hello, Carrot! we are all the ones here - who love your inspiring creativity and you, whose characters became related, and whose stories were remembered! please rest and gain strength in difficult times, and we, in turn of, will definitely wait for new releases of your creations, when you are full of strength and energy!💪
I'm so sorry that has been happening to you! You truly don't deserve that, and I hope you get better soon. It might be better to distance yourself from social media for awhile and be around your family if you're still going through the grief of losing your loved ones.
As for the hate, it's best to just ignore it and try to not get it through your head, as it will only drag you down further.
I wish I had more advice to offer, but I'm not good with advice in general. I can only wish you the very best.
I adore your game, however, and will continue to support you from afar!
Just read the latest devlog. Since I can't comment there, I'll say it here: you have people who care about you, Carrot, both online and offline. Find them, and ask for their help. That's what helped me in my darkest hours. I hope it will do the same for you.
AWHAHWHWHWHWHHWGHW2HWHWHW THIS GAME WAS AMAZING!!!
I literally made an account just to comment on this because woooooooow bro I just have to say SOMETHING BRO.
I really loved the endings of the story and the writing is sooooooo good bro, it ties in with previous lives that Iggy lived with stronger and stronger stages of deja vu the more you progress which I like, and the character writing makes them feel like true actual people who are suffering and dealing with their trauma in many ways. (It makes me so happy, I love seeing actual effort being put into characters and their backstories, It shows that you really do care about them and how well the moral messages of the characters are seen by the audience.)
I adore Igs so much, I need a stuffed animal of him right now. Genzou is my favorite as while he is much more of a funny douchebag trope, he does truly love his friends (Even Orlam, even if it's hard to say, it's the truth.) and cares more about Iggy's happiness than he does his feelings for him. (I can physically not go for another romantic ending for Iggy because I hate seeing Genzou heartbroken :(. ) Gidget's backstory was a tough one, and while I didn't like them that much in the beginning (For reasons I do NOT wish to discuss as it is painful to remember) I slowly started to kin them in arc 5. I have some mixed feelings about Orlam, but I guess it's more past-tense hate then it is now. I don't really like his type of sleezy-geezer personality, but I can understand how he thinks and feels looking back at his past now. Being through what he has gone through for a majority of his life would fuck anyone up really. Poor Buck's and Saydie bro, they didn't deserve what they went through :-( (tbh none of these characters do, but oh well.) Orlam and Genzou's relationship remind me of Cartman and Kyle's from South Park (their grown up personalities atleast) GO GIDGET!!! RUN FROM YOUR B*TCH OF A MOTHER!!!
I'm gonna be talking about what I think of Iggy's relationship paths and how I generally feel about them. (no hate of course, these are just my opinions.)
I LOOOOOOOOOVEEEEE GENZOU AND IGGY'S ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP!!! Or just their relationship in general is just super sweet and so accepting. I love how much they care for each other, and how deep their relationship runs in their souls. A true pair, if I do say so myself <3.
I don't mind if Gidget and Iggy were in a relationship, but after all of what happened between the two, I honestly think it would just be better If Gidget focused on themself for awhile. They need to grow and learn to accept themselves, to learn that it's impossible to achieve perfection and how to live with the fact that they are Non-Binary now and not a girl anymore.
Now, again, don't really mind if Orlam and Iggy being in a relationship, but I think they would be better off with eachother as friends. I feel like it would be hard with Orlam that Iggy doesn't like sexual experiences, and I don't really think Orlam is a romantic type of person (Which is what Iggy needs in a relationship to survive lmao).
I think thats It for my rant tho. LOVED YOUR GAME! I need more people to notice it, I really want atleast SOME sort of a small fandom to get by :(.
Carrot thanks for the game and experience. I haven't played a game that gave me this whole feeling in a while. Got the alone ending and am really glad it was given the care you gave it
Okay!! I finished all endings, so it's time to write a comment about it! I'm gonna talk mostly about finale part, since I already talked about how much I love previous arcs in my last comment, sooooo... (also sorry for my bad english ^^;;)
SPOILERS BELOW!!
IT WAS SUCH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE, A TRUE JOURNEY OF A GAME-- NOT ONLY FINALE, WHOLE GAME AS WELL! IT IS INCREDIBLE, SO WELL WRITTEN, CHARACTERS, THEIR ARCS, THEIR BONDS, PLOT, DRAMA, EVERYTHING!! And finale was like a cherry on top of a delicious cake! Character's arc ending, the Bucks sequence, the tree, the epilogue... But my favorite of them all, the most emotional for me, the one which grasps my heart every time was the field scene.
It was... I don't have the words to describe how much I love it... When I saw the background, the tranquil and empty field, I knew this is gonna be amazing scene. But I didn't know how much,,, seeing all of them as kids and saying their wishes, Saydie guiding them with an understanding smile, but the most,,, scene that even now makes me emotional was Iggy's wish. It-- it was so much in tune with his character arc, and I haven't expected that his wish would be like this. Which is pretty silly of me, because obviously, it's Iggy!! Who else is so focused on making their friends happy? Of course it's him! BUT AT THE SAME TIME--- AT THE SAME TIME HIS WISH WAS SO SINCERE, SO SELFLESS--- LIKE I COULD FEEL HIS LOVE TO HIS FRIENDS-- AAAAAAAA I CAN'T,, I LOVE IT SO MUCH, THIS IS GONNA BE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE SCENES FROM ANY MEDIUM I'VE EVER CONSUMED
Also as I mentioned before I got every ending, right? So everytime I didn't skip it, nah, I reread it over and over, these 4 times and haha, and everytime this scene made me cry :'> I won't get too personal, but the 3rd time I reread it, it made me realize how much I miss being a kid. I'm this kind of person who bottles everything up, but it made me feel like it's okay to miss old times or regret things and to cry for them. This really helped me, I'm feeling much better now, so thank you.
Moreover I made screenshots of other wishes, so I can read all of them. And the "I wish I could see my mom" which I assume was Orlam's made me cry once again ;w; (oh and btw! I love things that make me emotional and I think if something evokes this much emotions in someone it is kinda like a sign of how well written it is, so props for you, Carrot!!)
Okay but now let's go to other stuff I want to talk about! Like character's endings!
I've obtained only Gidget's one on my first try which suprised me. I thought I'll get others too, but it seems like I spent too much time with them in arc 5 haha! Later I just made a couple choices different and got everyone, yay! :> I went in Gidget>Genzou>Orlam>alone order! Which is kinda funny to me since my OC order was the same (tho I got there bad ending first) xD Anyway, I'm gonna talk about them in this order then!
Gidget first!! So... The direction this ending went made me really happy!! I loved how natural it was, with no romance forced! Since Gidget and Iggy went through so much in their relationship and in arc 4 they had... Maybe not forcing romance on each other per se, but forcing themselves to act like... Whatever Gidget's mother would say they should do as a normal couple, I guess? I don't know how to describe it better, but I Hope you know what I mean. So seeing them just talk things over, with no "acting" to please anybody, being vulnerable and sincere with each other was so good!!! AAAA I JUST LOVE HOW MUCH PROGRESS THEY HAVE MADE, IGGY, GIDGET, THEIR RELATIONSHIP SDVADWMAVVXFAFA I saw someone point out that unlike Orlam, Gidget considers their acts in wonderland as their own wrongdoings (I mean: not wonderland-messed-me-up-wrongdoings), because they don't have such a strong identity-- I love this interpretation so much, aaaaaaa-- Also cg where they lie and look at the stars was so cute, I love it <3 ALSO!! Their epilogue!! It was greaaaaat!! I love love love that they, Cecil and Iggy are roommates!! This idea of living with 2 best friends (or maybe even something more?) sounds so lovely to me! And the fact that they stay in contact with Orlam made me so happy!! Also, like I talked before I love that gidgy are just their own thing, not forcing romance or anything. I like to think they are more in qpr than just in typical romantic relationship (or somewhere in between) and it makes my aroace heart so happy <333
Next one Genzou!! GENZOUUUUU WAAAAAAAH-- I picked him as my second ending, because I knew this was gonna be very sweet <33 and was I wrong? Nope, cuz Genzy is always sweet! Even when they make me weep! I love all characters and ships equally, but genzy strikes me as the most possible one?? Just look how they care about each other and feel safe around the other one-- Ooh!! And let me go back to field scene! I found it pretty satysfying, because when I played arc 1 and Genzou wish was "revealed" I thought something like "Maybe he wished to see Iggy or something" anD IT WAS TRUE ALL ALONG!! I made such an assumption, because first game I played made by you was T2A2G, and it was so cool to have it confirmed! Also I'm curious what he was writing/drawing there as a kid... Hmmmmm... But anyway! Iggy telling him he needs to care for himself and try his best for himself , not to sacrifice himself for Iggy's sake was good as well (also, Iggy, look who is talking lol). They just feel so natural when it comes to understanding and caring for each other aaaaa-- And his epilogue was very sweet as well! I love their expressions in it-- Iggy looking like embarrassed, but happy shoujo anime schoolgirl after giving Genzou his "answer", I can't-- And they just living together, chilling on the couch and spending time in Genzou's workshop awwwww... Did I mention they are very sweet?! >83
Okie Dokie, it's time for our lovely rat king Orlam! Well, well, his ending was a very interesting one! I love how his relationship with Iggy differs from gidgly and genzy. They truely are making their own rules, with no need to label themselves. Just two people caring for each other. Also I was very curious how he will act, because his personality seemed to change once again? I thought he was more sarcastic and kinda tired or maybe just reserved there????? Sorry, I don't know how to describe it-- But it was reasonable, this guy didn't feel anything for probably months without his heart and now that it was beating once again in his chest, he was saved, it would be weird if he was still as playful(??) as in previous arcs. Oh or maybe just effect wonderland had over his emotions etc was abolished? Well, with all of it I couldn't wait to see how would he act with only Iggy around! It was so nice to see them dancing with Orlam more "normal"(???? Is this word even compatible with this man?? xDD) and relaxed. Also it was fascinating to see his perspective on his wrongdoings there! Like I said in Gidget's paragraph. It was so refreshing to see a character, maybe regretting what they had done, but saying that they wouldn't do it other way if they could. He knows what he had done was bad, but he would do it anyway, and he still isn't potrayed as a bad guy for that! Oh and also when they fought Bucks and he realized he sounded too harsh when telling Iggy. It's pretty cute that he cares for Iggy's feelings even in a situation like this <3 Also his epilogue seemed the funniest one to me-- Like they were just working on a projects together, helping each other etc so much, that Iggy didn't realize they are in some kind of a relationship LOL Also just seeing Orlam doing great with his career and life is so heartwarming when you know all things he went throught... I truely wish him all the best, he deserves all of his successes and he knows it! <33
And the last, but not least - alone ending! No matter how much I like all endings and even prefer other ones over this one, I feel like this one is the most, uh, "correct" one?? It just focuses on Iggy and I feel like Iggy needs that. To choose himself, to give himself more time and to just keep himself warm. He, alone, but it isn't a bad thing he is alone. It is something he chose himself. And that's good. This epilogue was gsdhbasd so sweet!!! I absolutely love the fact that it showed how he spent time with all of his friends-- not only it was very sweet, also it made me so happy to see him show them he cares more. I remember that when I played arc 1 I wished he tried to act like a better friend to them-- Not to get too into personal territory once again, but this is something that deeply resonates with me. When I was younger (but sometimes still now) I always made up any excuse to not ask my friends if they want to meet, I prefered to just stay in my home and play video games or watch cartoons, and I think I didn't show them I care about them as much as I should. So Iggy change made me (once again lol) emotional <333 ALSO ALSO!!! I love that his life isn't crossed out of any possibilities. He still has his future before him and he can... go... to a pretty particular Christmas party, maybe with a pretty particular person, hehe!
Some thoughts I wanted to say, but didn't:
waaaaah, Genzou seeing Iggy chose Orlam over him was so :(((( I mean it was good that it wasn't swept under the rug, of course he would react some way, but it was sad nonetheless-- I can't help but think that it made him feel more depressed that person who Iggy chose was the one he had tormented so much,, like... To hurt someone Iggy cared so much about? ;; (or maybe it is just me exaggerating drama)
Also!!!! Let me talk about Bucks! HER INTERACTIONS IN FLASHBACKS WITH HUNAR WERE SO CUUUUUUUUUUTE!! I LAUGHED EVERY TIME WHEN SHE YELLED ABOUT TOMATOS IN THE LIBRARY, I LOVED THIS SCENE!! Though it was sad that "the crew" (and later other people too) called her a monster throught all her life that she started to think she really is a one... I can't imagine how did it hurt her when even Hunar called her that,,,, Bucks,, it's so good that in the end she and Hunar could make their dreams come true and had a healthier relationship! The possibility that Saydie may be born someday in a family that wants her is very heartwarming as well! TwT
While replaying barbecue sequence after finishing some endings I noticed that Bucks herself calls Saydie "a little monster" or something of sorts-- Like she is saying "a monster daughter of a monster mother" or just calling her what she hates to be called. I wonder if it was planned all along??
Ooh and I wanted to tell you that I think I found something like a bug in new version?? In arc 4, when Bucks comes to cabin one or two cgs are replaced with black background and Bucks sprite!
And let me come back to endings for a little-- while I absolutely love them I feel like if I didn't talk with Gidget so much and they wouldn't get their conclusion in my run their redemption would be almost not visible?? And I can't make my mind how to think about this, because I feel like Gidget wanted to give Iggy the space, but also if I, as Iggy, avoided them until the end their character arc would be left so opened. They would never apologize and had to live with guilt/shame they couldn't even say sorry,,, I just think it would be heartbreaking :((
...But anyway!
I wanted to mention that I love some cgs in arc 5, I even made the one with Iggy, Genzou and Gidget lying on a grass my phone wallapaper! Overall your artstyle has grown on me so much, I love it!! How expressive, how pretty and how much atmosphere you can show with it! And songs choice, as always, very, very good I'm looking forward to arc 1-5 ost playlist to listen on repeat remembering all of horrible or sweet moments with every track! And can't wait to see what you are going to do in future! Either remaster or anything new - I wish you all the best!! Thank you for making this game, it is one of the best, if not the best stories I've had the pleasure of reading and it shall always live in my heart <3
Firstly, finally got to play through the whole, complete game, and MAN was it worth it! I can see how you grew in all ways, Carrot, as the arcs went on, and just how the characters evolved.
I loved the ending in which Iggy, after letting others dictate his whims, finally takes control, not just from others, but from me, the player. I also love how that gets foreshadowed when given a false choice as to whether to get on the boat. I also like how no, the characters keeping all their future knowledge and experience doesn't magically make everything better. The whole unintentional erection incident which led to Genzou's blinding still happens. Iggy still lashes out at Gidget for winning the coding challenge. But in all cases, they listen to each other. Iggy is WAY more of a true friend this time. Genzou finally learns how to let go of Iggy. Orlam, while it's clear he and Genzou will never get along, finally has friends, real connections. Bucks - oh man, how she busts herself and Hunar out of their wedding. SO in-character for her! Oh, and of COURSE Orlam is a businessman. (I could write up a whole fan-fic short about how Orlam brings in a misbehaving employee treating those under them like pigs for the slaughter and verbally rips them a new one as only Orlam can.)
I also like when Iggy enters...I dunno, the Wishing Tree's inner sanctum? We finally get to see what everyone wished for, what Iggy's first wish was, and while seeing Saydie die along with the Tree was quite sorrowful, given the bizarre, supernatural circumstances, and given how Sadie is effectively being kept in a strange sort of undeath, I'd do the same thing as Iggy. She needed to finally rest in peace.
Now my one big criticism is this: why is the Wishing Tree, a maternal entity as old as mankind itself, if not older, holding the same views as Gidget's mother? The story leading up to the Tree's proper introduction to the characters seemed like it was just sick and tired of its wishers' hypocrisy, among many other vices, to the point of madness (what with wishes being her life-blood), when it lashed out to the characters, she'd point out all the flaws in their wishes. Orlam? You wanna make the rules, but all you're doing is running is running from the rules meant to help you find happiness - not to mention sealing yourself off from all aspects of life, even the good parts. Gidget? Your true self is a man, but you sacrifice it all for your mother's flawed view of the world and a pointless, destructive obsession over a biological man who can never satisfy you the way you OR your mother wants. Genzou? You want to see with Iggy so badly, you're willing to be blinded by his own emptiness to the point of sharing it and its active harming those who truly care for you - like Orlam. Bucks? You want your daughter dead...how do you think you got into Wonderland these last six times (at least)?! Iggy, though? The Wishing Tree's diatribe against him fits perfectly (and is a nice fourth-wall break).
OK, with that out of the way, but before I get into my non-review questions: final verdict? My good carrot, this is a masterpiece. Full stop.
This is worthy of a commercial remake. Get the money and team you need to bring the rest of the arcs up to Arc 5's level, make original backgrounds, music, etc.; hire on voice actors, like asexual Michael Kovak and pansexual Elsie Lovelock (my personal choices for Iggy and Gidget, respectively); and get more semi-animated and animated scenes in.
Okay, for the question and one 'critique' that's so minor it's a nitpick:
Why are the scenes of Orlam's Event Horizon-level flesh-orgy and Sadie's mangled corpse censored even with censorship off? I realize these scenes can easily be EXTREMELY triggering, if not upsetting and/or disturbing, but I feel those who are willing to brave the depravity should be permitted to see the images in all their horrid detail as, in context, they cement, respectively, just how completely uncaring and unhinged Orlam has become without his heart, and just how far the Wishing Tree is willing to go to get her 'perfect' wish.
Also, I don't know if this is just a limitation of Ren'Py or what, but in the scenes with false choices, the player could still be made to think that they can make a decision, but no matter which they select, they get the same scene, complete with options in the background. Just something to enhance those scenes' bait-and-switch.
Thanks for reading, Carrot, and I look forward to your next endeavor!
Ahhhh I'm really happy you enjoyed seeing everything get wrapped up! There was so much build-up leading up to this and so many different aspects that needed to converge... in some ways I feel as though I'm quite lucky that I was able to make everything come together as well as I did, especially considering how much the story and characters themselves evolved throughout production. (Perhaps a sign that I should actually outline things when crafting a larger story... but then again, I think I'd lose too much motivation then, as half the fun for me is discovery while I'm writing and being pleasantly (or sometimes not-so-pleasantly) surprised at the directions the story takes lol.) So much of myself also ended up coming out in surprising ways through the characters and their stories. And this made many parts of the ending quite emotional for me to work on.
Hahaha I wouldn't say the tree is exactly like Gidget's mom 🤣 Gidget's mom would certainly not care about violence and drama and would actually very much encourage "non-innocent" behaviors if it meant Gidget would give her grandchildren and be her idea of a "perfect child." Though certainly some of the same ideals do carry over in that fashion. I think with the tree though it's more this idea of pure innocence, and with Gidget then its issue is less so Gidget's gender struggles and more so the focus this then brings on specific body parts, which in the tree's mind, automatically equates to lost innocence. At least that's what was going through my mind as I was working on that part 🤣 Though I did keep quite of the ending sequences somewhat vague on purpose as I never want to force interpretations and would rather have people take away their own stories and ideas from it. I just enjoy when stories don't answer every single question and let you get lost in your own theories. I really love the "hot takes" you've written here that the tree could give each of them though. They all feel extremely on point hahaha.
"This is worthy of a commercial remake." --> Weep that's so incredibly kind... As much as I would love to be able to really go all out and do something like that, I think I just don't really have the heart or mental capacity... I am too anxious and easily overwhelmed of a person, so I don't really want to work with money and hiring people and having to manage all those things 💦 I think it might kill me LOL I feel like the only way something like that could ever happen is if someone else wants to do it and has the money and influence and know-how and then I could just be a consultant or something 🤣🤣🤣 Maybe I am just too timid and weak LOL But I'm really happy you think the game is high enough quality that it would even be worthy of something like that. It really means a lot to hear 💕
Ahhhh... about the censored CGs yeah... for the first one in particular I received feedback that I should tone it down. And I was worried that completely redrawing a toned-down version wouldn't have the same effect, so I chose to hard-censor it instead. For the second one, I decided myself but for similar reasoning to hard-censor it, as it felt unnecessary to show the full extent of it for the impact to still be there, especially since I still have the written descriptions. I realize some people might not be happy with this decision, but I made the choices both from an idea of not wanting to just be extreme for extreme's sake, and also because of the audience I've cultivated around the game.
At any rate, I was really happy to hear your thoughts about everything and I'm glad that you've stuck through to the end of this and have enjoyed seeing it all play out! I've really enjoyed reading all your commentary along the way and hearing your thoughts and interpretations for all the different story beats. Thanks so much for playing and always leaving such long and wonderful comments! It means so much hearing from you again now that this thing has finally come to completion! 💕
I know that this is probably really obvious, but I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT TRAIL BOMB IS?????? LIKE, I was so confused man when they first introduced it, now im replaying a still have no idea. help
It's just bits of gore taken from the humans that used to live in Wonderland (since the rabbits used to feed on them, so now when they smell it, they instinctively run towards it...)
I love this game so much, I had chills when I first played through it and I couldn't make myself stop. It's amazing and I feel so seen through Iggy. Orlam my beloved <3333
FOR EVERYONE HERE: Where is the fandom? Like, where y'all at? I searched up Our Wonderland and there was literally maybe ten people who had anything related to it, and there were only a couple hundred views for those. WHERE Y'ALL AT?! This game deserves so much more than a couple hundred fans!
Also Orlam is the most beautiful scraggly rat man I've ever seen and I'm in love with him. I ship Iggy with Genzou, obviously, but I keep playing the Orlam ending because I'm just obsessed.
I don't know if there are other places, I only know about the places where I also hang out and post stuff, but from what I can tell, most people are on Tumblr. There's also people on Twitter, though I think it feels like less of a community there?? But that's just my observation not as part of the fandom but as the creator lol. I don't really have a presence outside of those two places though so I can't say if there's anyone anywhere else.
There should be more people in the fandom! This game is so well made! It's not even behind a paywall, so everyone's just sleeping on this opportunity. The characters are developed perfectly, the interactions are both heart-wrenching and hilarious, there's not a single plot hole in the storyline, and so many other things that I can't even put to words.
I will replay the heck outta this game no matter how long it is! I fricking love this game!!!! The writing the characters! I rarely ever make comments but have to right now.
Like that's how good this game is.
Spoilers
This game is one i'll never forget. It made me cry and feel things. I cannot explain how good- no great this was. At the end where it told us what each of their wishes are and having a wall break where it says that Iggy's actions are being controlled by an out side force which is us the player. What struck even more is how Iggy got to make his own choice in the end. Letting us see the monsters and everything fade from wonderland. Also at first we never saw much of Bucks in the first half of the game and how she was like, she was just a big loud and excitable person at the start. Then when it showed the flashbacks of her and everyone saying she was a monster. Everyone was calling her a monster even her friends but Hunar didn't. He saw something beautiful, but when she said that she wanted their child dead he called her a monster. That hurt the most because the one who never called you a monster finally calling you one put her over the edge. I also love how we got to see Saydie. I love this game and the characters so much! They made me cry so much, and I will stay and happily see what you will do next!
Okay seeing as you seem to be as obsessed with this game as I am, I must ask you. Do you know where the fandom is? Because I looked up Our Wonderland on YouTube and TikTok and there were maybe three creators with only a couple hundred views and I definitely think know this game deserves more than that.
Ahhhh your words are too kind! I'm really happy you enjoyed the finale (and just the game itself ofc) 💕
Hahaha yes the ending gets quite meta. That whole scene in the field and with all the wish reveals and Iggy's original wish still really gets me. It was a hard scene for me to work on as it hit quite close to home and also was just this massive culmination of everything... I kept crying while working on the scene 💦 I'm glad it could also have impact for you.
I'm glad you liked the Bucks and Hunar part, as well, and the flashbacks. Even though I obviously couldn't give them the same weight and time that I had given the other chars because of the structure of everything, I still wanted it to feel weighty and feel deserved and give them some closure and resolution, as well. So I really tried to go all out on their parts hahaha.
I'm so glad you enjoyed everything and it could mean so much! Hearing this makes me feel really touched and honored, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write up your thoughts like this and let me know how you felt about the game. Thank you so much for playing!! 💕
the best game that I'm sure I will never forget. it is emotional, heartwarming and heartbreaking! and its goreee!! when the scary magic tree brings the ugly true human nature out, there must be violence there!
it touches on many topics that are important to me, and which I have rarely seen before. i think i can relate with all of the big 5, especially with iggy
its such a bittersweet feeling, that this is the end of an ERA haha I've finished the game! now i guess i will patiently wait for your next works!!
i really loved the ending, i was in aweee the whole time hahah
SPOILERS:
so i went:
genzou - gidget - orlam - .......genzou again (I didn't feel good not ending with him looll, i had to see their happy end again...also their scene was so romantic omg??? i would die)
(also i forgot that neutral exist, i will do this maybe later haha)
I like that when they go back in time, they still make the same mistakes (i mean, most of them, and handle them better) i like to believe that they are all better friends to each other, especially genzou and orlam...their relationship was just so complicated and tragic ahhh i would like to see more of their friendly bickering <3
bucks and hunar took a break to fullfil their dreams??? BEAUTUFIL
im happy that they are happy in the end...lol, and GIDGET WITH CECIL AYEE GO BESTIES GO and ORLAM WORKING WITH JERRY?? OMGGG HHAHA
thank youu so muuuch and congratulations!! i wish you all the best!! <3
This was incredibly touching for me to read, and I'm really happy you enjoyed the finale so much! (And also just the game in general 💕) Your words mean a lot, and I'm really honored that this game could mean so much to you.
Hahaha I loved seeing the order you went in (and also got a chuckle that you did Genzou's again at the end 🤣) I hope you'll do the neutral as well in the future! Even though it's a bit shorter than the others, it has a cute little easter egg that ties it into the universe (and I also just like how it wraps up, too).
I also like to believe they are much better friends to each other. Like obviously they're not perfect. They never were. And they never will be. But their relationships won't be built on so much conflict and bitterness and won't evolve to the point of hate they way they did in the past. So even if they're still snarky to each other, it's not in the same vitriolic way and at its core, you can tell they do still mean something to each other. That's how I see it in the new timeline anyway.
I'm also happy they are happy in the end 🥺
Thank you so much for playing and letting me hear your wonderful thoughts! I really appreciate you taking the time to write everything out!! And I'm very happy you've enjoyed the game 💕
This is genuinely by far the BEST thing I've ever played. The writing, The characters, absolutely everything about Our Wonderland is so amazing that I'd sell my kidney, my legs, and half of my brain just to forget everything and play this all over again for the first time ever, I also finished all the other games and I am still so absolutely hooked!
Spoilers?
I sobbed with genuine tears of joy and happiness when Iggy said I love you to Genzou. Their relationship is so wholesome and adorable and I love how accepting and respectful Genzou is to Iggy, though I admit I may like Orlam and Iggy a tiny bit, nothing can top Genzy, ever.
The part where they gazed into each other's eyes?? Hello??? heart melted instantly.
Genzy has a special place in my heart and I will be playing Our Wonderland again from the start just because of them!
I hated Gidget honestly, but in the last arc? they were pretty cool so I guess I don't dislike them that much anymore now! also loved that they met Cecil, The two of them seems like the best friends ever
And Orlam? my thoughts of him are pretty mixed. but I can't lie, Him and Iggy are sort of cute? in a way. (Genzy still and forever will be the best though)
This game is the best ever, and to be honest? now that I've finished it.. I feel like I don't know what to do with my life anymore haha!
PLEASE DO NOT SELL ANY PARTS OF YOUR BODY?????????? THIS IS BAD???????? HELPDLKFJASLDKFJADSF
Weep I am touched by the sheer fervency though... 😭💕 I'm really happy you enjoy the game so much! And all the other games too!! I always feel extra touched if people even go out of their way to play all the side games lkasdfasd
"Genzy has a special place in my heart and I will be playing Our Wonderland again from the start just because of them!" --> YOU'RE REALLY MAKING ME CRY HERE????
I'm so glad you liked the Genzy route ending... I also really liked how their scene turned out. It felt really cathartic and touching for me and I still get a bit weepy thinking about it lakjdfad They really mean so much to me. Maybe it's all my cathartic ace thoughts manifesting in them but they truly just make me feel so soft and warm when I think about them. This makes me doubly weepy if other people also like them 🥺💕 I could write them finding each other in a thousand other universes and still never get tired I think LMAO I just want to create things about them forever maybe.
I'm glad the ending could also help you like Gidget a bit more!! I never blame anyone for any lingering uncomfortable thoughts they might have about them, at least in regards to Iggy. But I'm happy if by the end, even those that may have disliked them can still come to understand them and their struggles.
"Him and Iggy are sort of cute? in a way." --> KDFJADSF I don't know why but this made me laugh... 🤣
"now that I've finished it.. I feel like I don't know what to do with my life anymore haha!" --> YOU AND ME BOTH LOLOLOL
But for real though, thank you so much for all these kind words!! And thank you for loving the game and the chars (and Genzy) and taking the time to write up all your thoughts like this. It really means so much!! And I'm really happy you enjoyed the game and its finale!! 🥰
Not me lowkey getting scared when it said "What do you want, Saydie?" because that's my deadname and I forgot it was the name of Bucks' child so I thought it knew something
lkdjfadkfasd I'm glad to hear your opinion has evolved 🤣 (though I also don't fault anyone who still has reservations about them) They would indeed make a pretty cool friend.
God, this has been such a wonderful game from start to finish. I remember how hooked I got the first time I played the first 3 arcs. The characters feel all so human and distintic, with their own wishes and motivations, with their own flaws and things that pain them.
SPOILERS BELOW!
I loved the final message about how the story isn't a fairytale, so even when they all go back to when they were kids, they still make some of the same mistakes they did before but they react to them better and learn from them!!
Bucks story was really heartbreaking. People might not realize sometimes, but when you say something to a person enough times... they start to believe it themselves. It's so sad that she couldn't be honest with herself and admit she didn't like being called a monster and didn't want the life she had until it was too late. But I'm so glad that she got a second chance with the loop and Hunar and she achieved their dreams before marrying!! (Even if I'll miss Saydie, she's a sweetheart!! but I want to think that she'll appear again since they were considering having a child in the future)
The others' endings were really charming too. I love the fact that Gidget becomes more involved with the LGBTQ+ community and how she even meets Cecil!! Their relationship is super wholesome, they feel like siblings!!
I'm still missing Gidget's ending but of the other two I played I think my favorite is definitely Genzou's. As much as I love Orlam, I think (personally) Iggy's relationship with Gen makes a bit more sense because of all the hints and teasing that were going around for the whole game (plus it just hurts me too much to see Genzou sad dksjgbksjb).
The scenes between Iggy and Genzou were super sweet in Arc 5 and the future they build together warms my heart. I especially loved the part where Iggy mentions that Genzou respects his boundaries even when they're not always the same, 'cause sometimes he may feel like he could do more and sometimes less. It honestly made me so happy to read as an ace person myself!!
Overall, gosh, this game is so freaking fantastic. It will forever be one of my favorite games and I'm so happy to have played it and met the characters and read their story.
Thank you so much for this game, Carrot; and congratulations on the completion of it!! I'm looking forward to more of your stories!!
Ahhhhhh thank you so much for playing, Pri!! It really means so much! And I'm so happy you ended up enjoying the finale! 😭💕
Also that you liked the final message. It was something I was thinking about a lot even throughout production, both as how the ending in my head evolved a bit, but also like, how exactly I would handle everything afterwards (helped a lot by working on OC). But I felt like a big part, or maybe at least one of the themes of this game in general, is that 1) things aren't perfect, that's just not realistic, and even if you get close to all the things you want, it still won't be perfect, and 2) that life in general is oftentimes beyond our control, but we still have to just do what we can. And I thought that by showing that, even with them remembering small bits, they would still go on to make some of the same mistakes or have some of the same things happen is precisely because no matter what you do, you can't control everything. You can try to be as calm, as cool, and as levelheaded a person as you possibly can, but even then you might still snap at someone if you're stressed. You might still get flustered and make a mistake. And the idea behind life isn't to eliminate these mistakes but to figure out how to better respond to them and act after the fact. (Obviously this doesn't like... adhere the same to like, all things, but still.)
At any rate... I'm really happy you liked Genzou's ending (and Orlam's too but lol). "(plus it just hurts me too much to see Genzou sad dksjgbksjb)" --> LKDJFALDSKFA NO REAL SAME. It made parts of working on the finale a bit difficult for me tbh because I kept having to compartmentalize parts of it in my mind because I would feel too sad otherwise 🤣 Maybe because as much as I love all the ships, Genzy will always hold a special place in my heart. And also the fact that I think Genzou hurts the most if Iggy doesn't choose him. And maybe also because I feel like the other two have like real strong supports and relationships with others in their own endings even if they're not chosen -- and Genzou does, too! Like I really wanted to show that him actually not focusing on Iggy and making more friends outside of the group and more general connections is what really helped him to be happier with his life. But at the same time his does feel the most like it's missing an Iggy-shaped piece lakdjfasdf 💦 (maybe that's just my heart talking though LOL)
I'm happy you liked the little ace themes woven into the endings, too sob 💕 I included it in different ways no matter the ending. Whether in the form of Iggy coming to terms with himself or in the way he interacts with others. But I really enjoyed how it ended up taking shape in the Genzou ending. Maybe because thinking about the two of them like, having this really trusting way that they experiment with things, and like, Genzou just being always so kind and patient and understanding and never once judging Iggy for anything, and thinking about that kind of love and support, it just makes me really soft and weepy... 😭💕 It makes me want to actually write about it in more detail and what it could look like and also with some silliness and warmth idk. I don't know if I ever will though.
"It will forever be one of my favorite games and I'm so happy to have played it and met the characters and read their story." --> WEEP this really means so much!! Thank you so much for all of your kindness and support and just wonderful friendship over the years, Pri! And thank you for playing the game and for always being so encouraging about everything! It means the world!! 🥺💕
i have words but uhh. it took me over a week to be able to play the finale and yeahh it do be hitting. i am so very tired. (minor spoilers) i really, really loved how this concluded. i adored the ending i got, the exploration of bucks' character was super interesting and cool, iggy finally making his own choice + the slight meta narrative/fourth wall breaking was so neat. carrot youre so incredibly cool and i love you. thank you for my favorite game. im gonna go scroll through the entirety of the blog now. thank you <3
"carrot youre so incredibly cool and i love you." --> WEEP??????
Ahhhh... I'm getting really teary-eyed!! Thank you for this lovely comment and the kind words! I'm so happy you ended up enjoying the finale and just the game in general!! It means so much hearing that the game means so much to you... 😭💕
So like. Amazing. Literally amazing. What the fuck am I going to do with my life now? /j
SPOILERS FOR THE GAME BELOW
Ok so, before finally playing the last part of Arc 5, I actually replayed through the whole game in order to refresh my memory on everything and I DEFINITELY felt like that was needed. I already had a good idea of everything that occurred throughout the game, but experiencing it all over again was definitely much more different than just remembering. It was probably a bad idea in hindsight because I was playing during a week where standardized testing was happening, but I believe it was all worth it. And it made Arc 5 all the more impactful.
The moment they all enter the cabin, there was already quite a bit to unpack. Iggy and Gidget were faced with a reminder of what happened at the end of Arc 4, there was a weird door they all had to figure out how to open, and Genzou and Orlam were already starting to bicker.
(I liked the brief callback to Jerry :D)
I had expected to see Genzou and Orlam to be somewhat happier to talk with each other, but it makes sense that they were still quite hostile, when you think about the relentless torment that Orlam had to go through, and Genzou’s routine of degrading Orlam that he had fallen so deeply into, which he was reluctant to break. That isn’t something one single apology can just fix, and that’s not even considering all the things in the loops that they had to undergo.
And then… Iggy and Gidget. I can’t imagine the cesspool of emotions both of them probably felt when entering the cabin, especially Gidget. That moment HAD been peaceful at first, until the drug that they infused the drink with kicked in, in order to “fix” Iggy and have the perfect life with him.
I love how much emphasis is put on this moment when Iggy “chose” them. The fact that Iggy described Gidget as so composed and strong at first, only for their barely maintained composure to crumble when they started apologizing for what they did to him. And also, in no way did they ever show the resentment towards him that they harbored for him in previous arcs. It was likely exacerbated by the Wonderland, and they also were preoccupied when apologizing to Iggy at that present moment, but still.
They had changed so much, from when Genzou and Iggy first visited them in the town, to that moment, when they started crying, kneeling in front of Iggy. Their change wasn’t just in physical appearance, but in mindset and demeanor as well. The complete shift from how flippant and carefree they were in the beginning, to the serious and grounded mindset they started to adopt the moment they were released from the shackles of others’ expectations for them. Though, that same carefree demeanor also felt like an attempt to disguise the fact that they were hanging onto their last thread of sanity, so it was probably more like a return to what they used to be. And the vulnerability they had when they expressed their fear of the Wonderland showing their “true self” is heartbreaking. It tied in with their whole theme of "not knowing themself", which is most evidently relevant to their gender identity, but also to other aspects of themself and whatnot.
Even with all this in mind, Iggy chose to trust them, and believe in the person that they have transformed into, rather than the person driven insane by the delusions of a fantasy world that had tortured him so much. I feel like that aspect of their relationship is what led me to enjoy seeing it play out so much. Them falling asleep outside instead of going back inside is so dorky too.
And SPEAKING of Genzou… there was a lot of content for his scene that made me think “damn, this one is definitely the most romantic out of all of them”. Like, they kiss once, then another time, and then they have a CG in the cabin where they’re lovingly gazing into each other’s eyes. Funnily enough, I was thinking about Orlam being awake and just watching them (especially considering that’s the very thing he does the morning after) when that moment happened. As for Gidget, I assume they were still outside, but it’s kinda funny to imagine them walking in and being like “…oh" and then needing to deal with that in the morning.
It does actually make sense that Iggy and Genzou have the strongest relationship, at least in terms of romance, because he’s the only one that hadn’t really traumatized him in any way, so there’s not much room for animosity in their relationship. And the fact that his arc was centered around the comfort that he gives Iggy and how much he cared for him makes it even easier for Iggy to love him without any reservations.
