This is a review for the game jam version: No Time For Mercy isn't afraid to get real with emotions. The way the scenes are written feel genuine, as if it's just another day in a small town. It hits especially hard if you had worked retail and lived in a relatively low population area. But the air of familiarity gets challenged, and eventually torn apart altogether.
It takes about an hour or so to beat the game, and it's time well spent, with the gorgeous art and the down to earth characters. It's interesting to see how the choices play out, and learning who you can trust as well as how you can trust is nerve wracking. To think there will be more art and dialogue to enjoy in the future is exciting, considering what is here is already a full meal!
All in all, the build up of dread, as well as the sentiment of missing a friend, and wanting to see them again no matter what, is shown in a haunting way. The narratives gets you hooked before you know it, and the pay off is well worth it.