itch.io

Oh, you mean low-cost because there aren't more than half a dozen different models? That's true. Daz VNs have the benefit of hundreds if not thousands of models to chose from with consistent features.  Blender has no such market, so I do with what I can and use models that I understand and trust.

For blur, I think you mean field of view effect.  Yes, that is also rare in VNs but I think it looks better.  It's more realistic to how the human eye actually functions (motion blur also) and it helps the player focus on what is intended for them to focus on.  It's also used throughout the game to highlight dramatic/traumatic moments where the camera "f-stop" is deliberately decreased to instill a sense of danger or hyper-focus (ie Euryale awakens and Stheno vs Euryale scenes). I think it makes for some incredibly beautiful shots.

I may be the only one who does this, but I think it adds a dramatic touch that other VNs just don't have.

As for the writing, this VN follows the film principle of show don't tell.  As such, it's image heavy with over 3k images.  The pictures tell most of the story.  If you are complaining that there's not enough descriptive text, that's why.  My other game Warlord is the opposite.  Far less images with much more text.  I've gotten good feedback about the writing with almost no complaints.  If you don't like the style of writing, that's fine, but to call it "bad" is not okay for me.  How can I be a good writer in one and not in the other when the only difference is style?

Finally, as for the cell phone, Euryale had already established to Spoons she's from the future.  It is said that any advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.  Spoons is the genius behind the gambit.  Why should he question that something from the future is much more advanced than he could imagine?  Further, never question something that can be answered with patience. He knows he will have access to the "magical" device and will gain more understanding later.  Again, why would he question it?  Finally, Euryale's outfit is different, but still quite old.  I was going to put a scene into the game where the dragon-scale outfit was explained, but that scene got cut in production.  She's got it while in China later in the game.

Anyway, I suppose I'm just ranting.  I doubt I could convince you to play all the way through and I really don't care if you do or not.  I think you missed out on a great story, but if you think the story is bad, I don't have anything more to say.  Take care and stay safe.