Players Like...

❤ Narrative Structure and Pacing

The second half of the story shifts the focus away from the locked room murder mysteries of the previous arcs. Instead, it delves deeper into the underlying mystery and themes, expanding the narrative to include more characters and perspectives. This results in a less streamlined, more meandering pacing as the story explores various tangents and character backstories. Some players found the pacing overly drawn out and repetitive at times, with the story taking its time to gradually unveil answers rather than providing a more direct resolution. However, many appreciated this shift, as it allowed the story to explore more philosophical and emotional elements, challenging players to look beyond the surface-level mysteries.

❤ Interactive Moments

Whereas the first half was a purely linear visual novel experience, the second half incorporates a few instances of interactivity and player choice. These take the form of simple mini-games or logic puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress the story. Reviewers highlight how these interactive moments, while brief, provide a refreshing break from the otherwise text-heavy experience, allowing players to actively participate in unraveling the mysteries. One notable example is the "Tea Party" event in Episode 7, which has been praised as an exceptionally well-crafted interactive sequence that challenges the player's deductive reasoning skills.

❤ Significance of Player Interpretation

A key aspect of the experience is the emphasis on player interpretation and theorizing. The visual novel intentionally leaves many plot details and character motivations ambiguous, encouraging the audience to actively piece together their own understanding of the events. This encourages repeated playthroughs, as players can approach the story from different perspectives and uncover new insights. Many reviewers highlight how the open-ended nature allows for rich discussions and debates within the community, as players share their unique interpretations and solutions to the overarching mystery. This flexibility in interpretation is considered a strength, as it empowers players to become actively engaged with the narrative rather than passively consuming it.