Either way, it’s so sweet to see how their scene plays out. It first starts off with Iggy caring for Genzou’s severed finger, and then delving into Genzou’s deep-rooted issues of self-hatred and his hypocrisy. I really love the part where Iggy proclaims that he loves Genzou when Genzou asks why he cares so much and then they have the kiss and then the dorky moment when Genzou is pulling his beanie over his head and AAAAAAAAAAAAA
This scene with Genzou feels EXTREMELY relevant to how they both were in the beginning of Arc 5, where Iggy takes it upon himself to care for Genzou when he’s not in the right mind to care for himself, where in the past, Genzou had been the one doing that. Notably, there’s also the juxtaposition of how they’re feeling extremely conflicting emotions about each other when Iggy visits Genzou’s house in the beginning, to how SURE they are of their feelings right before they confront Bucks. Iggy’s comment about the world being too cruel to let them sleep peacefully together reminds me of Arc 2, where they have the moment in the castle where Iggy opens up to him and they kiss, only for that happy moment to be taken away from them so quickly when Iggy was brought to be electrocuted and Genzou was later axed by Bucks at the cliff.
As for Orlam, it’s a bit sad that my opinion of him hasn’t changed much from my perspective in previous comments I’ve made. I guess it’s because of the fact that we didn't really see much of him until the latter half of Arc 5, and his segment primarily consisted of him expressing his hatred for the others and how much he suffered, right until the very end. It’s like, I understand his story and shit, and there are some parts of it I feel I can relate with, but he just doesn’t resonate with me as much as Gidget and Genzou does.
With that out of the way, I still think his dynamic with Iggy is intriguing, though. Their relationship isn’t plainly defined as “romantic”, because there’s more to it than that, but they also don’t try to conform to the expectations of others (hence the theme of “making one’s own rules”). Even so, there’s still a clear connection that they have with each other, even with the ways that they largely differ.
He definitely opens up more when Iggy chooses him, too. There’s no doubt that he certainly likes to fluster Iggy, but there’s also a sense of caring that he has for Iggy too. His morals are interesting also, with how he confirms that he had some semblance of regret for what he did, but still wouldn’t change what he did: rather, if it ended, then he would simply “let it end”. Interestingly enough, this idea also seems to be relevant to his lack of reactions compared to Gidget and Genzou when Iggy is put in some kind of danger (even when he’s the one that’s “chosen”).
I think it’s because in some way, he’s accepting the possibility of Iggy dying. Not because he doesn’t care for him, but because that’s something that can happen, and there’s no changing it if it does. One also has to consider that this timeline takes place where Iggy was one of the multiple people in the friend group that let him be bullied relentlessly (even when he had good moments with Orlam), and the fact that he was the target of Genzou’s affections. Genzou, the one who Orlam had a big fat crush on. So it would make sense if there was still some built up resentment that led him to not care as much for Iggy. I could be misconstruing his actions entirely, but who knows lol.
And then if Iggy chooses no one, I think I like the way he approached the events that happen from that point onward. Sure, you lose out on specific interactions that pertain to specific characters, but it also feels like his actions were consistent with his motives. He tried to take it into his own hands to do things on his own and took the initiative, first helping Genzou and going off on his own to confront Gidget. He didn’t go unscathed while doing it, evidently (considering he sustained injuries basically every other second), but his efforts still showed nonetheless.
He grit his teeth through the tough moments, and tried to rely on his own strength to do everything that he can feasibly do himself (at least if he chooses no one to help him). In all honesty, it’s kinda funny thinking about how he has the whole spiel about needing someone else’s warmth because he’ll die without it, only for him to be like “…actually, I can use my own warmth”.
Ok so um. Finally moving onto the more important events of Arc 5, the battle with Bucks was... certainly not what I was expecting. She manifested as a LITERAL monster when they first encounter her, which then becomes so sad to think about after the flashbacks and cutscene of Iggy as Hunar telling her she’s not a monster. With this continuous perception of her being some sort of monster, she just started to roll with it entirely, with Hunar being the only one that diverged from this point of view. At least, up until their relationship started going downhill (it was so sad seeing her sob after Hunar called her a monster T_T). The Wonderland also warping her into becoming the cold-blooded killer that the group was faced with at the end of their respective arcs didn’t help to relieve that perception of her either, and probably even exacerbated it considering they had to see her like that multiple times.
Going back to before that, it’s interesting that Iggy tried to use the Saydie doll to get Bucks’s attention first instead of the axe charm, when Saydie was basically the primary cause of Bucks’s suffering, whether she wanted her to be or not. Though Iggy does come to this realization when he actually grabs the axe charm. It’s pretty funny how it plays out cause the screen is all red and shaky from having his fingers literally being CUT OFF and then everything suddenly comes to a stop, and he's like “ah. of course.”
And when they finally get to the tree. I fucking had CHILLS when the heartbeat scene happened. Initially, the silhouette of the tree getting closer and closer made me anxious that there was gonna be a jumpscare or something, but then the reveal that Saydie was being kept alive by the tree was horrifying. Like, she was alive, but as a “writhing mass” (as Orlam had described her), and the visceral descriptions that were given, accompanied by the music that played… like jfc. It makes sense that she kept telling Iggy to kill her cause I don’t think ANYONE wants to live like that.
Tbh, I actually didn’t think about the tree itself being the main antagonistic force, but that should’ve been obvious in hindsight to me. It’s so… innocently described in the story given in the very beginning of Arc 5, and then it felt so... malicious once they finally met it in the end. Though, that could be because it was affected by the Wonderland’s tendencies, considering how fucked up the world all was.
After that would be the scene with Saydie where she takes Iggy to hear about all of the others’ wishes, and then Iggy’s own wish. Through Iggy’s own power, when he simultaneously grants Saydie’s wish and destroys the tree, it’s very gratifying to watch. At the same time though, I’m confused about the true importance of Iggy’s wish. He wished that “he could make his friends this happy forever”, but… what happened, exactly? Under the assumption that this wish disappeared just like the others, does it mean that the loop was broken? I guess it would be because this happiness was derived from being in the Wonderland, and if that lasted forever, then so would the Wonderland. There was clarification about this in another comment, but I'm not exactly sure if I have the correct impression.
On that note, the fact that everyone got a chance to redo the past (albeit with certain events staying the same) is quite the unexpected ending. I had thought they would be forced to confront the world as they were, with their present injuries and trauma and all that shit. Don’t get me wrong though, it was not bad by any means. I very much liked seeing the new resolutions of the events that went down, and also how everyone lived their lives anew. It probably just took me surprise, like it did with many others. I think I liked the Genzou variant the most (which is probably no surprise, considering my previous comments about him).
There’s honestly so much more I could call attention to, like the callbacks dispersed throughout the game to moments that previously happened, the various cutscenes in the latter half of the game that are so fucking heartwrenching (i.e. Genzou’s apology to Orlam), the endcards, and the very fitting OSTs, but that’d drag it out way longer. So I will leave it at that, and tell you that this was truly a fantastic game. I’m very happy to have discovered this game when it was still in the works and it feels so great to see it be finished. I also enjoyed your responses to my comments very much and I will miss them a lot. IDFK how I made another comment this long just by analyzing the second part of Arc 5, but I guess I just REALLY really liked this game. So as a concluding statement, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING OUR WONDERLAND!!!!
"What the fuck am I going to do with my life now?" --> THIS IS THE QUESTION I HAVE FOR MYSELF AS WELL........ 💦
Sob, at any rate... I'm going to cry from this comment. I'm not only overjoyed you ended up enjoying the last part, but that you'd take so much time??? To write so much??? My heart...🥺💕
You played through the whole game again beforehand ahhhHHHHHH. Somehow this is so touching to me... 😭 I can imagine it could definitely be helpful especially if you haven't played it in a while. Also there's definitely a decent number of times in the finale where I reference past parts of the game. Sometimes even just little small lines, etc. It's obviously not necessary to notice all of these, but it could definitely help if some of them are more fresh in your mind going into Arc 5... (it is a very long game after all and has been in production for a long time lakdjfas) I'm glad that doing so could make the finale feel like it has even more impact!
"That isn’t something one single apology can just fix, and that’s not even considering all the things in the loops that they had to undergo." --> Indeed... I did kinda think about how to approach them for a little bit before diving right into the writing for the finale. In my mind, it would have just felt weird and out of place for them to suddenly be all hunky-dory with each other, not only because it's so fresh, but also because with all the stress and uncertainty of what's to come, they would likely resort back to their typical coping mechanisms LOL That and I kinda see these two as just... well, it's them. Like. Even in the best timelines they'll still be bickering away. But that's moreso because of their personalities and views. Like how even in OC where none of the "worst" things that happened in OW happened in that timeline, they still bicker constantly LOL They just get on each other's nerves and always will. But at least their bickering has less hate behind it and is no longer one-sided.
Hearing you talk about Gidget's part is making me very weepy. I'm glad you like how their route played out. I know it will always probably be the most decisive of all the options, just because of everything that happened, so I really tried to approach it carefully. But I also don't blame anyone who doesn't want to play their route or just doesn't prefer it as much. So hearing that you did still enjoy it and the direction that Gidget's character took is very touching to me 💕
"Funnily enough, I was thinking about Orlam being awake and just watching them" --> LKDJFALSKDF THIS MADE ME LAUGH LOL.
I also feel like Genzou's scene and route in general is the most romantic. Probably because I feel like that's just more the dynamic he and Iggy have. Like of the three possibilities, even though all three of them can settle in and care for each other and have a life together, Genzou and Iggy are the only one where I would say "yes these two are in love with each other," so I think that comes out a lot in how I ended up doing their scene. Plus they had more build-up, I think, that led in that direction. I'm really happy you liked their scene in general WEEP. It may be the one that affects me the most on an emotional level, I'll admit... I just think they're so precious... sigh...
"Notably, there’s also the juxtaposition of how they’re feeling extremely conflicting emotions about each other when Iggy visits Genzou’s house in the beginning, to how SURE they are of their feelings right before they confront Bucks." --> I'M GONNA WEEP
Lol your comments about Orlam... I am indeed always curious how people will react to not only Orlam himself but the Orly dynamic. And I freely admit he's not everyone's cup of tea in general 🤣 I'm touched you still played his route though in spite of not liking him as much! I'm mostly quite fascinated by their dynamic and think it's really fun to explore, even if it wouldn't really be described as romantic. I enjoy what they bring out in each other and how neither one really cares about what the other is doing. I think that also plays into a lot of how they act in the rest of the finale if you take their route. That and Orlam's personality in general. Like he's just not the type of person to show outward distress/fear at someone else's predicament the way the others are, so even in his route, it felt weird for him to ever shout at Iggy in a fearful way. And yeah, you said some really interesting things about him being more accepting of their fate either way than the others are, which I think is also true.
It's really lovely hearing all your thoughts about Bucks's scene and the tree and Saydie.
"He wished that “he could make his friends this happy forever”, but… what happened, exactly? Under the assumption that this wish disappeared just like the others, does it mean that the loop was broken?" --> kdjaldfa this is one of those things where I like to leave some of it rather vague and up to interpretation, which is part of why I went with cutscenes here, as they were a great way to kinda just... show things without necessitating a thorough detailed explanation. I really like letting players/readers come up with their own thoughts about a lot of the things that happen (unless it's something that's like... crucial for the story ofc). I'll say though that yeah, Iggy's childhood wish kinda influenced... everything... after he made it. Like even in his head entering this mindset of focusing on others over himself, which usually just backfired because he was too young to handle a lot of the conflicts and emotions. But also keeping everyone close by even if they would have been better leaving. Keeping everyone with this connection to himself they can't escape from. To then leading to the literal loop where he couldn't die because that went against the wish so restarting again and again, each time focusing on someone else, but it never works, because he can't make everyone happy ofc. And so him destroying the wish destroyed his life in a way, because his life itself had become the result of his wish. And so all the loops and everything after his original wish was destroyed. That's kinda how I see it, but I'm also fine if people come up with other interpretations and theories for that part, too.
"So I will leave it at that, and tell you that this was truly a fantastic game. I’m very happy to have discovered this game when it was still in the works and it feels so great to see it be finished." --> Ahhhhhhh... 💕😭 That really means so lot! And I've always enjoyed reading your comments so much!!! It makes me so happy when people enjoy the chars and story enough to want to dissect it and figure things out and look for connections, etc. So reading those kinds of comments truly means the world.
I'm ecstatic you ended up enjoying the finale so much! And the game as a whole! I can't really believe it's over now. And it's all been hitting me pretty hard. But hearing from people that have enjoyed it and the journey it's taken has really helped so much. Thank you for all the kind words and all of the support and love you've given to the game!! 💕
After finishing the game, I immediately created this account for the sole purpose of writing this comment. Our Wonderland has been a journey–I wasn’t here at the beginning of the game, I actually played it first when Arc 5 part 1 came out. Nonetheless, It’s been amazing seeing the story and character development. Even as I write this, I can’t believe it’s over. Iggy, Genzou, Gidget, Orlam, Hunar, and Buxley.. They’ll always be in my heart. The world of “Our Wonderland” is so much more than a game. It’s everything!!
Anyways, I’m not the best with words, but I need to say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CREATING OUR WONDERLAND!!!!!!! IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING PIECE OF MEDIA EVER CREATED AND I’M GOING TO SCREAM THAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!! Everything from the music choice, placement, sprites, colours, EVERYTHING was perfect. And the writing. I LOVED THE WRITING SO MUCH RAHHHHH
Don’t get me started on the characters either. I love everyone of them and I feel so close with them. Iggy especially though, he’s so relatable and I really connected with his struggles at times. The pressure to perform is so hard, and life can feel meaningless sometimes. But I love the message of the game, which I think is to find your own happiness. The character development is amazing, and there are so many connections and references throughout the game!!
I’ve recommended this to everyone I know (whether they actually played it or not has remained a mystery) but I think that more people need to seriously know about this!!! Our Wonderland is a beautiful, heartwarming and tearjerking game (literally i cried multiple times) which is severely underrated. I wish that I could tell you every other thought that i’ve had about this game or write several essays like the other commenters, but like i said earlier I’m not too good with words. Still, I hope my message reaches you (in case it didn’t, the message is that you created the best game in the world and i love it so so so much my heart might burst).
I won’t yap for much longer: Carrot Patch Games, you deserve an award or several of them or really a trophy for creating the best game EVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING :) <3
"The world of “Our Wonderland” is so much more than a game. It’s everything!!" --> Sob this is so incredibly sweet... I'm really happy the game and its chars could have such an impact on you and resonate with you so much!! I ALSO CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER. I think it's part of why I've been just kinda numb since the launch.
Ahhhh your words are so kind and sweet and really making me weepy. It really means so much so hearing that! Thank you for the kind words!
"Iggy especially though, he’s so relatable and I really connected with his struggles at times." --> HHHHHH I'M REALLY GLAD. Hearing that people can relate to Iggy really makes me wanna cry as there's so much of myself in him. I'm really touched!! 😭💕
"but like i said earlier I’m not too good with words" --> YOUR WORDS ARE VERY KIND AND I APPRECIATE THEM VERY MUCH!!! 💕
Ahhhhh truly thank you! This was such a wonderful and kind comment and I'm really honored that you enjoyed the game so much!! Reading this really brightened my day!! 🥰
I needed some time to collect my thoughts after finishing the finale and all endings. The ending threw me for a loop (a time loop...lol). I'll get more into Ending Spoilers later, but I want to say some non-spoilery stuff about the game as a whole first.
This is such an awesome gore game. There is nothing else like Our Wonderland. The level of nonsense this game is on is unmatched. I am a big fan of hyper-gore and guro-type games, on some level because its such a strange and loud way to tell a story that it always makes me interested. There's also a sense of humor and catharsis in the absurdity of all that violence. Our Wonderland makes use of these ideas so well. These characters are dysfunctional, they never learned how to be close to someone without ripping their skin off, and its sad, and its funny, and it's hitting on a personal level. I have also never played another game that depicts asexuality in such a visceral way. OW rockz 5ever.
Spoilers time~
Okay, so that ending! The more I thought about the characters, the more I liked it and a sense of acceptance washed over me. They were always in that never-ending life, even before I came in and started playing with them, and so of course they return once again. It reminded me of the Nietzsche quote I sent you on tumblr a while ago. (I couldn't find the tumblr post, so I'm just linking to the quote itself.)
The scene with Saydie guiding Iggy to find all his friends was really emotional for me. All the characters saying their adult wishes, but looking like children, and realizing their wishes sound so much like the wishes of children. Sometimes I feel like I carry every age I've ever been with me, so I'm more experienced at being 9 than I am at being 26. This scene reminded me of that feeling. It was really well-done.
Other thoughts: I am still reeling from my ship being canon!? Gidget/Cecil/Orlam canon, arguably in every universe except for the Orly ending! I am screaming!! I am sooooo happy for them. Oh my GOD.
I also really loved the Orly ending, too! For me, that one was the sweetest. They keep coming back to each other. Everything about them together. Discordant harmony in B, please. <3
Our Wonderland is so good. Congrats on finishing this giant game! I'm so happy I got to play it, and now it will be played over and over again by players new and old! :3
"The level of nonsense this game is on is unmatched." --> HELP DJLAKSDFJAD
It's so interesting to me in general... I feel like I went into this game wanting to make something horrific and intense but with some underlying feels, but by the end, I feel like I'd transitioned away from wanting to make something horrific and became much more focused on the characters and their stories and wanting to make something that could resonate and move people rather than be horrific for horrific's sake. And maybe that's partly why I've been nervous with the direction of the game and especially the finale. Since I do feel like the game has changed over time. So it probably feels different to those who have been following it the whole time. Not that there were a lot of people back then but still lol. Maybe it's a part of me just growing as a dev and realizing what the stories are that I really want to tell. Unsure.
But I digress.
"These characters are dysfunctional, they never learned how to be close to someone without ripping their skin off, and its sad, and its funny, and it's hitting on a personal level. " --> This is such a great line and a great summary of the characters in general ldkjfasfd
I'm glad you were able to accept the ending even if it sounds like you probably didn't like it at first LOL 🤣 I'm noticing that this seems to be a bit of a trend for people that have played it perhaps. I knew that the ending would probably cause some conflicts and that not everyone would like it. But I'm glad at least if people are able to accept it as the end even if it might not be exactly what they wanted 💦 Even before I started working on Arc 5, I knew I wasn't going to be able to please everyone. Not only with everything that happens throughout Arc 5 but also with the final ending. In the end, as a creator, though, you just need to go with what feels right and stick with it hahaha.
"Sometimes I feel like I carry every age I've ever been with me, so I'm more experienced at being 9 than I am at being 26." --> God I resonate with this so much 💦 Also for the sheer fact that it seems like no matter how old I get, I always feel behind. That I'm even more lost than I was in the past, where my brain thought it knew what it was doing even if it didn't.
LDKJFALDSKFA I'M GLAD YOU LIKED THE GIDGET/CECIL/ORLAM. They are just such a fun little interesting group to me and I want them to find happiness in each other in whatever ways they want to and move past the people that have caused them harm. The little Orlam bits in Gidget's epilogue weren't planned at all, they just kinda snuck in there as I was working on them because it felt right and a bit cheeky. Also that you liked the Orly ending. They are indeed so sweet to me... something about their dynamic just makes me smile. I like that they just do their own thing with zero expectations for each other but still have each other as a sort of anchor.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to leave you thoughts!! Sob it really means a lot. And I'm really happy you ended up enjoying the finale and the game as a whole. It took such a big chunk of me to make. And a big chunk of my life in general. So I'm just really happy if people can come away with it feeling like it was worth their time perhaps dkjafd 🤣💦
I have never been great with words, but I very much have to try for this game, as it has meant so much to me in so many ways and I have to find a way to say it. It's beautiful, somehow relates to me, or makes me think about what I would want in ways that I was expecting (me being ace, feeling like I didn't fit in) to ways I just wasn't expecting or maybe didn't even know that I was going to relate to (the potential Orlam and Iggy relationship) and, of course, made me cry after a day or two with my friend who played the game practically alongside me, but with how many emotions I had for this game, that was to be expected!
Honestly, this game inspired me in every way it could, art (especially pixel art which I hope to be just as good in some way at some point!), music choice, writing and the characters (who I all loved the whole way through), enough that I feel I have to buckle down and find a way to make a game that's somehow just as amazing, I even found myself literally listening to the music and such while I work on my own stuff, just to remind myself how much I love it, and feel so inspired all over again!
!SPOILERS!
But that's just my general feelings, I have even more to say specifically! :D
I think I played the finale as soon as I was physically able to, exactly how I played every other Arc when I found this game and refused to put it down. (Or stop telling the people around me in real life everything about it.) And with everyone together and things being more peaceful at the cabin I was already emotional, enough that when things got to Bucks and everything surrounding her with how the group treated her and, honestly I like how it wasn't a "huge" incident or particularly one incident that was bad, it was more of a consistent treatment that wore on her eventually, I was consistently close to tears from the start, and that's not even mentioning the later scenes, where I had to fight tears so badly I got a headache.
Then the tree and Saydie. Those were just amazing scenes in every way, horrifying, but amazing. This is where I mean I have a hard time with words, but I truly loved this scene, in atmosphere and reveals.
The field scene surprised me, but fit in perfectly too!
I had little idea what the final ending for everything was going to be, but the final time loop was a great end to me, one final loop to something better, not perfect, but better!
And that's of course not even mentioning the routes, a big part of all my emotions, I just love every ship with Iggy, enough that one day I basically have one as my favorite before waking up the next day and having another and then other days they are all my favorite, just because I find something so good in each of the dynamics, where I'll just remember a scene and just love that pair all over again.
I feel like I can only just say random things about each pair that I loved so much, like how Iggy and Orlam's relationship isn't one thing and still just as close, or how Genzou and Iggy's scene finally has Iggy actually tell Genzou he loves him or Gidget and Iggy's relationship changing so much for the better in their ending together. Maybe my thoughts are just a little scattered right now, but I can only describe it as I have so much to love with each pair and I have a hard time describing how much I love each, other than just saying random parts I liked with each.
I went in the order of Orlam - Neutral - Gidget - Genzou, mostly as I knew I would like Orlam and Genzou no matter what so they should be my first and last routes and I always leave Gidget as my nice surprise in the middle. Plus tradition honestly, for some reason I did the same thing while playing OFW and OC, I either played Orlam or Genzou first, then Gidget, then whoever was left. My friend and I even discussed which route to play first, we took it seriously!
Just to end this, thank you for making this game, Carrot. I loved it in every way, and I believe it is a story that I will carry with me forever! Take care of yourself and I'll keep an eye out for anything else you do!
WHY WOULD YOU SAY YOU'RE NO GOOD WITH WORDS this is such a lovely and sweet comment!! It means so much that you'd take so much time and effort to write up all your thoughts like this... 😭💕
Thank you so much for all the kind and lovely words ahhhh... I can't thank you enough. And I'm really touched that you were able to resonate so well with some of the themes. And even to listen to the music!!! LOL I also listen to the music a lot. Even though it wasn't composed specifically for the game, I spent so long seeking out music for each scene and really living with it and the vibes and such that it's become incredibly key to the game for me. It not only inspired some of the game itself but I feel like it's become fully engrained into parts of the game's own identity in a way. I feel like if anything it acts as a good example of how royalty free music can be just as impactful as unique music if you just put some thought into it maybe?? And that there's so much amazing royalty music out there in general so one should never feel like they're less of a dev for using it or something. Idk, I have a lot of feelings about music in general.
Anyway...
I'm glad you enjoyed the finale and all its different bits, from Bucks to the tree, to Saydie. And also the final ending! I was more nervous for the finale than any other arc simply because there was so much build-up and this was like... the end... and I knew I wouldn't be able to please everyone. But I hoped that whether people completely agreed with the ending or not they'd still be able to enjoy it as the final piece of the game.
KLDJFALDSA I'M GLAD YOU LIKE ALL THE SHIPS. I do, too... 😭 They are all very important to me in different ways. And I love the fact that they all feel so different from each other. So they all give me different kinds of feels. I wanted the ending to feel complete and satisfying no matter which route you went with. Not only for the sake of the characters but also for players, whether someone prefers a certain ship and only plays one or likes all of them and wants to see all the possibilities. (Though I do think that seeing the complete story/final arcs for all the chars rounds things off the best even for those who might prefer a single ship, since I feel like each character arc hits its finale in the individual cabin scene, but still.)
dkfaljsdkf the order people go in is always very interesting to me so thank you for telling me! I'm always curious if people will go for their preferred one first or wait or play in order from top to bottom, etc. (I personally always go in order of the arcs in everything I do, almost because I feel like I can't do it any other way, it's become so engrained lakdfjas.)
Sobbbbb.... your words at the end really mean a lot 😭💕I'm really so happy this game could mean so much to you and inspire so much!! Hearing something like that means the world. Thank you so much for playing and for your kind words of support and love!! It really brightens my day!!! 🥰
I am finally back and actually managed to sob (My heart turns to stone for a day after finishing something, and THEN I cry) so now I am ready to pour love all over this game!
!SPOILERS!
Firstly, I played through everything (Leaving Genzou's route for last because I wanted to end on my fav) and for the story, MY GOSH.
I adored everyone being back together, and finally realizing how much they've been neglecting Bucks, who somehow went from the littlest one of them (Complete with Gidget "protecting" her in the beginning from Genzou's crassness) to becoming the big, strong one that got shoved the responsibility of "protecting" them. I loved how it was never anything spectacular, or horrific, but her response was still just as upset at the expectations thrust upon her. The whole situation is complete when you realize in Arcs 3 and 4, Bucks just...disappears from mind, because they forgot about her. In that way, it was obvious only words from Hunar (adorable flashbacks, btw) would bring her back.
And then...the tree and Saydie. I loved how in the realization that this terrible, awful tree smells sweet made me feel like it was a Venus Fly Trap. Guiding children in to feed it wishes, and then kicking them out when their lives became difficult and "not innocent" (And judging them by completely arbitrary standards that are unfair to people growing up or going through life).
And then Saydie and the field was honestly where I teared up. That Iggy could never allow himself to have the same enjoyment as them all, and their frankly innocent wishes, followed by making a decision for himself (I found it a really nice thing that making himself happy was not exclusive to helping support the others in their happiness, heck, even IGGY seemed to think his happiness was exclusive to theirs, which was just untrue) And then destroying that terrible tree (I wonder if its gone for good, especially since the book is now blank).
I honestly wasn't expecting the time loop to loop back into their childhood, but my surprise didn't supersede my enjoyment. I love that they only get this opportunity to start again AFTER they've made the decision to be better to each other, and no sooner, so it feels like a reward for their efforts, and just a final wish to ease the journey (cause I believe they could have fixed their relationships, but I'm glad they got a chance to take kinder actions). Obviously, I'm super glad they remember as well (even if not in their head all the time) and this influences their actions beyond this point, but never making it perfect (Orlam still had his rough childhood, Genzou had his accident, Gidget still had a tough self-discovery), just better. Being ACTUAL friends to each other (now I just wanna write fanfics of the "better" actions that the others took, if only cause we only explicitly see Iggy's choice changes...and ships, cause that fuels me and I wasn't expecting to get so much material + poly implications with some parts!?!?). Cecil and Jerry making it into the real world was a happy surprise, that just makes me think reality had to rearrange itself without the tree, which is always fun.
Them crying together nearly killed me, though, such a good catharsis and I felt a good way to SHOW how this would still affect them (along with all of them seeing each other's pain in the moment).
Speaking of ships, the SCENES and ENDINGS. Strap in, cause here's where I get rambly. I played them in order of Orlam -> Neutral -> Gidget -> Genzou, so I'll speak in that order.
Orlam's was incredibly sweet, along with the typical Orlam flavor. I liked how he views his actions in Wonderland as disconnected compared to Gidget, as he has a stronger grasp on who he is. The dynamic is very cute, with the fast paced dance and talking finally easing down into a dance that's much slower and more comfortable, as he honestly knows Iggy enough to know he'd appreciate that.
The cgs were beautiful mirrors to their previous interactions: from a "ballroom dance" to a quiet, loving dance in a solitary cabin. Curled up on a small, humble bed (almost reminiscent of Iggy's childhood bed, where he planted the idea of "making their own rules") together rather than a grand, royal thing, and just so, so intimate. So glad I got to see it first, to clarify Orlam logically knew his friendships were there, but couldn't emotionally reconcile everything at the moment. And then the ending! It was cool to see Iggy's path change to accompany Orlam, and their dynamic never quite "fitting in" with others, while still caring a whole lot for each other. Funny that Iggy never seemed to realize their relationship had formed until Orlam started becoming far more affectionate, but that's just Iggy! The rabbit next to Saydie was adorable, and since the rabbits were Orlam's "family" down in Wonderland, a good representation of their relationship never quite fitting into anything besides "cares for each other".
It did hurt seeing the other's reactions though, but I feel it helps the theme. An imperfect thing, or an unhappy thing, was not going to destroy the friendship or chance of happiness.
I played the neutral ending next, and the ending cgs were really cute in detailing how Iggy reached out to the others more in friendship (The clubbing cg was hilarious), and then the connection to OC was very cute!
I'm always pleasantly surprised by Gidget, but never know what to expect, so I did them next. Their fear of their actions being their "true self" was a great contrast, and made complete sense, given they barely know who they are right now. Their feelings of wishing they could have figured this out sooner, along with Iggy, were just achingly familiar in alot of ways I imagine many people feel. Iggy also finally KNOWING what Gidget means also felt a nice contrast from their childhood, where he tried comforting them but couldn't actually understand WHAT he was comforting them from. Sleeping outside (though it froze them up good) was incredibly sweet, and having them so CLOSE (when in Arc 4 Iggy had to turn away from them, he was so ashamed by their reaction) was a great culmination. For their ending, I of course have to bring up the triple kiss. As funny as it is, it feels like a confirmation Gidget isn't letting the expectations of what's "normal" hold them back anymore, even if they shocked everyone but Cecil in the process. All in all, Iggy and Gidget felt like the most "new" relationship, as they had to figure themselves out in a way that never happened before, as so the hackathon trophy next to Saydie feels a great representation of that.
And...oh boy, GENZOU. I'm so glad I left him as my final choice to end off on, cause I adored him and Iggy so much, and it felt right. Sorry, gonna ramble a bit. Genzou always felt like the one who avoided intimacy the most with Iggy, despite how close they got and how much he became a comfort to Iggy, like he thought he'd ruin it (crossing his arms and staying still on the boat, having to think a moment to even hug Iggy, breaking away from the second kiss the moment he feels something's wrong), so it felt right that Iggy had to be the one to push for this kind of closeness. Iggy refusing to become Genzou's only reason for taking care of himself was also awesome, as their relationship clearly led to knowing they needed each other, but that has no reason to lead to Genzou setting himself on fire to keep Iggy warm, but nor should that mean Iggy should become his sole reason for living (Both aren't fair to either of them). The apartment scene, keeping Genzou warm in the woods, felt like perfect lead-ups to this conversation, to really SHOW him neglecting himself out of self-loathing and Iggy really needing him to stop doing that to himself (it only really hit me that Genzou was choosing not to eat on a second day in a row out of misery later). I also enjoy that it was the only route that has an explicit "Love you's" traded, as again, it feels relevant to both characters and their problems. Iggy for finally WANTING something out of him, and not being afraid to say it and push the issue. Genzou for finally letting himself believe Iggy actually loves him, rather than avoiding the intimacy, or writing it off as something else (acting like Iggy's just tired at the rabbit warren rather than just accept he's trying to be this close). The verbal affirmation just felt necessary. As always, I see the cgs as beautiful. The clearly overwhelming kiss like their kiss in Arc 2 (followed by tears, nooooo), and then the warm "by the stove scene" (capping off my intimacy talk by having them be so close and on the same page this time) feeling like a mirror to them in the dark bedroom in Arc 2 and their childhood scene before the accident (which ended up a moment of shame for them both, tragically). I was just glad they finally both got their "cocoon" away from expectations, Iggy from needing to do something he's uncomfortable with to deserve love, and Genzou from needing to be "helpful" to deserve a relationship (I always loved the cocoon imagery and was so happy to see it used over and over, especially in an "our cocoon" sense). I hope you can tell I loved it, and them, with all my heart! Their ending was adorable, that somehow the anxious Iggy and boisterous Genzou ended up highschool sweethearts (I also loved the cg of them talking on the phone, what with lovestruck Genzou surrounded by the decidedly UNromantic sounds of the vocational school) and settling into a very cozy life of working together and helping each other rather than one trying to do everything. Capping off on Saydie, Checkers, and Oswald as a representation of their relationship both as a friendship and romance felt perfect (for them and the game in general).
That got super long, and I hope it's not too much, but I really wanted to let you know how much this game touched me. As an ace person myself, seeing Iggy go through all this and coming out ok with his friends and potential partner was a beautiful experience. I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but the game was an inspiration to me, and I hope to make a game that touches someone the same (I wanted to make games, but this was the kick in the pants I needed).
This was amazing, Carrot, and I'll continue being your fan for anything else you make (but please rest up and take care of yourself!). This Drakka is out and ready for life!
SOB SAVING GENZOU'S ROUTE FOR LAST. Somehow that is so sweet to me... 🥺💕 This whole comment is making me tear up something horrible multiple times... ahhhh I'm trying to collect myself enough that I'm able to write a somewhat cohesive reply lsakdjfasd 🤣
I'm glad you liked Bucks's part. "The whole situation is complete when you realize in Arcs 3 and 4, Bucks just...disappears from mind, because they forgot about her." --> SOB YES. Like. They've always kinda just treated her as this extra that mostly only exists when they need her. When they need her to be a "monster," whether that's protecting them or making them laugh or being some form of entertainment. Because even from back in school, the "love square four" were so wrapped up in themselves and their own complicated dynamics that they didn't have any spare thought to put towards Bucks and always just kinda assumed she was fine and would always be there. Which is really sad. 💦 And I kinda tried to mirror that in the structure itself of the arcs. Because yeah all the complicated convoluted dynamics and drama of the other four always takes center-stage because they can only focus on each other and their own issues and forget that Bucks herself was the one who even started this whole thing to begin with!! 🤣
At any rate, I had hoped it would feel like "enough" for Bucks, especially since she (and Hunar) never got the same screen time as the others. So I really tried to put my soul into that whole part, between the action and flashbacks and cutscene. So I'm just glad if some of that could get across and still be impactful for her and her story 😭
"even IGGY seemed to think his happiness was exclusive to theirs, which was just untrue" --> GOD REALLLLL. Like even from childhood, his own joy coming from seeing his own friends happy. And how that would form his wish, which would in turn go on to cast this veil over his life. Constantly in pursuit of giving happiness to everyone but himself. Which is in itself an impossible task, hence the endless hopelessness and futility of the repeating loops lakdsjfalsd
That whole part was very personal for me and I had a hard time working on it 💦 And I got a bit worried just in general how people would respond to it 🤣 I'm glad you enjoyed it though. And also the whole part with the tree. And the ending!! (lol I'm just listening everything at this point alkdjfas) I think I was particularly anxious about the final ending and people's reactions. I knew no matter what I wouldn't be able to make everyone happy with it but I did what felt right to me and the story. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing how they all ended up lol. I feel like a big part of what I wanted to show with it was that so much of life is beyond our control and we can't blame ourselves for everything, but we can try to make a difference in small ways. And like. Showing how those small ways, even if obviously they didn't fix everyone's problems and issues, they helped give everyone more strength and support to keep pressing on and to find their own selves and their own happinesses.
LKFDJALSDFASDF WHAT AN ORDER TO PLAY THE ROUTES IN 🤣 I'm so interested in what order and/or which routes people will end up playing. Like those that want to play all, which order they go in. And those who only want to play some, which ones they choose, etc.
Sob you're the second person to point out the similarity of the bed CG with Orlam to the one where they were kids I HONESTLY DIDN'T MAKE THAT CONNECTION WHEN I DREW IT LMAO. But that is nothing new, I'm so often only pointed out these things after the fact LOL And now it seems so sweet to me and feels like it makes the final culmination of their dynamic even more fitting.
"It did hurt seeing the other's reactions though, but I feel it helps the theme" --> WEEP FOR ME TOO TBH. I knew going in that it would be hard to write the others' reactions, which is I think also why I tried to keep those after-choice scenes rather lighthearted. Both to ease my own heart, and also because I never wanted anyone to feel truly bad about their choice lkdjads But at the same time not wanting to just gloss over it. So I hope I was able to find a happy medium of still acknowledging the sadness while keeping it lighthearted enough not to drag it down 🤣
I'm glad you also liked Gidget's route! Their special scene honestly turned into one of the most personal for me. Hitting on some of the things you mentioned like wishing you could have done things differently, etc. And also I love how you mentioned this: "All in all, Iggy and Gidget felt like the most "new" relationship" --> because that's also so much how it felt to me. Like. For one, the two have not really had any chance to be with each other as "their true selves." And yes sure in their childhood they did a lot more before everything began changing, but so much of their adult life was spent behind masks, so it almost feels like they never truly knew each other even when interacting. That and ofc everything that happened in Wonderland... like, I didn't want to just gloss over any of that either and say that immediately they'd just be able to patch things up and move on when clearly that would never be the case. That's a big reason to why I made their special scene less romantic in general and didn't include a kiss or anything. Because they weren't ready yet. They needed to meet each other again and re-discover each other and grow comfortable with each other again before anything like that could happen. Which is why I had it only be in the epilogue that things took a more romantic-ish turn for them again. Only after they were able to do things over and grow close actually knowing their true selves.
