One of the classics of the VN scenes. I could understand that view that many get from this work. However, it is telling that this is mostly recommended for newcomers trying to get into Visual Novels. The prose is short, simple, and pleasant. Very thematically strong in its themes of coming of age and what it entails. To finding refuge in family, friends, and romantic partners and climbing the hill of life/existence as long as you can. However, it is pretty marred down by overly redundant slice of life scenes, and VERY slow pacing. Ironically, although most of the game is written by Jun Maeda, I like Suzumoto Yuuichi (Kotomi's story) style of writing and pacing better. It isn't to say I don't think this is a classic (because it deserves to be one and packs quite a devastating emotional punch) It's just not my thing. Probably especially since I've played better VNs than what most people would actually find in the western world.