Had to give myself time before writing down my thoughts.

What I loved most about this game is that it makes full use of the medium as a vehicle for storytelling. If you pay close attention, you'll see that you learn most about the characters through the objects strewn about the map, or the strange and memorable boss battles, puzzles, and dream sequences, rather than through the dialogue. The developers were careful to sprinkle in details that draw you in and bring you closer to the ultimate twist at the end. Details that you come across as you flip through a sketchbook or walk past a literal fading memory -- something you couldn't do in a book or a movie. At times, it felt more like an experience than a game.

This is why I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars. It's one of those games where the actual gameplay takes a backseat to the story. I'm someone who likes the challenging and rewarding aspect of gaming. So, I was a bit disappointed because I found the combat system to be so unique and full of promise and I wanted it to keep evolving so that I could incorporate more complex strategies, but in the end I just found one strat that worked and kept spamming it throughout my run.

And while I loved the storytelling, at times it dragged on and felt extremely melodramatic. I kept thinking to myself, "Aren't these kids like 12?" This is more of a personal thing, but the characters and overall vibe were too wholesome. I know it's meant to juxtapose the darker themes, but god it's kind of corny?? Like for real, what friend group acts like this? Maybe I hangout with too many assholes, but Jesus these kids are like so close to being Disney Channel characters. I'm outing myself as a bully here but again, that's just my personal preference.

Overall, it's a great game. Really, really depressing and creative storytelling (which I love). But it falls short as an actual game and at times feels like a huge corn/cheese fest.