Sigh of the Abyss: Shadow Bonds

Wowie. Ok so I first played this months ago by downloading it on itch.io. As people can see by this review, I have also downloaded it on Steam, and the purpose of that was to get all of the achievements. Now that I've done so, I feel competent enough to write this review. If you love visual novels, PLAY THIS. If you love magic/fantasy, PLAY THIS. If you love romance, PLAY! THIS!! This is BY FAR one of THE BEST GAMES I'VE EVER PLAYED!! I am SO excited to play the full version (when I get the money to do so; it's not a matter of deciding if I will but when). So far I have seen clips of playthroughs on YT and it looks amazing! Ok, now I'm done gushing about the game! Time to get into the technical aspects of why this game is amazing: The art style: The art style is so beautifully unique and well-crafted. Every single frame reminded me of a painting. I am honestly in awe still. How did a game that's not mainstream (even though it deserves to be) get such amazing art? And I wouldn't be able to answer that question, but I don't think I need to. Cause 1) it doesn't matter and 2) I'm just glad it happened! And if you don't believe me, look at the trailer and screenshots (they speak for themselves)! The sound design/music: I felt deeply immersed throughout every single playthrough I made, and I truly believe it's because everything feels so connected. When you click the status interface or a dialogue choice, it's this really whimsy click sound. The music changes depending on the mood of the scene. There are coins that jingle and people that laugh and spells that roar. So so SO beautiful! The story: When it comes to stories I am honestly not that picky. I am not one to be able to distinguish why a movie was called "bad" by the general public until I watch a video essay about it. However, I can GUARANTEE that this story was very well written. I appreciate the fact that you already start by knowing the characters. It helps move things forward. And on top of that, while my MC knew them, I didn't and yet through the story I was able to figure out exactly who they were; little by little. Every arc left me with an equal amount of questions as well as answers. And I bet most of my questions I still have will be solved when I play the full game. I know I sound heavily biased, so I should probably list some cons. However, even when I first asked about some of these things, I wasn't even that mad cause everything was still amazing. Not having customization over the appearance of the MC: Now while I myself was not personally bothered by this because I am a white sapphic girlie, I still questioned why this wasn't added. The dev did respond to this question, actually (they responded to all of the questions I asked on itch.io; dev you're wonderful). For people who aren't like me, it might be a little upsetting. However, the character design is flawless and I don't believe people getting into this game will have a problem with it either (if you've gotten this far into my review). Another con that I'd have to put (which isn't even a con, I'm just a tiny bit sad) is not being able to get together with 2/4 love interests the game offers. Those 2/4 *will* admit in some shape or form that they reciprocate your feelings, however they will tell you that you/they are not ready for a relationship (depends on the character, I won't say which because of spoilers). Again, this isn't a con for ME, however it makes me a little sad. But I would see how it'd be a con for some other people, so I'm simply putting this out there. Have I thought of some others? Yes. Do I believe that the two cons, plus any others that I could mention will have been fixed in the full game? Absolutely yes, aside from the first con (which could be a lesser or bigger con depending on the person). So anyway, there is my full review! While I could ramble even FURTHER about this game, I won't. I don't think anyone will actually read this far except from a very few amount of people who hyperfixate on this game just as much as I do. Everyone who worked on this project, no matter how big or small of a contribution, should be IMMENSELY proud of themselves! P.S. Marané is love. Marané is life. Marané I will make you mine, if you allow me (pls I beg). <3