Thank you! That’s a very well-put comment, and I appreciate you taking the time to make it! The story could’ve been more centered into specific themes, although I wouldn’t say they are necessarily universal. I’ve seen many games that tackle similar questions about death and trauma, but I’ve tried to unravel my own thoughts regarding nihilism and dealing with borderline personality disorder, in an earnest way that I haven’t really seen in other media before. Maybe they exist and are really popular as you said, I just haven’t been exposed to them.
On the other hand, I completely agree that Marco’s attraction to Bard doesn’t feel realistic, and I opted for the suspension of disbelief even if it hurts the general coherence. The thing with the other three souls (which aren’t actually souls, but manifestations of Bard’s insecurities) also seems to be a problem with my writing, since others were confused by it as well.
I don’t think I want to go back and change the story. It could’ve been much better, as you said, but I’m satisfied with it, and I would rather learn from these mistakes to write better stuff in the future. Still, thanks again for the invaluable criticism!