short and sweet comments:
I like being able to explore the overworld but think this iteration is not the best. Spent too much time backtracking/walking back and forth to do what felt like a slog of a fetch quest. Didn't feel like anything was a puzzle of sorts and the movement speed didn't help. Love the aesthetic of the mall...just not the execution.
Conversely, the museum secret from last years was way less work and actually had the embodiment of spoopiness that I felt this one lacked. I still think about how good the hidden hotel simulation thing was and the PC stuff. This year's not so much.
lastly...on the game side, the move away from the game jam is both a blessing and small curse. I've only played a few so far but I find the games much more engaging, rewarding, and cohesive... HOWEVER I do occasionally miss the random loose art project feel at times from past years.
P.s. I'm still mad that ECHOSTASIS appears like it's a dead project...such a good one