Experiencing this game through its long lifespan has been miserable. And yet, with its core gameplay, likable characters, wide variety of maps, custom servers... I don't have over 19,000 20,000 21,000 hours on it for no reason.
"Despite everything, it's still you."

An easy 5 stars, I probably don't have to explain myself at this point.

Looking up a wiki for this game before finishing it might be one of the biggest regrets I've had in my entire life.

"Oh no, this has a horny anime artstyle, I'd be embarrassed to have it on my library!"
If that is what you have to say, shut your fucking mouth. You are missing out on a banger of a metroidvania that - while not as polished as Hollow Knight - has a deep layer of controls, challenging boss fights and an incredible soundtrack.
Grow up and learn not to judge a book by its cover.

This review contains spoilers

I am so glad that I got to play this blind, a little while before it blew up on Youtube and people started shitposting about "muh liminal spaces" or "muh LGBT backstory".
Too bad that I killed the dog.