It's coming up on a year since the last update and given the timeline, I replayed the opening scene again, where MC's former patient and lover (whose name I unfortunately can't remember) introduces the mechanics and concepts behind the choices and character directions. And I was once again moved by how well constructed this little intro/tutorial is.
It cleverly combines the explanation of making story choices with the central theme of "what kind of man are you?" to convey a simple but powerful message: you are the sum of all your choices and actions, and the story will be moulded by the kind of man you choose to be, and thus, the kind of man you are. And there are no right or wrong ways to choose. But you do have to choose.
The familiar way she speaks to us as she introduces all these ideas, the gentle push for us to go on and make these choices, move forward, and go on with our life, forgetting about the past, forgetting about her in the process... It's incredibly effective at giving a taste of the kind of writing style, thematic exploration, and emotional punch that this game offers.
There is an elegance in the simplicity and effectiveness of this intro where every element works to build the overarching sentiments evoked by the intro: the playful yet also wistful way she asks how we would win a girl like her over, the collection of thematically resonant passages exemplifying each of the character pillars, the tender, encouraging tone of the conversation, tied together by the beautiful instrumental track Dear Friend by Alcaknight (one of my 2 favourite tracks from the entire game).
This isn't the best, or most well-written, or most emotionally impactful game I've played on this site. But the intro is the most cohesive, well-thought out, well executed, and emotionally poignant piece out of all of them, including the ones I rate higher overall, so much so that I come back and replay this scene and this scene alone just to revisit how it makes me feel. I truly hope that Mr. Silverlust can finish this game because a game like this deserves a good ending.
