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This is probably the first time I've reread a visual novel so... dedicatedly. I re-read the Latter Part, and then the Epilogue, and then the Epilogue again, thinking about (ROT13) Xbgbuvzr'f qrcnegher, jung vg zrnaf va gur tenaq fpurzr bs guvatf, naq ubj vg pbaarpgf gb rirel punenpgre jr'ir frra fb sne.

Other commentators have talked enough about the spoilery stuff already, so I'll just keep my review short and mostly non-spoilerific. I was very excited to play this game while it was in development, and now that it's out I can say that it was worth the wait. Every line of dialogue and (almost) every character arc was developed fantastically into a story that tackles many important and possibly heavy topics - lying for the sake of others' happiness, the fear of death, the search for oneself, loneliness, and more. I came into the Epilogue expecting a light conclusion that just ties up some loose ends after the incredibly deep and fascinating writing of the Latter Part... and Epilogue turned out to be my favourite part of the game, by far. I keep thinking about Kotohime's thoughts, and how her character is beautifully revealed and grows through her "matchmaking" sessions with everyone else. She didn't stand out much to me in the Latter Part, but I think I know the reason now. The end left me with more questions and answers, and yet it was satisfying all the same.

Now, my only complaint about the story is Reisen. Considering how everyone else got so much screentime and development, I was disappointed by how little development Reisen got. It felt like she was there just to be Kana's girlfriend instead of a fleshed-out person like everyone else, and her significance disappeared completely from the Latter Part onwards. In the Afterword/Credits I noticed that there was some unused writing and art - if it was for Reisen's part, I would love to see it finished after the jam ends.

This is a beautiful work of art, congratulations to you and your team for getting it out in time before the voting period ends.