SOB I'M SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED GENZOU'S ROUTE/ENDING THOUGH. EVERYTHING YOU'VE WRITTEN HERE IS SQUISHING MY HEART AND BRINGING TEARS TO MY EYES????????? Out of all of them, I think the Genzou and Iggy pair will always feel the most special to me... I tried not to let this happen as I do truly love all of them to bits and I love love LOVE the different dynamics they each bring and I wanted each one to feel like a beautiful thing and a potential true route for Iggy. But in my heart I couldn't help but let Genzy take over just a bit... perhaps because their relationship was the most cathartic for me throughout the entire game. Not only from an ace perspective, and how their scenes really let me let out so much of my feelings and struggles tackling my own sexuality. But also just the feeling of pure acceptance is something that melts me to the core. (Also pining. I'm very very weak to pining...). Something about these two has just changed something fundamentally inside me maybe LDKJAFSDFA So. Getting to finally bring them together for good did things to my heart that I may never recover from 🤣🤣🤣 I feel like I could write them falling in love in a million different universes and I would never get tired of it. (Hence why I constantly have different semi-AUs of them playing out in my head at any given time LKDJAFDS)
"I hope you can tell I loved it, and them, with all my heart!" --> I CANNNNNNNN GODDDDDDDDDDDDD everything you've written here... I don't even have the words to respond.... but like.... thank you for putting into words so many of my own thoughts about them and like, their dynamic and the build-up and everything. I've never been good at describing why I write things the way I write them. Because so much of what I do is just based on vibes in the moment. What feels right. But reading everything you've written about their relationship and what it needed and how it culminated feels so incredibly right and in-tune with my thoughts and vibes for why things happened the way they did lakdsjfad Reading it both made my heart twist while also making me smile so much HHHHHHHHHH 😭💕
"That got super long, and I hope it's not too much," --> IT'S NOT TOO MUCH AT ALL. IT WAS WONDERFUL. AND I AM SUPER TOUCHED AND HONORED. I feel like my own response doesn't come close to getting across my sheer feelings at reading what you wrote, but please know that I was incredibly moved. And I'm so appreciative and touched that you would take so much time to write all that out!!! Thank you so so much!! For playing the game. For loving the chars and their stories. For writing down all your thoughts. It really means the world. I can't thank you enough!! I need to go decompress now... LKDSJLFAKSDJFLAKD 🤣💕
carrot i don't know how you did it but you did it. You've actually made a masterpiece.
I've been following this project since arc 1 and holy shit your game (or games, because it's like this with all your games) make me produce enough tears to make a fake ocean and also give me heavy chills.
I LOVED it. Seriously how you write, how you present the scenes, the dynamics and how REAL this feels is abnormal (in a good way of course).
This is all beyond words. I feel like i've commented this before but this is truly one of the best games out there. Something EVERYONE should try once in their life.
I won't stretch this much longer. Just know that this was an extraordinary experience. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
HELPPPPPPPPP sob that's so incredibly kind 😭💕 It doesn't really feel that way to me ldkjasd but hearing that others could really enjoy it so much really means so much. These chars and this story are so incredibly important to me and become such a huge part of my life. Hearing that they are also important to others makes me very weepy 🥺
AND THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING ALONG SO LONG ON THIS JOURNEY???? I feel like there aren't that many people that have been around since the very beginning lakdjfa Especially since it was even more unknown then than it is now (not that it is even very known now 🤣)
Your words are too much ahhhhh... you're really going to make me cry!! Thank you so much for playing! And for all your words and support and encouragement and love throughout all of production! I'm really happy you're still here at the end and could enjoy seeing how this thing all finally wrapped up!! It means so much! 🥰
i’ve only done one route so far but there’s so much i want to scream about. the finale was amazing and there were sO MANY FEELS i don’t know if i can articulate them entirely
firstly, a side note: i mega goofed up lmao. i was shipping genzy for the most part and wanted to do genzou’s ending first but somehow i managed to unlock everything except genzou’s ending??? (don’t worry, i’m just amused! not that it was a bad thing!) i thought about genzou when entering wonderland at the start of act 5 and went to talk to genzou in the bunny hideout before heading for orlam’s castle ;;w;; maybe it’s because i :(-ed at genzou too much at the beginning for being mean to orlam maybe aslkdjalkjkdl. but it’s okay! i did orlam’s route first and thoroughly enjoyed it!
genzou saying “oh sorry orlam i forgot you were on a strict humanitarian diet” was really funny to me alksjdldkjkla,
THE ORLAM ROUTE CABIN SCENE! even though orlam wasn’t who i was originally going to pick first (i do like orlam a lot too though!! i went for orlam’s route first in OC before i played OW and got sold on genzy) the dance with him!! his comments flustering iggy!! the kiss!! them falling asleep together!! i was smiling through the whole thing and it was warming my dumb cupiromantic heart and it was chefs kiss.
genzou’s </3 at seeing iggy with orlam but still telling iggs to stay safe during the fight adiljalkdja,,, genzou im so sorry i wanted to pick you!! the game didn’t let me!! D:
BUCKS’ PART,,,, aaaaaaaa!! somehow in the previous arcs i’ve always just saw her as a scary angry axe-wielding person but seeing her go “i’m a monster” was aaaaaaaaaa (sob) and i just wanted to hug her,,, i understand that iggy and the other members of the crew didn’t have malicious intents when calling her a monster when they were younger and didn’t know how it’d impact her but still ;;w;; smol!hunar’s interactions with bucks were really sweet though!!
saydie nooo D: also the tree yelling at gidget for making genitals with toilet paper aslkjdaldkja,,,, wheeze.
the tree telling iggy that his choices weren’t even his, leading to iggy’s choice about whether to reset the timeline later actually made by him (and not letting us choose) was woah :o i’m also proud of iggy, go iggy!! make your decisions!!
i want to hug the cast so much they’ve gone through so much and the epilogue where everyone gets a second chance and does things better makes me really proud of their progress, even if they’re just fictional characters! aaa
thank you for creating this game!!! i had a wonderful experience playing it and it gave me a lot of feels and ace joy (and it shall be haunting (in a good way) my thoughts for many days to come),,, massive kudos to you for completing such a massive project, i know it takes a lot of determination and perseverance to finish something like this (source: my short attention span and my bazillion unfinished projects), please get some good (and well deserved) rest!! sorry this was a very rambly post and i’m not very good with words ;w;
HELP UNLOCKED EVERYTHING EXCEPT GENZOU'S ENDING???? Oh my gosh... I feel like this takes talent 🤣💦Since I've always felt like Genzou's just in general is the easiest to unlock. Especially if you even did the "thinking about" choice and the night chat in Jerry's hideout. Admittedly, Genzou requires the most points to unlock, but this is because he has the most possible points (the structure of the game kinda lent itself to allowing me to create more choices for Genzou since he's just... always there LKDJALKDSF)
At any rate, I hope you were able to eventually unlock his ending if you wanted it!! I still plan to release a guide for unlocking all the chars with some general hints. I just haven't yet as I've been a bit overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything after the launch hahaha
I'm really happy you still liked Orlam's route though 🤭 Orlam, and in particularly Orly, is so interesting to me as they have such a different dynamic from all the rest. Well, I think all three have quite different dynamics, but Orlam is the most unexpected. And since he and Iggy normally would seem to be at such odds with each other and are so different from one another, it makes for a very interesting and fun dynamic to me lol. I really like how their scene ended up turning out though, as I felt like it really encapsulated their dynamic while also revealing a few cheeky things about wonderland and the loops.
"genzou’s </3 at seeing iggy with orlam" --> SOB LAKJDFLAKDSF a part of my heart felt crushed in every single post-choice scene since no matter what, there will always be some feelings of sadness from the others. Orlam's in particular since it comes as such a shock to both Gidget and Genzou 🤣 But I tried my best to inject some lighthearted humor in there no matter what to keep it from getting too depressing alksdjfads since overall no matter what I want people to enjoy their choice heheh.
And I'm glad you liked both Bucks's part and the final bits with the tree. And Iggy's stuff!! Even though I generally knew the direction I was headed in for the ending, a lot of new surprising things happened while I was working on it (like always), and it ended up turning out very emotional and personal for me, how everything wrapped up. So it makes me really happy if people enjoy how it turned out... 😭💕
SOB THANK YOU FOR THE KIND WORDS. I'm really so happy that you ended up enjoying the game so much!! AND THE ACE JOY WEEP. It gives me much ace joy, as well. And ace catharsis. AND ACE TERROR??? FKDJALSDFA Well at least that settled down by the end LOL 🤣But just truly, I ended up putting so many of my own thoughts, struggles, and experiences in this, that I hope that others can relate in a way or feel seen or even just feel a little bit of their own joy inside when playing. Especially other aces. Thank you for giving this little game a chance and I'm beyond touched how much you ended up enjoying it!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write up all your thoughts and all the lovely and kind words! It means so much!! 🥰
I went and finished playing our fantastic wonderland after the main game...got all 3 endings. (and got all 4 for this game LMAOO errrr I just really like this game okay the writing is amazing and ohhhhh my fucking god if only I could video essay this in everyone's mines because THIS IS THE VN HORROR I"VE BEEN MISSING!!!)
THANK YOU SO MUCH????? It's been such a journey 😵💫 I'm really happy that I was able to actually finish this thing after all this time sob.
I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the finale (and also OFW LDKJFALSDKAF). Sob that means so much!! HELP A VIDEO ESSAY IN PEOPLE'S MINDS 🤣
That is really too sweet, you'll make me cry!! I'm really glad you enjoy the game so much!! Thank you for taking the time to write up this sweet comment and for all of your support! It means the world! 😭💕
So first things first i LOVVEDD these endings so cool, great work to everyone envolved.
I can't explain how much this game has changed me. The only thing i can really do is thank you because i have never felt and related to game characthers (specifically Iggy and Genzou) this intensely.
I discovered the game when arc 4 was fully released but only played when arc 5 part 1 came out so i could experience it more compleatly than before and OMG ITS THE BEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED LIKE SERIOUSLY and its a really beautifull story and it helped me a LOT with my sort of sexuallity discovery.
And on that note i REALLLYYY want to tell you how much i relate to Iggy because omg i felt like i was watching a version of me on many ocasions and i also want to thank you because while playing i went on a sort of search of the meaning of asexual (given the fact i didn't know much about it) and it beautifully represents the things i feel and think (and the relationship between Iggy and Genzou makes me really miss a friend of mine) and their more personal scenes really hit me hard (in a good way!!) and knowing its ok to feel out of place and having that special someone tell you you are not broken is so so so amazing.
I have been in a really bad state mentally and this game has helped me see things in so many new ways so thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!
And to finish this awful long confession i want to thank you for working so hard on this game and never giving up on these projects, i'll be watching for everything you do next and i hope you and everyone who reads this to have a great day/night ;)
Thank you so much for this sweet comment! 😭💕Ahhhh I'm really touched to hear that you relate to Iggy so much. Hearing you say things like that makes me get a bit teary-eyed as much of Iggy is also based on myself and my own experiences. I hope that Iggy and his own struggles (and accomplishments?? kdljfad) could help you feel a bit more seen. It certainly helps me also feel a bit less alone when I know there are others out there who've had similar thoughts and experiences as me.
I'm really sorry to hear that things haven't been good for you mentally. But I'm glad that this game could help even a little bit to give you some spot of happiness or distraction 😭 Please take care of yourself and I hope that things might get a bit better for you soon 💕 Sometimes it can be really tough. But I hope that you can find something to hold onto and some spots of brightness so that things don't get too dark.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write up all your thoughts and feelings. I'm really happy that you enjoyed the finale (and also just the game in general). Your support and love really means so much 🥺💕
okay so i have a Query. finished the game, LOVED IT , i can’t skip forward? ? ?? i tried using tab and ctrl many times but it just shows the skipping flash for a second before going away
this may because of how. weird ive been playing the Game?? ? since when i hit launch on itch.io, it gives me the different versions ive downlaoded (arc 5 part 1 1/2, final version pc, final version 32 bit pc, etc), and when i click on one it gives me More files (all the same but with different files sizes?) so i’ve been using final version 32 bit pc and any file size which has been the moment the skip buttons stopped working. idk WHAT im doing wrong but i know its something (the reason i had to use the 32 bit version was because all the other ones didn’t have the final update despite being titeld Final Update) . as much as i love this game (43 -> 59 hours bayBE) i replay it too much and my short attention span needs the prime moments (genzy moments) stat .Help
OKAY!!!!!! ISSUE WAS!!!!!!!! the save files were wack (still no clue whats going on with the different file sizes and things not loading but shrugs) BUT, i can skip through scenes i’ve already seen (in this save file only, i cant load any previous saves so its like im playing the game again ? i am not explaining this good but i am sleep deprived so )
Ahhhhh I'm glad you were (kind of???) able to figure it out? I admit I don't really kno whow the Itch launcher thing works... I've never used the app before, so I'm not sure what you mean when you say it allowed you to choose from different files 😵💫
I do know that going back and forth between, for instance, the 64-bit and the 32-bit versions of the game can cause weird errors though. I noticed it when I myself would try to test something using the data from my 64-bit version in the version I made for 32-bit. I think it's because the data is either put somewhere different or generally just handled different, so it's like, able to find some but not all of the persistent data. Which could explain why it wasn't allowing you to skip, because it kept running into strange errors??? I'm not super sure, but reading that, that was the first thought I had as to what could possibly be going on.
Also the persistent data and your save data files are kept into two different places, which could now explain why your persistent data is working again (the fact that you can skip) but you can' t find your save files (because the save files are in a folder for the other version). It's all very complicated, but I'm sorry this is happening 😭 My best piece of advice would be to try downloading the file manually from the browser site rather than the app so you know which one you're downloading maybe? And if your persistent data is working now, you might be able to manually move your save files from the other version into the folder for this version perhaps. It sounds in general like a lot of the files just got really mixed up between the versions, which is probably why it's causing some weird errors... 💦
So first of all, the execution was amazing. I praised how the Orlam and Genzou scene was done in the previous part, and I can say that pretty much the entire game after they left the cabin had the exact same quality. It felt like it was actually my life, like I was the one going through it all. It brought me to tears and heartbreak multiple times. The art, soundtrack, and writing were superb, as usual. I can really tell Carrot improved so much with their art and put so much love and care into, I feel like I could just stare at and admire all of the CGs. They're all so special and beautiful, and that's not even to mention the animated cutscenes. The cinematography was simply top-notch, the way Carrot combined their art with the music and brought the scenes to life made this all the more special. I cannot imagine how much effort it must've taken to get it all so perfect. And the way Carrot was able to combine both more lighthearted scenes towards the start and then slowly biuld up to the climax, it really kept me on the edge of my seat and really captured my heart. And towards the end, the way it was all wrapping up and having them "leave Wonderland behind"... I was simply overcome.
I loved all the routes, they were all unique and beautiful. The way they so perfectly captured Iggy's dynamics with each of the LIs and reflected on them is so poignant. And the mixture of angst, pining, hurt/comfort and the relief of finally admitting their feeling to eavh other was flawless. Also, all of the morning after scenes are hilarious. Carrot, I swear, I don't know how you managed to write a horror masterpiece and still stick in comedic moments that are not only funny but don't feel out of place at all.
I think the way Bucks' character was unveiled was so beautiful and visceral. It was so simple, yet it explained so much, and it made me really love her and Hunar's relationship. And the choice to have it all unravel at the very end strengthened it all. For the entire game, Bucks' detachment from the group was downplayed, chalked up to her being younger and in a relationship. But when they finally show how they treated her, what caused her to feel so ostracized, not only did the player realize the truth of it all, but the characters did too. It wasn't put off until the end because it wasn't relevant enough to adress earlier, it was because the characters themselves didn't adress it yet. And I think that's a really clever way to have done it all.
The section with the tree... I barely even have words. It was so visceral, so captivating, so... intense. It truly felt like the "final boss" of it all. And the added scare factor with Saydie really brought it all together.
The ending is... still messing me up. I just finished getting all the routes and I loved how each of them played out, but I want to talk more about the actual prospect of the ending itself. In all honesty, I didn't really know what to expect. I mean, I knew they'd come out of Wonderland in mostly one piece, but I didn't envision it would involve an entire timeline reset. And... that's the part I'm still coming to terms with. On one hand, it makes sense narratively. A big theme in the game is, obviously, time-looping. Having to go back to the same start, trying different things each time, and trying to untangle the mysterious web of not only your issues, but your friends' while you're at it. So having the ending go back in time to where this all began, give everyone one more chance, feels fitting. Especially with them having to defeat the tree, having to break free from the one thing holding them back... But on the other hand, I can't help but feel conflicted about it all. It might just be the very fact that the game is ending, but I think it's something else too. Having everything reset after the characters went through so much feels... weird. It's not like it was a complete reset, there's still obviously the remnants of the previous timeline guiding them in a better direction, but it's still a reset. Iggy even says in Gidget's route "it's not too late", but with their salvation sending them back in time, it's kind of saying that it was too late. That the characters were already beyond saving, and the only way to fix this mess would be to go back to where it all began. I feel like a big part of the game was the notion that these characters might be fucked up beyond all reason, that they might've done unforgivable things, but they're still human. And all they could really do was just move past it and try to do better. But then they had all their actions just erased. And... I don't know. Okay, you can disregard pretty much everything I said there. I thought about it a bit more and also read Carrot's ask about the whole thing and I can confidently say that the ending has grown on me. There was a bit of a misunderstanding on my part on how the whole thing happened + just generally being fucked up from the fact that the game was over so I apologize. Anyways, I loved the ending. All the epilogues were just precious and adorable??? Happy Bunar, cute high school Genzy, a thriving Orlam, and a Gidget/Iggy/Cecil/Orlam polycule (I'm still not over that GIDGET REALLY JUST KISSED EVERYONE. THAT'S INSANESAADOHDSHSJ???). I could go on and on about all the little moments but I think I'll stop here. (I do still wanna know, though, was Our Cinderella always planned to be canon, or did you decide to add it in because it lined up? Would the ending be different if you hadn't made it?)
All in all, Carrot, I cannot thank you enough for making Our Wonderland. For sticking by it. For putting your soul into it and giving everyone such an amazing experience for free. You have made one of the most amazing visual novels of all time, and you should feel nothing but proud of yourself for such an accomplishment. I hope everything goes well for you, and wish you nothing but the utmost luck on your next projects. Please, take care!
Ahhhhh Quamai thank you for this lovely comment and pouring all your thoughts and feelings into this!! It really meant so much to read this! 😭💕 And I'm really happy that you enjoyed (most of) the finale lakdfjad
"It felt like it was actually my life, like I was the one going through it all" --> LDKJFALDSKFAJD??? Somehow this really made me tear up. This really touched me sob
And thank you for all the wonderfully kind words about the art especially??? It's also so weird even for me to go back and look at some of the older stuff because my art feels like it's come such a long way. But also hearing anyone say they actually like the art always touches me so much as to this day it remains one of the things I feel the most vulnerable about (and is also what will likely always be one of the biggest factors in why people wouldn't to play this game to be honest lkadjfas) So truly thank you so much for saying such kind things. And about the cinematography and such too!! I feel like I put my whole body and soul into those cutscenes GODDDDDD. They take so long 🤣 Especially since Ren'Py doesn't have any kind of built-in easy way to handle animation so it ends up being me just watching the scene over and over and over and adding one new CG at a time and carefully trying to guess and tweak the right amount of seconds to show it then watching it again from the beginning again and again LKDJFADA It's a very laborious process. But I'm always really happy with the results and I couldn't imagine not having some of these scenes be cutscenes as I just don't think they could have the same impact.
Ahhhh I'm happy you liked all the different LI route scenes! I really wanted to ensure they got across the different dynamics of the relationships. Not only the special cabin scenes but also the epilogues. It's one of my favorite parts about the different pairings to be honest, how different they all feel, how different Iggy acts with all of them, etc. They all bring out different sides of Iggy in a way. And it really shapes the core of the different relationships. And I was really hoping that I'd be able to show all of that in their unique scenes and that each one would feel "earned" in a way, so hearing that makes me really teary-eyed!
"it was because the characters themselves didn't adress it yet" --> sob... yeah.... that was a big part of what I was going for. The fact that Bucks was already kind of the odd one out, not only because she's younger than them, but also she's not included in the "love square." And kids growing up are self-centered, they tend to think mostly about themselves, so with the complicated dynamics of the love square four trying to figure themselves out and their complex feelings for each other, they don't even think to wonder about the way they're treating Bucks and whether or not they're being cruel to her in a different way. Which then helped reflect part of the structure of the entire story itself, with the love square four still completely focused on each other for the first four arcs and forgetting about who started the entire mess and who they were looking for to begin with, etc.
Sob you didn't need to strikethrough all your thoughts about the ending 💦 To be honest I pretty much expected there would be people that wouldn't vibe all the way with the direction I decided to go there. But I also knew that it didn't matter HOW I ended it, there would be people who didn't like it. Which was part of why it felt like such pressure in general. There was no one way to end this that would make everyone perfectly happy and I knew that. So in the end I just needed to go with what I felt personally was right for the story. But that doesn't mean people who don't like that direction aren't valid and can't have their own conflicting thoughts about it. So don't feel like you need to not think that or something if you just didn't like that part 💦
OC didn't actually have anything to do with my decision to go that way. I knew ever since I came up with the idea of the loops that that was how I was going to end it, since I already knew that it was Iggy's childhood wish that caused the loops and so it made sense in my head that once the loops were stopped they would go back to where the loops began. OC just helped me think through a lot more about where each of the chars would be and their lives in that reset timeline, which then made it easier for me to write the different epilogues. (Well, the neutral ones at least LKDJFADS though it still did help me to have somewhat of a base even for the different LI-focused ones.) Actually way back when I started I thought I would end the game right after the final forest scene and that would just be it. No follow-ups or epilogues or anything. THAT WOULD HAVE REALLY SUCKED LMAO. But through the years working on it, the idea of that abruptness began really putting me off, so it slowly expanded in a few different ways until it finally fully evolved into what I eventually would write as the epilogues.
For me, I think I decided to go with the "reset" for 3 main reasons, first of which was just because in my head it made the most sense with the lore. Destroying each wish destroyed the result of that wish. Orlam's wish for a family that loved him getting destroyed destroyed the rabbits. Bucks's wish for tomatoes getting destroyed destroyed the little tomato guys. And all the other wishes, too. And the result of Iggy's childhood wish was... Iggy's life itself in a way. Because the moment after he wished that, the wish became this veil over his life (and formed the loops). So destroying that wish destroyed the life that had formed because of that wish. The second reason was perhaps my gift to Iggy himself. Wanting to free him from the shackles of that wish, since it had influenced so much of his life (and his friends', for instance, it was what kept all of them so physically close). I wanted to gift him a chance to live his life without that I guess. And the last reason is perhaps the most selfish and it's somewhat of a gift to myself. I don't have the chance to have a reset. To go back and figure things out about myself earlier on to have the potential to be happier. And I'm too much of an anxious mess scared of change to do anything about it now after all these years, so I feel a bit trapped. But I can at least give a gift to these chars that have become so important to me, especially Iggy, who has so much of me in him, and give them a chance that I can never have. And in that way it feels like a gift to myself since these chars are such a big part of my life. LDKJFASD THAT GOT A BIT SAD. But. I think that kinda explains my whole mindset of not only why I had originally planned for that ending but also why I continued with that plan even when I had reached the end (even if I ended up greatly expanding on it).
HAVING SAID ALL THAT. That doesn't mean you need to agree with it. Or that anyone needs to. Because we can all have different opinions on things and feel like things should have happened differently. So I don't mind at all if you think that it was a bad way to handle it at the end. I can really only stand behind how I did it for myself. The same as any creator can only do when they create (and especially complete) something. 🤣 No matter what, though, I am happy to hear your thoughts about it!!
"GIDGET REALLY JUST KISSED EVERYONE. THAT'S INSANESAADOHDSHSJ???" --> LDKJFASLDKFAD it was very funny to me because I hadn't planned that into Gidget's epilogue at all when I was first trying to piece it together but somehow it just... happened... LOL I just really like thinking about that little group and their dynamics 🤣
Re: the OC question, when I wrote OC, since I knew that the plan was always for the reset, I did always know that OC was technically canon. (At least for the neutral ending.) I just didn't want to say that when I released it because I felt it would have opened up too many potential spoilers/clues for how the game would end. I already had a lot of thoughts running through my head about what each char would be like after the end of the game in the new timeline. Orlam in particular, as I feel like he changes the most. I had a lot of Orlam's general direction figured out already as thinking about a much better "true" version of Orlam made me happier to think about than the subdued lacking-in-confidence Orlam we see pre-Wonderland.
SOB AT ANY RATE. THIS WAS SUCH A LOVELY AND WONDERFUL AND KIND COMMENT. Thank you so so much for taking so much time to think through everything and leave such thoughtful words filled with all of your reactions! It really means to world to read through them, especially since you've been following the game for so long now. And I'm happy that for the most part you were able to enjoy the finale!
"You have made one of the most amazing visual novels of all time, and you should feel nothing but proud of yourself for such an accomplishment." --> LKFDJALSDKFAD THAT IS INCREDIBLY KIND SOB YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE ME CRYYYYYYYY... 😭💕
Thank you so much for the response! <3 I do wanna elaborate, though.
I didn't strikethrough that part because I didn't wanna make you feel bad or anything, I genuinely changed my mind on it. Even if I do still have a sort of longing for the pre-reset Wonderland times (as traumatic as they may have been), that is merely just my bias, and I have honestly grown to love the ending. It honestly works really well both narratively and in-universe. Wonderland, while it might have provided them some level of comfort, was also the bane of their existence. It caused them to rely on wishing and self-indulgence too much rather than actually working through their problems. So to have it be destroyed at the end, by the very people it once nurtured, and consequentially create a new timeline where they're more responsive feels like a beautiful way to wrap this whole thing up. I appreciate your insights by the way! I didn't even realize the tomato thing but that is so perfect, and the rabbits being a stand-in Orlam's family is... <:( (my poor baby boy...). I actually think the reason I was so caught up in it all was because of, again, just the fact of the game ending. The reset kinda highlighted that in a way by changing everything in a completely irreversible way.
So yeah, even if the edning was unexpected and kinda blindsided me, I don't think it was bad at all! But I do agree that even if I disliked it, or if anyone else did, that would be just a natural part of creating. You can't please everyone, and it's honestly best to just do what you feel is right for your story. And besides, I know most people say that a bad ending can ruin even the best stories, but tbh I don't think anything could ruin Our Wonderland for me. The rest of the game is just so amazing that the ending could be a blank screen and I'd simply accept it.
It is interesting to hear that Our Cinderella was always planned to be canon, though. I guess I'll have to be on the lookout for any more "non-canon" side-games that might just weasel their way into the canon timeline...
"And the last reason is perhaps the most selfish and it's somewhat of a gift to myself. I don't have the chance to have a reset. To go back and figure things out about myself earlier on to have the potential to be happier." - I don't think it's selfish, because I understand you. When something bad happened in the past, although everything could have been done differently, but... It is what it is.
I have points in my life that I would like to improve, but I understand that what if it made me who I am? Although I understand you, so I don’t think it’s selfish, since it makes another sense to do such a direction in the game <:3
This is absolutely fantastic!!! After playing so many visual novels, I want to say that this is my favorite of all time!!!
🎮🏆❤️
The amount of CGs, the exquisite story, and the perfect matching music??? Oh CARROT, you are SO FREAKINGLY TALENTED!!!
🥕🌟🙌
<spoiler alert?>
*My random mumbling:
As a loyal fan of Orlam, I wish there were more romance scenes between him and Iggy... I guess I'm just being a bit greedy since, yeah, I know Iggy is the ace ;-;
I don't know. Maybe I just want to see more intimate CGs between Orlam and Iggy, considering the ample amount of pics between Genzou and Iggy and the Orlam's deep mad crush on the G man...
Also, I notice that in the later fighting scenes, when Genzou and Gidget show care when Iggy is hurt or captured, where is Orlam's expression??? Saaaaaaddd
And Saydie, my poor poor Saydie... I guess it would be better if the abrupt relationship transition between Bucks and Hunar could be explained a little better. One minute, they were the love of each other's life, then they wanna tear each other apart after some years. It would be good to see some fillers to make the logic smoother. But, all in all, I think their relationship when they were kids is pretty damn cute. And I love your storytelling! It just makes so much sense when the evolution of their relationship is only revealed towards the end. However, I feel like the Bucks don't really need the crew. Lowkey, she definitely needs better friends, lol
Somehow, I totally guessed the time rewind part haha, but I do wonder what the story will be if everyone still remembers what they have done in the wonderland, heh :P
Because... that's where Orlam and Iggy get super doper intimate ;-;
My reaction towards Orlam's part is just too funny to listen (I record myself a little when I play the final part hahaha, embarrassing moments *blush*)
Ahhhhh thank you for such a kind comment!! I'm really happy you enjoyed the finale! FAVORITE OF ALL TIME HELPPPPP FLKDAJFALSKDFA that is too much of a compliment, I will cry... 😭💕 But I'm really very happy that you enjoyed it! And that you took the time to write up all your thoughts like this, it's very wonderful and thoughtful.
dlkajsdfa unfortunately with the structure of the story, it did make it harder to fit more Orlam and Iggy-centric things in until the end, since Orlam just isn't there LOL 🤣 But I did my best to make sure all of the special scenes and epilogues no matter who you ended up choosing would have the same amount of impact and love. It was also perhaps a bit difficult for me to think about Orlam and Iggy in the same way that I for instance think about the other ships, because they're just such an entirely different dynamic. Even for instance where you mention Orlam not showing up as much in the fighting scenes was because to me that would have been really out of character for Orlam to get showing too much concern for Iggy or shouting Iggy's name, hence I went with the characters who are much more open to showing emotion lkdjfadsf But I did still attempt to show Orlam's feelings in the scene where he comes to help Iggy at least, to hopefully make it obvious that he does care a lot he just doesn't show it the same as the others 🥺
They do technically "remember" everything even after the wish gets destroyed, it's just that it's so deep that it only bubbles to the surface if there is something to remind them of what happened. I think that perhaps if they'd fully remember everything they would have had to go through intense therapy and turned out really traumatized... especially as they would have been kids again having to deal with all that inner pain and trauma 😭
At any rate, I'm really happy that you enjoyed not only the finale but the game in general! And that you always like Orlam so much!! It really means so much to hear your thoughts and have had your support and encouragement throughout production!! Thank you so much for staying here until the end and for all your lovely words!! 🥰
I went into neutral and... I felt a lot, in a good way.
Ahem
So, arc 5 - answered all the questions that were in the other arcs, and even about what kind of tree it is (especially on Tumblr)
It was cool, the sound and music were also perfectly matched to the mood of the characters.
I predicted a lot of things while I was playing - and they came true, in a good way. Because, I expected it, and I got it... And because I'm attentive to details, hehehe
It was funny, even when everyone was feeling bad, it was also funny. Some moments are funny, heartfelt and symbolic.
"Carrot, are you okay?" - I was already thinking to myself when I got to the part with Saydie(Say 'die', hehe) and Iggy.
Although, I felt like Iggy again that I even took off my glasses (for screens.)
Crap... Plus, I like that there is a neutral option, thank you very much ❤️
Because usually in a "dating simulator", hehehe, there is no such neutral option (for a change, like a sudden turn, hehehe).
And yes, Carrot, it seems either you are cunning, or you changed your mind later 👀 "The end... Or not?" At the same time, to the OC🤣🤣🤣
NEUTRAL LOL. I've been very curious in general as to which routes people would take or which they'd do first/the order, etc. I would personally find it so hard to do the neutral route myself LKDFJLADS at least first. Perhaps because I'd want to do the game "fully as I would want it to be" when experiencing it for the first time, and the idea of the neutral route feels a bit short to me, though perhaps that's because I'm the dev and know there's not as much content there. (Having said that, I still did try to make the neutral route sweet and had a lot of fun connecting it to OC, though that was perhaps a bit self-indulgent LOL)
At any rate, I'm really happy you ended up liking it!!
""Carrot, are you okay?" - I was already thinking to myself " --> HELLO????
"it seems either you are cunning, or you changed your mind later" --> LOL it was mostly just me wanting to leave things more open and connect the games more so than anything else 🤣 And perhaps to leave something fun and cheeky to get people to want to try out the neutral route. I liked the idea of having it where even if Iggy decided just to choose and focus on himself, he could still have a chance for companionship later in OC 🤭 (this made me feel a bit better I think hahaha)
Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely comment with your thoughts and I'm really glad you enjoyed the finale! LOL AND I HOPE IT HELPED YOUR BIRTHDAY HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA DOSE OF JOLLY LKJFADFAD 🥰
Thank you for such a game! I'm not that good with words, although thanks to other users (especially the one from Essay) who also revealed details in the game that I probably forgot. (And yes, your game pulled me in, so my birthday was great🔥✨)
Still, you gave me a lot of emotions (I have already played all the endings), that this is very good.
As Quamai said, it’s as if we lived a life with your characters (it’s not surprising that thoughts come to draw art where we and your characters are, it happens)
I honestly really enjoyed playing, laughing, thinking, wondering, and imagining "what if?"
Somewhere I even cried - which is rare for me.
Because of Iggy:
"... Why are you so similar to me??..."(End 1 of the Arch, and thoughts in the clearing in OFW)
Because of Orlam:
"NO, ORLAM. JUST DON'T DIE! (mentally hugged him) Damn, just don’t you dare die, you’re an idiot...(this is the first time I’ve called someone “idiot”👀 5arc in castle)
Well, again Iggy, at the moment when he remembered his desire, and thinks what to do next, because... It made me nostalgic. I sometimes think that I wanted to look at myself in the past. Or hug your past self.
And yes, it's been two days and I'm as despondency as Iggy in OC. Because thoughts about the future came to me. Relationships - which, like Iggy, don’t have. I'm kind of comfortable, but I'm human, and Iggy mentioned in the game the need to talk to someone.
If Iggy needs someone to talk to, then I need someone to hug, or to be hugged.
AHEM, I GOT DISTRACTED, AHEM
I wanted to say that either there is something wrong with my sense of humor, because I have my own associations:
(Iggy called himself and the door opened)
me: 🤣🤣🤣🤣 "Wonderland - keeps up with time and technology"
Well, and other moments, when Gidget scolded Gen and Orlam, and it was Iggy’s turn, Gidget softened. It's funny, but also touching, and it's clear that Iggy hasn't done anything, he's already like a scared rabbit.
And yes, if you're interested: Neutral, Orlam, Gen and Gidget.
This is the order I walked.
And what surprised me was when I found out that the option of Orlam and Genzou was available to me. 👀 Because... yes, I was kind to him, I didn’t joke about him, but I behaved too directly (when he told lies🤣)
But... It seems that my kindness and sympathy were enough for me to have a choice with him 🤣🤣🤣
But then of course I replayed one moment in Arc 4, and I got access to all the endings. (Sorry Gidget... You didn't really inspire my trust at the beginning of the game...And Wonderland too 🤣)
But it was still interesting! (I can’t forget, I feel these literary descriptions and actions... Very good ✨)
Although while I was watching the epilogue with Orlam, knowing everything about him, I was like: "... Did I even make the right choice in choosing Orlam?” 🤣🤣🤣
This is probably due to the fact that when we fought with Bucks, Orlam did not show any concern (until you follow his route 🤣)
Platonic love for him - yes. Although, I also like this dynamic: you live together, you have your own life, and in your own way you show your care for each other.
Although I give my heart to the neutral ending, not only because I am also lonely like Iggy 🤣 But also because it looks like me. I need to know what I want now, I’m already fine without a relationship, I have good friends, and I’m happy with life too. And Iggy's words at the end also seem to be true.
(Although at the end with Orlam, where “we are people who care about each other” I like, and that they make their own rules... Sorry Gen, you're good too. And Gidget too. And Bucks and Hunar.)
Speaking of Bucks, now I feel bad🤣 because I ended up believing that she doesn’t like to wear a dress, but after your answer that she does, it surprised me. Looking at her past, I now understand (she reminded me, I was also a “danger”, but with a kind heart. how she reminded me... even now❤️)
Considering that although your characters also somewhat resemble a part of me, they were closer to me: Orlam, Iggy and Bucks (and a little bit from Gen and Gidget, hehehe)
Orlam: too cocky, teasing, understands people well, and perhaps charismatic? (people remember me even after a year... It surprises me because I stand out? Wow..) And perhaps tactility 🤣
Iggy: Asexual, creative, worries about friends, emotional.
Bucks: Dangerous, but kind. The soul of the company (although Orlam too), I act like a child sometimes, but I like it. Brave, hehehe. "Don't make her angry 👀" 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Gen: I'm shorter than everyone, but older in the company 🤣 Straightforward and honest, unique sense of humor
Gidget: "I am a parent, I must take care", understanding, caring.
(Hunar: creative person, hehehe)
And I... I once joked that the Bucks already have their own Iggy, only in a dark shade. And when I saw the moment that Iggy became Hunar to appease the Bucks, I: “👀...I was just joking-" 🤣🤣🤣
Okay, I've said too much about sensations. Now I definitely said a lot that I didn’t say when I wrote above 🤣
If your game was able to convey the meaning (without thoughts in the epilogue, the player himself realized after the entire playthrough) , and evoked a familiar feeling or emotion - this is very good.
It’s just that now, I can hardly remember or come across such long Novels that would raise questions about life in such a way. About simple but important things. About the fact that we notice little.
And about time too. And in general, to make the game look like a movie (or cartoon movie), So... You were very engaging and the side games added to the understanding of the characters and their dynamics and history. Your novella is long, yes, but intriguing! This is already good! Capturing people's attention forces them to spend time studying history, just like a regular book or movie, and we begin to think, get inspired, and create.
And of course, when you associate with the characters, or even took their features 🤣🤣🤣
So, I'm still glad the story has come to an end. Yes, it’s sad, but it left typos inside my heart and in my head. And in my hand, because I’m used to drawing in your style, hehehe (probably). I love your style, I love the cartoon style, it made me feel like I was watching a Gore cartoon (Like Happy Tree Friends). Or cartoon movie❤️🔥✨
Thank you for these feelings, thank you for this time, thank you for the answers and the mini doodle on Tumblr, thank you for the story, thank you for the interesting plot, music and graphics.
(I'm serious, what music did you choose, I listen to while I draw!!!👀 Especially when I want to feel the atmosphere of the game, for example: Iggy is working. Further, because of the emotional sphere, I often listen to the themes of Orlam and Genzo, and that song in the credits in Prologue✨ Like a children's song, this is morality to me. I feel like a joyful child when I'm listening to this, I can’t help but smile)
Thank you very much for being here.
