I'd easily put Eternum to be in my top 5. This is simply amazing for a 0.2 release, and given I haven't played Caribdis' other game, the entire thing seems fresh.
Now for the review, I'd like to discuss the superficial stuff first.
The models, are.... Gods damn it, exactly what I have been looking for. Yes, they are anime-styled, but don't go about complaining about it. These indie devs basically have only 4 choices for model sources, Honey Select (1 or 2), Koikatsu, Daz3d, or real porn. and you know what you're getting into when you download the game. Oops... sorry went off in a tangent there. Back on topic, I really like the models, all the main LIs are exceedingly cute and very hot. Sure there is a lack of variation in proportions, but the main 3 are there, small boobs, medium sized boobs, and big boobs. I really like how there was some restraint on the sizes as some games tend to give characters over-sized breasts. I do have a slight gripe about Alex though, swimmers (realistically) won't develop big breasts if they were swim training from childhood because they tend to develop muscles in the chest area instead of fat so they typically have smaller breasts. Then again, most swimmers in hentai and eroge still have big breasts so what do I know?
I might say, really nice touch on the abs. I'm finding a kindred spirit with Caribdis. So two thumbs up for character designs (I understand that most of their faces tend to be similar, but this is the exact facial structure I find most appealing in HS2, plus in anime, they all technically have the same face, just different hairstyles, it's par for the course). If anyone else noticed Towa-sama's costume, you sir/lady are a wo/man of culture.
Next is set design. This one is really top notch. Not sure about whether they are premade assets, but the prop placements and setup coupled with amazing camera work, really works wonders for the immersion. The scenes inside Eternum are top quality, while the real world scenes are rather homey and nothing is really out of place (yet). I also like the settings in Eternum are not just props, the characters always comment about their feelings and interactions about the server they are in. This gives the player a more intimate experience that just showing a backdrop.
The sounds... well... I am a bit split. There are some scenes where the music was perfect and accentuated the scene while in some, they tend to be a bit off... I do like the sound settings in Luna's events though, I really like the commitment to the bit. I do wish there was some sound effects during the sex scenes though. Other than that no further complaints.
The gameplay is what you would expect for a VN. I've seen some comments complaining about it but dude.. The tag says VN. Expecting anything more than simple choices is a bit entitled. Yes, I share the same dislike for linear choices where it is basically yes or no to the lewd content but I didn't see that to be prevalent here. Yes, I would prefer that you would miss out of content by picking one girl over another like in the weekend events, but based on what I saw, Caribdis might be going in that direction the further the story is going. There are also people that would prefer not to miss anything in a single playthrough so I really won't deduct points for that. Because this is an early build, there are some choices that seem to not hold any weight right now but I bet would make an impact in future updates like whatever you buy from Chop chop. Personally, I kinda like not knowing the impact the choices as it makes me want to replay the game. Also, I don't like sandbox. semi-sandbox is ok (only available in certain areas), because those are basically just time sinks. And in case people also complain why the girls tend to like the MC, well... this is a harem game, what did you expect? And based on what I've seen it is perfectly possible not to pursue an LI (if you're one of those guys...).
The story I gotta say is intriguing to say the least and the little scenarios in each server are quirky and unique. I really like how each girl really has their own personality and traits, yes these are tropes, but tropes are there because they matter. Every single slice of life anime has 2 or more of these tropes in the main cast, but it is not the tropes you should look for but how they deviate despite the trope. Annie, the best friend for example is not just the best friend who secretly likes you, she is also a great gamer that players in Eternum look up to, and also very much easily scared. It is the nuances in each characters portrayal despite their tropes that make them loveable and memorable. Luna's sick sense of humor and Nova's puppy like personalities are really my favorite parts (and Dalia's abs). Actually, I was expecting Dalia to be the shy and quite type from the intro sequence, boy was I wrong.
All in all, I really, really like this game and so far I only found 1 typo near the end, a conversation with Penny in the studio which I might say, is pretty rare as most games like this tend to have a lot. I don't know the release schedule yet, but Caribdis is getting to the top of my to-support list.
Good luck dude. Awesome work.