Snoot Game is somewhat of a marvel. There is nothing else that quite like it in its niche.
Specifically, a Visual Novel created by a group of users from an Anonymous Japanese basket weaving forum is not unheard of, with the likes of Katawa Shoujo being the foremost VN made by a group of terminally online strangers. However, Snoot Game rests comfortably in its niche with the unique aspect that its parodying of another game that has yet been released at the time of writing, Goodbye Volcano High. It's a struggle to think another game, especially of this size, that exists as a parody to another, let alone one steeped so far in Anonymous image board culture. Snoot Game manages to stand out from the crowd, there's simply not another game quite like it.
Snoot Game is a product of its time. While Katawa Shoujo was complete before the 'culture war' began raging, Snoot Game did not have such a luxury. Snoot Game now stands as one of the very few more sensitive titles covering the hot button topic of gender. Unlike the leagues of quirky indie games that allegorize the positive destruction of the gender binary, Snoot Game takes a visual stance against gender fluidity. There is very little art that takes a stance against gender fluidity, and even less so that attempts to do it in a respectful manner. Snoot Game manages to find the balance between poking fun and outright propagandizing with its message, while making the creator's opinion very clear. Snoot Game manages to explore a relationship with someone identifying as non-binary as more than just a black and white endeavor through its various endings, despite it being made clear which is the more positive outcome.
Despite what is mentioned above likely being the most contentious aspect of the game, Snoot Game has much more substance than a critique against gender fluidity. One might think a parody game of this sort would be shallow, short, and generally forgettable, but Snoot Game manages to rise above any preconceived notions. By the end of my first play-through and my first ending, I found myself surprised how much I cared for many of the colorful cast of characters. The emotions that that each character got me to feel were varied and strong. The fact that I can say I despise one character is very intriguing to me, as the character writing left a lasting impression that ended up with me despising, respecting, or loving certain characters. If it were incompetently written, I would simply feel nothing about these characters and forget about them, but I was left yearning to see more of their interactions with one another.
Another pleasant surprise was the excellent handling of the relationships. Some aspects may fall through the cracks because of the nature of a multi-ending Visual Novel, but a majority of the writing concering the relationship content was superb. The trials and tribulations managed to stay interesting, but realistic enough to hit very close to home on some cases.
While the writing was a highlight, the skill and passion placed in character art assets cannot be understated. Despite appearing relatively simple, the different expressions and animations of the characters contribute a great deal to the emotions conveyed to the player. Specifically, Naser's character portraits shifting of emotions were fantastically done. Another highlight must go to Anon's eyes, very expressive and I loved seeing them whenever they appeared. Nearly all of the different character portraits and their variations were punching above their weight. The CGs are very effective at provoking the intended thoughts or emotions to the player.
What I initially expected was going to be a simple parody game played for a quick laugh has left me feeling quite melancholic after completion. It's one of those games where you feel a tinge of sadness that it's over because, once again, there is nothing else quite like it.
All of this makes Snoot Game one of the most unique games available to play right now. Any game that casually references Gurren Lagann is a 10/10 in my booka. Highly recommended.