Good time, Carrot. We love you very much and appreciate the time we shared.❤️
We're like one Carrot family, hehehe
Hugs to you from all the players who played your game with love ❤️
DUDE THE FINALE WHEN I END ALONE IT'S THE BEST! I MEAN, MY BRAIN JUST EXPLODED!!!!!! IM ON TEARSSSSSSSS
I also have questions (spoiler alert)
SO, the the tree just ... reset everything??? I'm so confused!! does that mean that the baby has never been born???? that means that the tree no longer exists?? SO THE HUMAN BUNNY HAS DIED TOO? NOOOOOOOo
Great game, I love it!
(excuse me for any mistakes, English is not my first language)
LDKJFALSDKFJADS I'M GLAD??? I HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO PUT YOUR BRAIN BACK TOGETHER THO????? SOB PLEASE REST AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF 🥺💦
I'm really happy you enjoyed it though!! Thank you so much for the kind words! 😭💕
Re: your question, I leave some of it up to interpretation as I like people to take away their own messages from everything rather than explain my own boring cut-and-dry explanations for stuff. But it was less the tree and more just the fact that Iggy's initial wish was destroyed along with all the other wishes. And when his wish was destroyed, it destroyed what that wish had created, which was essentially, his life (or at least everything after he made the original wish and the start of the initial loop). That's why it went back.
Do you mean Jerry??? I'm not sure who else could be the human bunny LOL But if it's Jerry you mean, he does have a cameo in the ending, so he's still there... 🤭
LKJALKJS LOL NO sorry, I was super excited. anyway, it's amazing how Iggy makes the final decision! like, in the end, it was his choice! it had happened before tho? When Genzou said that it was not a game??? ANYWAY, I also love how at the end they will never be perfect and that's the best! because it's like real life.
ALSO, I just read what I first commented and DUDE IT'S SO BAD LKASJDADSKJLSJDKJ thanks for answering. I do have another question, WHERE IS THE JERRY CAMEO??? I was looking for it everwhere and never found it TT
I'm going to keep this a bit short since I haven't played the new part of the final arc and I need to 🥲.(Also happens to drop the day I have a fever ahem) I've been playing this game, saw it a few months ago around my birthday and one day I played it while I had my friend on the phone. Loved it. There was tears, I probably should expect more when I play the last part gufajfzitskydkletiai. I also laughed, and gushed over Genzou and Iggy?(Arc 3 and Arc 4 are painful to me ;-;) Gidget used to scare sometimes.. I feel bad for Orlam but somewhat find him annoying?? Also I feel like Cecil is underrated, I don't know what it is but I just love him 🥺🥺🥺! Another thing, all the wholesome Genzou and Iggy moments in the arcs make me happy. I love those two lots together. The fact Genzou doesn't question Iggy's asexuality makes me feel cozy, as an asexual myself this is comforting to me.
(Maybe this wasn't that short but short in my terms. Sorry for rambling, I just love this game and the characters. And sorry if I have any bad grammar, im half awake and, well sick. Anyways, I hope you have an amazing dayy!!)
SPOLIERS AHEAD
Update: After straining my throat on the phone with my friend, reading some of the dialogue while crying, and gushing more over Genzou and Iggy(Haha guess which route I did), I completed the game. Atleast in one route. I wanted to take a few moments before I go to sleep to give my thoughts. Iggy saying I love you to Gen in his route is just sweet and wholesome(waterworks though). Whenever I found out that monster was Bucks my soul left my body. I cried at the Bucks and Hunar flashbacks, when he called her beautiful and sweet my heart melted. No comment on the freaky-deaky tree. Iggy breaking the cycle and going into how their past actions and how they handled things better. What was different, also the part about Bucks and Hunar thinking about a kid(Saydie? 🥺). Gidget and Cecil living together, Orlam's job(Im sorry I already forgot if he worked at somewhere specific) and businesses he tried to start up(Was that a human Jerry in the back or am I just loopy 🤨). Also the mentions of Orlam and Cecil together on and off seemed kinda cute. I might have to try out the other routes and try to hold back the water works lol 😭.
This comment is so sweet!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your thoughts! 😭💕 I'm really happy you liked the game so much THOUGH I'M SORRY FOR THE TEARS LAKJFDAD
And I'm glad you liked the finale DESPITE THE ADDITIONAL TEARS LOL
Ahhhh I'm really glad you liked the special scene for Genzou's route!! Sob I was really happy with how it turned out and it's become one of my favorites... those two are just so sweet to me... 🥺 Also that you liked the Bucks part with the flashbacks!! It's such a conflict for me because I love those flashbacks so much and the different dynamics they show and getting to showcase finally more of Bucks and Hunar while at the same time they're so sad...💦
"No comment on the freaky-deaky tree" --> LDKJFALDSKFAJD
"Was that a human Jerry in the back or am I just loopy" --> LMAO YES IT WAS
HhhhHHHHHH thank you so much for all of this!! It really means so much to hear! If you ever do get the chance to go back and do the other routes, I hope you'll enjoy them, too! But I'm just really happy that you ended up enjoying everything and the game in general! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment! 🥰
I just did the other routes!! I will give my opinion on them
SPOLIERS AHEAD, AGAIN
I did the Gidget route before the netural and Orlam's. Their scence was so freaking sweet, I cried again 😢. (I'm very emotional as you can tell, ahem.) The fact they thought that Wonderland was bringing out their true self just can't. THEY ARE THE SWEETEST CHARACTER IN THE GAME, ALONG WITH HUNAR.(Can't forget about most of the main characters as kids though, adorable 🥰) At the ending scence, whenever Gidget kissed Iggy my heart warmed, they are the sweetest. But then they kissed Cecil and Orlam and I blanked, but thats Gidget.
Then I did the neutral ending, which I loved. Iggy finding himself and being able to care for himself and being independent. If Genzou wasn't an option, Iggy by himself would be the best option in my opinion. Yet he still stayed in contact with the rest of the group. Managing himself, yet not isolating himself, like how he was at the beginning. OUR CINDERELLA CANON??
And then, my least favorite for last, Orlam's route. His scence was slightly sweet, but I can't really find myself to like it that much. Then again, I have a bias for Genzou, sooo.. But I can't with how sad Genzou is, and the fact Orlam is rubbing it in his face. 😭😭😭 I'm sorry this is just my least favorite out of all, I just find Orlam annoying.
And thank you for making my favorite visual novel out of all the ones I've seen so far! I never thought I was one for visual novels but this game got me into some of them. I've played almost all the side games, besides Orlam's, Our Cinderella was my favorite. Also thank you for reading and replying to my comment, you made me smile so much today! I will definitely be playing any new games you make in the future. I've never cried so much over a game before, but I love that because it shows how good you can make your games. I've felt all the emotions playing this game gaufzjgxursufzirs. Your work is so amazing! Like seriously, keep it up! (At a healthy ammount of keeping it up though. Don't overwork yourself ☺)
Sob I'm glad you liked the other routes, too!!! I tried my best to make each one of them feel very special and unique and a good culmination of each chars' arc and their dynamic with Iggy 🥺
"But then they kissed Cecil and Orlam and I blanked, but thats Gidget. " --> LKDJFALSKDFJA I LAUGHED OUT LOUD 🤣
"OUR CINDERELLA CANON??" --> HAHAHAH that was my cheeky little easter egg 🤭 It just felt like a neat little way to connect OC. And also perhaps a slightly self-indulgent gift to myself, allowing for Iggy to still get together with one of the others even if he does choose to focus on himself first.
LDKJFALSDKFA I'M SORRY THAT THE ORLAM SCENE WAS MILDLY TORTUROUS THOUGH 🤣 I can imagine that if you are not much of a fan of him in general that it would not be the most enjoyable scene LOL Especially yes... the next morning... (though the next morning is rather sad for all of them, but I feel in particular the one for Orlam's route is especially awkward hahaha)
"I've never cried so much over a game before" --> SOB I would like to say I'm glad but that sounds a little bit cruel so I'll just say that I'm very touched that this game could have such an impact. Thank you so so much for playing and for loving the chars and writing up such kind and encouraging words!! It really means so much as a solo dev just making these games because I want to tell stories and share experiences. Hearing from others who can relate to those stories and experiences really means the most. So I'm really glad you took the time to write up your thoughts and share them with me!! 🥰
AHHHHHH THE FINALE IS OUT AHHHHHH I CAN'T BELIEVE IT??? IT'S HERE???
I'll touch on the technical aspects a bit here, though not too much as it is a Carrot game, we already know that these will be great...but the SHEER AMOUNT OF CGS, the INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF ART, the ANIMATED CUTSCENES, the sprite movements...it was all so dynamic and REAL and immersive that I couldn't tear my eyes away, not even for a second. The prose was wonderful as always, and the raw vulnerability of it - as we enter the emotional crescendo - really hit me in the heart in a way that I can't explain.
The themes and the way that the story concluded, without spoilers, are nothing short of flawless. Everything was incredibly well-conceived from start to finish, everything was so TIGHTLY wrapped up with cohesive character arcs and full-circle moments...and this story was just BURSTING with so much compassion, kindness, understanding, and empathy...both for others, and for yourself. Aside from the obvious horror aspects, this is a story that I would recommend to anyone, and I MEAN ANYONE.
=========SPOILERS FOR ARC 5.2=============
MY HFGHGFGHJGHJGHJ REACTIONS
I'm very sorry these thoughts might be a bit disorganized as I was basically writing them as I was playing...
I love the way that the arc starts off with the gang having a warm meal together - it's just so NOSTALGIC and comforting (especially with the beef stew) and such a contrast to what came before. Even when Genzou and Orlam start to fight, it's different - they're just bickering, and Gidget calms them down immediately, and the relaxing track keeps playing in the background - it really hammers home that things have truly changed between them.
After that, rather than being comforted by someone - Iggy reaches out someone for comfort. He realizes that it's natural to want to feel someone else's "warmth" - and it almost feels like he's also acknowledging that he has the right to love and be loved, that he's deserving of human companionship.
I PLAYED GENZOU'S ROUTE FIRST BECAUSE I HAD TO I WAS GOING TO SAVE HIM FOR LAST BUT I COULDN'T STOP MYSELF
AHHHHH Iggy cleaning Genzou's wound is SO SWEET and also very touching - after all of these loops where Genzou was the one comforting Iggy, the one "cleaning Iggy's wounds" - it was so nice to see Iggy reaching out to Genzou in this way. Finally recognizing that Genzou WASN'T fine, that he was just pretending to be - and that even Genzou didn't care whether he was fine. He just swept everything under the rug. THEN IGGY KISSES GENZOU AHHHHHHHHHH PROACTIVE IGGY AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH (gosh the white background REALLY makes this CG pop in an AMAZING way, then the gradual fade to the background as the realization sinks in - SO GOOD)
THE PARALLELS WITH THE PHONE CALLLLLLL in the beginning of the game, the first "route" deciding factor is you deciding who to call - Genzou, Orlam, or Gidget - but your choice then doesn't really matter, not really. No matter who you call, only Genzou picks up. However, here, you can call the person you CHOSE, and it "unlocks" the door (and it's such a LOVELY metaphor for Iggy finally "reaching out" - to contact the friends that he's been estranged from for so long). And it's only THEN, after Iggy reaches out, does the door to "move forward" - to move past all of the hurt and trauma of the past - open.
THE WAY THAT BUCKS TURNS INTO A MONSTER - perfectly reflective of how she views herself while also acting as a metaphor for how her friends didn't really recognize what she was going through. (Side note but the sketchy black and white CG of Iggy as his hand got cut off was SO GOOD)
AS WE GO THROUGH BUCKS' FLASHBACKS I WAS REALLY TEARING UP, you can see how she was alienated by the people around her and even her friends - the little comments that really "wore her down" - saying that she was a killer whale, a monster, etc - even when they meant it in a positive way. How they shaped how Bucks viewed herself and her own worth. How Hunar was the only one who reached out to her - who treated her differently (calling her a princess, worrying about her getting hurt, seeing her as someone other than a big, strong oaf.) AND THEN THE SNAPPING POINT WAS HUNAR CALLING BUCKS A MONSTER - the one person who saw Bucks as she was. I really had very little sympathy for Bucks until this point, and yet after this I was completely on her side, despite the absolute VILE things she did - it's just a testament to how strong the writing is that I was able to care so much for her in such a short amount of time.
IT'S ABSOLUTELY PERFECT THEMATICALLY, as the entire story has been about this group that was "close" but never really recognized the problems that others were going through because they were so wrapped up in their own issues. The choice to end on Bucks - whose problems we've never seen, who seems so strong and relatively simple-minded, who has a happy family and seemingly no troubles - is a perfect one - recognizing all of the problems that she was facing, even when no one (except Hunar) was looking.
THE SEQUENCE WHERE BUCKS SHRINKS IS SO GOOD, until she's finally kneeling in front of Hunar - and she looks SO SMALL in comparison to him, so vulnerable. (It REALLY contrasts the first non-childhood CG from OW, where Bucks is heaving Iggy over her shoulder, and she looks so big and strong.)
AND THEN THE BABY REVEAL DFGDGD THE CORRUPTION OF INNOCENCE, turning her into "fuel" for the warped "Wonderland" - it's SO PERFECT DFGFDGDG
ANDDDD we got confirmation on the results of Iggy's wish from the first arc! His wish was so "heinous" that he was cut off, and instead he was bent to the wishes of others. It's so perfect from a character perspective - Iggy, unable to assert his own desires and wishes - instead trying to please others, to make them happy. (YAY I got confirmation that the Iggy in each route WAS bent into a shape to please his companion of choice! It's also a really interesting take on a "dating sim" - where, instead of deliberately acting in a way to please your beau of choice, you're warped into a shape that fits them).
Another side note but I love how, in this arc, there's so much silence. It's pretty unlike previous arcs and other carrot games, which used so much music - but here, there are pretty long stretches where there's complete SILENCE and it's perfect - it's so calm and yet unsettling, really making you focus on the words and visuals on screen.
GDFDFGDGDG THE CLIMAX, WITH IGGY REMEMBERING WHAT HIS ORIGINAL WISH WAS, and Saydie saying that he can CHOOSE to be happy. Then when Saydie vocalizes her wish - that she wishes to be killed, and the tree DELIGHTS in it, in the innocence of that desire - it really hammers home how HYPOCRITICAL the tree is. After all, Iggy and Saydie's wishes were the same - to disappear, to be killed (although Iggy's desire was due to guilt, while Saydie wanted to be freed from her suffering). I LOVE how you aren't given a choice to break the cycle - it really hammers home how this is Iggy's story now, and how he's finally taking control of his life. And the destruction of Wonderland - this warped, twisted place that fed on children's hopes and dreams - is a good parallel for Iggy as well - destroying his need to be responsible for his friends' happiness, paving the way for him to make himself happy.
I WASN'T EXPECTING TIME TRAVEL, the chance to redo everything, but fgfhgfhfhgf it made me so happy to see, I really wanted to see all of these guys get their happy ending (and it didn't seem possible with the original iteration). I love the fact that they still all make the same mistakes - it's what happens AFTERWARD - Iggy reaching out to his friends, and in Hunar and Bucks' case choosing not to commit to a life that didn't make them happy - that makes a difference.
DGDFGDFGDFGDF I LOVE HOW THE "STAY BY YOURSELF ENDING" TRANSITIONS SO SEAMLESSLY INTO OUR CINDERELLA AGHHHHH OUR CINDERELLA IS CANON IT'S REAAAALLLLL (I do love how it also gives you the option of "not committing" to a love interest but leaving the possibility open down the line! And gosh I'm so glad that the "idealized" world of Our Cinderella is canon AGHHHHHH I WASN'T EXPECTING IT AT ALL) And I do really like how, even in the "happy endings," it shows that Iggy's life wasn't perfect - that he's still anxious, that he still has things to work on. Because that's the way life is. It's not perfect; it's flawed. And that's okay.
Onto Orlam's route and DFGDFGDF THE SLOW DANCE, I really love how it's the perfect capstone to all of the "dances" Orlam and Iggy have had up until this point - Orlam falling into Iggy's pace, doing something that he's comfortable with. (BUT GENZOU IS IN DESPAIR AFTER YOU PICK THE ORLAM ENDING WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS, and Gidget too dfgfdg it is interesting how, when you picked Genzou, Gidget and Orlam seemed much more chill about it LOL) And AWW I loved the ambiguity of Orlam and Iggy's relationship - how it was difficult to label, in the end, but they didn't need to "bend" to anyone's expectations.
And finally, Gidget's route - AGHHHHHHH GIDGET IS APOLOGIZING I LOVE IT, it's such a full circle for them and really fitting for the conclusion of the route. Since Iggy and Gidget were the most "entangled" pair (and Genzou with Orlam, and Bucks with Hunar) - this reconciliation is very fitting. And the realization that they've both been wearing masks their entire lives - RELATABLE.
I LOVE HOW IN ALL OF THE ENDINGS, Iggy is wearing his ace-themed hoodie, it really emphasizes how he's comfortable with himself and his identity. And in all of them, there's no label for what Iggy has with any of his partners - they're not boyfriends, they're not married, they're not friends - they're just themselves, living as they are, by their own rules.
Okay now that I'm done with my AHHHHHHHH REACTIONS AGHHHHFHGHF I'll try to calm down and leave some coherent thoughts here.
Final Conclusions
There are SO MANY themes and concepts in OW, all told to perfection through the different routes and characters, that I can't detail them all (and I've touched on a few of them before, in Essay #1 LMAO). The mistakes that you've made, how what you say affects others. How both your own expectations and the expectations that others have for you can shape your identity and self-worth. How you need to seek your own happiness in order to support others. How important reaching out, communicating, and supporting others in their time of need is. The time travel - the ability to go back and redo everything from the start, but better this time - is a happier conclusion than what I was expecting, admittedly. But at the same time it's perfect. They can go back to a time before Wonderland corrupted them - with its expectations, with its desires - and they can live freely. And it shows how even the smallest actions can change their lives so much. That just reaching out a hand to a friend in a time of need can be all the difference in the world.
I loved that, in the end, the final villain was "Wonderland" itself. And in the end, Wonderland wasn't "childhood" - as being a child, with no worries or regrets, IS wonderful. No, Wonderland is this oppressive, corrupting entity that delights in what it thinks childhood SHOULD be - purely innocent. Wonderland is the amalgmation of all of the expectations, the rejection, the self-hatred - all of the things that are weighing down on our characters, preventing them from fully accepting themselves and being happy. It curses our cast for their "corruption" - for bringing lust, and sadness, and anger, and everything - into its "perfect paradise" - when those are all things that just make us human. And only when you free yourself from that vision of how you SHOULD be - how you expect yourself to be, how others expect you to be - are the characters' wishes truly freed - and they can finally fulfill them in their own way, on their own terms.
At first, I found Saydie's life to be rather melancholic - killed by her mother, brought back as a monster by a corrupted Wonderland, and then finally killed by Iggy - but in a lot of ways Saydie was just as much of a metaphor as Wonderland itself. Iggy needed to move past not only the "corrupt" Wonderland, but also the "childish, innocent" Wonderland - the idea of that "pure" childhood, when there were no problems to overcome. Only when he accepts that life is MESSY, that everyone is flawed and everyone makes mistakes and life won't be perfect - is he able to reach a "happy ending." And so him killing Saydie, this embodiment of "innocence" - makes so much sense. And at the same time Saydie also represents the "ideal life," the life you're expected to have - as people are expected to marry early, have children, and live that perfect "dream life," as Gidget described. So killing her (or the corrupted version of her) - is also like killing those expectations. (And, I do like how Bucks and Hunar DO think about having kids in the end - but on their own terms, when they've had a chance to live their lives how they want, and pursue what they want to pursue. And I wish that Saydie can live happily in the new timeline - in a world where her existence is appreciated and cherished.)
While OW is a deeply queer narrative, its themes are also quite universal. Iggy is asexual, and that is a big part of his character, but at the same time his desire to be loved as he is, his fear of not being able to love his partner in the way they want - is a really universal feeling. Similarly, when Iggy and Gidget talk in Gidget's route about the "mask" that Gidget wore to cover up their confusion regarding their sexuality, Iggy understands Gidget's feelings, despite not having exactly the same problems.
I found the conclusion to Iggy's arc to be INCREDIBLE. In Arc 1, he hates himself for not being able to bring his friends happiness, so deeply that he wants to disappear (and, when you learn that his original wish was to make his friends happy, it makes so much sense). In the end, he breaks free from any sort of expectation, any sort of need to PLEASE anyone, to make anyone happy - and makes his own choice, for his own happiness. And, only after making sure that he's happy is he able to support others. It's such a meaningful and powerful message that I think everyone needs to hear.
In the end, Iggy's life isn't all that different from how it was before, but I think that makes a lot of sense. His problem was with how he viewed his life - and how he acted regarding his relationships. He's not rich, he's not an entrepreneur, he's not happily married - he's living his own life, with happy relationships with his friends, and that's HIS happy ending.
I'll conclude by saying that I can't say how important this story is to me. How deeply personal and moving it is. I teared up so much while reading it, and cried at parts. There were so many aspects that felt so true to my own life and my own relationships, parts that made me feel really vulnerable and exposed and SEEN. There are some things that you experience that carve their existence onto your soul - good and bad things, and you carry them for the rest of your life. Our Wonderland is one of those things for me.
Thank you very much for making this masterpiece, Carrot; I am your dearest fan, and I'll never forget this experience. Thank you.
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO THIS???????????? YOU'RE SLAYIN' ME OVER HERE MY GOD????? TEARS RUNNING DOWN MY FACE?????
Now I have to somehow craft a semi-cohesive response while I suffer from intense emotional overwhelm and the tears decorate my keys... /over-dramatic
But I digress.
Reading this truly made me tear up. And I feel like nothing I say will come close to like, getting across how much it has emotionally affected me. Nor how much it means to me that you would take so much time to not only play but then write something so beautiful and heartfelt and kind 😭💕 So I also apologize in advance if my response feels a little aLl oVeR tHe pLaCe and rambly LOL
I'm glad you liked how it started... 🥺 I had a lot of fun with the cabin scenes in general. Partly because I just enjoy writing small warm little moments (and silly banter) but also just seeing these four finally all together having reached this final resting point felt somehow very monumental to me (I got emotional the first time I put all three LIs' sprite on screen at the same time alkdjfas). Though I was admittedly also slightly worried as because of my decisions in how to release the Arc 5 parts I wasn't sure if it (as well as the resulting Final Choice scenes) would be a weird place to just jump into after the break between 5.15 and finale release. (And now I'm also curious about how different it would feel as a player who'd played 5.15 and been waiting for the finale compared to somehow who plays Arc 5 for the first time all the way through without any of the breaks.......... 🤔 I DIGRESS THOUGH.
PLAYING GENZOU'S ROUTE FIRST LKAJDFASD I'm really curious what order a lot of people went in 🤭 Almost makes me wish I had a way to keep track or something hahaha. His scene though is extremely precious to me... it was also the first of the LI scenes that I wrote. And we all know Genzy holds a special place in my heart.... GUHHH. So just. Mfmmkmfdajdsfadfj it's very important to me LOLOL I LOVE THEM SO DEARLY MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. So I'm glad you enjoyed it... 🥺
I'M GLAD YOU LIKED THE PHONE CALL PART. Tbh it was one of those things that I wasn't quite sure how to handle and it wasn't until I was actively working on the finale that it kinda formed. Mostly from like, really thinking back through some of the key themes and the dreams in particular. How each dream had been something that Iggy needed to do in order to reach the center. The importance of the cabin and the door. And then perhaps somewhat cheekily harking back to the fact that I had originally been going to release the middle arcs in such a way that you could do them in any order, so Iggy's choice of who to call felt even more ~ baked in ~ to kinda the overarching narrative. It just somehow felt fitting as a callback, to him being vulnerable enough to reach out to the person he had chosen. Idk. I wasn't quite sure if people would get what I was going for (or if it would even be that big of a deal for people to get it in the end lakdfjad) but hearing that you did enjoy it and resonated with its inclusion is kinda making me really happy right now lol.
Bucks's part was another where I was hoping it would "be enough" (then again that's kinda the theme of this whole finale... me worrying every single scene will somehow "be enough" for the build-up that preceded it; that the finale as a whole would "be enough" to act as a satisfactory ending to the whole story and the chars and their arcs). The structure and build-up in general felt like it necessitated Bucks's part to come at the end, and I'm not one to go against my instincts in these things usually LOL But I wanted to make sure it didn't feel like it was just glossed over and that it did indeed have a reason and purpose for being there. So I tried to make the flashbacks and cutscene and the whole fight and honestly just everything, I just really tried to put my soul in it and make it feel quite intense and conclusive for her arc (even if not everything is obviously solved, but somehow there's some emotional catharsis, at least for the time being for them to be able to pull themselves together and fix the rest of this thing once and for all hahaha). I had a lot of fun with the flashbacks in particular though, as I really love show bits and pieces of the group dynamics throughout the years, even in these ones had that constant twinge of sadness to them when you looked at them all together... sob.
"I got confirmation that the Iggy in each route WAS bent into a shape to please his companion of choice!" --> LKDFJADSF YESSSSSSSS. I was kinda jazzed about finally including this confirmation myself. Mostly because there were so many times throughout production when people would ask questions and I would be like... I JUST WANT TO SAY WHY. I WANT TO SAY WHY IGGY WAS LIKE THAT. BUT I CAN'T REALLY. I CAN ONLY KINDA GIVE VAGUE HINTS. BUT I WANT TO SO BADLY. Particularly in Arc 3, which is the most obvious shift in Iggy's behavior. But even in Arc 2, why it was so easy for his heart to kind of naturally shelter itself in Genzou, and in Arc 4, particularly leading up to the bedroom scene at least, where he was mostly going along with Gidget (until even wonderland couldn't influence him enough to go all the way with it). But just like. That has become who Iggy is because of the wish that he made. Malleable to an extent, so as to make his friends happy. Except that no matter how he's influenced and changed, it never truly works, at least not the way Iggy would hope. Because making one friend happy leads to problems with the others. So in the end no one is happy. And the futility of devoting yourself to the happiness of others is all the more evident. The endless cycles of trying but failing to make everyone but himself happy.
Sob.
See now I'm rambling a bit LKDJFASLD But this part in general was just so important to me... the whole field scene and the reveal. I had a really hard time working on it and had to take multiple breaks because I kept starting to cry LOL It was a part in general that hit really close to home for me personally.
"I LOVE how you aren't given a choice to break the cycle" --> WEEP I'M GLADDDDDD. It got very meta there by the end. Not only with the tree referencing others making choices for Iggy as a direct call-out of the ppl playing the game, but then using the choice mechanic to show Iggy making his own choice and taking it away from the player. Another one of those things I really loved adding personally but that I was worried about the response LKDJFALSKDFA
"I love the fact that they still all make the same mistakes" --> Sob I'm so happy you liked the ending in general. It was probably the biggest of everything that I was worried about, and I know there will be some that don't agree with it. But it's what felt right to me for what needed to happen. Not only from a story and lore perspective but perhaps a bit selfishly for me and for these characters. Obviously I can't make their lives perfect now. That's not what this game is about. And I wanted to show that even with at least some subconscious knowledge of their other lives, they can't "correct" everything because so much of your life is out of your control to begin with. Even your own mistakes are out of your control. Because we all make mistakes. But there are things we can do after the fact to try and make up for those mistakes. And so often that is what really matters. (Ok so maybe things like cold-blooded murder wouldn't count for something like this BUT I MEAN MORE LIKE IN THE RELATIVELY NORMAL COURSE OF ONE'S LIFE.) And to that same end I wanted to show how much even small changes to try and fix mistakes or change responses to things can help make things better. Not perfect ofc. But at least better. Because yeah each of them still has plenty of issues they need to work through, both in themselves and with each other, but they were better able to find themselves and figure themselves out and have more of the support necessary to do that, giving them more control over their own lives.
I'M RAMBLING AGAIN SOMEONE STOP ME LKASDJFLAKSDFA But see this is what all your words are doing to me they just make me want to talk and talk and talk because they make me so happy and also so thoughtful and excited lkadjfad
I'M SO GLAD YOU PLAYED ALL THE ENDINGS???? Even the neutral one LKDJFADS IT WAS A CHEEKY LITTLE EASTER EGG TO MAKE THE NEUTRAL ONE TO CONNECT TO OC HAHAHAHA. It felt like a little treat to add. Not only for players so they can still see something rather sweet and surprising even in the neutral route. But also for myself, because it can leave me with warm thoughts that even if Iggy doesn't pick someone he still has the chance to find companionship with someone later on after he's spent more time just focusing on himself first.
Ahhhhh... not you listing out all the themes... 🥺 I feel like I could not even list out all the themes LKDFAJSDFA This is so lovely for me to read as the creator LOL I'm really bad in general at trying to analyze works for themes and motives, even in my own work. Since so much of what I do just kinda happens as I'm writing and thoughting and barley any of it is planned, so it's all just this vibesy exploration that somehow comes through at the end still working (IF I'M LUCKY). So having someone tell ME what the themes are is honestly so helpful for me to also take a closer look at my work and what it's doing and why hahaha. "And it shows how even the smallest actions can change their lives so much." --> Sob sob yes... this one hit me pretty hard. That we don't need to do these grand showcases of pure and selfless friendship. That sometimes all it takes is a kind word or act to show that you care. To think about someone and check in on them. Because god knows I need to also do this a lot more often as it's something I really struggle with, friendship in general. And letting friendships fall away because it always feels like it requires so much energy. But does it though? Maybe it doesn't. Maybe you just need to be able to show that you care. Idk. SOB.
" In the end, he breaks free from any sort of expectation, any sort of need to PLEASE anyone, to make anyone happy - and makes his own choice, for his own happiness." --> TEARS RUNNING A DELUGE DOWN MY FAAAAAAAAAAACE. Also that you brought up the "mask " thing because only upon like looking back over especially the Arc 5 and finale stuff did I realize just what a running theme that had become without even thinking about it. Which is also a big theme of my own life I feel sometimes. So maybe it's why it got itself so rooted into the OW narrative. But just this idea of never really letting your true self out. Whether that's because you want to fit in. Because you're terrified of change. You're an anxious wreck. You feel like no one will like the feel real. (Or all of the above LKJADFA) But that the more that you do that, the more you change yourself for those around you. The harder it will be to see your true self. To the point that you might lose it entirely.
God sob your words at the end. Now I'm really really gonna cry. Thank you SO MUCH, Chatter. For being so open and thoughtful and for writing such heartfelt things and for always showing me so much even about my own works. COMING FROM YOU??? ESPECIALLY??? LIKE SOMEONE WHOSE WORKS ARE SO AMAZING AND ALWAYS LEAVE ME IN AWE AND INSPIRATION???? I shall melt down into a pile of goo right here in this chair I SWEAR IT I WILL LKDJADF Seriously though, it means more than the whole world hearing that. And I'm so so glad not only that you would take your time to play and write such lovely things about the game but also that you would be such an amazing friend and an amazing fellow dev and always being so sweet and kind and thoughtful to others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for joining me along this journey and being here and lending so much of your support and encouragement to me and my games!! THANK YOUUUUUUUU.............. and now before I really lose it and jump into a well I'm going to stop rambling incoherently and attempt to get myself under control LMAO 🤣💦💕
THE EMOTIONS. THE WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS I WAS CAUGHT IN (admittedly, it was more bearable the previous part but STILL) BUT GOODNESS WHAT A CONCLUSION.
Okay. Okay. Okay. It's alright, I'll gather my thoughts.
First of all, WHAT?? SO MUCH ART??? AND I ONLY DID GENZOU'S ROUTE???? EVERYTHING IS SO PRETTY????? Like, really, the composition of the CGs was AMAZING, I loved the animations too, the succession of them to narrate very dramatic scenes (because this climax is still very dramatic looool). YOUR USE OF MUSIC, IT'S ALWAYS SO CLEVER, IT ALWAYS SETS SUCH A MOOD I AM IMPRESSED EACH AND EVERY TIME HOLY GOLLY MOLLY IGGY (yes, I need to create new interjections now)
The writing was, per usual, great and, per usual, made me discover French expressions used in English loool ("en masse" here dvdcvb). Your phrasing is both poetic, metaphorical even, and yes so visceral when it needs to. It perfectly supported the different moments of horror, fright, action and peace. Because I did say it: this finale is a WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS, it felt warm, then cold, blurry then clear, pure then soiled... it was an amazing finale, the perfect conclusion to a perfect game. An amazing culmination of everything that has been set up, and looking back on some things noticed during act 1 finally make sense and be explored.
I alas can't say much without spoilers. Just know, reader, that this game is amazing, be it the art, the writing, the music, the emotions, the heart, the themes... Oh, these themes!!! Play it, you won't regret it.
#### ------ SPOILER PORTION ----- ####
CARROT. CARROT. CARROT. OH MY GOD, THE THEMES OF THIS LAST PART RESONATED SO MUCH WITH ME YOU HAVE NO IDEA AT SOME POINTS SOME SCENES EVEN FELT CLOSE TO SCENES AND THEMES FOR FUTURE GAMES (Happy :) in particular I was screaming AND I CAN'T EXPLAIN BECAUSE OF SELF SPOILERS BUT DAMN THIS HIT SO CLOSE TO HOME YOU BROKE MY SOUL AGAIN) DFVFDDFDFGFDFG AND YOU EXECUTED IT SO WELL I AM IMPRESSED.
First, finally, we got to see Buck's struggle and how her dehumanisation has indeed turned her. This also was a GREAT WAY to highlight Hunar as a character, the comfort he's brought her and how losing this last connection, the last thing that made her human made her snap and do the unutterable i.e. putting her own child in at best a questionable state to go back to a place where she could have peace, at worst, in an ironically wooden coffin. This theme of the monster residing in the perception of others, rather than being something inherent to a person, really touched me a lot, and it was the perfect conclusion for Bucks. Seeing her being called a monster, disgusting for helping a bug... was sad, and I adored how these little things are what, in the end, ended up breaking her.
Another theme that touched me a lot is the theme of innocence, the way it gets corrupted and, when we lose this childhood innocence, what the best we can do is. Growing up is hard. Growing up is difficult. Growing up is becoming a more complex person, because the world around you gets more complex. You start questioning yourself. You are subjected to norms. The questions multiply like rabbits. And only the ignorant can remain innocent, because the world has its darker colours, and so do we. So, when childhood seems far away, and the world around us gets more obscure, when people start harming each other deeply... what can we do?
Being nice. Being kind to others. Trying to understand them. Apologising for our wrondoings. Always making sure we act with kindness and respect. These are the things we can do. And your potrayal of this message was absolutely gorgeous. This is something that rings very personally with me, as these are things I firmly believe in.
I ADORED Saydie, and that is an UNDERSTATEMENT. She is an incarnation of innocence and yet, Iggy cannot connect with her. Of course he cannot: he is grown. He's been selfish and mean, he's hurt the others around him. And yet, he follows her, considers the perspective she presents and realises: when you look for others, and don't let them on the side... you make them happy.
I loved how this was the culmination of Iggy's arc: being good to others, bringing them happiness. His wish isn't for his friends to be this happy: "I want to make my friends this happy", I appreciated he took the matter into his own hands, because I agree: happiness is something you build by supporting others (you can tell it was already a theme in The Life I Lost with the "if you want to enjoy roses in life, you have to go get them" loool so I'm not lying when I say you really NAILED themes that REALLY resonate with me).
And I loved that these characters, after everything, could go back in time, get a new chance at trying things again and doing them better. Sure, we cannot do that in real life, and we have to grow from our mistakes. But in real life, we don't necessarily get through what these characters go through either loool. And more than that, it really reinforced the message of the game by contrasting the original timeline and the new one. And seeing these characters happier, realising their dreams and being still imperfect, of course, because who isn't, but so much healthier.
That being said, I wasn't expecting the tree to be a yandere looool, but I truly adored it. The reveal of Saydie's corpse was striking, and its interventions were amazing, displaying new layers of these characters. This tree is the guilt we feel while exploring the world and discovering that, no, we're not the children we were, and that we have more twisted wishes and experiences. Well, some of them are normal, some are a result of our own suffering and some... are indeed a result of the world getting to us. Well... that's okay. Without getting into too many untasteful details you can guess from The Day Being Ace Made Him Stronger, as this comment section isn't the place to share them lol, but accepting exploring a soiled world will also soil you, and that some soil is okay as long as you act with kindness was an excellent message. This cult, this fascination for childhood is pointless: people don't grow into children. And we have to accept to grow into healthy adults instead.
The romance was also GREAT! I played Genzou's and am watching Joy play the two others right now loool but from what I can tell from Genzou's route and Joy's stream, you wrote these scenes wonderfully, really. It felt consistent with what you set up in the game and well-earned. I loved how the LI is the one to defend us against Bucks, it showed they cared.
In conclusion, it was an amazing game, Carrot, and I hope you are proud of you. I've been following the development of it for years now, and, if it was great from the start, you've truly grown as a creator and a person too, and this final part shows it. This whole game shows it. It is an inspiring story about kindness, empathy and how to navigate a world not meant for those who are innocent. This also is a game about LGBT-issues, one of the most amazing ace representations I've ever seen in a piece of media, not to say THE MOST amazing... Thank you, Carrot, really. This game will stick to me all my life, and will be a stone of all I create, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Time for a confession: you and your game are the reason I've started working on Waterlily on the Froth lol. When I played the previous part, I felt so strongly about it that I wanted to create something that would make me feel feelings as strong... so ta-dah...
I'll just conclude it all with a thank you. Thank you for creating this. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you sharing your thoughts and your vision of the world through this game. Thank you for all the art you put inside it. Thank you for such an emotional conclusion. I am looking forward to the rest of your creative journey. Please never stop inspiring others by sharing the stories and themes blazing in your soul. Because I'll endlessly thank you.
