopping at Ashley's Boutique)
How much foreshadowing is in the third screen presented to the player when the game first launches? (BTW, I think there should be a way to disable the warning screens after you've started the game the first time.)
Do we ever get optional dialog on:
-Braden's bisexual friend in high school? (so expected this to come up again to the point that maybe it is a Chekhov's Gun detail)
-How Braden's GF embarrassed him enough for the breakup?
---------------
Some but not all of my fav moments
-park after the bar.
-beach shower "I where know your heart is."
-the entire night swim.
-Max breaking the fourth wall by throwing shade on clicky text-base games.
-Max's wave (As someone who knows that ADHD isn't something you grow out of but learn to manage, Max became a fav rather quickly. This scene punched hard.).
------------And add me to the list of peeps curious to know what 3D software you are using for your visuals. Because part of what sells your story is the cinematic realism of your 3D assets.
