I actually really like the way you went about the reactions and the little absentminded habits of the MC. I understand that some people can be constantly haunted by such cruel treatment in youth, but for others, the effects may be more insidious. These people might function seemingly normally until one pays close attention to things like not trusting people, jumping at loud sounds, etc.
I can also say that, personally, I react to trauma by not thinking of it as trauma. The brain normalizes the entire experience and has trouble empathizing with others who had a more āstandardā experience. The brain even comes to sympathize with the abuser. Iām glad that (in the beginning of the game at least) you gave us choices that were more neutral in emotional reaction because for many, dealing with trauma is an ambiguous path.
That said, really looking forward to this game and how the character interactions turn out. Already loving Dani!
Thank you. Thatās what I was going for, but since trauma is so personal, I believe itās important to hear everyoneās two cents.
The MC is in aā¦ weird place right now. Theyāre aware that they did not have a regular, healthy childhood, but, like you said, theyāve still normalized it, because itās all theyāve ever known. I believe thereās also a good deal of repression going on; the more they think about Celeste, the worse they feel, so they try their best to not think about it. Of course she still comes up often - this type of thing always does -, but the MC reeally doesnāt want to deal with that.
Itāll blow up on their face eventually, since, well, this type of thing always does, and no oneās made of steel. Right now, the MC thinks theyāre fine, which is why they behave the way they do in the beginning of the game.
You canāt run from the past, which is something they havenāt quite learned yet.
Thank you. Dani seems to be a popular character, Iāve noticed!
Oh no. A tortured semi-self destructive MC? Iām all in! The Worst the choiceā¦ or is it worse? Anyway Iām all about making poor choices! The more problems I can have the better.
As Iāve said, itās a short one. You finally get to meet Alex and Max, though, the other two ROs!
Itās about 1 a.m where I am, and Iām very tired. If thereās any weird or dumb mistakes, you already know why. Iāve double checked, but you never know.
Donāt hesitate to tell me your opinions, either here or on Tumblr. Iām curious to see what people will make of these two characters.
Good night, and thank you all for your support so far!
Iām in the midst of playing your demo and I just wanna say, I would protect Sydney with my life. Iāll probably be back to give actual feedback lol, good work so far!
Update: Iāve played through all of Chapter 1 now! It was extremely enjoyable and Iām excited to read the rest! You have a style of writing thatās straightforward and smoothly moves the story along without taking away from the emotion the MC and other characters are/may be feeling. Each character Iāve met so far is very distinct in their behavior and dialogue, well done! Iām truly curious about all of them. (Sydney and Max are my faves so far, but Daniās comments add to my entertainment and Alex needs a protection squad pronto heh ) Good luck with your WIPās completion! I look forward to reading more
Liked everyone so far and the little touches in their interactions, like tensing up when alex looked like she was gonna hug us but still willing to shake hands out politeness.
I can totally see Dani trying to have a threeway with us and Max later on when we crack a couple of Maxās walls, since Dani seems pretty interested in us already.
I havenāt finished reading this yet, but i gotta say I love this WIP so far. Itās its own world with its own way of working and its own terminology, which is interesting and also delivered in a very natural way. Thereās no long pages of pure exposition, itās treated as if the reader already knows and yet has enough clues to give the reader, who obviously doesnāt actually know, a general enough idea to not get lost. Itās a very smooth way of bringing the reader into the world and letting them piece it all together themself.
But also I love the MC. The depression, the trauma, the brooding. Ugh, all that really hits the spot for me. I love playing as an MC whoās as messed up as I am and this is written in a rather relatable way for me.
Like I said, I havenāt finished reading yet (just so eager to get my thoughts down lol) so Iāve not formed a full opinion on characters. But the two Iāve met, very different from each other with their own voices and agency. Well done. Keep up the good work!
Loved the new characters! I originally thought that Alex would be an Earth Elemental due to their flicking leaves around, but with Max the Earth Elemental, I guess weāll see! Dani steals the show for me, but Iāve always had a weak spot for the life-of-the-party sort.
Dani seems to be a popular character, Iāve noticed!
) Good luck with your WIPās completion! I look forward to reading more 
Iām excited to see what your game has in store!!