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO THIS COMMENT, CHIM??????? I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START?????????? 🤣💦
OK no I do and that's first ofc to simply thank you! Thank you not only for this essay(?) but also all the love and support you've shown for this game even long before this. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts about each new update as you always have so much to say and always analyze things down to their core and make me realize things about my OWN game and I just am always filled to the brim with so much love and appreciation and gratefulness and joy whenever I read your comments. AND THIS TIME WAS NO EXCEPTION I HAVE TEARS IN MY EYESSSSSSSSSSSSS. The amount of time this must have taken to write!!! GODDDDDDD. Thank you so so much for all the kind thought you put into your words 💕
"HOLY GOLLY MOLLY IGGY" --> LAKJDFLAKDJFALDSKFJAD
"the perfect conclusion to a perfect game" --> DON'T SAY THAT YOU'RE ALREADY MAKING ME CRY?????
But I digress your words are too much LKDJALKDS Thank you for all the kind words about the writing and music and animations. THOSE FREAKING ANIMATIONS LMAO. They are always the biggest time suck (and CG filler lkdjlfakd). Sometimes I just know that a scene needs to be set to music and no matter what I do, I'll never be able to make it match and be as impactful it is in my head unless I actually set the scene to the music, as opposed to just have it be written while the music plays in the background. It first happened ofc in Arc 1 where I actually did try to just write out that final scene first, but I was so displeased and unsatisfied with how it was turning out and lacking the impact I wanted it to have that I eventually just attempted to semi-animate it. And after I did that first one, ofc then every time I had a similar feeling, I had to do it again LOL (Thank you Arcs 3 and 4 that didn't require this somehow??? Though Arc 5 then made up for it by requiring multiple cutscenes lkdjafsd) ANYWAY THOUGH. Hearing such kind words about the animations in general makes my heart very full. I'm by no means an animator but I try really hard to think about how to stage each scene and take advantage of what I can do in Ren'Py to create different compositions and effects. NOW IF ONLY THEY COULD BE COMPLETELY ANIMATED LOL living in a dream world... sigh.
LKFDJALSKDFA I'M REALLY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE SO MOVED / RESONATED SO MUCH WITH THE ENDING????????? The ending in general was something that I had kinda half figured out in my head before actually moving in to working on the finale. I had some scenes kinda set in my mind (like I knew I wanted them to confront the tree / the stuff with the roots, and I had the scene in the field in my head even since towards the beginning of production). But so many of the actual details and especially a lot of the meta stuff that ended up happening throughout those scenes only formed as I was actively working on it, so I consider myself very lucky that I was able to pull together so many of the strings and themes of the game and make them all come together the way that I did 🤣💦 (then again, a LOT of this game was that way, I really have no idea how I managed to get lucky so many times LKFDJALKDSFA)
"This theme of the monster residing in the perception of others, rather than being something inherent to a person, really touched me a lot, and it was the perfect conclusion for Bucks." --> LFDKJFKALDS THIS IS SO POETIC????? I was a bit nervous in general how people would respond to Bucks's part, not only because she's been kind of an enigma up until now, but also because she's done so many things to actively make people dislike her LOL And yet compared to the others, she has a lot less screen time. Though the structure of the story ended up kinda necessitating that. So I really tried my best to try to make her (and Hunar's) part of the story have as much impact as I could give it.
"And only the ignorant can remain innocent, because the world has its darker colours, and so do we. " --> THIS IS ALSO SO POETIC??? AND PHILOSOPHICAL????
"Being nice. Being kind to others. Trying to understand them. Apologising for our wrondoings. Always making sure we act with kindness and respect. These are the things we can do." --> Yes... sob.... I'm getting teary-eyed again...
The way you've written out so many of these things is really cutting to the core of me. I feel like I could never make a good analyzer, I would never be able to like pinpoint a lot of these things and write them out so succinctly and eloquently. I CAN'T EVEN WRITE THESE TYPES OF THINGS ABOUT MY OWN GAME???? So so often while working on this I would have people present to me themes about the game and I'm just like... omg you're right... BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA THAT'S EVEN A THEME THAT WAS THERE THAT I WAS GOING FOR. I'm really bad at putting things in words and instead just vibe through the story in a way that feels right to me for the way the chars and story is heading but I could never tell you why I do a certain thing or exactly what I'm attempting with it at any point in time. So whenever you come along and are like "it's doing this" I can only be like OMG YESSSSS THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE LDKJFALDKFAFD So thank you for being able to put so eloquently all these things I didn't even know what I was doing half the time.
I'M GLAD YOU LIKED SAYDIE WEEP. I was really happy with how her whole part turned out... 💕
"And seeing these characters happier, realising their dreams and being still imperfect, of course, because who isn't, but so much healthier." --> WEEP. I was also a bit nervous about this. What people would think about the skip back. If it would somehow feel like a cop out to not have to face the repercussions of everything that happened especially in Arc 5. But to me it's not that they don't have to face them, because they do, all those experiences are still there, but they've changed them enough that when they do go back, they're able to influence their lives enough to create better versions of themselves. Not perfect ofc. Because nothing is perfect. But better. Happier. Still making mistakes but being able to work through them better. And able to support each other better.
"accepting exploring a soiled world will also soil you, and that some soil is okay as long as you act with kindness was an excellent message." --> 🥺💕 This is so beautifully put.... ahhhhh.......
Sob I'm glad you liked the romance, too!! I really tried to make each choice feel not only earned but very different from each other in how the dynamics play out. Not only in their special scene but also in the epilogue. Because Iggy has such different dynamics with each of the possible LIs that play out completely differently. And also ofc hopefully putting a nice topper on each character arc in their special scene, too ldkajfda I feel like to really experience the entire story for all the chars you do need to play through each ending, but I hope that I haven't made it too difficult to achieve that 🤭 I also felt really cheeky in the neutral ending for having it to connect to OC. Maybe it's just me being self-indulgent but I liked the fact that even if Iggy chooses to focus on himself first as an outcome of the main game doesn't mean he still can't find love and companionship later (in OC).
" you and your game are the reason I've started working on Waterlily on the Froth lol" --> HELLO?????? AHHHHHhhhhhhHHHHHHH I'M SO TOUCHED???????? To think I could be the inspiration for something that also means so much to you!! That really makes my heart squish! 😭💕 Not that I wasn't already looking forward to it but now I am even more lakdfad
Goddddd.... how do I even wrap this up after all that LOL I am honestly just so moved and touched. Reading all this. Weeping inside (and out). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all these words and also for all your wonderful encouragement all throughout production since we first met!! It's been such a journey. FOR BOTH OF US. With all of our own games. And I'm so glad to have met you! Thank you for always taking so much time to write out all your thoughts so beautifully! And for your love and support for my games and characters and stories. And for being here as I saw this game through to the end (finally!!!). It really means the world!!! 💕
I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT THOUGH??? SOB. I look forward to any thoughts you may have no matter how incoherent but also just knowing that you enjoyed it means a lot!! 😭💕
I wish I could compile all of my thoughts together and just like, project them directly here LMAO just...you really made something special that I think will stick with me for a very very long time it's just lightning in a bottle, these characters this world, this STORY. To say "it's so good" would be to do it an injustice, there isn't a word to describe fully what this experience has been like (even only through stream bc I am a COWARD SCAREDY CAT) but this is like one of the best stories I've seen just the journey of getting to the end, both as Iggy and his friends and us as a player/viewer and you as the developer. You should be so incredibly proud of yourself for creating this game and story and experience and these feel like, just like people I know now! These are my FRIENDS lmao and I love them. I really really love them and I can't even begin to describe everything. I was laughing and bawling and terrified and feeling all of that catharsis and happiness and desire and so much and I'm just still absolutely reeling. You deserve all the flowers for this and I am just bursting with happiness and pride and adoration for this project and god saying goodbye to these characters, even though I'm late to the party, is so emotional and bittersweet but also good to have everything wrapped up and it's like letting out a big breath and letting go and god I don't know if any of this makes sense but I'm so emotional rn hahahha just. incredible job I wish I could push my heart up against the screen and into this comment LMAO because nothing I can say will ever be enough. I genuinely feel changed after this experience in a way only a few pieces of media have done for me and this is one of them and I'm just in awe. Thank you thank you for making this and sharing this and I'm so lucky to have gone on this journey and got to meet these characters and know this story, I wish you nothing but rest and great things and I wish your every happiness!!! that's my wish!!!!
GREY I CAN'T EVEN BREATHE THIS IS THE SWEETEST COMMENT EVER MY GODDDDDDDD
I'm having a hard time even figuring out how to respond to it lakdjfa I'm really so happy that you ended up enjoying the game so much (and also that you were able to experience it through Joy's streams!!!) My heart feels like it's bursting read this I can't even come up with proper words to describe how kind all of this is and what it's doing to my insides (and soul) lakjdfads
"These are my FRIENDS lmao and I love them." --> THIS REALLY MAKES ME WANNA CRY AHHHHHHHHHHHH I'M REALLY TOUCHED?????
I'M ALSO EMOTIONAL 😭💕 To be honest I think I'm just so awhirl and a tad been overwhelmed right now that my mind doesn't know quite what to think or what to do so I'm just a bit of a whirlwind right now. But I'm just really happy that the ending could mean so much. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME. I cried many times while working on it, especially the part in the field... sob... I think I just somehow ended up putting even more of myself into it than I had ever expected to, so some of the big moments just hit me really hard and also the realization that it was all coming to an end for real. I feel like I'll never be able to create something quite like this again LOL But I'll try to keep in mind those words of advice you gave in Joy's stream last night. It was really thoughtful and kind, all those things you said. Though first I really just need to kinda decompress and let everything settle for a bit and let my brain and psyche have a bit of a rest... LOL
AT ANY RATE.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GREY. For all of your support and kindness all while Joy was streaming! For loving the game and chars! And for taking the time to write this incredibly touching comment! It really means so much! And I'm just touched to tears that it could mean so much to you!! 💕
WAHHHHHHHHH I am weeping IT MEANS SO MUCH AND god that scene in the field...oh I was sitting here BAWLING. It does feel like a little piece of your heart and soul into this. and YES PLEASE REST it is so well deserved and I hope you have just lots of chill time and rest time and doing whatever makes you happy and relaxed! !!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
solid 9.5/10, i'm glad that this ended as well as it did
spoilers ig?
as someone who fairly recently realised they're enby, i'm so glad that you've included not just a non binary character, but that their enby-ness is a major part of their character. i can name maybe 3 pieces of media that prominently feature someone non-binary, so i am unimaginably happy that something like this is included, even if it a felt a little heavy handed once.
sidenote, when replaying for each of the endings, i forgot how great the music is
Ahhhhh thank you so much!!! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the game and its ending! 😭💕 And hearing that means so much, especially as someone who's had a lot of their own struggles and back-and-forths trying to figure out who they are. I wanted that to be a part of the story as something for others in similar scenarios to perhaps be able to relate to... 🥺
And thank you for the comment about the music LOL The music is such a big part of the identity of this game even for me as the creator. It's done so much to help inspire and shape parts of the story and this game definitely would not have been the same without it!!
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hello, Carrot! we are all the ones here - who love your inspiring creativity and you, whose characters became related, and whose stories were remembered! please rest and gain strength in difficult times, and we, in turn of, will definitely wait for new releases of your creations, when you are full of strength and energy!💪
Thank you so much 💕
Hey Carrot, read your post.
I'm so sorry that has been happening to you! You truly don't deserve that, and I hope you get better soon. It might be better to distance yourself from social media for awhile and be around your family if you're still going through the grief of losing your loved ones.
As for the hate, it's best to just ignore it and try to not get it through your head, as it will only drag you down further.
I wish I had more advice to offer, but I'm not good with advice in general. I can only wish you the very best.
I adore your game, however, and will continue to support you from afar!
Stay safe.
Thank you so much for the kind words 💕
Just read the latest devlog. Since I can't comment there, I'll say it here: you have people who care about you, Carrot, both online and offline. Find them, and ask for their help. That's what helped me in my darkest hours. I hope it will do the same for you.
Thank you very much 💕
AWHAHWHWHWHWHHWGHW2HWHWHW THIS GAME WAS AMAZING!!!
I literally made an account just to comment on this because woooooooow bro I just have to say SOMETHING BRO.
I really loved the endings of the story and the writing is sooooooo good bro, it ties in with previous lives that Iggy lived with stronger and stronger stages of deja vu the more you progress which I like, and the character writing makes them feel like true actual people who are suffering and dealing with their trauma in many ways. (It makes me so happy, I love seeing actual effort being put into characters and their backstories, It shows that you really do care about them and how well the moral messages of the characters are seen by the audience.)
I adore Igs so much, I need a stuffed animal of him right now.
Genzou is my favorite as while he is much more of a funny douchebag trope, he does truly love his friends (Even Orlam, even if it's hard to say, it's the truth.) and cares more about Iggy's happiness than he does his feelings for him. (I can physically not go for another romantic ending for Iggy because I hate seeing Genzou heartbroken :(. )
Gidget's backstory was a tough one, and while I didn't like them that much in the beginning (For reasons I do NOT wish to discuss as it is painful to remember) I slowly started to kin them in arc 5.
I have some mixed feelings about Orlam, but I guess it's more past-tense hate then it is now. I don't really like his type of sleezy-geezer personality, but I can understand how he thinks and feels looking back at his past now. Being through what he has gone through for a majority of his life would fuck anyone up really.
Poor Buck's and Saydie bro, they didn't deserve what they went through :-( (tbh none of these characters do, but oh well.)
Orlam and Genzou's relationship remind me of Cartman and Kyle's from South Park (their grown up personalities atleast)
GO GIDGET!!! RUN FROM YOUR B*TCH OF A MOTHER!!!
I'm gonna be talking about what I think of Iggy's relationship paths and how I generally feel about them. (no hate of course, these are just my opinions.)
I LOOOOOOOOOVEEEEE GENZOU AND IGGY'S ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP!!! Or just their relationship in general is just super sweet and so accepting. I love how much they care for each other, and how deep their relationship runs in their souls. A true pair, if I do say so myself <3.
I don't mind if Gidget and Iggy were in a relationship, but after all of what happened between the two, I honestly think it would just be better If Gidget focused on themself for awhile. They need to grow and learn to accept themselves, to learn that it's impossible to achieve perfection and how to live with the fact that they are Non-Binary now and not a girl anymore.
Now, again, don't really mind if Orlam and Iggy being in a relationship, but I think they would be better off with eachother as friends. I feel like it would be hard with Orlam that Iggy doesn't like sexual experiences, and I don't really think Orlam is a romantic type of person (Which is what Iggy needs in a relationship to survive lmao).
I think thats It for my rant tho. LOVED YOUR GAME! I need more people to notice it, I really want atleast SOME sort of a small fandom to get by :(.
Genzou is legit so cute I LOVE him sm :(
Carrot thanks for the game and experience. I haven't played a game that gave me this whole feeling in a while. Got the alone ending and am really glad it was given the care you gave it
Thank you for playing 💕 I'm really happy the game could mean so much to you. It means a lot to hear.
Okay!! I finished all endings, so it's time to write a comment about it! I'm gonna talk mostly about finale part, since I already talked about how much I love previous arcs in my last comment, sooooo... (also sorry for my bad english ^^;;)
SPOILERS BELOW!!
IT WAS SUCH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE, A TRUE JOURNEY OF A GAME-- NOT ONLY FINALE, WHOLE GAME AS WELL! IT IS INCREDIBLE, SO WELL WRITTEN, CHARACTERS, THEIR ARCS, THEIR BONDS, PLOT, DRAMA, EVERYTHING!! And finale was like a cherry on top of a delicious cake! Character's arc ending, the Bucks sequence, the tree, the epilogue... But my favorite of them all, the most emotional for me, the one which grasps my heart every time was the field scene.
It was... I don't have the words to describe how much I love it... When I saw the background, the tranquil and empty field, I knew this is gonna be amazing scene. But I didn't know how much,,, seeing all of them as kids and saying their wishes, Saydie guiding them with an understanding smile, but the most,,, scene that even now makes me emotional was Iggy's wish. It-- it was so much in tune with his character arc, and I haven't expected that his wish would be like this. Which is pretty silly of me, because obviously, it's Iggy!! Who else is so focused on making their friends happy? Of course it's him! BUT AT THE SAME TIME--- AT THE SAME TIME HIS WISH WAS SO SINCERE, SO SELFLESS--- LIKE I COULD FEEL HIS LOVE TO HIS FRIENDS-- AAAAAAAA I CAN'T,, I LOVE IT SO MUCH, THIS IS GONNA BE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE SCENES FROM ANY MEDIUM I'VE EVER CONSUMED
Also as I mentioned before I got every ending, right? So everytime I didn't skip it, nah, I reread it over and over, these 4 times and haha, and everytime this scene made me cry :'> I won't get too personal, but the 3rd time I reread it, it made me realize how much I miss being a kid. I'm this kind of person who bottles everything up, but it made me feel like it's okay to miss old times or regret things and to cry for them. This really helped me, I'm feeling much better now, so thank you.
Moreover I made screenshots of other wishes, so I can read all of them. And the "I wish I could see my mom" which I assume was Orlam's made me cry once again ;w; (oh and btw! I love things that make me emotional and I think if something evokes this much emotions in someone it is kinda like a sign of how well written it is, so props for you, Carrot!!)
Okay but now let's go to other stuff I want to talk about! Like character's endings!
I've obtained only Gidget's one on my first try which suprised me. I thought I'll get others too, but it seems like I spent too much time with them in arc 5 haha! Later I just made a couple choices different and got everyone, yay! :> I went in Gidget>Genzou>Orlam>alone order! Which is kinda funny to me since my OC order was the same (tho I got there bad ending first) xD Anyway, I'm gonna talk about them in this order then!
Gidget first!! So... The direction this ending went made me really happy!! I loved how natural it was, with no romance forced! Since Gidget and Iggy went through so much in their relationship and in arc 4 they had... Maybe not forcing romance on each other per se, but forcing themselves to act like... Whatever Gidget's mother would say they should do as a normal couple, I guess? I don't know how to describe it better, but I Hope you know what I mean. So seeing them just talk things over, with no "acting" to please anybody, being vulnerable and sincere with each other was so good!!! AAAA I JUST LOVE HOW MUCH PROGRESS THEY HAVE MADE, IGGY, GIDGET, THEIR RELATIONSHIP SDVADWMAVVXFAFA I saw someone point out that unlike Orlam, Gidget considers their acts in wonderland as their own wrongdoings (I mean: not wonderland-messed-me-up-wrongdoings), because they don't have such a strong identity-- I love this interpretation so much, aaaaaaa-- Also cg where they lie and look at the stars was so cute, I love it <3 ALSO!! Their epilogue!! It was greaaaaat!! I love love love that they, Cecil and Iggy are roommates!! This idea of living with 2 best friends (or maybe even something more?) sounds so lovely to me! And the fact that they stay in contact with Orlam made me so happy!! Also, like I talked before I love that gidgy are just their own thing, not forcing romance or anything. I like to think they are more in qpr than just in typical romantic relationship (or somewhere in between) and it makes my aroace heart so happy <333
Next one Genzou!! GENZOUUUUU WAAAAAAAH-- I picked him as my second ending, because I knew this was gonna be very sweet <33 and was I wrong? Nope, cuz Genzy is always sweet! Even when they make me weep! I love all characters and ships equally, but genzy strikes me as the most possible one?? Just look how they care about each other and feel safe around the other one-- Ooh!! And let me go back to field scene! I found it pretty satysfying, because when I played arc 1 and Genzou wish was "revealed" I thought something like "Maybe he wished to see Iggy or something" anD IT WAS TRUE ALL ALONG!! I made such an assumption, because first game I played made by you was T2A2G, and it was so cool to have it confirmed! Also I'm curious what he was writing/drawing there as a kid... Hmmmmm... But anyway! Iggy telling him he needs to care for himself and try his best for himself , not to sacrifice himself for Iggy's sake was good as well (also, Iggy, look who is talking lol). They just feel so natural when it comes to understanding and caring for each other aaaaa-- And his epilogue was very sweet as well! I love their expressions in it-- Iggy looking like embarrassed, but happy shoujo anime schoolgirl after giving Genzou his "answer", I can't-- And they just living together, chilling on the couch and spending time in Genzou's workshop awwwww... Did I mention they are very sweet?! >83
Okie Dokie, it's time for our lovely rat king Orlam! Well, well, his ending was a very interesting one! I love how his relationship with Iggy differs from gidgly and genzy. They truely are making their own rules, with no need to label themselves. Just two people caring for each other. Also I was very curious how he will act, because his personality seemed to change once again? I thought he was more sarcastic and kinda tired or maybe just reserved there????? Sorry, I don't know how to describe it-- But it was reasonable, this guy didn't feel anything for probably months without his heart and now that it was beating once again in his chest, he was saved, it would be weird if he was still as playful(??) as in previous arcs. Oh or maybe just effect wonderland had over his emotions etc was abolished? Well, with all of it I couldn't wait to see how would he act with only Iggy around! It was so nice to see them dancing with Orlam more "normal"(???? Is this word even compatible with this man?? xDD) and relaxed. Also it was fascinating to see his perspective on his wrongdoings there! Like I said in Gidget's paragraph. It was so refreshing to see a character, maybe regretting what they had done, but saying that they wouldn't do it other way if they could. He knows what he had done was bad, but he would do it anyway, and he still isn't potrayed as a bad guy for that! Oh and also when they fought Bucks and he realized he sounded too harsh when telling Iggy. It's pretty cute that he cares for Iggy's feelings even in a situation like this <3 Also his epilogue seemed the funniest one to me-- Like they were just working on a projects together, helping each other etc so much, that Iggy didn't realize they are in some kind of a relationship LOL Also just seeing Orlam doing great with his career and life is so heartwarming when you know all things he went throught... I truely wish him all the best, he deserves all of his successes and he knows it! <33
And the last, but not least - alone ending! No matter how much I like all endings and even prefer other ones over this one, I feel like this one is the most, uh, "correct" one?? It just focuses on Iggy and I feel like Iggy needs that. To choose himself, to give himself more time and to just keep himself warm. He, alone, but it isn't a bad thing he is alone. It is something he chose himself. And that's good. This epilogue was gsdhbasd so sweet!!! I absolutely love the fact that it showed how he spent time with all of his friends-- not only it was very sweet, also it made me so happy to see him show them he cares more. I remember that when I played arc 1 I wished he tried to act like a better friend to them-- Not to get too into personal territory once again, but this is something that deeply resonates with me. When I was younger (but sometimes still now) I always made up any excuse to not ask my friends if they want to meet, I prefered to just stay in my home and play video games or watch cartoons, and I think I didn't show them I care about them as much as I should. So Iggy change made me (once again lol) emotional <333 ALSO ALSO!!! I love that his life isn't crossed out of any possibilities. He still has his future before him and he can... go... to a pretty particular Christmas party, maybe with a pretty particular person, hehe!
Some thoughts I wanted to say, but didn't:
waaaaah, Genzou seeing Iggy chose Orlam over him was so :(((( I mean it was good that it wasn't swept under the rug, of course he would react some way, but it was sad nonetheless-- I can't help but think that it made him feel more depressed that person who Iggy chose was the one he had tormented so much,, like... To hurt someone Iggy cared so much about? ;; (or maybe it is just me exaggerating drama)
Also!!!! Let me talk about Bucks! HER INTERACTIONS IN FLASHBACKS WITH HUNAR WERE SO CUUUUUUUUUUTE!! I LAUGHED EVERY TIME WHEN SHE YELLED ABOUT TOMATOS IN THE LIBRARY, I LOVED THIS SCENE!! Though it was sad that "the crew" (and later other people too) called her a monster throught all her life that she started to think she really is a one... I can't imagine how did it hurt her when even Hunar called her that,,,, Bucks,, it's so good that in the end she and Hunar could make their dreams come true and had a healthier relationship! The possibility that Saydie may be born someday in a family that wants her is very heartwarming as well! TwT
While replaying barbecue sequence after finishing some endings I noticed that Bucks herself calls Saydie "a little monster" or something of sorts-- Like she is saying "a monster daughter of a monster mother" or just calling her what she hates to be called. I wonder if it was planned all along??
Ooh and I wanted to tell you that I think I found something like a bug in new version?? In arc 4, when Bucks comes to cabin one or two cgs are replaced with black background and Bucks sprite!
And let me come back to endings for a little-- while I absolutely love them I feel like if I didn't talk with Gidget so much and they wouldn't get their conclusion in my run their redemption would be almost not visible?? And I can't make my mind how to think about this, because I feel like Gidget wanted to give Iggy the space, but also if I, as Iggy, avoided them until the end their character arc would be left so opened. They would never apologize and had to live with guilt/shame they couldn't even say sorry,,, I just think it would be heartbreaking :((
...But anyway!
I wanted to mention that I love some cgs in arc 5, I even made the one with Iggy, Genzou and Gidget lying on a grass my phone wallapaper! Overall your artstyle has grown on me so much, I love it!! How expressive, how pretty and how much atmosphere you can show with it! And songs choice, as always, very, very good I'm looking forward to arc 1-5 ost playlist to listen on repeat remembering all of horrible or sweet moments with every track! And can't wait to see what you are going to do in future! Either remaster or anything new - I wish you all the best!! Thank you for making this game, it is one of the best, if not the best stories I've had the pleasure of reading and it shall always live in my heart <3
Firstly, finally got to play through the whole, complete game, and MAN was it worth it! I can see how you grew in all ways, Carrot, as the arcs went on, and just how the characters evolved.
I loved the ending in which Iggy, after letting others dictate his whims, finally takes control, not just from others, but from me, the player. I also love how that gets foreshadowed when given a false choice as to whether to get on the boat. I also like how no, the characters keeping all their future knowledge and experience doesn't magically make everything better. The whole unintentional erection incident which led to Genzou's blinding still happens. Iggy still lashes out at Gidget for winning the coding challenge. But in all cases, they listen to each other. Iggy is WAY more of a true friend this time. Genzou finally learns how to let go of Iggy. Orlam, while it's clear he and Genzou will never get along, finally has friends, real connections. Bucks - oh man, how she busts herself and Hunar out of their wedding. SO in-character for her! Oh, and of COURSE Orlam is a businessman. (I could write up a whole fan-fic short about how Orlam brings in a misbehaving employee treating those under them like pigs for the slaughter and verbally rips them a new one as only Orlam can.)
I also like when Iggy enters...I dunno, the Wishing Tree's inner sanctum? We finally get to see what everyone wished for, what Iggy's first wish was, and while seeing Saydie die along with the Tree was quite sorrowful, given the bizarre, supernatural circumstances, and given how Sadie is effectively being kept in a strange sort of undeath, I'd do the same thing as Iggy. She needed to finally rest in peace.
Now my one big criticism is this: why is the Wishing Tree, a maternal entity as old as mankind itself, if not older, holding the same views as Gidget's mother? The story leading up to the Tree's proper introduction to the characters seemed like it was just sick and tired of its wishers' hypocrisy, among many other vices, to the point of madness (what with wishes being her life-blood), when it lashed out to the characters, she'd point out all the flaws in their wishes. Orlam? You wanna make the rules, but all you're doing is running is running from the rules meant to help you find happiness - not to mention sealing yourself off from all aspects of life, even the good parts. Gidget? Your true self is a man, but you sacrifice it all for your mother's flawed view of the world and a pointless, destructive obsession over a biological man who can never satisfy you the way you OR your mother wants. Genzou? You want to see with Iggy so badly, you're willing to be blinded by his own emptiness to the point of sharing it and its active harming those who truly care for you - like Orlam. Bucks? You want your daughter dead...how do you think you got into Wonderland these last six times (at least)?! Iggy, though? The Wishing Tree's diatribe against him fits perfectly (and is a nice fourth-wall break).
OK, with that out of the way, but before I get into my non-review questions: final verdict? My good carrot, this is a masterpiece. Full stop.
This is worthy of a commercial remake. Get the money and team you need to bring the rest of the arcs up to Arc 5's level, make original backgrounds, music, etc.; hire on voice actors, like asexual Michael Kovak and pansexual Elsie Lovelock (my personal choices for Iggy and Gidget, respectively); and get more semi-animated and animated scenes in.
Okay, for the question and one 'critique' that's so minor it's a nitpick:
Why are the scenes of Orlam's Event Horizon-level flesh-orgy and Sadie's mangled corpse censored even with censorship off? I realize these scenes can easily be EXTREMELY triggering, if not upsetting and/or disturbing, but I feel those who are willing to brave the depravity should be permitted to see the images in all their horrid detail as, in context, they cement, respectively, just how completely uncaring and unhinged Orlam has become without his heart, and just how far the Wishing Tree is willing to go to get her 'perfect' wish.
Also, I don't know if this is just a limitation of Ren'Py or what, but in the scenes with false choices, the player could still be made to think that they can make a decision, but no matter which they select, they get the same scene, complete with options in the background. Just something to enhance those scenes' bait-and-switch.
Thanks for reading, Carrot, and I look forward to your next endeavor!
(my sincerest apologies for the delayed reply 😭)
Ahhhh I'm really happy you enjoyed seeing everything get wrapped up! There was so much build-up leading up to this and so many different aspects that needed to converge... in some ways I feel as though I'm quite lucky that I was able to make everything come together as well as I did, especially considering how much the story and characters themselves evolved throughout production. (Perhaps a sign that I should actually outline things when crafting a larger story... but then again, I think I'd lose too much motivation then, as half the fun for me is discovery while I'm writing and being pleasantly (or sometimes not-so-pleasantly) surprised at the directions the story takes lol.) So much of myself also ended up coming out in surprising ways through the characters and their stories. And this made many parts of the ending quite emotional for me to work on.
Hahaha I wouldn't say the tree is exactly like Gidget's mom 🤣 Gidget's mom would certainly not care about violence and drama and would actually very much encourage "non-innocent" behaviors if it meant Gidget would give her grandchildren and be her idea of a "perfect child." Though certainly some of the same ideals do carry over in that fashion. I think with the tree though it's more this idea of pure innocence, and with Gidget then its issue is less so Gidget's gender struggles and more so the focus this then brings on specific body parts, which in the tree's mind, automatically equates to lost innocence. At least that's what was going through my mind as I was working on that part 🤣 Though I did keep quite of the ending sequences somewhat vague on purpose as I never want to force interpretations and would rather have people take away their own stories and ideas from it. I just enjoy when stories don't answer every single question and let you get lost in your own theories. I really love the "hot takes" you've written here that the tree could give each of them though. They all feel extremely on point hahaha.
"This is worthy of a commercial remake." --> Weep that's so incredibly kind... As much as I would love to be able to really go all out and do something like that, I think I just don't really have the heart or mental capacity... I am too anxious and easily overwhelmed of a person, so I don't really want to work with money and hiring people and having to manage all those things 💦 I think it might kill me LOL I feel like the only way something like that could ever happen is if someone else wants to do it and has the money and influence and know-how and then I could just be a consultant or something 🤣🤣🤣 Maybe I am just too timid and weak LOL But I'm really happy you think the game is high enough quality that it would even be worthy of something like that. It really means a lot to hear 💕
Ahhhh... about the censored CGs yeah... for the first one in particular I received feedback that I should tone it down. And I was worried that completely redrawing a toned-down version wouldn't have the same effect, so I chose to hard-censor it instead. For the second one, I decided myself but for similar reasoning to hard-censor it, as it felt unnecessary to show the full extent of it for the impact to still be there, especially since I still have the written descriptions. I realize some people might not be happy with this decision, but I made the choices both from an idea of not wanting to just be extreme for extreme's sake, and also because of the audience I've cultivated around the game.
At any rate, I was really happy to hear your thoughts about everything and I'm glad that you've stuck through to the end of this and have enjoyed seeing it all play out! I've really enjoyed reading all your commentary along the way and hearing your thoughts and interpretations for all the different story beats. Thanks so much for playing and always leaving such long and wonderful comments! It means so much hearing from you again now that this thing has finally come to completion! 💕
I know that this is probably really obvious, but I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT TRAIL BOMB IS?????? LIKE, I was so confused man when they first introduced it, now im replaying a still have no idea. help
Given the loyal rabbits' rabid behavior and tastes, I would assume a trail bomb is made from humans or something they'd find similarly-irresistible.
It's just bits of gore taken from the humans that used to live in Wonderland (since the rabbits used to feed on them, so now when they smell it, they instinctively run towards it...)
I love this game so much, I had chills when I first played through it and I couldn't make myself stop. It's amazing and I feel so seen through Iggy. Orlam my beloved <3333
Oh, it's you!! kjdkafd Thank you so much 💕
I'm really happy you found the game and enjoyed it so much! And thank you for all the lovely artwork you've done. I always love it so much!
ASJNDWSINLXK HI? Thank you ^w^
FOR EVERYONE HERE: Where is the fandom? Like, where y'all at? I searched up Our Wonderland and there was literally maybe ten people who had anything related to it, and there were only a couple hundred views for those. WHERE Y'ALL AT?! This game deserves so much more than a couple hundred fans!
Also Orlam is the most beautiful scraggly rat man I've ever seen and I'm in love with him. I ship Iggy with Genzou, obviously, but I keep playing the Orlam ending because I'm just obsessed.
I don't know if there are other places, I only know about the places where I also hang out and post stuff, but from what I can tell, most people are on Tumblr. There's also people on Twitter, though I think it feels like less of a community there?? But that's just my observation not as part of the fandom but as the creator lol. I don't really have a presence outside of those two places though so I can't say if there's anyone anywhere else.
There should be more people in the fandom! This game is so well made! It's not even behind a paywall, so everyone's just sleeping on this opportunity. The characters are developed perfectly, the interactions are both heart-wrenching and hilarious, there's not a single plot hole in the storyline, and so many other things that I can't even put to words.
I will be on AO3, cause those are my true stomping grounds, but you can BET as soon as I improve my drawing skills, I'll be on Twitter!
umm hi u can follow my tumblr i post fanart n stuff :3 and im a huge orlam enjoyer too...
... Platonically and respectfully, I love you.
Hiii I post fanart on tiktok (apolloraysx) twitter and tumblr (axciea) if you like orlam I mostly draw him :3
REALLLL OMG CARROTS GAMES NEED MORE ATTENTIONNN
IM HERE BRO... I'm just on instagram and discord lol..
I will replay the heck outta this game no matter how long it is! I fricking love this game!!!! The writing the characters! I rarely ever make comments but have to right now.
Like that's how good this game is.
Spoilers
This game is one i'll never forget. It made me cry and feel things. I cannot explain how good- no great this was. At the end where it told us what each of their wishes are and having a wall break where it says that Iggy's actions are being controlled by an out side force which is us the player. What struck even more is how Iggy got to make his own choice in the end. Letting us see the monsters and everything fade from wonderland. Also at first we never saw much of Bucks in the first half of the game and how she was like, she was just a big loud and excitable person at the start. Then when it showed the flashbacks of her and everyone saying she was a monster. Everyone was calling her a monster even her friends but Hunar didn't. He saw something beautiful, but when she said that she wanted their child dead he called her a monster. That hurt the most because the one who never called you a monster finally calling you one put her over the edge. I also love how we got to see Saydie. I love this game and the characters so much! They made me cry so much, and I will stay and happily see what you will do next!
Okay seeing as you seem to be as obsessed with this game as I am, I must ask you. Do you know where the fandom is? Because I looked up Our Wonderland on YouTube and TikTok and there were maybe three creators with only a couple hundred views and I definitely
thinkknow this game deserves more than that.I haven't a lot of it on youtube and TikTok, but their is a lot more fans on tumblr you should check out.
(my sincerest apologies for the delayed reply 😭)
Ahhhh your words are too kind! I'm really happy you enjoyed the finale (and just the game itself ofc) 💕
Hahaha yes the ending gets quite meta. That whole scene in the field and with all the wish reveals and Iggy's original wish still really gets me. It was a hard scene for me to work on as it hit quite close to home and also was just this massive culmination of everything... I kept crying while working on the scene 💦 I'm glad it could also have impact for you.
I'm glad you liked the Bucks and Hunar part, as well, and the flashbacks. Even though I obviously couldn't give them the same weight and time that I had given the other chars because of the structure of everything, I still wanted it to feel weighty and feel deserved and give them some closure and resolution, as well. So I really tried to go all out on their parts hahaha.
I'm so glad you enjoyed everything and it could mean so much! Hearing this makes me feel really touched and honored, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write up your thoughts like this and let me know how you felt about the game. Thank you so much for playing!! 💕
(english isn't my first language)
the best game that I'm sure I will never forget. it is emotional, heartwarming and heartbreaking! and its goreee!! when the scary magic tree brings the ugly true human nature out, there must be violence there!
it touches on many topics that are important to me, and which I have rarely seen before. i think i can relate with all of the big 5, especially with iggy
its such a bittersweet feeling, that this is the end of an ERA haha I've finished the game! now i guess i will patiently wait for your next works!!
i really loved the ending, i was in aweee the whole time hahah
SPOILERS:
so i went:
genzou - gidget - orlam - .......genzou again (I didn't feel good not ending with him looll, i had to see their happy end again...also their scene was so romantic omg??? i would die)
(also i forgot that neutral exist, i will do this maybe later haha)
I like that when they go back in time, they still make the same mistakes (i mean, most of them, and handle them better) i like to believe that they are all better friends to each other, especially genzou and orlam...their relationship was just so complicated and tragic ahhh i would like to see more of their friendly bickering <3
bucks and hunar took a break to fullfil their dreams??? BEAUTUFIL
im happy that they are happy in the end...lol, and GIDGET WITH CECIL AYEE GO BESTIES GO and ORLAM WORKING WITH JERRY?? OMGGG HHAHA
thank youu so muuuch and congratulations!! i wish you all the best!! <3
(my sincerest apologies for the delayed reply 😭)
This was incredibly touching for me to read, and I'm really happy you enjoyed the finale so much! (And also just the game in general 💕) Your words mean a lot, and I'm really honored that this game could mean so much to you.
Hahaha I loved seeing the order you went in (and also got a chuckle that you did Genzou's again at the end 🤣) I hope you'll do the neutral as well in the future! Even though it's a bit shorter than the others, it has a cute little easter egg that ties it into the universe (and I also just like how it wraps up, too).
I also like to believe they are much better friends to each other. Like obviously they're not perfect. They never were. And they never will be. But their relationships won't be built on so much conflict and bitterness and won't evolve to the point of hate they way they did in the past. So even if they're still snarky to each other, it's not in the same vitriolic way and at its core, you can tell they do still mean something to each other. That's how I see it in the new timeline anyway.
