I did like things about this! Jala is a great protagonist, at once relatable and ineffable in a perfect way for a RPG protag. The big recipe for a great computer RPG lead is a mix of a well-defined past with plenty of room for interpretation and intervention. Nice to see that used in a way more mundane context than Disco Elysium or The Witcher.
The biggest problem is. This game is 90 percent exposition. Every battle with a jilted ex is just an extended "last time on" explaining Jala's past relationship JUST before they both reconcile. The structure means that there is no time to sit in awkward situations or wade through complex emotions beyond characters stating them out loud. The result is that, even when it goes for more nuanced ideas, the game always feels like it is reading aloud a twitter thread about representational politics rather than being a considered soap opera.
The biggest problem is. This game is 90 percent exposition. Every battle with a jilted ex is just an extended "last time on" explaining Jala's past relationship JUST before they both reconcile. The structure means that there is no time to sit in awkward situations or wade through complex emotions beyond characters stating them out loud. The result is that, even when it goes for more nuanced ideas, the game always feels like it is reading aloud a twitter thread about representational politics rather than being a considered soap opera.