Just finished playing the 0.3b demo. Here are some personal impressions.
The good
The story seems to be shaping well overall. The main character has moments where she's taken advantage off as well as others where she comes out on top. The different play-through routes also seem to be expanding and branching. Multiple playthroughs seem likely at this point. The new character might be interesting to play with but it's too early to tell right now. Good job on the auto-save moments, they're well placed.
The not so good
Though the main story clearly branches, it still feels linear/railroaded in the sense that there was only one thing to do at each time or one person to talk to. Trying to interact with other characters was either pointless or simply impossible. Also, it becomes a chore to have to click "enter" dozens of times to see the same events just to try out a different play-route.
Suggestions
- Allowing people to progress in a less linear way or simply creating "side-quests" would be interesting. For example, going to the bar to earn some cash or follow up on a clue regarding the stolen purse, even if it turns out to be nothing, or having to get new stuff after the laundry episode. Going to the beach again, etc, etc. The possibilities are numerous and you've already shown you have great imagination.
- Having townspeople comment on clothes or events would be cool too.
- For the moment money doesn't have much interest aside from the occasional situation where you have/haven't got it. Being able to buy clothes or accessories would be cool.
- Lastly but most important of all, a button to speed up text is essential. I'm not sure if it exists, maybe I just couldn't find it, but it needs to be put in.
I understand it's a work in progress, I' just trying to give some constructive criticism. Keep up the good work.