I'm also happy they are happy in the end 🥺
Thank you so much for playing and letting me hear your wonderful thoughts! I really appreciate you taking the time to write everything out!! And I'm very happy you've enjoyed the game 💕
This is genuinely by far the BEST thing I've ever played. The writing, The characters, absolutely everything about Our Wonderland is so amazing that I'd sell my kidney, my legs, and half of my brain just to forget everything and play this all over again for the first time ever, I also finished all the other games and I am still so absolutely hooked!
Spoilers?
I sobbed with genuine tears of joy and happiness when Iggy said I love you to Genzou. Their relationship is so wholesome and adorable and I love how accepting and respectful Genzou is to Iggy, though I admit I may like Orlam and Iggy a tiny bit, nothing can top Genzy, ever.
The part where they gazed into each other's eyes?? Hello??? heart melted instantly.
Genzy has a special place in my heart and I will be playing Our Wonderland again from the start just because of them!
I hated Gidget honestly, but in the last arc? they were pretty cool so I guess I don't dislike them that much anymore now! also loved that they met Cecil, The two of them seems like the best friends ever
And Orlam? my thoughts of him are pretty mixed. but I can't lie, Him and Iggy are sort of cute? in a way. (Genzy still and forever will be the best though)
This game is the best ever, and to be honest? now that I've finished it.. I feel like I don't know what to do with my life anymore haha!
PLEASE DO NOT SELL ANY PARTS OF YOUR BODY?????????? THIS IS BAD???????? HELPDLKFJASLDKFJADSF
Weep I am touched by the sheer fervency though... 😭💕 I'm really happy you enjoy the game so much! And all the other games too!! I always feel extra touched if people even go out of their way to play all the side games lkasdfasd
"Genzy has a special place in my heart and I will be playing Our Wonderland again from the start just because of them!" --> YOU'RE REALLY MAKING ME CRY HERE????
I'm so glad you liked the Genzy route ending... I also really liked how their scene turned out. It felt really cathartic and touching for me and I still get a bit weepy thinking about it lakjdfad They really mean so much to me. Maybe it's all my cathartic ace thoughts manifesting in them but they truly just make me feel so soft and warm when I think about them. This makes me doubly weepy if other people also like them 🥺💕 I could write them finding each other in a thousand other universes and still never get tired I think LMAO I just want to create things about them forever maybe.
I'm glad the ending could also help you like Gidget a bit more!! I never blame anyone for any lingering uncomfortable thoughts they might have about them, at least in regards to Iggy. But I'm happy if by the end, even those that may have disliked them can still come to understand them and their struggles.
"Him and Iggy are sort of cute? in a way." --> KDFJADSF I don't know why but this made me laugh... 🤣
"now that I've finished it.. I feel like I don't know what to do with my life anymore haha!" --> YOU AND ME BOTH LOLOLOL
But for real though, thank you so much for all these kind words!! And thank you for loving the game and the chars (and Genzy) and taking the time to write up all your thoughts like this. It really means so much!! And I'm really happy you enjoyed the game and its finale!! 🥰
Spoilers maybe?
Not me lowkey getting scared when it said "What do you want, Saydie?" because that's my deadname and I forgot it was the name of Bucks' child so I thought it knew something
Oh god I'm sorry????? 😵💫
Don't apologize! I thought it was hilarious!
Okay, I literally hated Gidget. I hated them. But in that last arc? They're literally my best friend now.
lkdjfadkfasd I'm glad to hear your opinion has evolved 🤣 (though I also don't fault anyone who still has reservations about them) They would indeed make a pretty cool friend.
New comment after having finished the game:
God, this has been such a wonderful game from start to finish. I remember how hooked I got the first time I played the first 3 arcs. The characters feel all so human and distintic, with their own wishes and motivations, with their own flaws and things that pain them.
SPOILERS BELOW!
I loved the final message about how the story isn't a fairytale, so even when they all go back to when they were kids, they still make some of the same mistakes they did before but they react to them better and learn from them!!
Bucks story was really heartbreaking. People might not realize sometimes, but when you say something to a person enough times... they start to believe it themselves. It's so sad that she couldn't be honest with herself and admit she didn't like being called a monster and didn't want the life she had until it was too late. But I'm so glad that she got a second chance with the loop and Hunar and she achieved their dreams before marrying!! (Even if I'll miss Saydie, she's a sweetheart!! but I want to think that she'll appear again since they were considering having a child in the future)
The others' endings were really charming too. I love the fact that Gidget becomes more involved with the LGBTQ+ community and how she even meets Cecil!! Their relationship is super wholesome, they feel like siblings!!
I'm still missing Gidget's ending but of the other two I played I think my favorite is definitely Genzou's. As much as I love Orlam, I think (personally) Iggy's relationship with Gen makes a bit more sense because of all the hints and teasing that were going around for the whole game (plus it just hurts me too much to see Genzou sad dksjgbksjb).
The scenes between Iggy and Genzou were super sweet in Arc 5 and the future they build together warms my heart. I especially loved the part where Iggy mentions that Genzou respects his boundaries even when they're not always the same, 'cause sometimes he may feel like he could do more and sometimes less. It honestly made me so happy to read as an ace person myself!!
Overall, gosh, this game is so freaking fantastic. It will forever be one of my favorite games and I'm so happy to have played it and met the characters and read their story.
Thank you so much for this game, Carrot; and congratulations on the completion of it!! I'm looking forward to more of your stories!!
Ahhhhhh thank you so much for playing, Pri!! It really means so much! And I'm so happy you ended up enjoying the finale! 😭💕
Also that you liked the final message. It was something I was thinking about a lot even throughout production, both as how the ending in my head evolved a bit, but also like, how exactly I would handle everything afterwards (helped a lot by working on OC). But I felt like a big part, or maybe at least one of the themes of this game in general, is that 1) things aren't perfect, that's just not realistic, and even if you get close to all the things you want, it still won't be perfect, and 2) that life in general is oftentimes beyond our control, but we still have to just do what we can. And I thought that by showing that, even with them remembering small bits, they would still go on to make some of the same mistakes or have some of the same things happen is precisely because no matter what you do, you can't control everything. You can try to be as calm, as cool, and as levelheaded a person as you possibly can, but even then you might still snap at someone if you're stressed. You might still get flustered and make a mistake. And the idea behind life isn't to eliminate these mistakes but to figure out how to better respond to them and act after the fact. (Obviously this doesn't like... adhere the same to like, all things, but still.)
At any rate... I'm really happy you liked Genzou's ending (and Orlam's too but lol). "(plus it just hurts me too much to see Genzou sad dksjgbksjb)" --> LKDJFALDSKFA NO REAL SAME. It made parts of working on the finale a bit difficult for me tbh because I kept having to compartmentalize parts of it in my mind because I would feel too sad otherwise 🤣 Maybe because as much as I love all the ships, Genzy will always hold a special place in my heart. And also the fact that I think Genzou hurts the most if Iggy doesn't choose him. And maybe also because I feel like the other two have like real strong supports and relationships with others in their own endings even if they're not chosen -- and Genzou does, too! Like I really wanted to show that him actually not focusing on Iggy and making more friends outside of the group and more general connections is what really helped him to be happier with his life. But at the same time his does feel the most like it's missing an Iggy-shaped piece lakdjfasdf 💦 (maybe that's just my heart talking though LOL)
I'm happy you liked the little ace themes woven into the endings, too sob 💕 I included it in different ways no matter the ending. Whether in the form of Iggy coming to terms with himself or in the way he interacts with others. But I really enjoyed how it ended up taking shape in the Genzou ending. Maybe because thinking about the two of them like, having this really trusting way that they experiment with things, and like, Genzou just being always so kind and patient and understanding and never once judging Iggy for anything, and thinking about that kind of love and support, it just makes me really soft and weepy... 😭💕 It makes me want to actually write about it in more detail and what it could look like and also with some silliness and warmth idk. I don't know if I ever will though.
"It will forever be one of my favorite games and I'm so happy to have played it and met the characters and read their story." --> WEEP this really means so much!! Thank you so much for all of your kindness and support and just wonderful friendship over the years, Pri! And thank you for playing the game and for always being so encouraging about everything! It means the world!! 🥺💕
i have words but uhh. it took me over a week to be able to play the finale and yeahh it do be hitting. i am so very tired. (minor spoilers) i really, really loved how this concluded. i adored the ending i got, the exploration of bucks' character was super interesting and cool, iggy finally making his own choice + the slight meta narrative/fourth wall breaking was so neat. carrot youre so incredibly cool and i love you. thank you for my favorite game. im gonna go scroll through the entirety of the blog now. thank you <3
"carrot youre so incredibly cool and i love you." --> WEEP??????
Ahhhh... I'm getting really teary-eyed!! Thank you for this lovely comment and the kind words! I'm so happy you ended up enjoying the finale and just the game in general!! It means so much hearing that the game means so much to you... 😭💕
So like. Amazing. Literally amazing. What the fuck am I going to do with my life now? /j
SPOILERS FOR THE GAME BELOW
Ok so, before finally playing the last part of Arc 5, I actually replayed through the whole game in order to refresh my memory on everything and I DEFINITELY felt like that was needed. I already had a good idea of everything that occurred throughout the game, but experiencing it all over again was definitely much more different than just remembering. It was probably a bad idea in hindsight because I was playing during a week where standardized testing was happening, but I believe it was all worth it. And it made Arc 5 all the more impactful.
The moment they all enter the cabin, there was already quite a bit to unpack. Iggy and Gidget were faced with a reminder of what happened at the end of Arc 4, there was a weird door they all had to figure out how to open, and Genzou and Orlam were already starting to bicker.
(I liked the brief callback to Jerry :D)
I had expected to see Genzou and Orlam to be somewhat happier to talk with each other, but it makes sense that they were still quite hostile, when you think about the relentless torment that Orlam had to go through, and Genzou’s routine of degrading Orlam that he had fallen so deeply into, which he was reluctant to break. That isn’t something one single apology can just fix, and that’s not even considering all the things in the loops that they had to undergo.
And then… Iggy and Gidget. I can’t imagine the cesspool of emotions both of them probably felt when entering the cabin, especially Gidget. That moment HAD been peaceful at first, until the drug that they infused the drink with kicked in, in order to “fix” Iggy and have the perfect life with him.
I love how much emphasis is put on this moment when Iggy “chose” them. The fact that Iggy described Gidget as so composed and strong at first, only for their barely maintained composure to crumble when they started apologizing for what they did to him. And also, in no way did they ever show the resentment towards him that they harbored for him in previous arcs. It was likely exacerbated by the Wonderland, and they also were preoccupied when apologizing to Iggy at that present moment, but still.
They had changed so much, from when Genzou and Iggy first visited them in the town, to that moment, when they started crying, kneeling in front of Iggy. Their change wasn’t just in physical appearance, but in mindset and demeanor as well. The complete shift from how flippant and carefree they were in the beginning, to the serious and grounded mindset they started to adopt the moment they were released from the shackles of others’ expectations for them. Though, that same carefree demeanor also felt like an attempt to disguise the fact that they were hanging onto their last thread of sanity, so it was probably more like a return to what they used to be. And the vulnerability they had when they expressed their fear of the Wonderland showing their “true self” is heartbreaking. It tied in with their whole theme of "not knowing themself", which is most evidently relevant to their gender identity, but also to other aspects of themself and whatnot.
Even with all this in mind, Iggy chose to trust them, and believe in the person that they have transformed into, rather than the person driven insane by the delusions of a fantasy world that had tortured him so much. I feel like that aspect of their relationship is what led me to enjoy seeing it play out so much. Them falling asleep outside instead of going back inside is so dorky too.
And SPEAKING of Genzou… there was a lot of content for his scene that made me think “damn, this one is definitely the most romantic out of all of them”. Like, they kiss once, then another time, and then they have a CG in the cabin where they’re lovingly gazing into each other’s eyes. Funnily enough, I was thinking about Orlam being awake and just watching them (especially considering that’s the very thing he does the morning after) when that moment happened. As for Gidget, I assume they were still outside, but it’s kinda funny to imagine them walking in and being like “…oh" and then needing to deal with that in the morning.
It does actually make sense that Iggy and Genzou have the strongest relationship, at least in terms of romance, because he’s the only one that hadn’t really traumatized him in any way, so there’s not much room for animosity in their relationship. And the fact that his arc was centered around the comfort that he gives Iggy and how much he cared for him makes it even easier for Iggy to love him without any reservations.
Either way, it’s so sweet to see how their scene plays out. It first starts off with Iggy caring for Genzou’s severed finger, and then delving into Genzou’s deep-rooted issues of self-hatred and his hypocrisy. I really love the part where Iggy proclaims that he loves Genzou when Genzou asks why he cares so much and then they have the kiss and then the dorky moment when Genzou is pulling his beanie over his head and AAAAAAAAAAAAA
This scene with Genzou feels EXTREMELY relevant to how they both were in the beginning of Arc 5, where Iggy takes it upon himself to care for Genzou when he’s not in the right mind to care for himself, where in the past, Genzou had been the one doing that. Notably, there’s also the juxtaposition of how they’re feeling extremely conflicting emotions about each other when Iggy visits Genzou’s house in the beginning, to how SURE they are of their feelings right before they confront Bucks. Iggy’s comment about the world being too cruel to let them sleep peacefully together reminds me of Arc 2, where they have the moment in the castle where Iggy opens up to him and they kiss, only for that happy moment to be taken away from them so quickly when Iggy was brought to be electrocuted and Genzou was later axed by Bucks at the cliff.
As for Orlam, it’s a bit sad that my opinion of him hasn’t changed much from my perspective in previous comments I’ve made. I guess it’s because of the fact that we didn't really see much of him until the latter half of Arc 5, and his segment primarily consisted of him expressing his hatred for the others and how much he suffered, right until the very end. It’s like, I understand his story and shit, and there are some parts of it I feel I can relate with, but he just doesn’t resonate with me as much as Gidget and Genzou does.
With that out of the way, I still think his dynamic with Iggy is intriguing, though. Their relationship isn’t plainly defined as “romantic”, because there’s more to it than that, but they also don’t try to conform to the expectations of others (hence the theme of “making one’s own rules”). Even so, there’s still a clear connection that they have with each other, even with the ways that they largely differ.
He definitely opens up more when Iggy chooses him, too. There’s no doubt that he certainly likes to fluster Iggy, but there’s also a sense of caring that he has for Iggy too. His morals are interesting also, with how he confirms that he had some semblance of regret for what he did, but still wouldn’t change what he did: rather, if it ended, then he would simply “let it end”. Interestingly enough, this idea also seems to be relevant to his lack of reactions compared to Gidget and Genzou when Iggy is put in some kind of danger (even when he’s the one that’s “chosen”).
I think it’s because in some way, he’s accepting the possibility of Iggy dying. Not because he doesn’t care for him, but because that’s something that can happen, and there’s no changing it if it does. One also has to consider that this timeline takes place where Iggy was one of the multiple people in the friend group that let him be bullied relentlessly (even when he had good moments with Orlam), and the fact that he was the target of Genzou’s affections. Genzou, the one who Orlam had a big fat crush on. So it would make sense if there was still some built up resentment that led him to not care as much for Iggy. I could be misconstruing his actions entirely, but who knows lol.
And then if Iggy chooses no one, I think I like the way he approached the events that happen from that point onward. Sure, you lose out on specific interactions that pertain to specific characters, but it also feels like his actions were consistent with his motives. He tried to take it into his own hands to do things on his own and took the initiative, first helping Genzou and going off on his own to confront Gidget. He didn’t go unscathed while doing it, evidently (considering he sustained injuries basically every other second), but his efforts still showed nonetheless.
He grit his teeth through the tough moments, and tried to rely on his own strength to do everything that he can feasibly do himself (at least if he chooses no one to help him). In all honesty, it’s kinda funny thinking about how he has the whole spiel about needing someone else’s warmth because he’ll die without it, only for him to be like “…actually, I can use my own warmth”.
Ok so um. Finally moving onto the more important events of Arc 5, the battle with Bucks was... certainly not what I was expecting. She manifested as a LITERAL monster when they first encounter her, which then becomes so sad to think about after the flashbacks and cutscene of Iggy as Hunar telling her she’s not a monster. With this continuous perception of her being some sort of monster, she just started to roll with it entirely, with Hunar being the only one that diverged from this point of view. At least, up until their relationship started going downhill (it was so sad seeing her sob after Hunar called her a monster T_T). The Wonderland also warping her into becoming the cold-blooded killer that the group was faced with at the end of their respective arcs didn’t help to relieve that perception of her either, and probably even exacerbated it considering they had to see her like that multiple times.
Going back to before that, it’s interesting that Iggy tried to use the Saydie doll to get Bucks’s attention first instead of the axe charm, when Saydie was basically the primary cause of Bucks’s suffering, whether she wanted her to be or not. Though Iggy does come to this realization when he actually grabs the axe charm. It’s pretty funny how it plays out cause the screen is all red and shaky from having his fingers literally being CUT OFF and then everything suddenly comes to a stop, and he's like “ah. of course.”
And when they finally get to the tree. I fucking had CHILLS when the heartbeat scene happened. Initially, the silhouette of the tree getting closer and closer made me anxious that there was gonna be a jumpscare or something, but then the reveal that Saydie was being kept alive by the tree was horrifying. Like, she was alive, but as a “writhing mass” (as Orlam had described her), and the visceral descriptions that were given, accompanied by the music that played… like jfc. It makes sense that she kept telling Iggy to kill her cause I don’t think ANYONE wants to live like that.
Tbh, I actually didn’t think about the tree itself being the main antagonistic force, but that should’ve been obvious in hindsight to me. It’s so… innocently described in the story given in the very beginning of Arc 5, and then it felt so... malicious once they finally met it in the end. Though, that could be because it was affected by the Wonderland’s tendencies, considering how fucked up the world all was.
After that would be the scene with Saydie where she takes Iggy to hear about all of the others’ wishes, and then Iggy’s own wish. Through Iggy’s own power, when he simultaneously grants Saydie’s wish and destroys the tree, it’s very gratifying to watch. At the same time though, I’m confused about the true importance of Iggy’s wish. He wished that “he could make his friends this happy forever”, but… what happened, exactly? Under the assumption that this wish disappeared just like the others, does it mean that the loop was broken? I guess it would be because this happiness was derived from being in the Wonderland, and if that lasted forever, then so would the Wonderland. There was clarification about this in another comment, but I'm not exactly sure if I have the correct impression.
On that note, the fact that everyone got a chance to redo the past (albeit with certain events staying the same) is quite the unexpected ending. I had thought they would be forced to confront the world as they were, with their present injuries and trauma and all that shit. Don’t get me wrong though, it was not bad by any means. I very much liked seeing the new resolutions of the events that went down, and also how everyone lived their lives anew. It probably just took me surprise, like it did with many others. I think I liked the Genzou variant the most (which is probably no surprise, considering my previous comments about him).
There’s honestly so much more I could call attention to, like the callbacks dispersed throughout the game to moments that previously happened, the various cutscenes in the latter half of the game that are so fucking heartwrenching (i.e. Genzou’s apology to Orlam), the endcards, and the very fitting OSTs, but that’d drag it out way longer. So I will leave it at that, and tell you that this was truly a fantastic game. I’m very happy to have discovered this game when it was still in the works and it feels so great to see it be finished. I also enjoyed your responses to my comments very much and I will miss them a lot. IDFK how I made another comment this long just by analyzing the second part of Arc 5, but I guess I just REALLY really liked this game. So as a concluding statement, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING OUR WONDERLAND!!!!
"What the fuck am I going to do with my life now?" --> THIS IS THE QUESTION I HAVE FOR MYSELF AS WELL........ 💦
Sob, at any rate... I'm going to cry from this comment. I'm not only overjoyed you ended up enjoying the last part, but that you'd take so much time??? To write so much??? My heart...🥺💕
You played through the whole game again beforehand ahhhHHHHHH. Somehow this is so touching to me... 😭 I can imagine it could definitely be helpful especially if you haven't played it in a while. Also there's definitely a decent number of times in the finale where I reference past parts of the game. Sometimes even just little small lines, etc. It's obviously not necessary to notice all of these, but it could definitely help if some of them are more fresh in your mind going into Arc 5... (it is a very long game after all and has been in production for a long time lakdjfas) I'm glad that doing so could make the finale feel like it has even more impact!
"That isn’t something one single apology can just fix, and that’s not even considering all the things in the loops that they had to undergo." --> Indeed... I did kinda think about how to approach them for a little bit before diving right into the writing for the finale. In my mind, it would have just felt weird and out of place for them to suddenly be all hunky-dory with each other, not only because it's so fresh, but also because with all the stress and uncertainty of what's to come, they would likely resort back to their typical coping mechanisms LOL That and I kinda see these two as just... well, it's them. Like. Even in the best timelines they'll still be bickering away. But that's moreso because of their personalities and views. Like how even in OC where none of the "worst" things that happened in OW happened in that timeline, they still bicker constantly LOL They just get on each other's nerves and always will. But at least their bickering has less hate behind it and is no longer one-sided.
Hearing you talk about Gidget's part is making me very weepy. I'm glad you like how their route played out. I know it will always probably be the most decisive of all the options, just because of everything that happened, so I really tried to approach it carefully. But I also don't blame anyone who doesn't want to play their route or just doesn't prefer it as much. So hearing that you did still enjoy it and the direction that Gidget's character took is very touching to me 💕
"Funnily enough, I was thinking about Orlam being awake and just watching them" --> LKDJFALSKDF THIS MADE ME LAUGH LOL.
I also feel like Genzou's scene and route in general is the most romantic. Probably because I feel like that's just more the dynamic he and Iggy have. Like of the three possibilities, even though all three of them can settle in and care for each other and have a life together, Genzou and Iggy are the only one where I would say "yes these two are in love with each other," so I think that comes out a lot in how I ended up doing their scene. Plus they had more build-up, I think, that led in that direction. I'm really happy you liked their scene in general WEEP. It may be the one that affects me the most on an emotional level, I'll admit... I just think they're so precious... sigh...
"Notably, there’s also the juxtaposition of how they’re feeling extremely conflicting emotions about each other when Iggy visits Genzou’s house in the beginning, to how SURE they are of their feelings right before they confront Bucks." --> I'M GONNA WEEP
Lol your comments about Orlam... I am indeed always curious how people will react to not only Orlam himself but the Orly dynamic. And I freely admit he's not everyone's cup of tea in general 🤣 I'm touched you still played his route though in spite of not liking him as much! I'm mostly quite fascinated by their dynamic and think it's really fun to explore, even if it wouldn't really be described as romantic. I enjoy what they bring out in each other and how neither one really cares about what the other is doing. I think that also plays into a lot of how they act in the rest of the finale if you take their route. That and Orlam's personality in general. Like he's just not the type of person to show outward distress/fear at someone else's predicament the way the others are, so even in his route, it felt weird for him to ever shout at Iggy in a fearful way. And yeah, you said some really interesting things about him being more accepting of their fate either way than the others are, which I think is also true.
It's really lovely hearing all your thoughts about Bucks's scene and the tree and Saydie.
"He wished that “he could make his friends this happy forever”, but… what happened, exactly? Under the assumption that this wish disappeared just like the others, does it mean that the loop was broken?" --> kdjaldfa this is one of those things where I like to leave some of it rather vague and up to interpretation, which is part of why I went with cutscenes here, as they were a great way to kinda just... show things without necessitating a thorough detailed explanation. I really like letting players/readers come up with their own thoughts about a lot of the things that happen (unless it's something that's like... crucial for the story ofc). I'll say though that yeah, Iggy's childhood wish kinda influenced... everything... after he made it. Like even in his head entering this mindset of focusing on others over himself, which usually just backfired because he was too young to handle a lot of the conflicts and emotions. But also keeping everyone close by even if they would have been better leaving. Keeping everyone with this connection to himself they can't escape from. To then leading to the literal loop where he couldn't die because that went against the wish so restarting again and again, each time focusing on someone else, but it never works, because he can't make everyone happy ofc. And so him destroying the wish destroyed his life in a way, because his life itself had become the result of his wish. And so all the loops and everything after his original wish was destroyed. That's kinda how I see it, but I'm also fine if people come up with other interpretations and theories for that part, too.
"So I will leave it at that, and tell you that this was truly a fantastic game. I’m very happy to have discovered this game when it was still in the works and it feels so great to see it be finished." --> Ahhhhhhh... 💕😭 That really means so lot! And I've always enjoyed reading your comments so much!!! It makes me so happy when people enjoy the chars and story enough to want to dissect it and figure things out and look for connections, etc. So reading those kinds of comments truly means the world.
I'm ecstatic you ended up enjoying the finale so much! And the game as a whole! I can't really believe it's over now. And it's all been hitting me pretty hard. But hearing from people that have enjoyed it and the journey it's taken has really helped so much. Thank you for all the kind words and all of the support and love you've given to the game!! 💕
After finishing the game, I immediately created this account for the sole purpose of writing this comment. Our Wonderland has been a journey–I wasn’t here at the beginning of the game, I actually played it first when Arc 5 part 1 came out. Nonetheless, It’s been amazing seeing the story and character development. Even as I write this, I can’t believe it’s over. Iggy, Genzou, Gidget, Orlam, Hunar, and Buxley.. They’ll always be in my heart. The world of “Our Wonderland” is so much more than a game. It’s everything!!
Anyways, I’m not the best with words, but I need to say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CREATING OUR WONDERLAND!!!!!!! IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING PIECE OF MEDIA EVER CREATED AND I’M GOING TO SCREAM THAT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!! Everything from the music choice, placement, sprites, colours, EVERYTHING was perfect. And the writing. I LOVED THE WRITING SO MUCH RAHHHHH
Don’t get me started on the characters either. I love everyone of them and I feel so close with them. Iggy especially though, he’s so relatable and I really connected with his struggles at times. The pressure to perform is so hard, and life can feel meaningless sometimes. But I love the message of the game, which I think is to find your own happiness. The character development is amazing, and there are so many connections and references throughout the game!!
I’ve recommended this to everyone I know (whether they actually played it or not has remained a mystery) but I think that more people need to seriously know about this!!! Our Wonderland is a beautiful, heartwarming and tearjerking game (literally i cried multiple times) which is severely underrated. I wish that I could tell you every other thought that i’ve had about this game or write several essays like the other commenters, but like i said earlier I’m not too good with words. Still, I hope my message reaches you (in case it didn’t, the message is that you created the best game in the world and i love it so so so much my heart might burst).
I won’t yap for much longer: Carrot Patch Games, you deserve an award or several of them or really a trophy for creating the best game EVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING :) <3
HELP YOUR USERNAME I'M SOBBING??????
"The world of “Our Wonderland” is so much more than a game. It’s everything!!" --> Sob this is so incredibly sweet... I'm really happy the game and its chars could have such an impact on you and resonate with you so much!! I ALSO CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER. I think it's part of why I've been just kinda numb since the launch.
Ahhhh your words are so kind and sweet and really making me weepy. It really means so much so hearing that! Thank you for the kind words!
"Iggy especially though, he’s so relatable and I really connected with his struggles at times." --> HHHHHH I'M REALLY GLAD. Hearing that people can relate to Iggy really makes me wanna cry as there's so much of myself in him. I'm really touched!! 😭💕
"but like i said earlier I’m not too good with words" --> YOUR WORDS ARE VERY KIND AND I APPRECIATE THEM VERY MUCH!!! 💕
Ahhhhh truly thank you! This was such a wonderful and kind comment and I'm really honored that you enjoyed the game so much!! Reading this really brightened my day!! 🥰
I needed some time to collect my thoughts after finishing the finale and all endings. The ending threw me for a loop (a time loop...lol). I'll get more into Ending Spoilers later, but I want to say some non-spoilery stuff about the game as a whole first.
This is such an awesome gore game. There is nothing else like Our Wonderland. The level of nonsense this game is on is unmatched. I am a big fan of hyper-gore and guro-type games, on some level because its such a strange and loud way to tell a story that it always makes me interested. There's also a sense of humor and catharsis in the absurdity of all that violence. Our Wonderland makes use of these ideas so well. These characters are dysfunctional, they never learned how to be close to someone without ripping their skin off, and its sad, and its funny, and it's hitting on a personal level. I have also never played another game that depicts asexuality in such a visceral way. OW rockz 5ever.
Spoilers time~
Okay, so that ending! The more I thought about the characters, the more I liked it and a sense of acceptance washed over me. They were always in that never-ending life, even before I came in and started playing with them, and so of course they return once again. It reminded me of the Nietzsche quote I sent you on tumblr a while ago. (I couldn't find the tumblr post, so I'm just linking to the quote itself.)
The scene with Saydie guiding Iggy to find all his friends was really emotional for me. All the characters saying their adult wishes, but looking like children, and realizing their wishes sound so much like the wishes of children. Sometimes I feel like I carry every age I've ever been with me, so I'm more experienced at being 9 than I am at being 26. This scene reminded me of that feeling. It was really well-done.
Other thoughts: I am still reeling from my ship being canon!? Gidget/Cecil/Orlam canon, arguably in every universe except for the Orly ending! I am screaming!! I am sooooo happy for them. Oh my GOD.
I also really loved the Orly ending, too! For me, that one was the sweetest. They keep coming back to each other. Everything about them together. Discordant harmony in B, please. <3
Our Wonderland is so good. Congrats on finishing this giant game! I'm so happy I got to play it, and now it will be played over and over again by players new and old! :3
"The level of nonsense this game is on is unmatched." --> HELP DJLAKSDFJAD
It's so interesting to me in general... I feel like I went into this game wanting to make something horrific and intense but with some underlying feels, but by the end, I feel like I'd transitioned away from wanting to make something horrific and became much more focused on the characters and their stories and wanting to make something that could resonate and move people rather than be horrific for horrific's sake. And maybe that's partly why I've been nervous with the direction of the game and especially the finale. Since I do feel like the game has changed over time. So it probably feels different to those who have been following it the whole time. Not that there were a lot of people back then but still lol. Maybe it's a part of me just growing as a dev and realizing what the stories are that I really want to tell. Unsure.
But I digress.
"These characters are dysfunctional, they never learned how to be close to someone without ripping their skin off, and its sad, and its funny, and it's hitting on a personal level. " --> This is such a great line and a great summary of the characters in general ldkjfasfd
I'm glad you were able to accept the ending even if it sounds like you probably didn't like it at first LOL 🤣 I'm noticing that this seems to be a bit of a trend for people that have played it perhaps. I knew that the ending would probably cause some conflicts and that not everyone would like it. But I'm glad at least if people are able to accept it as the end even if it might not be exactly what they wanted 💦 Even before I started working on Arc 5, I knew I wasn't going to be able to please everyone. Not only with everything that happens throughout Arc 5 but also with the final ending. In the end, as a creator, though, you just need to go with what feels right and stick with it hahaha.
"Sometimes I feel like I carry every age I've ever been with me, so I'm more experienced at being 9 than I am at being 26." --> God I resonate with this so much 💦 Also for the sheer fact that it seems like no matter how old I get, I always feel behind. That I'm even more lost than I was in the past, where my brain thought it knew what it was doing even if it didn't.
LDKJFALDSKFA I'M GLAD YOU LIKED THE GIDGET/CECIL/ORLAM. They are just such a fun little interesting group to me and I want them to find happiness in each other in whatever ways they want to and move past the people that have caused them harm. The little Orlam bits in Gidget's epilogue weren't planned at all, they just kinda snuck in there as I was working on them because it felt right and a bit cheeky. Also that you liked the Orly ending. They are indeed so sweet to me... something about their dynamic just makes me smile. I like that they just do their own thing with zero expectations for each other but still have each other as a sort of anchor.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to leave you thoughts!! Sob it really means a lot. And I'm really happy you ended up enjoying the finale and the game as a whole. It took such a big chunk of me to make. And a big chunk of my life in general. So I'm just really happy if people can come away with it feeling like it was worth their time perhaps dkjafd 🤣💦
I am literally in love with Orlam and Genzou. They are my new hyperfixation. Thank you.
HELP LITERALLY IN LOVE
I... love that for you 💕 (though I apologize for any future pain)
ldkjfafd you are so welcome...
I have never been great with words, but I very much have to try for this game, as it has meant so much to me in so many ways and I have to find a way to say it. It's beautiful, somehow relates to me, or makes me think about what I would want in ways that I was expecting (me being ace, feeling like I didn't fit in) to ways I just wasn't expecting or maybe didn't even know that I was going to relate to (the potential Orlam and Iggy relationship) and, of course, made me cry after a day or two with my friend who played the game practically alongside me, but with how many emotions I had for this game, that was to be expected!
Honestly, this game inspired me in every way it could, art (especially pixel art which I hope to be just as good in some way at some point!), music choice, writing and the characters (who I all loved the whole way through), enough that I feel I have to buckle down and find a way to make a game that's somehow just as amazing, I even found myself literally listening to the music and such while I work on my own stuff, just to remind myself how much I love it, and feel so inspired all over again!
!SPOILERS!
But that's just my general feelings, I have even more to say specifically! :D
I think I played the finale as soon as I was physically able to, exactly how I played every other Arc when I found this game and refused to put it down. (Or stop telling the people around me in real life everything about it.) And with everyone together and things being more peaceful at the cabin I was already emotional, enough that when things got to Bucks and everything surrounding her with how the group treated her and, honestly I like how it wasn't a "huge" incident or particularly one incident that was bad, it was more of a consistent treatment that wore on her eventually, I was consistently close to tears from the start, and that's not even mentioning the later scenes, where I had to fight tears so badly I got a headache.
Then the tree and Saydie. Those were just amazing scenes in every way, horrifying, but amazing. This is where I mean I have a hard time with words, but I truly loved this scene, in atmosphere and reveals.
The field scene surprised me, but fit in perfectly too!
I had little idea what the final ending for everything was going to be, but the final time loop was a great end to me, one final loop to something better, not perfect, but better!
And that's of course not even mentioning the routes, a big part of all my emotions, I just love every ship with Iggy, enough that one day I basically have one as my favorite before waking up the next day and having another and then other days they are all my favorite, just because I find something so good in each of the dynamics, where I'll just remember a scene and just love that pair all over again.
I feel like I can only just say random things about each pair that I loved so much, like how Iggy and Orlam's relationship isn't one thing and still just as close, or how Genzou and Iggy's scene finally has Iggy actually tell Genzou he loves him or Gidget and Iggy's relationship changing so much for the better in their ending together. Maybe my thoughts are just a little scattered right now, but I can only describe it as I have so much to love with each pair and I have a hard time describing how much I love each, other than just saying random parts I liked with each.
I went in the order of Orlam - Neutral - Gidget - Genzou, mostly as I knew I would like Orlam and Genzou no matter what so they should be my first and last routes and I always leave Gidget as my nice surprise in the middle. Plus tradition honestly, for some reason I did the same thing while playing OFW and OC, I either played Orlam or Genzou first, then Gidget, then whoever was left. My friend and I even discussed which route to play first, we took it seriously!
Just to end this, thank you for making this game, Carrot. I loved it in every way, and I believe it is a story that I will carry with me forever! Take care of yourself and I'll keep an eye out for anything else you do!
WHY WOULD YOU SAY YOU'RE NO GOOD WITH WORDS this is such a lovely and sweet comment!! It means so much that you'd take so much time and effort to write up all your thoughts like this... 😭💕
Thank you so much for all the kind and lovely words ahhhh... I can't thank you enough. And I'm really touched that you were able to resonate so well with some of the themes. And even to listen to the music!!! LOL I also listen to the music a lot. Even though it wasn't composed specifically for the game, I spent so long seeking out music for each scene and really living with it and the vibes and such that it's become incredibly key to the game for me. It not only inspired some of the game itself but I feel like it's become fully engrained into parts of the game's own identity in a way. I feel like if anything it acts as a good example of how royalty free music can be just as impactful as unique music if you just put some thought into it maybe?? And that there's so much amazing royalty music out there in general so one should never feel like they're less of a dev for using it or something. Idk, I have a lot of feelings about music in general.
Anyway...
I'm glad you enjoyed the finale and all its different bits, from Bucks to the tree, to Saydie. And also the final ending! I was more nervous for the finale than any other arc simply because there was so much build-up and this was like... the end... and I knew I wouldn't be able to please everyone. But I hoped that whether people completely agreed with the ending or not they'd still be able to enjoy it as the final piece of the game.
KLDJFALDSA I'M GLAD YOU LIKE ALL THE SHIPS. I do, too... 😭 They are all very important to me in different ways. And I love the fact that they all feel so different from each other. So they all give me different kinds of feels. I wanted the ending to feel complete and satisfying no matter which route you went with. Not only for the sake of the characters but also for players, whether someone prefers a certain ship and only plays one or likes all of them and wants to see all the possibilities. (Though I do think that seeing the complete story/final arcs for all the chars rounds things off the best even for those who might prefer a single ship, since I feel like each character arc hits its finale in the individual cabin scene, but still.)
dkfaljsdkf the order people go in is always very interesting to me so thank you for telling me! I'm always curious if people will go for their preferred one first or wait or play in order from top to bottom, etc. (I personally always go in order of the arcs in everything I do, almost because I feel like I can't do it any other way, it's become so engrained lakdfjas.)
Sobbbbb.... your words at the end really mean a lot 😭💕I'm really so happy this game could mean so much to you and inspire so much!! Hearing something like that means the world. Thank you so much for playing and for your kind words of support and love!! It really brightens my day!!! 🥰
I am finally back and actually managed to sob (My heart turns to stone for a day after finishing something, and THEN I cry) so now I am ready to pour love all over this game!
!SPOILERS!
Firstly, I played through everything (Leaving Genzou's route for last because I wanted to end on my fav) and for the story, MY GOSH.
I adored everyone being back together, and finally realizing how much they've been neglecting Bucks, who somehow went from the littlest one of them (Complete with Gidget "protecting" her in the beginning from Genzou's crassness) to becoming the big, strong one that got shoved the responsibility of "protecting" them. I loved how it was never anything spectacular, or horrific, but her response was still just as upset at the expectations thrust upon her. The whole situation is complete when you realize in Arcs 3 and 4, Bucks just...disappears from mind, because they forgot about her. In that way, it was obvious only words from Hunar (adorable flashbacks, btw) would bring her back.
