a phenomenal game. there are very few RPGs that have combat that i enjoy, but this is one of them. the mechanics and skills are incredibly simple but have a strong amount of depth, and crucially, the encounters all thoughtful and don't waste your time. i also really enjoyed the narrative. the premise is compelling and the execution is to match. like the rest of the game, it's compact, but what's there is of extremely high quality.
the only problems this game has are the production limitations (art, general rpg maker jank), and item management. i love that you have to carefully manage your resources, but realizing that you don't have enough potions to get through an encounter (as i did), and having to go back to an earlier part of the game to clear things more efficiently is just... not ideal. i think maybe something like an estus flask style system where potions refill after each facet defeated would have been much better.
all that said though, i still really do love this game. i like that i needed to attempt some bosses 10+ times, consult the maps to navigate the obtuse areas, and struggle. precisely in line with the narrative, this game does not want you to beat it. and i like the heart. i didn't quite cry at the end but i was close, and this will definitely stick with me for a very long time.
thank you for making such a beautiful game.