This game absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible. I am sitting here, weeping from how emotional it made me. The writing and the plot are so good. I've never- and let me tell you I've played A LOT of games- had felt so emotional because of a game, yet this one struck something in me. I am genuinely at a loss of words because there is so much I want to say, so I guess I will start from the things I noticed and thought about this masterpiece at the beginning.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
At first, I thought it was just a horror game where you have a villain and a protagonist. I was so sure I would need to make the right choices to survive through the scenario, like you would do in any other basic Renpy game (nothing against such games btw, I enjoy them a lot). But then I got so invested in the plot that I didn't even notice I had unlocked the first ending. I was confused by it. I didn't get a choice in the scenario at all. And Hiker's 'I couldn't help it', left me feeling puzzled. So, I started again, but this time there were choices, and I thought, 'aha, here it is! Now I will do everything right!' Things didn't go as I had planned for them to. Hiker asked Driver whose fault it had been, and I was astounded by the 'me' answer. I thought it implied that Hiker was speaking to ME, the player. And I felt so bad because it would mean that they didn't have a choice in being the "bad" guy. The game forced them to.
I was thinking that until I got to see Hiker's point of view. I realised that maybe my theory wasn't right, which made me even more intrigued than I had already been.
I came to the 'Complex' ending and I knew what was coming when Driver started comforting Hiker. I knew it and I really didn't want it to happen. Hiker was crying, and I was crying along with them. It was devastating in a good way. I had to pace around the room because of how much it hit me, which is awesome. Then I was fully rooting for Hiker not only because they have been through hell and back, but also because I could relate to them in a way. Though Driver became scary to me.
I played and played, felt very sorry for Hiker and just wanted to give them a hug. And when I got to the 'Nurture' ending, I went to lie on the floor. At that point I loved both of the characters and just wanted them to get a happy end. After the credits, I noticed that I had more endings to unlock, but I don't think I am ready just yet. Gotta get myself together first because that was an emotional roller coaster.
Now, about the game elements!
The art style is gorgeous! I don't even know how to describe it, but it had that scary, yet comfortingly nostalgic feel to it? Loved it.
The ambience is perfect. It doesn't distract you from the plot and sets the atmosphere right. But just when you got really invested, you get jumpscared with a bright red flash and loud static noise! That managed to scare me each and every time.
The writing and the plot? Outstanding! Magical even. The writing flow was very nice. The plot felt unique and intriguing. Also loved the personalities of the characters and how they felt alive.
Overall, I adore this game now. I have sent it to all of my friends because I couldn't contain my excitement about it. Sorry for the rambles, but I had to voice my 'thank you' in some kind of way, and I am a rambly person ha-ha. Again, THANK YOU for creating this game!