after my first playthrough, i was really only vibing with like 3/3.5 stars due to the way some dialogue interupts you & the way some fights play out, but then, I started my pacifist run, and wow

i mean this game shines when you put in the effort to talk to each character, get creative with your puzzle solving, and explore. I felt so much more satisfied and content following the second time i rolled credits because of how excellent the writing & world-building are. to me, this game is set apart because it was feels like it was made with an inspiration for telling heartwarming stories via quirky relationships with misfit characters.

obviously the music is outstanding, but the theming is what sets this game over the top to me. its the way the cities loom out in the distance during long horizontal stretches, the way the mushrooms light your path in the waterfall section, and the way the throne room recalls such a beautifuly melancholic moment in your past that will make this game last for me. and with such a heartwarming, knock out ending that will 100% have me rolling its messages around in my head for the next week, i cant not recommend you play this if you already haven't. i'm already nearly ten years late. don't you dare be worse than that.