Finally, I gathered my strength and thoughts to write a review for this game. From the very beginning, I would like to clarify that there will be just a ton of text here, because I want to describe my feelings and opinion about this game in as much detail as I can. As usual, I'll write general impressions first (for those who don't like to read too much) and later I'll write about every aspect of this game (for people who don't mind reading a book-length review).
P.S. My English is far from perfect and sometimes I will use a translator, so do not be surprised if from time to time you see some controversial word, but I will try to describe my feelings and thoughts as correctly as possible.
I'll start right away with the main one. I HIGHLY recommend this game to absolutely anyone who is not indifferent to games with a beautiful and interesting story.
I read a number of different reviews with different ratings, analyzed everything in my head and try to be original.
Obviously the strongest side of this game (IMHO) is the graphics. For all the time that I played such games, I saw such a clean, beautiful and close to realism (as far as it is possible for a game) only a few times. Perhaps this game even took first place according to this criterion for me personally.
The next thing I want to highlight is the plot. I have always liked games with a university setting and the life of ordinary students. But in this game you will play far from being an ordinary student. The personality of the protagonist is one of the most interesting for me, although the idea is not new.
I have only played this game twice. The second time I played it was just yesterday. But I remember very well my feelings and impressions from the first playthrough - I was simply blown away by the quality of the game, the variety of incredibly interesting characters (I'll talk about this later), the music and the plot itself, which I already mentioned.
Yesterday, when I finished episode 4, I was just devastated. But in a good way. It's very rare that I feel like this when, after finishing a game, I can't generate one simple sentence in my head. The only thoughts that went through my head at that moment were "Wow. Damn. What the hell? I just... Now what? I have no words. Incredible." It was only after a few minutes that I was finally able to process what I saw in the game.
To be honest, I don't even know what else I can say about this game in a nutshell, what can I add. It is better to move on to a more detailed review of each aspect of the game, it is more convenient for me to formulate thoughts.
[VISUALS]
As I said, this game is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played. The visual component of this game will not leave anyone unsatisfied, I am 100% sure for that. Some of the characters are so wonderfully done that I looked at someone for minutes and just admired the beauty. To be honest, right now I can't think of another game that had cinematics like this game. This game regularly showcases some moments as if you were watching a movie instead of playing a game. I think that in terms of graphics - this game is on a completely different level from others. The final score is 5 out of 5.
[PLOT]
As I said, I love the setting of games that describe student life, university, teenage feelings, etc. The backstory of the main character is quite curious and interesting, but sometimes I felt that some moments are quite strange (IMHO)
You will have to play as a guy who experienced a very difficult loss of a loved one in childhood, because of which he received psychological trauma. Playing as a mentally unstable and insensitive character is quite an interesting experience, to be honest. At some points, I sat and thought, "What the hell happened now?" I don't want to give a lot of spoilers, so I'll move on to the rating - 5 out of 5.
[MUSIC]
Here, to be honest, I have mixed feelings. The background music is just great, besides by clicking on the corner of the screen you can see the name of the song, stop it or switch to the next, very cool feature, respect for that. But there were moments during which there was absolutely no music. I don't know if it was a glitch or by design - but I spent quite a lot of time without any music, only with the sounds of messages on the phone from time to time. And it spoiled the impression. During the cinematics, the music is there and it's just incredible.
If I'm not mistaken, in the latest update, the music issue was gone and the game experience was much more enjoyable. Like I said, I don't know if I had a glitch with the music or if it was quite limited in some parts of the game. Therefore, I can not give the maximum rating. 4 out of 5.
[CHARACTERS]
My favorite part. I just fell in love with many of the characters at first sight. As I said, this game has a fairly large number of characters that we are slowly introduced to. I don't know how, but the developer managed to make all the characters so interesting, with different personalities and outlooks on life, that it's hard to believe. When I played, I thought "Damn, how many more cool and interesting characters will there be?"
The only thing that I could single out a bit in a negative context is the figures of female characters. They're too perfect, seriously. Slim waist, medium or large breasts, perfect round ass. As far as I remember, there has never been a character in the game who was completely out of shape, with a flat chest and butt, or overweight. (or I was inattentive and distracted by the perfect girls around lol) But I assume that the developer in this way compensates for the lack of a sexual part of the game, so that there is at least something to look at. But this in no way affects my impression and opinion of the characters.
Although, there is one more "minus", which in theory I could explain by the mental state of the main character. I do not like that during the whole game, he will share absolutely any information with everyone, even if this someone is not his friend. I assume that due to his mental state, he does not worry at all about the fact that some information is best not shared with others, that it might be better to keep it secret, etc. In general, the game has a sufficient number of negative moments associated with the main character due to his condition, but this is not bad. It is very interesting, I am curious to observe his behavior and his growth in social terms. By the way, 5 out of 5.
I'll tell you as briefly as possible about the biggest minus (according to a certain number of people) of this game. Lack of sex. There are literally no sex scenes in this game. Hell, there aren't even blowjobs in this game. And I understand this approach of the author. I played several games that refused to provide players with sex. And they were incredibly annoying. I can't even say that about this game. The plot and characters easily make up for the lack of sex. It feels like you're not playing a porn game at all. And in addition to the author's approach regarding this, the game explains why the main character cannot do at least something sexual with girls (besides his mental problems). If this saddens and upsets you, let me tell you that there are more than enough sexual moments in the game. Naked girls, naughty angles, etc. But for now, there are no sex. You were warned.
Summing up, I can at least say that this was a really LONG REVIEW, even I am surprised. This game touches on very interesting topics of psychology and the rules of life. More than once this game made me think seriously about some moments when I sat and thought "damn, but really. It shouldn't be like that. what the hell is life arranged like this, it's so stupid and unfair ..."
I am most grateful to the developer of this game, he makes an absolutely great game that will forever remain in my memory and which I will replay again and again with great pleasure.
I would like to discuss all these aspects in much more detail, but unfortunately the review would be just gigantic. Hell, I doubt anyone will even read this review in full haha. But if there are people like that, I want to say thank you for your attention, I hope I have given you enough information about this game.
P.S.
I'd love to discuss minuses of the game that was mentioned in other reviews, but this is not the place for this.
There were a few delusional reviews where people mentioned absolutely dumb cons of the game, I'd advise you to not take it too serious and actually give this game a try.