Holy fucking shit, this game has come a long way since I last tried it. Now this is the kind of developer I will gladly support.
Update:
Ok, played the game for around 20ish hours. Here are my thoughts (includes story spoilers):
- cursed items were a bit disappointing. What got me most excited about getting the game were the images with what turned out to be Violet. Would've loved to see visual effects (cursed collar, nipple rings, blindfold, predicament-inducing effects etc that are maybe forced on you by enemies or tricked into equipping) for cursed items instead of what just feels like some difficulty modifiers. I need to see if grinding the skill on cursed items grants extra Skill Points, that would be one incentive to use them I guess.
I am at the point where I am about to possess elf girl and discover a unique enemy using her reveal spell. Haven't had the chance to see the outcome of that yet.
- I understand people's complaints that the game may be a bit too grindy, but I think that would only be an issue early game in one's first playthrough. Once you have an idea what you are doing it becomes a breeze.
- I think the writing is super creative and well done. Really interesting niche that could be explored in so many forms (the possession/body hijacking fetish). You can also notice that the creator took time to put small details into scenes and didn't rush the script. (characters walking off screen to put stuff away instead of item just disappearing in their "pocket", etc)
- Really like the RPG mechanics and progression system: Items granting passive skills after training them, simplistic choice of spells that you just upgrade, elemental strengths and weaknesses (plus non-type-specific weaknesses for some NPCs), can do alchemy anywhere & reusable bottles
- Violet is one of the best implementations of a "cursed" item/companion I have seen in an RPG
- Really enjoyed Demon Lady writing and the whole extra functionality involving a specific "outfit". Good job, would like to see more of it.
- Really enjoyed Galiene's character design and her personality. I found the pirate scenario to be really hot. The conclusion started feeling a bit rushed though. (entire ghost has good intentions and wants to become besties with her anchor body trope kinda removes all the suspense)
- Same feedback for Nel subplot. I think her mischievous personality and build up of her gaining more control over MC's body was a good source of suspense as you weren't sure if she has some ultimate plan to steal the body forever and get MC's spirit stuck in Candy or somewhere else. Once Nel's intentions became clear it kinda removed any notion of "high stakes" in the entire situation.
- Evie was meh for me. Not really into tomboyish loli tsunderes, but didn't hate her either. Liked her design as a companion for combat (cleanse, heal, fireball)
- I also think the Bartender and Mystic were a good addition to give the player a hint on what to do or where to go next. I appreciate the extra effort that went into setting that up