And then...the tree and Saydie. I loved how in the realization that this terrible, awful tree smells sweet made me feel like it was a Venus Fly Trap. Guiding children in to feed it wishes, and then kicking them out when their lives became difficult and "not innocent" (And judging them by completely arbitrary standards that are unfair to people growing up or going through life).
And then Saydie and the field was honestly where I teared up. That Iggy could never allow himself to have the same enjoyment as them all, and their frankly innocent wishes, followed by making a decision for himself (I found it a really nice thing that making himself happy was not exclusive to helping support the others in their happiness, heck, even IGGY seemed to think his happiness was exclusive to theirs, which was just untrue) And then destroying that terrible tree (I wonder if its gone for good, especially since the book is now blank).
I honestly wasn't expecting the time loop to loop back into their childhood, but my surprise didn't supersede my enjoyment. I love that they only get this opportunity to start again AFTER they've made the decision to be better to each other, and no sooner, so it feels like a reward for their efforts, and just a final wish to ease the journey (cause I believe they could have fixed their relationships, but I'm glad they got a chance to take kinder actions). Obviously, I'm super glad they remember as well (even if not in their head all the time) and this influences their actions beyond this point, but never making it perfect (Orlam still had his rough childhood, Genzou had his accident, Gidget still had a tough self-discovery), just better. Being ACTUAL friends to each other (now I just wanna write fanfics of the "better" actions that the others took, if only cause we only explicitly see Iggy's choice changes...and ships, cause that fuels me and I wasn't expecting to get so much material + poly implications with some parts!?!?). Cecil and Jerry making it into the real world was a happy surprise, that just makes me think reality had to rearrange itself without the tree, which is always fun.
Them crying together nearly killed me, though, such a good catharsis and I felt a good way to SHOW how this would still affect them (along with all of them seeing each other's pain in the moment).
Speaking of ships, the SCENES and ENDINGS. Strap in, cause here's where I get rambly. I played them in order of Orlam -> Neutral -> Gidget -> Genzou, so I'll speak in that order.
Orlam's was incredibly sweet, along with the typical Orlam flavor. I liked how he views his actions in Wonderland as disconnected compared to Gidget, as he has a stronger grasp on who he is. The dynamic is very cute, with the fast paced dance and talking finally easing down into a dance that's much slower and more comfortable, as he honestly knows Iggy enough to know he'd appreciate that.
It did hurt seeing the other's reactions though, but I feel it helps the theme. An imperfect thing, or an unhappy thing, was not going to destroy the friendship or chance of happiness.
I played the neutral ending next, and the ending cgs were really cute in detailing how Iggy reached out to the others more in friendship (The clubbing cg was hilarious), and then the connection to OC was very cute!
I'm always pleasantly surprised by Gidget, but never know what to expect, so I did them next. Their fear of their actions being their "true self" was a great contrast, and made complete sense, given they barely know who they are right now. Their feelings of wishing they could have figured this out sooner, along with Iggy, were just achingly familiar in alot of ways I imagine many people feel. Iggy also finally KNOWING what Gidget means also felt a nice contrast from their childhood, where he tried comforting them but couldn't actually understand WHAT he was comforting them from. Sleeping outside (though it froze them up good) was incredibly sweet, and having them so CLOSE (when in Arc 4 Iggy had to turn away from them, he was so ashamed by their reaction) was a great culmination. For their ending, I of course have to bring up the triple kiss. As funny as it is, it feels like a confirmation Gidget isn't letting the expectations of what's "normal" hold them back anymore, even if they shocked everyone but Cecil in the process. All in all, Iggy and Gidget felt like the most "new" relationship, as they had to figure themselves out in a way that never happened before, as so the hackathon trophy next to Saydie feels a great representation of that.
And...oh boy, GENZOU. I'm so glad I left him as my final choice to end off on, cause I adored him and Iggy so much, and it felt right. Sorry, gonna ramble a bit. Genzou always felt like the one who avoided intimacy the most with Iggy, despite how close they got and how much he became a comfort to Iggy, like he thought he'd ruin it (crossing his arms and staying still on the boat, having to think a moment to even hug Iggy, breaking away from the second kiss the moment he feels something's wrong), so it felt right that Iggy had to be the one to push for this kind of closeness. Iggy refusing to become Genzou's only reason for taking care of himself was also awesome, as their relationship clearly led to knowing they needed each other, but that has no reason to lead to Genzou setting himself on fire to keep Iggy warm, but nor should that mean Iggy should become his sole reason for living (Both aren't fair to either of them). The apartment scene, keeping Genzou warm in the woods, felt like perfect lead-ups to this conversation, to really SHOW him neglecting himself out of self-loathing and Iggy really needing him to stop doing that to himself (it only really hit me that Genzou was choosing not to eat on a second day in a row out of misery later). I also enjoy that it was the only route that has an explicit "Love you's" traded, as again, it feels relevant to both characters and their problems. Iggy for finally WANTING something out of him, and not being afraid to say it and push the issue. Genzou for finally letting himself believe Iggy actually loves him, rather than avoiding the intimacy, or writing it off as something else (acting like Iggy's just tired at the rabbit warren rather than just accept he's trying to be this close). The verbal affirmation just felt necessary. As always, I see the cgs as beautiful. The clearly overwhelming kiss like their kiss in Arc 2 (followed by tears, nooooo), and then the warm "by the stove scene" (capping off my intimacy talk by having them be so close and on the same page this time) feeling like a mirror to them in the dark bedroom in Arc 2 and their childhood scene before the accident (which ended up a moment of shame for them both, tragically). I was just glad they finally both got their "cocoon" away from expectations, Iggy from needing to do something he's uncomfortable with to deserve love, and Genzou from needing to be "helpful" to deserve a relationship (I always loved the cocoon imagery and was so happy to see it used over and over, especially in an "our cocoon" sense). I hope you can tell I loved it, and them, with all my heart! Their ending was adorable, that somehow the anxious Iggy and boisterous Genzou ended up highschool sweethearts (I also loved the cg of them talking on the phone, what with lovestruck Genzou surrounded by the decidedly UNromantic sounds of the vocational school) and settling into a very cozy life of working together and helping each other rather than one trying to do everything. Capping off on Saydie, Checkers, and Oswald as a representation of their relationship both as a friendship and romance felt perfect (for them and the game in general).
That got super long, and I hope it's not too much, but I really wanted to let you know how much this game touched me. As an ace person myself, seeing Iggy go through all this and coming out ok with his friends and potential partner was a beautiful experience. I'm sure you're tired of hearing this, but the game was an inspiration to me, and I hope to make a game that touches someone the same (I wanted to make games, but this was the kick in the pants I needed).
This was amazing, Carrot, and I'll continue being your fan for anything else you make (but please rest up and take care of yourself!). This Drakka is out and ready for life!
SOB SAVING GENZOU'S ROUTE FOR LAST. Somehow that is so sweet to me... 🥺💕 This whole comment is making me tear up something horrible multiple times... ahhhh I'm trying to collect myself enough that I'm able to write a somewhat cohesive reply lsakdjfasd 🤣
I'm glad you liked Bucks's part. "The whole situation is complete when you realize in Arcs 3 and 4, Bucks just...disappears from mind, because they forgot about her." --> SOB YES. Like. They've always kinda just treated her as this extra that mostly only exists when they need her. When they need her to be a "monster," whether that's protecting them or making them laugh or being some form of entertainment. Because even from back in school, the "love square four" were so wrapped up in themselves and their own complicated dynamics that they didn't have any spare thought to put towards Bucks and always just kinda assumed she was fine and would always be there. Which is really sad. 💦 And I kinda tried to mirror that in the structure itself of the arcs. Because yeah all the complicated convoluted dynamics and drama of the other four always takes center-stage because they can only focus on each other and their own issues and forget that Bucks herself was the one who even started this whole thing to begin with!! 🤣
At any rate, I had hoped it would feel like "enough" for Bucks, especially since she (and Hunar) never got the same screen time as the others. So I really tried to put my soul into that whole part, between the action and flashbacks and cutscene. So I'm just glad if some of that could get across and still be impactful for her and her story 😭
"even IGGY seemed to think his happiness was exclusive to theirs, which was just untrue" --> GOD REALLLLL. Like even from childhood, his own joy coming from seeing his own friends happy. And how that would form his wish, which would in turn go on to cast this veil over his life. Constantly in pursuit of giving happiness to everyone but himself. Which is in itself an impossible task, hence the endless hopelessness and futility of the repeating loops lakdsjfalsd
That whole part was very personal for me and I had a hard time working on it 💦 And I got a bit worried just in general how people would respond to it 🤣 I'm glad you enjoyed it though. And also the whole part with the tree. And the ending!! (lol I'm just listening everything at this point alkdjfas) I think I was particularly anxious about the final ending and people's reactions. I knew no matter what I wouldn't be able to make everyone happy with it but I did what felt right to me and the story. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing how they all ended up lol. I feel like a big part of what I wanted to show with it was that so much of life is beyond our control and we can't blame ourselves for everything, but we can try to make a difference in small ways. And like. Showing how those small ways, even if obviously they didn't fix everyone's problems and issues, they helped give everyone more strength and support to keep pressing on and to find their own selves and their own happinesses.
LKFDJALSDFASDF WHAT AN ORDER TO PLAY THE ROUTES IN 🤣 I'm so interested in what order and/or which routes people will end up playing. Like those that want to play all, which order they go in. And those who only want to play some, which ones they choose, etc.
Sob you're the second person to point out the similarity of the bed CG with Orlam to the one where they were kids I HONESTLY DIDN'T MAKE THAT CONNECTION WHEN I DREW IT LMAO. But that is nothing new, I'm so often only pointed out these things after the fact LOL And now it seems so sweet to me and feels like it makes the final culmination of their dynamic even more fitting.
"It did hurt seeing the other's reactions though, but I feel it helps the theme" --> WEEP FOR ME TOO TBH. I knew going in that it would be hard to write the others' reactions, which is I think also why I tried to keep those after-choice scenes rather lighthearted. Both to ease my own heart, and also because I never wanted anyone to feel truly bad about their choice lkdjads But at the same time not wanting to just gloss over it. So I hope I was able to find a happy medium of still acknowledging the sadness while keeping it lighthearted enough not to drag it down 🤣
I'm glad you also liked Gidget's route! Their special scene honestly turned into one of the most personal for me. Hitting on some of the things you mentioned like wishing you could have done things differently, etc. And also I love how you mentioned this: "All in all, Iggy and Gidget felt like the most "new" relationship" --> because that's also so much how it felt to me. Like. For one, the two have not really had any chance to be with each other as "their true selves." And yes sure in their childhood they did a lot more before everything began changing, but so much of their adult life was spent behind masks, so it almost feels like they never truly knew each other even when interacting. That and ofc everything that happened in Wonderland... like, I didn't want to just gloss over any of that either and say that immediately they'd just be able to patch things up and move on when clearly that would never be the case. That's a big reason to why I made their special scene less romantic in general and didn't include a kiss or anything. Because they weren't ready yet. They needed to meet each other again and re-discover each other and grow comfortable with each other again before anything like that could happen. Which is why I had it only be in the epilogue that things took a more romantic-ish turn for them again. Only after they were able to do things over and grow close actually knowing their true selves.
SOB I'M SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED GENZOU'S ROUTE/ENDING THOUGH. EVERYTHING YOU'VE WRITTEN HERE IS SQUISHING MY HEART AND BRINGING TEARS TO MY EYES????????? Out of all of them, I think the Genzou and Iggy pair will always feel the most special to me... I tried not to let this happen as I do truly love all of them to bits and I love love LOVE the different dynamics they each bring and I wanted each one to feel like a beautiful thing and a potential true route for Iggy. But in my heart I couldn't help but let Genzy take over just a bit... perhaps because their relationship was the most cathartic for me throughout the entire game. Not only from an ace perspective, and how their scenes really let me let out so much of my feelings and struggles tackling my own sexuality. But also just the feeling of pure acceptance is something that melts me to the core. (Also pining. I'm very very weak to pining...). Something about these two has just changed something fundamentally inside me maybe LDKJAFSDFA So. Getting to finally bring them together for good did things to my heart that I may never recover from 🤣🤣🤣 I feel like I could write them falling in love in a million different universes and I would never get tired of it. (Hence why I constantly have different semi-AUs of them playing out in my head at any given time LKDJAFDS)
"I hope you can tell I loved it, and them, with all my heart!" --> I CANNNNNNNN GODDDDDDDDDDDDD everything you've written here... I don't even have the words to respond.... but like.... thank you for putting into words so many of my own thoughts about them and like, their dynamic and the build-up and everything. I've never been good at describing why I write things the way I write them. Because so much of what I do is just based on vibes in the moment. What feels right. But reading everything you've written about their relationship and what it needed and how it culminated feels so incredibly right and in-tune with my thoughts and vibes for why things happened the way they did lakdsjfad Reading it both made my heart twist while also making me smile so much HHHHHHHHHH 😭💕
"That got super long, and I hope it's not too much," --> IT'S NOT TOO MUCH AT ALL. IT WAS WONDERFUL. AND I AM SUPER TOUCHED AND HONORED. I feel like my own response doesn't come close to getting across my sheer feelings at reading what you wrote, but please know that I was incredibly moved. And I'm so appreciative and touched that you would take so much time to write all that out!!! Thank you so so much!! For playing the game. For loving the chars and their stories. For writing down all your thoughts. It really means the world. I can't thank you enough!! I need to go decompress now... LKDSJLFAKSDJFLAKD 🤣💕
Oh. My. God.
carrot i don't know how you did it but you did it. You've actually made a masterpiece.
I've been following this project since arc 1 and holy shit your game (or games, because it's like this with all your games) make me produce enough tears to make a fake ocean and also give me heavy chills.
I LOVED it. Seriously how you write, how you present the scenes, the dynamics and how REAL this feels is abnormal (in a good way of course).
This is all beyond words. I feel like i've commented this before but this is truly one of the best games out there. Something EVERYONE should try once in their life.
I won't stretch this much longer. Just know that this was an extraordinary experience. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
HELPPPPPPPPP sob that's so incredibly kind 😭💕 It doesn't really feel that way to me ldkjasd but hearing that others could really enjoy it so much really means so much. These chars and this story are so incredibly important to me and become such a huge part of my life. Hearing that they are also important to others makes me very weepy 🥺
AND THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING ALONG SO LONG ON THIS JOURNEY???? I feel like there aren't that many people that have been around since the very beginning lakdjfa Especially since it was even more unknown then than it is now (not that it is even very known now 🤣)
Your words are too much ahhhhh... you're really going to make me cry!! Thank you so much for playing! And for all your words and support and encouragement and love throughout all of production! I'm really happy you're still here at the end and could enjoy seeing how this thing all finally wrapped up!! It means so much! 🥰
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (incoherent screaming)
i’ve only done one route so far but there’s so much i want to scream about. the finale was amazing and there were sO MANY FEELS i don’t know if i can articulate them entirely
firstly, a side note: i mega goofed up lmao. i was shipping genzy for the most part and wanted to do genzou’s ending first but somehow i managed to unlock everything except genzou’s ending??? (don’t worry, i’m just amused! not that it was a bad thing!) i thought about genzou when entering wonderland at the start of act 5 and went to talk to genzou in the bunny hideout before heading for orlam’s castle ;;w;; maybe it’s because i :(-ed at genzou too much at the beginning for being mean to orlam maybe aslkdjalkjkdl. but it’s okay! i did orlam’s route first and thoroughly enjoyed it!
genzou saying “oh sorry orlam i forgot you were on a strict humanitarian diet” was really funny to me alksjdldkjkla,
THE ORLAM ROUTE CABIN SCENE! even though orlam wasn’t who i was originally going to pick first (i do like orlam a lot too though!! i went for orlam’s route first in OC before i played OW and got sold on genzy) the dance with him!! his comments flustering iggy!! the kiss!! them falling asleep together!! i was smiling through the whole thing and it was warming my dumb cupiromantic heart and it was chefs kiss.
genzou’s </3 at seeing iggy with orlam but still telling iggs to stay safe during the fight adiljalkdja,,, genzou im so sorry i wanted to pick you!! the game didn’t let me!! D:
BUCKS’ PART,,,, aaaaaaaa!! somehow in the previous arcs i’ve always just saw her as a scary angry axe-wielding person but seeing her go “i’m a monster” was aaaaaaaaaa (sob) and i just wanted to hug her,,, i understand that iggy and the other members of the crew didn’t have malicious intents when calling her a monster when they were younger and didn’t know how it’d impact her but still ;;w;; smol!hunar’s interactions with bucks were really sweet though!!
saydie nooo D: also the tree yelling at gidget for making genitals with toilet paper aslkjdaldkja,,,, wheeze.
the tree telling iggy that his choices weren’t even his, leading to iggy’s choice about whether to reset the timeline later actually made by him (and not letting us choose) was woah :o i’m also proud of iggy, go iggy!! make your decisions!!
i want to hug the cast so much they’ve gone through so much and the epilogue where everyone gets a second chance and does things better makes me really proud of their progress, even if they’re just fictional characters! aaa
thank you for creating this game!!! i had a wonderful experience playing it and it gave me a lot of feels and ace joy (and it shall be haunting (in a good way) my thoughts for many days to come),,, massive kudos to you for completing such a massive project, i know it takes a lot of determination and perseverance to finish something like this (source: my short attention span and my bazillion unfinished projects), please get some good (and well deserved) rest!! sorry this was a very rambly post and i’m not very good with words ;w;
HELP UNLOCKED EVERYTHING EXCEPT GENZOU'S ENDING???? Oh my gosh... I feel like this takes talent 🤣💦Since I've always felt like Genzou's just in general is the easiest to unlock. Especially if you even did the "thinking about" choice and the night chat in Jerry's hideout. Admittedly, Genzou requires the most points to unlock, but this is because he has the most possible points (the structure of the game kinda lent itself to allowing me to create more choices for Genzou since he's just... always there LKDJALKDSF)
At any rate, I hope you were able to eventually unlock his ending if you wanted it!! I still plan to release a guide for unlocking all the chars with some general hints. I just haven't yet as I've been a bit overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything after the launch hahaha
I'm really happy you still liked Orlam's route though 🤭 Orlam, and in particularly Orly, is so interesting to me as they have such a different dynamic from all the rest. Well, I think all three have quite different dynamics, but Orlam is the most unexpected. And since he and Iggy normally would seem to be at such odds with each other and are so different from one another, it makes for a very interesting and fun dynamic to me lol. I really like how their scene ended up turning out though, as I felt like it really encapsulated their dynamic while also revealing a few cheeky things about wonderland and the loops.
"genzou’s </3 at seeing iggy with orlam" --> SOB LAKJDFLAKDSF a part of my heart felt crushed in every single post-choice scene since no matter what, there will always be some feelings of sadness from the others. Orlam's in particular since it comes as such a shock to both Gidget and Genzou 🤣 But I tried my best to inject some lighthearted humor in there no matter what to keep it from getting too depressing alksdjfads since overall no matter what I want people to enjoy their choice heheh.
And I'm glad you liked both Bucks's part and the final bits with the tree. And Iggy's stuff!! Even though I generally knew the direction I was headed in for the ending, a lot of new surprising things happened while I was working on it (like always), and it ended up turning out very emotional and personal for me, how everything wrapped up. So it makes me really happy if people enjoy how it turned out... 😭💕
SOB THANK YOU FOR THE KIND WORDS. I'm really so happy that you ended up enjoying the game so much!! AND THE ACE JOY WEEP. It gives me much ace joy, as well. And ace catharsis. AND ACE TERROR??? FKDJALSDFA Well at least that settled down by the end LOL 🤣But just truly, I ended up putting so many of my own thoughts, struggles, and experiences in this, that I hope that others can relate in a way or feel seen or even just feel a little bit of their own joy inside when playing. Especially other aces. Thank you for giving this little game a chance and I'm beyond touched how much you ended up enjoying it!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write up all your thoughts and all the lovely and kind words! It means so much!! 🥰
HUGGGGE FUCKING W ON RELEASING THE FULL GAME!!!!!
I went and finished playing our fantastic wonderland after the main game...got all 3 endings. (and got all 4 for this game LMAOO errrr I just really like this game okay the writing is amazing and ohhhhh my fucking god if only I could video essay this in everyone's mines because THIS IS THE VN HORROR I"VE BEEN MISSING!!!)
sorry I love this game toooooo much LOL XD
THANK YOU SO MUCH????? It's been such a journey 😵💫 I'm really happy that I was able to actually finish this thing after all this time sob.
I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the finale (and also OFW LDKJFALSDKAF). Sob that means so much!! HELP A VIDEO ESSAY IN PEOPLE'S MINDS 🤣
That is really too sweet, you'll make me cry!! I'm really glad you enjoy the game so much!! Thank you for taking the time to write up this sweet comment and for all of your support! It means the world! 😭💕
So first things first i LOVVEDD these endings so cool, great work to everyone envolved.
I can't explain how much this game has changed me. The only thing i can really do is thank you because i have never felt and related to game characthers (specifically Iggy and Genzou) this intensely.
I discovered the game when arc 4 was fully released but only played when arc 5 part 1 came out so i could experience it more compleatly than before and OMG ITS THE BEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED LIKE SERIOUSLY and its a really beautifull story and it helped me a LOT with my sort of sexuallity discovery.
And on that note i REALLLYYY want to tell you how much i relate to Iggy because omg i felt like i was watching a version of me on many ocasions and i also want to thank you because while playing i went on a sort of search of the meaning of asexual (given the fact i didn't know much about it) and it beautifully represents the things i feel and think (and the relationship between Iggy and Genzou makes me really miss a friend of mine) and their more personal scenes really hit me hard (in a good way!!) and knowing its ok to feel out of place and having that special someone tell you you are not broken is so so so amazing.
I have been in a really bad state mentally and this game has helped me see things in so many new ways so thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!
And to finish this awful long confession i want to thank you for working so hard on this game and never giving up on these projects, i'll be watching for everything you do next and i hope you and everyone who reads this to have a great day/night ;)
Thank you so much for this sweet comment! 😭💕Ahhhh I'm really touched to hear that you relate to Iggy so much. Hearing you say things like that makes me get a bit teary-eyed as much of Iggy is also based on myself and my own experiences. I hope that Iggy and his own struggles (and accomplishments?? kdljfad) could help you feel a bit more seen. It certainly helps me also feel a bit less alone when I know there are others out there who've had similar thoughts and experiences as me.
I'm really sorry to hear that things haven't been good for you mentally. But I'm glad that this game could help even a little bit to give you some spot of happiness or distraction 😭 Please take care of yourself and I hope that things might get a bit better for you soon 💕 Sometimes it can be really tough. But I hope that you can find something to hold onto and some spots of brightness so that things don't get too dark.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write up all your thoughts and feelings. I'm really happy that you enjoyed the finale (and also just the game in general). Your support and love really means so much 🥺💕
okay so i have a Query. finished the game, LOVED IT , i can’t skip forward? ? ?? i tried using tab and ctrl many times but it just shows the skipping flash for a second before going away this may because of how. weird ive been playing the Game?? ? since when i hit launch on itch.io, it gives me the different versions ive downlaoded (arc 5 part 1 1/2, final version pc, final version 32 bit pc, etc), and when i click on one it gives me More files (all the same but with different files sizes?) so i’ve been using final version 32 bit pc and any file size which has been the moment the skip buttons stopped working. idk WHAT im doing wrong but i know its something (the reason i had to use the 32 bit version was because all the other ones didn’t have the final update despite being titeld Final Update) . as much as i love this game (43 -> 59 hours bayBE) i replay it too much and my short attention span needs the prime moments (genzy moments) stat .Help
OKAY!!!!!! ISSUE WAS!!!!!!!! the save files were wack (still no clue whats going on with the different file sizes and things not loading but shrugs) BUT, i can skip through scenes i’ve already seen (in this save file only, i cant load any previous saves so its like im playing the game again ? i am not explaining this good but i am sleep deprived so )
Ahhhhh I'm glad you were (kind of???) able to figure it out? I admit I don't really kno whow the Itch launcher thing works... I've never used the app before, so I'm not sure what you mean when you say it allowed you to choose from different files 😵💫
I do know that going back and forth between, for instance, the 64-bit and the 32-bit versions of the game can cause weird errors though. I noticed it when I myself would try to test something using the data from my 64-bit version in the version I made for 32-bit. I think it's because the data is either put somewhere different or generally just handled different, so it's like, able to find some but not all of the persistent data. Which could explain why it wasn't allowing you to skip, because it kept running into strange errors??? I'm not super sure, but reading that, that was the first thought I had as to what could possibly be going on.
Also the persistent data and your save data files are kept into two different places, which could now explain why your persistent data is working again (the fact that you can skip) but you can' t find your save files (because the save files are in a folder for the other version). It's all very complicated, but I'm sorry this is happening 😭 My best piece of advice would be to try downloading the file manually from the browser site rather than the app so you know which one you're downloading maybe? And if your persistent data is working now, you might be able to manually move your save files from the other version into the folder for this version perhaps. It sounds in general like a lot of the files just got really mixed up between the versions, which is probably why it's causing some weird errors... 💦
[Arc 5 finale spoilers!]
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So first of all, the execution was amazing. I praised how the Orlam and Genzou scene was done in the previous part, and I can say that pretty much the entire game after they left the cabin had the exact same quality. It felt like it was actually my life, like I was the one going through it all. It brought me to tears and heartbreak multiple times. The art, soundtrack, and writing were superb, as usual. I can really tell Carrot improved so much with their art and put so much love and care into, I feel like I could just stare at and admire all of the CGs. They're all so special and beautiful, and that's not even to mention the animated cutscenes. The cinematography was simply top-notch, the way Carrot combined their art with the music and brought the scenes to life made this all the more special. I cannot imagine how much effort it must've taken to get it all so perfect. And the way Carrot was able to combine both more lighthearted scenes towards the start and then slowly biuld up to the climax, it really kept me on the edge of my seat and really captured my heart. And towards the end, the way it was all wrapping up and having them "leave Wonderland behind"... I was simply overcome.
I loved all the routes, they were all unique and beautiful. The way they so perfectly captured Iggy's dynamics with each of the LIs and reflected on them is so poignant. And the mixture of angst, pining, hurt/comfort and the relief of finally admitting their feeling to eavh other was flawless. Also, all of the morning after scenes are hilarious. Carrot, I swear, I don't know how you managed to write a horror masterpiece and still stick in comedic moments that are not only funny but don't feel out of place at all.
I think the way Bucks' character was unveiled was so beautiful and visceral. It was so simple, yet it explained so much, and it made me really love her and Hunar's relationship. And the choice to have it all unravel at the very end strengthened it all. For the entire game, Bucks' detachment from the group was downplayed, chalked up to her being younger and in a relationship. But when they finally show how they treated her, what caused her to feel so ostracized, not only did the player realize the truth of it all, but the characters did too. It wasn't put off until the end because it wasn't relevant enough to adress earlier, it was because the characters themselves didn't adress it yet. And I think that's a really clever way to have done it all.
The section with the tree... I barely even have words. It was so visceral, so captivating, so... intense. It truly felt like the "final boss" of it all. And the added scare factor with Saydie really brought it all together.
The ending is... still messing me up. I just finished getting all the routes and I loved how each of them played out, but I want to talk more about the actual prospect of the ending itself. In all honesty, I didn't really know what to expect. I mean, I knew they'd come out of Wonderland in mostly one piece, but I didn't envision it would involve an entire timeline reset. And... that's the part I'm still coming to terms with. On one hand, it makes sense narratively. A big theme in the game is, obviously, time-looping. Having to go back to the same start, trying different things each time, and trying to untangle the mysterious web of not only your issues, but your friends' while you're at it. So having the ending go back in time to where this all began, give everyone one more chance, feels fitting. Especially with them having to defeat the tree, having to break free from the one thing holding them back... But on the other hand, I can't help but feel conflicted about it all. It might just be the very fact that the game is ending, but I think it's something else too.
Having everything reset after the characters went through so much feels... weird. It's not like it was a complete reset, there's still obviously the remnants of the previous timeline guiding them in a better direction, but it's still a reset. Iggy even says in Gidget's route "it's not too late", but with their salvation sending them back in time, it's kind of saying that it was too late. That the characters were already beyond saving, and the only way to fix this mess would be to go back to where it all began. I feel like a big part of the game was the notion that these characters might be fucked up beyond all reason, that they might've done unforgivable things, but they're still human. And all they could really do was just move past it and try to do better. But then they had all their actions just erased. And... I don't know.Okay, you can disregard pretty much everything I said there. I thought about it a bit more and also read Carrot's ask about the whole thing and I can confidently say that the ending has grown on me. There was a bit of a misunderstanding on my part on how the whole thing happened + just generally being fucked up from the fact that the game was over so I apologize. Anyways, I loved the ending. All the epilogues were just precious and adorable??? Happy Bunar, cute high school Genzy, a thriving Orlam, and a Gidget/Iggy/Cecil/Orlam polycule (I'm still not over that GIDGET REALLY JUST KISSED EVERYONE. THAT'S INSANESAADOHDSHSJ???). I could go on and on about all the little moments but I think I'll stop here. (I do still wanna know, though, was Our Cinderella always planned to be canon, or did you decide to add it in because it lined up? Would the ending be different if you hadn't made it?)All in all, Carrot, I cannot thank you enough for making Our Wonderland. For sticking by it. For putting your soul into it and giving everyone such an amazing experience for free. You have made one of the most amazing visual novels of all time, and you should feel nothing but proud of yourself for such an accomplishment. I hope everything goes well for you, and wish you nothing but the utmost luck on your next projects. Please, take care!
Ahhhhh Quamai thank you for this lovely comment and pouring all your thoughts and feelings into this!! It really meant so much to read this! 😭💕 And I'm really happy that you enjoyed (most of) the finale lakdfjad
"It felt like it was actually my life, like I was the one going through it all" --> LDKJFALDSKFAJD??? Somehow this really made me tear up. This really touched me sob
And thank you for all the wonderfully kind words about the art especially??? It's also so weird even for me to go back and look at some of the older stuff because my art feels like it's come such a long way. But also hearing anyone say they actually like the art always touches me so much as to this day it remains one of the things I feel the most vulnerable about (and is also what will likely always be one of the biggest factors in why people wouldn't to play this game to be honest lkadjfas) So truly thank you so much for saying such kind things. And about the cinematography and such too!! I feel like I put my whole body and soul into those cutscenes GODDDDDD. They take so long 🤣 Especially since Ren'Py doesn't have any kind of built-in easy way to handle animation so it ends up being me just watching the scene over and over and over and adding one new CG at a time and carefully trying to guess and tweak the right amount of seconds to show it then watching it again from the beginning again and again LKDJFADA It's a very laborious process. But I'm always really happy with the results and I couldn't imagine not having some of these scenes be cutscenes as I just don't think they could have the same impact.
Ahhhh I'm happy you liked all the different LI route scenes! I really wanted to ensure they got across the different dynamics of the relationships. Not only the special cabin scenes but also the epilogues. It's one of my favorite parts about the different pairings to be honest, how different they all feel, how different Iggy acts with all of them, etc. They all bring out different sides of Iggy in a way. And it really shapes the core of the different relationships. And I was really hoping that I'd be able to show all of that in their unique scenes and that each one would feel "earned" in a way, so hearing that makes me really teary-eyed!
"it was because the characters themselves didn't adress it yet" --> sob... yeah.... that was a big part of what I was going for. The fact that Bucks was already kind of the odd one out, not only because she's younger than them, but also she's not included in the "love square." And kids growing up are self-centered, they tend to think mostly about themselves, so with the complicated dynamics of the love square four trying to figure themselves out and their complex feelings for each other, they don't even think to wonder about the way they're treating Bucks and whether or not they're being cruel to her in a different way. Which then helped reflect part of the structure of the entire story itself, with the love square four still completely focused on each other for the first four arcs and forgetting about who started the entire mess and who they were looking for to begin with, etc.
Sob you didn't need to strikethrough all your thoughts about the ending 💦 To be honest I pretty much expected there would be people that wouldn't vibe all the way with the direction I decided to go there. But I also knew that it didn't matter HOW I ended it, there would be people who didn't like it. Which was part of why it felt like such pressure in general. There was no one way to end this that would make everyone perfectly happy and I knew that. So in the end I just needed to go with what I felt personally was right for the story. But that doesn't mean people who don't like that direction aren't valid and can't have their own conflicting thoughts about it. So don't feel like you need to not think that or something if you just didn't like that part 💦
OC didn't actually have anything to do with my decision to go that way. I knew ever since I came up with the idea of the loops that that was how I was going to end it, since I already knew that it was Iggy's childhood wish that caused the loops and so it made sense in my head that once the loops were stopped they would go back to where the loops began. OC just helped me think through a lot more about where each of the chars would be and their lives in that reset timeline, which then made it easier for me to write the different epilogues. (Well, the neutral ones at least LKDJFADS though it still did help me to have somewhat of a base even for the different LI-focused ones.) Actually way back when I started I thought I would end the game right after the final forest scene and that would just be it. No follow-ups or epilogues or anything. THAT WOULD HAVE REALLY SUCKED LMAO. But through the years working on it, the idea of that abruptness began really putting me off, so it slowly expanded in a few different ways until it finally fully evolved into what I eventually would write as the epilogues.
For me, I think I decided to go with the "reset" for 3 main reasons, first of which was just because in my head it made the most sense with the lore. Destroying each wish destroyed the result of that wish. Orlam's wish for a family that loved him getting destroyed destroyed the rabbits. Bucks's wish for tomatoes getting destroyed destroyed the little tomato guys. And all the other wishes, too. And the result of Iggy's childhood wish was... Iggy's life itself in a way. Because the moment after he wished that, the wish became this veil over his life (and formed the loops). So destroying that wish destroyed the life that had formed because of that wish. The second reason was perhaps my gift to Iggy himself. Wanting to free him from the shackles of that wish, since it had influenced so much of his life (and his friends', for instance, it was what kept all of them so physically close). I wanted to gift him a chance to live his life without that I guess. And the last reason is perhaps the most selfish and it's somewhat of a gift to myself. I don't have the chance to have a reset. To go back and figure things out about myself earlier on to have the potential to be happier. And I'm too much of an anxious mess scared of change to do anything about it now after all these years, so I feel a bit trapped. But I can at least give a gift to these chars that have become so important to me, especially Iggy, who has so much of me in him, and give them a chance that I can never have. And in that way it feels like a gift to myself since these chars are such a big part of my life. LDKJFASD THAT GOT A BIT SAD. But. I think that kinda explains my whole mindset of not only why I had originally planned for that ending but also why I continued with that plan even when I had reached the end (even if I ended up greatly expanding on it).
HAVING SAID ALL THAT. That doesn't mean you need to agree with it. Or that anyone needs to. Because we can all have different opinions on things and feel like things should have happened differently. So I don't mind at all if you think that it was a bad way to handle it at the end. I can really only stand behind how I did it for myself. The same as any creator can only do when they create (and especially complete) something. 🤣 No matter what, though, I am happy to hear your thoughts about it!!
"GIDGET REALLY JUST KISSED EVERYONE. THAT'S INSANESAADOHDSHSJ???" --> LDKJFASLDKFAD it was very funny to me because I hadn't planned that into Gidget's epilogue at all when I was first trying to piece it together but somehow it just... happened... LOL I just really like thinking about that little group and their dynamics 🤣
Re: the OC question, when I wrote OC, since I knew that the plan was always for the reset, I did always know that OC was technically canon. (At least for the neutral ending.) I just didn't want to say that when I released it because I felt it would have opened up too many potential spoilers/clues for how the game would end. I already had a lot of thoughts running through my head about what each char would be like after the end of the game in the new timeline. Orlam in particular, as I feel like he changes the most. I had a lot of Orlam's general direction figured out already as thinking about a much better "true" version of Orlam made me happier to think about than the subdued lacking-in-confidence Orlam we see pre-Wonderland.
SOB AT ANY RATE. THIS WAS SUCH A LOVELY AND WONDERFUL AND KIND COMMENT. Thank you so so much for taking so much time to think through everything and leave such thoughtful words filled with all of your reactions! It really means to world to read through them, especially since you've been following the game for so long now. And I'm happy that for the most part you were able to enjoy the finale!
"You have made one of the most amazing visual novels of all time, and you should feel nothing but proud of yourself for such an accomplishment." --> LKFDJALSDKFAD THAT IS INCREDIBLY KIND SOB YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE ME CRYYYYYYYY... 😭💕
Thank you again for all of your support!! 🥰
Thank you so much for the response! <3 I do wanna elaborate, though.
I didn't strikethrough that part because I didn't wanna make you feel bad or anything, I genuinely changed my mind on it. Even if I do still have a sort of longing for the pre-reset Wonderland times (as traumatic as they may have been), that is merely just my bias, and I have honestly grown to love the ending. It honestly works really well both narratively and in-universe. Wonderland, while it might have provided them some level of comfort, was also the bane of their existence. It caused them to rely on wishing and self-indulgence too much rather than actually working through their problems. So to have it be destroyed at the end, by the very people it once nurtured, and consequentially create a new timeline where they're more responsive feels like a beautiful way to wrap this whole thing up. I appreciate your insights by the way! I didn't even realize the tomato thing but that is so perfect, and the rabbits being a stand-in Orlam's family is... <:( (my poor baby boy...). I actually think the reason I was so caught up in it all was because of, again, just the fact of the game ending. The reset kinda highlighted that in a way by changing everything in a completely irreversible way.
So yeah, even if the edning was unexpected and kinda blindsided me, I don't think it was bad at all! But I do agree that even if I disliked it, or if anyone else did, that would be just a natural part of creating. You can't please everyone, and it's honestly best to just do what you feel is right for your story. And besides, I know most people say that a bad ending can ruin even the best stories, but tbh I don't think anything could ruin Our Wonderland for me. The rest of the game is just so amazing that the ending could be a blank screen and I'd simply accept it.
