Well, I guess I was completely wrong about that puzzle, lol. Also, I'm stuck, I have no idea what I'm supposed to put in the two digit code (or how the field one works) so I'm not able to give you my full thoughts yet. But I wanted to tell you two things so far. The first, well, the puzzles are too hard XD I'll have to do easy mode first, just to see if the hints help me any.
The other thing is that I think I saw a few texts of dialogue that felt a bit off. Nothing too big but maybe you could get someone to proof-read the script. Here's a few small suggestions meanwhile. The part where the monster twists its head in an unnatural way (that would have been nice to see in an image...) is within a line about the monster looking disappointed. I'd split those two ideas into two different lines so it feels less cluttered (it took me a couple of reads to figure out what that was). Then later, in Annie's flashback about the movie it says "As I was shown the door". Isn't that "As I was shown *to* the door"? Like I said, I'm not a native speaker so I may be talking out of my ass lol.
A few things I really liked about the game: The sprite art looks amazing, and the flashback CGs (I've only seen Annie's, admitedly) also very beautiful. I'm stunned by those colors. It's a bit of a clash that there are two different artstyles, true, but I think the CG art being different some times is not that big a deal? In the case of the fourth friend sprite, now that mismatch does feel off. Speaking of mismatch, it's also true the voice acting, writing and sprites have all different intentions... If you ever get to touch this up a bit, maybe you could unify that into one thing, that would look and feel great.
Another thing worth mentioning is all the effort made in programming. This isn't just a VN, it's a RPG, with a vast array of different commands. In a way I guess that did make it a bit confusing because I had no idea how to make the VHS interact withe VHS machine lol, if I was even supposed to at this juncture. But it's impressive nonetheless. I do have to admit the mirror-hidden-door-placing gimmick does get old very fast. And, like I said, the puzzles too difficult X'D
As for sound... well, I did mention the mismatch, sure. The monster voice is very nice, very creepy, and you gotta tell me how you got that metallic effect! There were a few music tracks I liked-- but I have to point out the blatant theft of the Stranger Things opening motif and sounds in that one song XD .... Most importantly, I have to admit the very begining ambience wind set me in a mood I kind of wished kept on for the rest of the game.
Uff. This is a very long review for somebody who hasn't even finished the first chapter lol. I hope to be able to get past that puzzle and then I'll come back, if you want me.... I do take hints for the constellation/gameboy/field puzzle, if you want to give them X'D