obviously this game isn't perfect, especially from a storytelling standpoint, but it's still very fun and full of quality scares. honestly one of the rpgmaker classics that i would recommend playing the remake over the original, because the QOL improvements, redesigned puzzles, and extra story modes make the game a more enjoyable experience. and though this is my second time playing the remake and the new sprites still haven't grown on me, i don't think they are as bad as other og fans will tell you.

my biggest gripe with this remake is that, despite the QOL improvements generally being a plus, the game feels significantly easier now- especially the final chase scene- which somewhat softens the intensity. but i don't think that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game, especially if it is your first time playing. i also wish that the puzzles had been changed a bit in blood mode! i liked that there were updated scares, but the puzzles remaining the same make it a bit of a slog to go through certain areas.

another review said it best: the story felt shallow- like it was made to be yet another cannibalism=love tiktok yaoibait media, but lacking any kind of substance or interesting exploration on either the trope or the relationship b/w the characters. and the gameplay wasn't enjoyable (nor functional) enough to make up for that. there were a handful of fun creepy details that i quite liked (the dream sequences were amazing and the rat...) + the music was definitely a highlight, but i just can't say i felt anything but underwhelmed after getting all of the endings.

i would play a remake that expands upon the story more, because there is the beginning of a fully baked (hehe) game there.