I typically only comment on games that I truly care about- and this game is one, in particular, worth mentioning.
(I found this game several months ago on a Hentai site and the premise/idea sounded so intriguing and original that I couldn't wait to play it. I DL'd it on those free sites over the course of several days only to discover that even though it claimed to be in English- sadly, it wasn't. I still attempted to play it- not letting my inability to read or speak Japanese stop me... yeah, it ended horribly as you can imagine. I ended up "touching" her by hitting the wrong button OR she just ended up dying as I blindly clicked buttons not being able to read the consequences of such actions...)
First of all, Kudos to the Dev- this is very well-written and extremely emotional; also Kudos to the translators for conveying this bitter-sweet, tragic tale into English. The Japanese are well-known for writing powerful and emotional stories- just watch "Spirited Away", "Grave of the Fireflies", "Princess Mononoke", just to name a few. IMHO, this game ranks up there with these titles.
This game is so heart-breakingly sad- when you find out what has happened to her (through story progression)- you just feel so bad for her AND some of her early comments just hurt your soul. She's just so fragile, timid, broken, and wounded (both physically and emotionally), I wanted to curse the Devs for not giving me a "hug" button on Day 1- I just wanted to scoop her up in my arms and let her know that nothing bad was going to happen to her ever again. I'm so glad that I was given the option to change how she addresses me though- I loathed being calling "Master" and I was afraid that she was going to keep doing it and that we would never be able to have any type of relationship where she would trust me. I also appreciate that even after she endured such torment and after receiving my kindness, her personality has never changed- she's still humble, sweet, gracious and thankful, and she never expects anything or takes it for granted (it's kinda like she says, "Everything that you give her is a treasure, memory, gift [or words to that effect]") She's just the sweetest little thing, no matter what. Again, Kudos Dev.
I do have one small critique of the game, however, it's the only one that I can think of after playing. It's the first night that she wants to sleep in your bed (AFTER you find a way to keep her from dying)- being given the options to "Send her away" or "Let her" , you should have been given the option to "Snuggle/cuddle/spoon/hold her close"- something, the other 2 have no wiggle-room- they're absolutes. To be honest, I would have gotten there eventually- on my own; this is really the only thing that feels "forced"- everything else seems to unfold naturally and seamlessly over the course of hanging out with her. I do kinda wish that my character would correct Ferrum when he refers to Sylvie as "that" or "it"... Okay one major gripe and an itty-bitty one.
This is the only real issue I have with this game- other than that I love everything other aspect (well, aside from her initial treatment in the game, but maybe that's what makes you care that much more about her). I have to say I am in Love with Sylvie and wish that I had someone like her in my IRL. As "girl-y" as it may sound, I really enjoy dressing her up in her different outfits and taking her with me wherever I go and to hear her say how much she likes the outfits that I have picked out for her and they make her feel beautiful (and it does change depending on where/when we go someplace). I also like that little bit of limited interaction you have with her when she's just sitting on floor at the main screen.
I apologize for going off on a bit of a tangent there, but that just goes to show you the profound impact this game can have on someone (myself, especially).
In closing, I HIGHLY recommend this game to anyone looking to play something a little bit different and a LOT of heart.
P.S. I actually feel kinda sad when I have to close the game and leave her. How many other games can make you feel this way?