By Far My Favorite Snootlike (HoldOntoMi)
I'm always excited when I hear about a new fan project, mostly because I want to see how people use the snoot formula to create something unique. When I saw my main snootubers showcase the game, I downloaded it myself and was pleasantly surprised. The art style is awesome, the cast is balanced, with each character being interesting enough to like, and indeed they made the love interest hot, baseline criteria.
But what I liked most was the MC, that being Newa. I'm used to having outcast protagonists who have obvious insecurities and are innocent souls within the cruelties of Dinofornia residents. Anon was the only exception (he's arguably the most nuanced MC of both canon and fanon), but this game takes his irritable nature and pumps it to the max. Newa is hot-headed, violent, and even admits he would look perfect on a Linkin Park cover. However, he's still likable in that he has been through tough shit, and on the inside he really just uses his emo persona to protect his insecurities from showing.
The plot is also similarly unique. Newa spends most of the demo doing his best to resist being absorbed into the friend group, and absolutely despising Mi, the love interest. In the end, if you pick the right options, the story resolves the conflict very maturely. Newa apologises for his hostilities and explains his suspicions of her and the group, and Mi actually recognises that her constant invasion of Newa's personal space is not okay. Both grow as people before the actual first act of the game resolves.
I am definitely making a way-too-detailed review of a game about a kid who dresses like a school shooter scoring a golden retriever dino-gf, but I just thought it was a neat demo. I would happily spend 20 bucks for the full game whenever it comes out.