itch.io

Compelling gameplay may be a matter of player preference. I just can't say I'm excited about finding hidden objects like I would be with a fun and intricate battle system and characters hitting each other with things. I wouldn't suggest you put battles in because that's not what your game is about. Perhaps the feedback is that this type of game will have a certain audience it appeals to (I also am no big fan of VNs).

The storytelling is also potentially personal preference to me as well. I see the story of Orpheus and Eurydice as a moral fable about patience, trust, and evading the tragic end feels like it erodes that a bit. It's like if you made a Gone with the Wind VN and you could unlock the ending where the two characters get married and live happily ever after. Again, this is a personal reaction, so I don't think I could suggest changing this. Other reactions may be totally positive, and my own reaction isn't even negative, it's more of a raised eyebrow. 

Regarding the gameplay, it feels like opening and closing the tray interrupts the core of the gameplay, which is just looking for hidden things, and the tray obscuring part of the view meant that either a player needed really good memory, or they had to interrupt their search frequently to open and close the tray. I feel like some resolution or UI setup could both keep the picture on the screen and also the list of items to get without any need for opening and closing at all.