In six hours, I got to experience ten years of a childhood that I never had. I was whisked away to a life I wished I could have lived, with a supportive and loving family, with parents that loved each other and supported who I was. I got to experience having a crush without feeling ashamed of myself, a friendship I never could have as a kid, and no one was there to tell me that I was wrong for being who I was. I had a relationship I have only ever been afraid of having since I was a teenager, and the people around me supported me. For those six hours, I was in a better place.

Near the end I was welling up and after the credits rolled I bawled my eyes out. I was given a beautiful glimpse of a life I have only dreamt of since becoming comfortable with my sexuality. I got to be a kid again, and I got to do things the way I wish I had done them, and the way I would never have been able to do them. Not all of us gay folk are lucky enough to have been raised by two loving mothers in a progressive California like the main character in this game has, and... I won't lie, by the end I felt a bit resentful. I was reminded of how much I had missed out on as a kid in my own life. How much I wasn't allowed to do, how much I had to lie to myself, how much pretending I had to do.

I have never played a visual novel before and I was gripped to it the entire time. The writing was so beautiful and the whole thing was incredibly emotional. It's a romance without being sexual, and while the focus character, Cove, is what the game revolves around, your love with him is optional and is not forced on you in any way. Nothing feels forced and you're briefed on the options you have and how your decisions will affect how things play out. It just seems to do everything right.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to make anyone feel bad for me or anything. I'm just saying... if you're a gay/queer person who never got the opportunity to grow up in a supporting environment and experience a childhood that many non-queer people get to have... this game can show you a better one. Plunging back into reality will be difficult once it's over, but if you're like me and are still struggling to accept yourself well into adulthood... maybe this game will help you feel a bit better about yourself. I kind of feel like a different person after playing this. Like a part of my mind is now at ease.

Even if it was just for one evening... I got to experience being a happy upbringing I never had.

It's MY depression I get to choose which game to dissociate to.

Head empty now only Cove Holden

I'd end a human life to ensure this boy has a good day.

its my depression and i get to choose the coping mechanisms

100/10 would die of sugar overdose again

cove

How do I even begin to describe this game?


Have you ever played an otome game and thought ‘hey, none of the MC’s responses really fits what I wanna say?’ Fear not, this game has got you covered, and I mean COVERED. They give you so much freedom to customize everything about the MC and their choices.

I loved how customizable the MC, the affection levels, Cove’s personality and appearance and the amount choices for each scenario was but as the inner 100% completionist inside me screams for me to try out every scenario so naturally, I had to spam the load and save button (and used up all 120 of my save slots teehee). This is my first blind playthrough. Steam says I logged 22 hours on this game but believe me, it’s much more than that since I went offline by accident a few times. I’ve spent the past 2 days since I downloaded this game eating, breathing and sleeping Cove Holden playing it at a lesuirely pace.

This game definitely sucks you in with such an interesting premise by befriending the love interest as a child then slowing growing up and becoming fonder of them rather than setting you with a certain age and then implied pre-existing relationship with the love interest (like most other games). This gives the player so much more different ways to learn about Cove, as you see him not only in a romantic light but also learn to become his best friend. Both Cove and the MC grow up and experience many different life related struggles together like family, friends and identity. This adds layers to the personality and character of the MC and Cove. The writing and experiences seem very appropriate for each age of development and you can see that the devs played a lot of attention and patience to the little details. Simple past decisions and experiences can add major or small cute details to future experiences (I’m looking at you anklet scenes).

I think the story really captures each age so perfectly. It’s not simply a love story but really a story about your life. I loved the scenes of growing up with your sibling and your parents too. The game wouldn’t be complete without your moms and Mr. Holden and Kyra supporting you all the way through. I love how emotionally open and supportive they all were.

Of course, we can’t forget out cast of friends: Shiloh, Derek, Baxter, Miranda and Terri. I wish we could have seen more of Shiloh later on. Now if only Derek and Baxter was romanceable as well :) I needa see Baxter’s blush face for real, I would pay good money for that.

Cove Holden, our little precious boy. He is so cute and blush-y and sweet. I thought he was gonna have a heart attack with number of times that he blushed. Though I wish that he wasn’t as embarrassed later in the game once MC and him are dating but you can never have enough of the blushing spirite and the devs of this game know that. Bless you guys! Thank you for bringing us blushing Cove with the squirm-y smile, I never knew I needed it and now I can never get enough.

The art was pretty, I especially loved the scene during the ending song of the mountain top and clouds in the background, I wanted that as my new wallpaper. The design of the characters were all quite aesthetically appealing. I really couldn’t imagine the art was so good with this game being free! I was surprisingly shocked.

The music was delightful and suited the scenarios. It gave the whole game a generally quite relaxing and calming, yet nostalgic summer atmosphere. Yet, during the exciting scenes, new tracks were played to fit the mood. I can’t congratulate the artist enough on these OSTs. I’m even listening to one as I’m writing this review with how calming it is.

This game was so calming and sweet as I watched the MC and Cove grow closer and fall in love. I really loved the whole atmosphere of summer crushes and long days at the beach with friends. Out of all the steps, I think step 2 was definitely my favorite. The young buds of love / puppy love is always a sweet, clumsy and wholesome phase. This game captured it perfectly.~ Once I’m not broke I’m buying those dlc packs and bunkering down for hours of fun! How is this awesome game free? I’m so happy I happened upon this game when checking out r/otomegames and I wish I had started playing this sooner. I can’t wait for the epilogue in 2021!

My favorite scenarios were:
-The loft (Step 2)
-RV anklet talk (Step 2)
-Hangman - “You are cute” (Step 2)
-Confession after firefly (Step 3)
-Sneaking in Cove’s room (Step 3)


Here are a few things I was unsure about for fellow players and devs (if they ever read this) –

Confused about:
-The only scenario I didn’t understand the purpose for was the “errand” scenario in Step 3, I don’t understand why the MC should get so mad at their parents for letting them spend some time at the market by themselves. They end up meeting with Cove to buy some items and it seems like an overall fun afternoon. What was the supposed emotional catharsis of this scene?

Further improvements:
- If a quick load and quick save button could be added
- If a final events page could be added, where once the player finishes the game once, each step and scenario will be come easily accessible, so you don’t have to scroll through their save files to replay them, although this could probably take a lot of work

Super customizable, Endless choices, Blushy LI, Adorable and nostalgic summer love :)

if cove has a million fans, i'm one of them. if cove has five fans, i'm one of them. if cove has one fan, that one is me. if cove has no fans, i'm no longer alive. if the world is against cove, i'm against the entire world. till my last breath, i'll support cove.

Crying because Cove isn't real

My only complaint is that I can't live inside the game.