I don't think I have ever written a steam review, but I feel for this game it is quite warranted.

While much of the criticism flouted here and on various discussion boards such as Reddit are valid, this game is brilliant!

Let's start with those criticisms:

The puzzles cease after the prologue, which is a shame because the potential is definitely there to bump this game up from a simple narrative experience to something more akin to Disco Elysium/other isometric RPGs.

The writing grows a tad convoluted post-prologue. However the writing is also this game's greatest strength: the dialogue is executed near-masterfully, and I have enjoyed every second of it. I think those coming into this game expecting a AAA "choices-matter" RPG experience will be disappointed.

So, why is this game great?

The soundtrack is excellent. As soon as I post this review and finish up the story I will be heading off to grab the OST. The music is very well-paced and matches the narrative tone brilliantly. It catalyzes with the thematic elements of the whatever scene you're currently experiences in a way that feels quite rare (at least in my recent gaming experiences).

The graphical and visual presentation is absolutely stunning. This feels like a comic book come to life, and the visuals (especially the neon gritty nighttime noire vibes) are GORGEOUS. It truly feels like a cinematic experience.

The dialogue is fantastic. There are some hiccups here and there with the dialogue-flow, but nothing that would amount to a "significant flaw." The characters feel alive and unique. I wish this game had gotten an extra year or two to add as much more possible to this experience. Getting to know the characters feels fantastic. There's not too much that it's overwhelming-- if anything, I wish I got to spend more time simply chatting and getting to know many of the side-characters.

While I am focusing on how good the dialogue/narrative experience is, the game shines in it's many "interactive" events available in each act. The things that make the world and characters feel alive, the things that make you feel like you're truly participating in the story. You can check out the local bookstore and pick up any novels that catch your fancy. You can go pick up newspapers and magazines and spend time reading them. You can hang out with the local geese, and even call your mom to simply say hi. These events are not in excess, but it is definitely of substance. Never has the options of choosing which kind of tea to make your partner felt like such a great experience.

All in all, and while I am not quite yet finished with the game, I would highly recommend to anyone who is fond of gritty, noire, detective-esque experiences. Think Disco Elysium meets The Wolf Among Us with heavy inspiration from games such as Bugsnax. I won't spoil it, but what starts as a seemingly normal detective experience quickly turns into an epic tale of murder, cannablism, sorrow, substance abuse, crisis of the existential nature, and struggling with loneliness in a uniquely and expertly crafted dystopian world.

That's right, the world building is fantastic as well :)

Please give this game a chance, form an opinion that is unique to your own experience with the game. The Steam-review-hivemind is extremely damaging and has made myself and no doubt countless others miss out on games that are true gems of fantastic nature.