Put some thoughts on cohost when I was halfway through that explain the game systems: https://cohost.org/hantani/post/1959299-part-2-time-loop-v

If you can read Japanese and are into earlier version of time-loop visual novels, I think this game is worth checking out. I'm assuming it has a decent following in Japan because there are a few fairly thorough guides/fan theory websites for the game (and it got a Switch remaster as well as a few remasters over the past few decades).

It has a contemplative tone, most of the time is spent with two characters slowly walking through the barren landscape of the world, dealing with trying to remember what happened in a failed fight against the antagonist. There's a balance of somber and eerie feelings, though the game never goes full into horror or anything scary. (Part of this is from the FM Synth soundtrack, which reminds me a little of Yu-No's at times)

(spoilers)

Those vibes are nice enough, except for one huge misstep (there's an arc with a 'village of cult-like ethnic people' that goes about as well as you might expect for a 90s VN.). The twist of the story reveals the story to truly be about these two men who had to compete to be 'the chosen hero,' and we find out we're following the one who wasn't chosen, and how he was dealing with inferiority, as well as romantic rejection (with Rito, the blue-hair-red-shirt-girl). Instead he's trapped himself in a time loop in which he switches place with the hero, Rai (who was implied to have romantic/sexual relations with Rito), and tries to win her over.

Of course it doesn't work out, but the protagonist does finally end the time loop (by defeating his evil incel alter ego??) and the game reaches a decent, though tragic, level of forgiveness between everyone. Even though Rai died before the story, Rito gets to travel with "Rai" (actually Fusulto), and at the very end, Fusulto/Rai switch places again and she gets to say goodbye (as Rai dies.)

Well, it's a bit confusing, but, in short, Men Would Rather Trap Themselves In A Cucking Time Loop Than Admit Their Losses And Move On.

Systematically the "ANOS" system feels a bit random and hard to navigate at times. Even walkthroughs sometimes mention 'pleading with the ANOS god' to please trigger the next event.