My story with this game over the past couple weeks is probably nothing incredibly special, but it doesn't change the fact that I utterly adored this game.
It's a case where I can say with confidence that this is not a perfect game, there are some dumb things that could easily be seen as problematic to people with different life experiences than I do.
But I really don't care, the characters are all wonderful, the writing is so fun and engaging, the music is lovely, the visuals are charming, and the atmosphere is just suffocating.
I went in with knowledge of a couple of things, but it didn't even sway my enjoyment of the game in the slightest.
This year and a half has been really tough for me. So many times I have hoped to be able spend time with my friends and enjoy our high school experiences together, but they inevitably end up falling through. This game for as lame as it probably sounds, gave me the feeling of spending time with actual friends. I love all these characters so much man it hurts.
Before I go: Chie is best girl, Kanji is best boy, Nanako is best sister.