It is interesting to hear that Our Cinderella was always planned to be canon, though. I guess I'll have to be on the lookout for any more "non-canon" side-games that might just weasel their way into the canon timeline...
"And the last reason is perhaps the most selfish and it's somewhat of a gift to myself. I don't have the chance to have a reset. To go back and figure things out about myself earlier on to have the potential to be happier." - I don't think it's selfish, because I understand you. When something bad happened in the past, although everything could have been done differently, but... It is what it is.
I have points in my life that I would like to improve, but I understand that what if it made me who I am? Although I understand you, so I don’t think it’s selfish, since it makes another sense to do such a direction in the game <:3
This is absolutely fantastic!!! After playing so many visual novels, I want to say that this is my favorite of all time!!!
🎮🏆❤️The amount of CGs, the exquisite story, and the perfect matching music??? Oh CARROT, you are SO FREAKINGLY TALENTED!!!
🥕🌟🙌<spoiler alert?>
*My random mumbling:
As a loyal fan of Orlam, I wish there were more romance scenes between him and Iggy... I guess I'm just being a bit greedy since, yeah, I know Iggy is the ace ;-;
I don't know. Maybe I just want to see more intimate CGs between Orlam and Iggy, considering the ample amount of pics between Genzou and Iggy and the Orlam's deep mad crush on the G man...
Also, I notice that in the later fighting scenes, when Genzou and Gidget show care when Iggy is hurt or captured, where is Orlam's expression??? Saaaaaaddd
And Saydie, my poor poor Saydie... I guess it would be better if the abrupt relationship transition between Bucks and Hunar could be explained a little better. One minute, they were the love of each other's life, then they wanna tear each other apart after some years. It would be good to see some fillers to make the logic smoother. But, all in all, I think their relationship when they were kids is pretty damn cute. And I love your storytelling! It just makes so much sense when the evolution of their relationship is only revealed towards the end. However, I feel like the Bucks don't really need the crew. Lowkey, she definitely needs better friends, lolSomehow, I totally guessed the time rewind part haha, but I do wonder what the story will be if everyone still remembers what they have done in the wonderland, heh :P
Because... that's where Orlam and Iggy get super doper intimate ;-;
My reaction towards Orlam's part is just too funny to listen (I record myself a little when I play the final part hahaha, embarrassing moments *blush*)
Sincerely,
Your huge fan <333
Ahhhhh thank you for such a kind comment!! I'm really happy you enjoyed the finale! FAVORITE OF ALL TIME HELPPPPP FLKDAJFALSKDFA that is too much of a compliment, I will cry... 😭💕 But I'm really very happy that you enjoyed it! And that you took the time to write up all your thoughts like this, it's very wonderful and thoughtful.
dlkajsdfa unfortunately with the structure of the story, it did make it harder to fit more Orlam and Iggy-centric things in until the end, since Orlam just isn't there LOL 🤣 But I did my best to make sure all of the special scenes and epilogues no matter who you ended up choosing would have the same amount of impact and love. It was also perhaps a bit difficult for me to think about Orlam and Iggy in the same way that I for instance think about the other ships, because they're just such an entirely different dynamic. Even for instance where you mention Orlam not showing up as much in the fighting scenes was because to me that would have been really out of character for Orlam to get showing too much concern for Iggy or shouting Iggy's name, hence I went with the characters who are much more open to showing emotion lkdjfadsf But I did still attempt to show Orlam's feelings in the scene where he comes to help Iggy at least, to hopefully make it obvious that he does care a lot he just doesn't show it the same as the others 🥺
They do technically "remember" everything even after the wish gets destroyed, it's just that it's so deep that it only bubbles to the surface if there is something to remind them of what happened. I think that perhaps if they'd fully remember everything they would have had to go through intense therapy and turned out really traumatized... especially as they would have been kids again having to deal with all that inner pain and trauma 😭
At any rate, I'm really happy that you enjoyed not only the finale but the game in general! And that you always like Orlam so much!! It really means so much to hear your thoughts and have had your support and encouragement throughout production!! Thank you so much for staying here until the end and for all your lovely words!! 🥰
(Completed Arc 5)
...
I went into neutral and... I felt a lot, in a good way.
Ahem
So, arc 5 - answered all the questions that were in the other arcs, and even about what kind of tree it is (especially on Tumblr)
It was cool, the sound and music were also perfectly matched to the mood of the characters.
I predicted a lot of things while I was playing - and they came true, in a good way. Because, I expected it, and I got it... And because I'm attentive to details, hehehe
It was funny, even when everyone was feeling bad, it was also funny. Some moments are funny, heartfelt and symbolic.
"Carrot, are you okay?" - I was already thinking to myself when I got to the part with Saydie(Say 'die', hehe) and Iggy.
Although, I felt like Iggy again that I even took off my glasses (for screens.)
Crap... Plus, I like that there is a neutral option, thank you very much ❤️
Because usually in a "dating simulator", hehehe, there is no such neutral option (for a change, like a sudden turn, hehehe).
And yes, Carrot, it seems either you are cunning, or you changed your mind later 👀 "The end... Or not?" At the same time, to the OC🤣🤣🤣
Uh... although, Iggy mentioned "another life".
Anyway, thank you for coloring my birthday. ❤️✨
Heartfelt, funny and fun❤️
NEUTRAL LOL. I've been very curious in general as to which routes people would take or which they'd do first/the order, etc. I would personally find it so hard to do the neutral route myself LKDFJLADS at least first. Perhaps because I'd want to do the game "fully as I would want it to be" when experiencing it for the first time, and the idea of the neutral route feels a bit short to me, though perhaps that's because I'm the dev and know there's not as much content there. (Having said that, I still did try to make the neutral route sweet and had a lot of fun connecting it to OC, though that was perhaps a bit self-indulgent LOL)
At any rate, I'm really happy you ended up liking it!!
""Carrot, are you okay?" - I was already thinking to myself " --> HELLO????
"it seems either you are cunning, or you changed your mind later" --> LOL it was mostly just me wanting to leave things more open and connect the games more so than anything else 🤣 And perhaps to leave something fun and cheeky to get people to want to try out the neutral route. I liked the idea of having it where even if Iggy decided just to choose and focus on himself, he could still have a chance for companionship later in OC 🤭 (this made me feel a bit better I think hahaha)
Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely comment with your thoughts and I'm really glad you enjoyed the finale! LOL AND I HOPE IT HELPED YOUR BIRTHDAY HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA DOSE OF JOLLY LKJFADFAD 🥰
Thank you for such a game! I'm not that good with words, although thanks to other users (especially the one from Essay) who also revealed details in the game that I probably forgot. (And yes, your game pulled me in, so my birthday was great🔥✨)
Still, you gave me a lot of emotions (I have already played all the endings), that this is very good.
As Quamai said, it’s as if we lived a life with your characters (it’s not surprising that thoughts come to draw art where we and your characters are, it happens)
I honestly really enjoyed playing, laughing, thinking, wondering, and imagining "what if?"
Somewhere I even cried - which is rare for me.
Because of Iggy:
"... Why are you so similar to me??..."(End 1 of the Arch, and thoughts in the clearing in OFW)
Because of Orlam:
"NO, ORLAM. JUST DON'T DIE! (mentally hugged him) Damn, just don’t you dare die, you’re an idiot...(this is the first time I’ve called someone “idiot”👀 5arc in castle)
Well, again Iggy, at the moment when he remembered his desire, and thinks what to do next, because... It made me nostalgic. I sometimes think that I wanted to look at myself in the past. Or hug your past self.
And yes, it's been two days and I'm as despondency as Iggy in OC. Because thoughts about the future came to me. Relationships - which, like Iggy, don’t have. I'm kind of comfortable, but I'm human, and Iggy mentioned in the game the need to talk to someone.
If Iggy needs someone to talk to, then I need someone to hug, or to be hugged.
AHEM, I GOT DISTRACTED, AHEM
I wanted to say that either there is something wrong with my sense of humor, because I have my own associations:
(Iggy called himself and the door opened)
me: 🤣🤣🤣🤣 "Wonderland - keeps up with time and technology"
Well, and other moments, when Gidget scolded Gen and Orlam, and it was Iggy’s turn, Gidget softened. It's funny, but also touching, and it's clear that Iggy hasn't done anything, he's already like a scared rabbit.
And yes, if you're interested: Neutral, Orlam, Gen and Gidget.
This is the order I walked.
And what surprised me was when I found out that the option of Orlam and Genzou was available to me. 👀 Because... yes, I was kind to him, I didn’t joke about him, but I behaved too directly (when he told lies🤣)
But... It seems that my kindness and sympathy were enough for me to have a choice with him 🤣🤣🤣
But then of course I replayed one moment in Arc 4, and I got access to all the endings. (Sorry Gidget... You didn't really inspire my trust at the beginning of the game...And Wonderland too 🤣)
But it was still interesting! (I can’t forget, I feel these literary descriptions and actions... Very good ✨)
Although while I was watching the epilogue with Orlam, knowing everything about him, I was like: "... Did I even make the right choice in choosing Orlam?” 🤣🤣🤣
This is probably due to the fact that when we fought with Bucks, Orlam did not show any concern (until you follow his route 🤣)
Platonic love for him - yes. Although, I also like this dynamic: you live together, you have your own life, and in your own way you show your care for each other.
Although I give my heart to the neutral ending, not only because I am also lonely like Iggy 🤣 But also because it looks like me. I need to know what I want now, I’m already fine without a relationship, I have good friends, and I’m happy with life too. And Iggy's words at the end also seem to be true.
(Although at the end with Orlam, where “we are people who care about each other” I like, and that they make their own rules... Sorry Gen, you're good too. And Gidget too. And Bucks and Hunar.)
Speaking of Bucks, now I feel bad🤣 because I ended up believing that she doesn’t like to wear a dress, but after your answer that she does, it surprised me. Looking at her past, I now understand (she reminded me, I was also a “danger”, but with a kind heart. how she reminded me... even now❤️)
Considering that although your characters also somewhat resemble a part of me, they were closer to me: Orlam, Iggy and Bucks (and a little bit from Gen and Gidget, hehehe)
Orlam: too cocky, teasing, understands people well, and perhaps charismatic? (people remember me even after a year... It surprises me because I stand out? Wow..) And perhaps tactility 🤣
Iggy: Asexual, creative, worries about friends, emotional.
Bucks: Dangerous, but kind. The soul of the company (although Orlam too), I act like a child sometimes, but I like it. Brave, hehehe. "Don't make her angry 👀" 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Gen: I'm shorter than everyone, but older in the company 🤣 Straightforward and honest, unique sense of humor
Gidget: "I am a parent, I must take care", understanding, caring.
(Hunar: creative person, hehehe)
And I... I once joked that the Bucks already have their own Iggy, only in a dark shade. And when I saw the moment that Iggy became Hunar to appease the Bucks, I: “👀...I was just joking-" 🤣🤣🤣
Okay, I've said too much about sensations. Now I definitely said a lot that I didn’t say when I wrote above 🤣
If your game was able to convey the meaning (without thoughts in the epilogue, the player himself realized after the entire playthrough) , and evoked a familiar feeling or emotion - this is very good.
It’s just that now, I can hardly remember or come across such long Novels that would raise questions about life in such a way. About simple but important things. About the fact that we notice little.
And about time too. And in general, to make the game look like a movie (or cartoon movie), So... You were very engaging and the side games added to the understanding of the characters and their dynamics and history. Your novella is long, yes, but intriguing! This is already good! Capturing people's attention forces them to spend time studying history, just like a regular book or movie, and we begin to think, get inspired, and create.
And of course, when you associate with the characters, or even took their features 🤣🤣🤣
So, I'm still glad the story has come to an end. Yes, it’s sad, but it left typos inside my heart and in my head. And in my hand, because I’m used to drawing in your style, hehehe (probably). I love your style, I love the cartoon style, it made me feel like I was watching a Gore cartoon (Like Happy Tree Friends). Or cartoon movie❤️🔥✨
Thank you for these feelings, thank you for this time, thank you for the answers and the mini doodle on Tumblr, thank you for the story, thank you for the interesting plot, music and graphics.
(I'm serious, what music did you choose, I listen to while I draw!!!👀 Especially when I want to feel the atmosphere of the game, for example: Iggy is working. Further, because of the emotional sphere, I often listen to the themes of Orlam and Genzo, and that song in the credits in Prologue✨ Like a children's song, this is morality to me. I feel like a joyful child when I'm listening to this, I can’t help but smile)
Thank you very much for being here.
Good time, Carrot. We love you very much and appreciate the time we shared.❤️
We're like one Carrot family, hehehe
Hugs to you from all the players who played your game with love ❤️
...DAMMIT, FORGIVE ME, HOW MUCH IT WENT 🤣🤣🤣-
DUDE THE FINALE WHEN I END ALONE IT'S THE BEST! I MEAN, MY BRAIN JUST EXPLODED!!!!!! IM ON TEARSSSSSSSS
I also have questions (spoiler alert)
SO, the the tree just ... reset everything??? I'm so confused!! does that mean that the baby has never been born???? that means that the tree no longer exists?? SO THE HUMAN BUNNY HAS DIED TOO? NOOOOOOOo
Great game, I love it!
(excuse me for any mistakes, English is not my first language)
LDKJFALSDKFJADS I'M GLAD??? I HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO PUT YOUR BRAIN BACK TOGETHER THO????? SOB PLEASE REST AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF 🥺💦
I'm really happy you enjoyed it though!! Thank you so much for the kind words! 😭💕
Re: your question, I leave some of it up to interpretation as I like people to take away their own messages from everything rather than explain my own boring cut-and-dry explanations for stuff. But it was less the tree and more just the fact that Iggy's initial wish was destroyed along with all the other wishes. And when his wish was destroyed, it destroyed what that wish had created, which was essentially, his life (or at least everything after he made the original wish and the start of the initial loop). That's why it went back.
Do you mean Jerry??? I'm not sure who else could be the human bunny LOL But if it's Jerry you mean, he does have a cameo in the ending, so he's still there... 🤭
LKJALKJS LOL NO sorry, I was super excited. anyway, it's amazing how Iggy makes the final decision! like, in the end, it was his choice! it had happened before tho? When Genzou said that it was not a game??? ANYWAY, I also love how at the end they will never be perfect and that's the best! because it's like real life.
ALSO, I just read what I first commented and DUDE IT'S SO BAD LKASJDADSKJLSJDKJ thanks for answering. I do have another question, WHERE IS THE JERRY CAMEO??? I was looking for it everwhere and never found it TT
I totally didn't make account just to comment))
I'm going to keep this a bit short since I haven't played the new part of the final arc and I need to 🥲.(Also happens to drop the day I have a fever ahem) I've been playing this game, saw it a few months ago around my birthday and one day I played it while I had my friend on the phone. Loved it. There was tears, I probably should expect more when I play the last part gufajfzitskydkletiai. I also laughed, and gushed over Genzou and Iggy?(Arc 3 and Arc 4 are painful to me ;-;) Gidget used to scare sometimes.. I feel bad for Orlam but somewhat find him annoying?? Also I feel like Cecil is underrated, I don't know what it is but I just love him 🥺🥺🥺! Another thing, all the wholesome Genzou and Iggy moments in the arcs make me happy. I love those two lots together. The fact Genzou doesn't question Iggy's asexuality makes me feel cozy, as an asexual myself this is comforting to me.
(Maybe this wasn't that short but short in my terms. Sorry for rambling, I just love this game and the characters. And sorry if I have any bad grammar, im half awake and, well sick. Anyways, I hope you have an amazing dayy!!)
SPOLIERS AHEAD
Update: After straining my throat on the phone with my friend, reading some of the dialogue while crying, and gushing more over Genzou and Iggy(Haha guess which route I did), I completed the game. Atleast in one route. I wanted to take a few moments before I go to sleep to give my thoughts. Iggy saying I love you to Gen in his route is just sweet and wholesome(waterworks though). Whenever I found out that monster was Bucks my soul left my body. I cried at the Bucks and Hunar flashbacks, when he called her beautiful and sweet my heart melted. No comment on the freaky-deaky tree. Iggy breaking the cycle and going into how their past actions and how they handled things better. What was different, also the part about Bucks and Hunar thinking about a kid(Saydie? 🥺). Gidget and Cecil living together, Orlam's job(Im sorry I already forgot if he worked at somewhere specific) and businesses he tried to start up(Was that a human Jerry in the back or am I just loopy 🤨). Also the mentions of Orlam and Cecil together on and off seemed kinda cute. I might have to try out the other routes and try to hold back the water works lol 😭.
This comment is so sweet!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your thoughts! 😭💕 I'm really happy you liked the game so much THOUGH I'M SORRY FOR THE TEARS LAKJFDAD
And I'm glad you liked the finale DESPITE THE ADDITIONAL TEARS LOL
Ahhhh I'm really glad you liked the special scene for Genzou's route!! Sob I was really happy with how it turned out and it's become one of my favorites... those two are just so sweet to me... 🥺 Also that you liked the Bucks part with the flashbacks!! It's such a conflict for me because I love those flashbacks so much and the different dynamics they show and getting to showcase finally more of Bucks and Hunar while at the same time they're so sad...💦
"No comment on the freaky-deaky tree" --> LDKJFALDSKFAJD
"Was that a human Jerry in the back or am I just loopy" --> LMAO YES IT WAS
HhhhHHHHHH thank you so much for all of this!! It really means so much to hear! If you ever do get the chance to go back and do the other routes, I hope you'll enjoy them, too! But I'm just really happy that you ended up enjoying everything and the game in general! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment! 🥰
I just did the other routes!! I will give my opinion on them
SPOLIERS AHEAD, AGAIN
I did the Gidget route before the netural and Orlam's. Their scence was so freaking sweet, I cried again 😢. (I'm very emotional as you can tell, ahem.) The fact they thought that Wonderland was bringing out their true self just can't. THEY ARE THE SWEETEST CHARACTER IN THE GAME, ALONG WITH HUNAR.(Can't forget about most of the main characters as kids though, adorable 🥰) At the ending scence, whenever Gidget kissed Iggy my heart warmed, they are the sweetest. But then they kissed Cecil and Orlam and I blanked, but thats Gidget.
Then I did the neutral ending, which I loved. Iggy finding himself and being able to care for himself and being independent.
If Genzou wasn't an option, Iggy by himself would be the best option in my opinion.Yet he still stayed in contact with the rest of the group. Managing himself, yet not isolating himself, like how he was at the beginning. OUR CINDERELLA CANON??And then,
my least favorite for last, Orlam's route. His scence was slightly sweet, but I can't really find myself to like it that much. Then again, I have a bias for Genzou, sooo.. But I can't with how sad Genzou is, and the fact Orlam is rubbing it in his face. 😭😭😭 I'm sorry this is just my least favorite out of all, I just find Orlam annoying.And thank you for making my favorite visual novel out of all the ones I've seen so far! I never thought I was one for visual novels but this game got me into some of them. I've played almost all the side games,
besides Orlam's, Our Cinderella was my favorite. Also thank you for reading and replying to my comment, you made me smile so much today! I will definitely be playing any new games you make in the future. I've never cried so much over a game before, but I love that because it shows how good you can make your games. I've felt all the emotions playing this game gaufzjgxursufzirs. Your work is so amazing! Like seriously, keep it up! (At a healthy ammount of keeping it up though. Don't overwork yourself ☺)Sob I'm glad you liked the other routes, too!!! I tried my best to make each one of them feel very special and unique and a good culmination of each chars' arc and their dynamic with Iggy 🥺
"But then they kissed Cecil and Orlam and I blanked, but thats Gidget. " --> LKDJFALSKDFJA I LAUGHED OUT LOUD 🤣
"OUR CINDERELLA CANON??" --> HAHAHAH that was my cheeky little easter egg 🤭 It just felt like a neat little way to connect OC. And also perhaps a slightly self-indulgent gift to myself, allowing for Iggy to still get together with one of the others even if he does choose to focus on himself first.
LDKJFALSDKFA I'M SORRY THAT THE ORLAM SCENE WAS MILDLY TORTUROUS THOUGH 🤣 I can imagine that if you are not much of a fan of him in general that it would not be the most enjoyable scene LOL Especially yes... the next morning... (though the next morning is rather sad for all of them, but I feel in particular the one for Orlam's route is especially awkward hahaha)
"I've never cried so much over a game before" --> SOB I would like to say I'm glad but that sounds a little bit cruel so I'll just say that I'm very touched that this game could have such an impact. Thank you so so much for playing and for loving the chars and writing up such kind and encouraging words!! It really means so much as a solo dev just making these games because I want to tell stories and share experiences. Hearing from others who can relate to those stories and experiences really means the most. So I'm really glad you took the time to write up your thoughts and share them with me!! 🥰
AHHHHHH THE FINALE IS OUT AHHHHHH I CAN'T BELIEVE IT??? IT'S HERE???
I'll touch on the technical aspects a bit here, though not too much as it is a Carrot game, we already know that these will be great...but the SHEER AMOUNT OF CGS, the INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF ART, the ANIMATED CUTSCENES, the sprite movements...it was all so dynamic and REAL and immersive that I couldn't tear my eyes away, not even for a second. The prose was wonderful as always, and the raw vulnerability of it - as we enter the emotional crescendo - really hit me in the heart in a way that I can't explain.
The themes and the way that the story concluded, without spoilers, are nothing short of flawless. Everything was incredibly well-conceived from start to finish, everything was so TIGHTLY wrapped up with cohesive character arcs and full-circle moments...and this story was just BURSTING with so much compassion, kindness, understanding, and empathy...both for others, and for yourself. Aside from the obvious horror aspects, this is a story that I would recommend to anyone, and I MEAN ANYONE.
=========SPOILERS FOR ARC 5.2=============
MY HFGHGFGHJGHJGHJ REACTIONS
I'm very sorry these thoughts might be a bit disorganized as I was basically writing them as I was playing...
I love the way that the arc starts off with the gang having a warm meal together - it's just so NOSTALGIC and comforting (especially with the beef stew) and such a contrast to what came before. Even when Genzou and Orlam start to fight, it's different - they're just bickering, and Gidget calms them down immediately, and the relaxing track keeps playing in the background - it really hammers home that things have truly changed between them.
After that, rather than being comforted by someone - Iggy reaches out someone for comfort. He realizes that it's natural to want to feel someone else's "warmth" - and it almost feels like he's also acknowledging that he has the right to love and be loved, that he's deserving of human companionship.
I PLAYED GENZOU'S ROUTE FIRST BECAUSE I HAD TO I WAS GOING TO SAVE HIM FOR LAST BUT I COULDN'T STOP MYSELF
AHHHHH Iggy cleaning Genzou's wound is SO SWEET and also very touching - after all of these loops where Genzou was the one comforting Iggy, the one "cleaning Iggy's wounds" - it was so nice to see Iggy reaching out to Genzou in this way. Finally recognizing that Genzou WASN'T fine, that he was just pretending to be - and that even Genzou didn't care whether he was fine. He just swept everything under the rug. THEN IGGY KISSES GENZOU AHHHHHHHHHH PROACTIVE IGGY AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH (gosh the white background REALLY makes this CG pop in an AMAZING way, then the gradual fade to the background as the realization sinks in - SO GOOD)
THE PARALLELS WITH THE PHONE CALLLLLLL in the beginning of the game, the first "route" deciding factor is you deciding who to call - Genzou, Orlam, or Gidget - but your choice then doesn't really matter, not really. No matter who you call, only Genzou picks up. However, here, you can call the person you CHOSE, and it "unlocks" the door (and it's such a LOVELY metaphor for Iggy finally "reaching out" - to contact the friends that he's been estranged from for so long). And it's only THEN, after Iggy reaches out, does the door to "move forward" - to move past all of the hurt and trauma of the past - open.
THE WAY THAT BUCKS TURNS INTO A MONSTER - perfectly reflective of how she views herself while also acting as a metaphor for how her friends didn't really recognize what she was going through. (Side note but the sketchy black and white CG of Iggy as his hand got cut off was SO GOOD)
AS WE GO THROUGH BUCKS' FLASHBACKS I WAS REALLY TEARING UP, you can see how she was alienated by the people around her and even her friends - the little comments that really "wore her down" - saying that she was a killer whale, a monster, etc - even when they meant it in a positive way. How they shaped how Bucks viewed herself and her own worth. How Hunar was the only one who reached out to her - who treated her differently (calling her a princess, worrying about her getting hurt, seeing her as someone other than a big, strong oaf.) AND THEN THE SNAPPING POINT WAS HUNAR CALLING BUCKS A MONSTER - the one person who saw Bucks as she was. I really had very little sympathy for Bucks until this point, and yet after this I was completely on her side, despite the absolute VILE things she did - it's just a testament to how strong the writing is that I was able to care so much for her in such a short amount of time.
IT'S ABSOLUTELY PERFECT THEMATICALLY, as the entire story has been about this group that was "close" but never really recognized the problems that others were going through because they were so wrapped up in their own issues. The choice to end on Bucks - whose problems we've never seen, who seems so strong and relatively simple-minded, who has a happy family and seemingly no troubles - is a perfect one - recognizing all of the problems that she was facing, even when no one (except Hunar) was looking.
THE SEQUENCE WHERE BUCKS SHRINKS IS SO GOOD, until she's finally kneeling in front of Hunar - and she looks SO SMALL in comparison to him, so vulnerable. (It REALLY contrasts the first non-childhood CG from OW, where Bucks is heaving Iggy over her shoulder, and she looks so big and strong.)
AND THEN THE BABY REVEAL DFGDGD THE CORRUPTION OF INNOCENCE, turning her into "fuel" for the warped "Wonderland" - it's SO PERFECT DFGFDGDG
ANDDDD we got confirmation on the results of Iggy's wish from the first arc! His wish was so "heinous" that he was cut off, and instead he was bent to the wishes of others. It's so perfect from a character perspective - Iggy, unable to assert his own desires and wishes - instead trying to please others, to make them happy. (YAY I got confirmation that the Iggy in each route WAS bent into a shape to please his companion of choice! It's also a really interesting take on a "dating sim" - where, instead of deliberately acting in a way to please your beau of choice, you're warped into a shape that fits them).
Another side note but I love how, in this arc, there's so much silence. It's pretty unlike previous arcs and other carrot games, which used so much music - but here, there are pretty long stretches where there's complete SILENCE and it's perfect - it's so calm and yet unsettling, really making you focus on the words and visuals on screen.
GDFDFGDGDG THE CLIMAX, WITH IGGY REMEMBERING WHAT HIS ORIGINAL WISH WAS, and Saydie saying that he can CHOOSE to be happy. Then when Saydie vocalizes her wish - that she wishes to be killed, and the tree DELIGHTS in it, in the innocence of that desire - it really hammers home how HYPOCRITICAL the tree is. After all, Iggy and Saydie's wishes were the same - to disappear, to be killed (although Iggy's desire was due to guilt, while Saydie wanted to be freed from her suffering). I LOVE how you aren't given a choice to break the cycle - it really hammers home how this is Iggy's story now, and how he's finally taking control of his life. And the destruction of Wonderland - this warped, twisted place that fed on children's hopes and dreams - is a good parallel for Iggy as well - destroying his need to be responsible for his friends' happiness, paving the way for him to make himself happy.
I WASN'T EXPECTING TIME TRAVEL, the chance to redo everything, but fgfhgfhfhgf it made me so happy to see, I really wanted to see all of these guys get their happy ending (and it didn't seem possible with the original iteration). I love the fact that they still all make the same mistakes - it's what happens AFTERWARD - Iggy reaching out to his friends, and in Hunar and Bucks' case choosing not to commit to a life that didn't make them happy - that makes a difference.
DGDFGDFGDFGDF I LOVE HOW THE "STAY BY YOURSELF ENDING" TRANSITIONS SO SEAMLESSLY INTO OUR CINDERELLA AGHHHHH OUR CINDERELLA IS CANON IT'S REAAAALLLLL (I do love how it also gives you the option of "not committing" to a love interest but leaving the possibility open down the line! And gosh I'm so glad that the "idealized" world of Our Cinderella is canon AGHHHHHH I WASN'T EXPECTING IT AT ALL) And I do really like how, even in the "happy endings," it shows that Iggy's life wasn't perfect - that he's still anxious, that he still has things to work on. Because that's the way life is. It's not perfect; it's flawed. And that's okay.
Onto Orlam's route and DFGDFGDF THE SLOW DANCE, I really love how it's the perfect capstone to all of the "dances" Orlam and Iggy have had up until this point - Orlam falling into Iggy's pace, doing something that he's comfortable with. (BUT GENZOU IS IN DESPAIR AFTER YOU PICK THE ORLAM ENDING WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS, and Gidget too dfgfdg it is interesting how, when you picked Genzou, Gidget and Orlam seemed much more chill about it LOL) And AWW I loved the ambiguity of Orlam and Iggy's relationship - how it was difficult to label, in the end, but they didn't need to "bend" to anyone's expectations.
And finally, Gidget's route - AGHHHHHHH GIDGET IS APOLOGIZING I LOVE IT, it's such a full circle for them and really fitting for the conclusion of the route. Since Iggy and Gidget were the most "entangled" pair (and Genzou with Orlam, and Bucks with Hunar) - this reconciliation is very fitting. And the realization that they've both been wearing masks their entire lives - RELATABLE.
I LOVE HOW IN ALL OF THE ENDINGS, Iggy is wearing his ace-themed hoodie, it really emphasizes how he's comfortable with himself and his identity. And in all of them, there's no label for what Iggy has with any of his partners - they're not boyfriends, they're not married, they're not friends - they're just themselves, living as they are, by their own rules.
Okay now that I'm done with my AHHHHHHHH REACTIONS AGHHHHFHGHF I'll try to calm down and leave some coherent thoughts here.
Final Conclusions
There are SO MANY themes and concepts in OW, all told to perfection through the different routes and characters, that I can't detail them all (and I've touched on a few of them before, in Essay #1 LMAO). The mistakes that you've made, how what you say affects others. How both your own expectations and the expectations that others have for you can shape your identity and self-worth. How you need to seek your own happiness in order to support others. How important reaching out, communicating, and supporting others in their time of need is. The time travel - the ability to go back and redo everything from the start, but better this time - is a happier conclusion than what I was expecting, admittedly. But at the same time it's perfect. They can go back to a time before Wonderland corrupted them - with its expectations, with its desires - and they can live freely. And it shows how even the smallest actions can change their lives so much. That just reaching out a hand to a friend in a time of need can be all the difference in the world.
I loved that, in the end, the final villain was "Wonderland" itself. And in the end, Wonderland wasn't "childhood" - as being a child, with no worries or regrets, IS wonderful. No, Wonderland is this oppressive, corrupting entity that delights in what it thinks childhood SHOULD be - purely innocent. Wonderland is the amalgmation of all of the expectations, the rejection, the self-hatred - all of the things that are weighing down on our characters, preventing them from fully accepting themselves and being happy. It curses our cast for their "corruption" - for bringing lust, and sadness, and anger, and everything - into its "perfect paradise" - when those are all things that just make us human. And only when you free yourself from that vision of how you SHOULD be - how you expect yourself to be, how others expect you to be - are the characters' wishes truly freed - and they can finally fulfill them in their own way, on their own terms.
At first, I found Saydie's life to be rather melancholic - killed by her mother, brought back as a monster by a corrupted Wonderland, and then finally killed by Iggy - but in a lot of ways Saydie was just as much of a metaphor as Wonderland itself. Iggy needed to move past not only the "corrupt" Wonderland, but also the "childish, innocent" Wonderland - the idea of that "pure" childhood, when there were no problems to overcome. Only when he accepts that life is MESSY, that everyone is flawed and everyone makes mistakes and life won't be perfect - is he able to reach a "happy ending." And so him killing Saydie, this embodiment of "innocence" - makes so much sense. And at the same time Saydie also represents the "ideal life," the life you're expected to have - as people are expected to marry early, have children, and live that perfect "dream life," as Gidget described. So killing her (or the corrupted version of her) - is also like killing those expectations. (And, I do like how Bucks and Hunar DO think about having kids in the end - but on their own terms, when they've had a chance to live their lives how they want, and pursue what they want to pursue. And I wish that Saydie can live happily in the new timeline - in a world where her existence is appreciated and cherished.)
While OW is a deeply queer narrative, its themes are also quite universal. Iggy is asexual, and that is a big part of his character, but at the same time his desire to be loved as he is, his fear of not being able to love his partner in the way they want - is a really universal feeling. Similarly, when Iggy and Gidget talk in Gidget's route about the "mask" that Gidget wore to cover up their confusion regarding their sexuality, Iggy understands Gidget's feelings, despite not having exactly the same problems.
I found the conclusion to Iggy's arc to be INCREDIBLE. In Arc 1, he hates himself for not being able to bring his friends happiness, so deeply that he wants to disappear (and, when you learn that his original wish was to make his friends happy, it makes so much sense). In the end, he breaks free from any sort of expectation, any sort of need to PLEASE anyone, to make anyone happy - and makes his own choice, for his own happiness. And, only after making sure that he's happy is he able to support others. It's such a meaningful and powerful message that I think everyone needs to hear.
In the end, Iggy's life isn't all that different from how it was before, but I think that makes a lot of sense. His problem was with how he viewed his life - and how he acted regarding his relationships. He's not rich, he's not an entrepreneur, he's not happily married - he's living his own life, with happy relationships with his friends, and that's HIS happy ending.
I'll conclude by saying that I can't say how important this story is to me. How deeply personal and moving it is. I teared up so much while reading it, and cried at parts. There were so many aspects that felt so true to my own life and my own relationships, parts that made me feel really vulnerable and exposed and SEEN. There are some things that you experience that carve their existence onto your soul - good and bad things, and you carry them for the rest of your life. Our Wonderland is one of those things for me.
Thank you very much for making this masterpiece, Carrot; I am your dearest fan, and I'll never forget this experience. Thank you.
CHATTER WHAT
WHAT
WHAT IS THIS ESSAY
I'M SOBBING
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO THIS???????????? YOU'RE SLAYIN' ME OVER HERE MY GOD????? TEARS RUNNING DOWN MY FACE?????
Now I have to somehow craft a semi-cohesive response while I suffer from intense emotional overwhelm and the tears decorate my keys... /over-dramatic
But I digress.
Reading this truly made me tear up. And I feel like nothing I say will come close to like, getting across how much it has emotionally affected me. Nor how much it means to me that you would take so much time to not only play but then write something so beautiful and heartfelt and kind 😭💕 So I also apologize in advance if my response feels a little aLl oVeR tHe pLaCe and rambly LOL
I'm glad you liked how it started... 🥺 I had a lot of fun with the cabin scenes in general. Partly because I just enjoy writing small warm little moments (and silly banter) but also just seeing these four finally all together having reached this final resting point felt somehow very monumental to me (I got emotional the first time I put all three LIs' sprite on screen at the same time alkdjfas). Though I was admittedly also slightly worried as because of my decisions in how to release the Arc 5 parts I wasn't sure if it (as well as the resulting Final Choice scenes) would be a weird place to just jump into after the break between 5.15 and finale release. (And now I'm also curious about how different it would feel as a player who'd played 5.15 and been waiting for the finale compared to somehow who plays Arc 5 for the first time all the way through without any of the breaks.......... 🤔 I DIGRESS THOUGH.
PLAYING GENZOU'S ROUTE FIRST LKAJDFASD I'm really curious what order a lot of people went in 🤭 Almost makes me wish I had a way to keep track or something hahaha. His scene though is extremely precious to me... it was also the first of the LI scenes that I wrote. And we all know Genzy holds a special place in my heart.... GUHHH. So just. Mfmmkmfdajdsfadfj it's very important to me LOLOL I LOVE THEM SO DEARLY MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. So I'm glad you enjoyed it... 🥺
I'M GLAD YOU LIKED THE PHONE CALL PART. Tbh it was one of those things that I wasn't quite sure how to handle and it wasn't until I was actively working on the finale that it kinda formed. Mostly from like, really thinking back through some of the key themes and the dreams in particular. How each dream had been something that Iggy needed to do in order to reach the center. The importance of the cabin and the door. And then perhaps somewhat cheekily harking back to the fact that I had originally been going to release the middle arcs in such a way that you could do them in any order, so Iggy's choice of who to call felt even more ~ baked in ~ to kinda the overarching narrative. It just somehow felt fitting as a callback, to him being vulnerable enough to reach out to the person he had chosen. Idk. I wasn't quite sure if people would get what I was going for (or if it would even be that big of a deal for people to get it in the end lakdfjad) but hearing that you did enjoy it and resonated with its inclusion is kinda making me really happy right now lol.
Bucks's part was another where I was hoping it would "be enough" (then again that's kinda the theme of this whole finale... me worrying every single scene will somehow "be enough" for the build-up that preceded it; that the finale as a whole would "be enough" to act as a satisfactory ending to the whole story and the chars and their arcs). The structure and build-up in general felt like it necessitated Bucks's part to come at the end, and I'm not one to go against my instincts in these things usually LOL But I wanted to make sure it didn't feel like it was just glossed over and that it did indeed have a reason and purpose for being there. So I tried to make the flashbacks and cutscene and the whole fight and honestly just everything, I just really tried to put my soul in it and make it feel quite intense and conclusive for her arc (even if not everything is obviously solved, but somehow there's some emotional catharsis, at least for the time being for them to be able to pull themselves together and fix the rest of this thing once and for all hahaha). I had a lot of fun with the flashbacks in particular though, as I really love show bits and pieces of the group dynamics throughout the years, even in these ones had that constant twinge of sadness to them when you looked at them all together... sob.
"I got confirmation that the Iggy in each route WAS bent into a shape to please his companion of choice!" --> LKDFJADSF YESSSSSSSS. I was kinda jazzed about finally including this confirmation myself. Mostly because there were so many times throughout production when people would ask questions and I would be like... I JUST WANT TO SAY WHY. I WANT TO SAY WHY IGGY WAS LIKE THAT. BUT I CAN'T REALLY. I CAN ONLY KINDA GIVE VAGUE HINTS. BUT I WANT TO SO BADLY. Particularly in Arc 3, which is the most obvious shift in Iggy's behavior. But even in Arc 2, why it was so easy for his heart to kind of naturally shelter itself in Genzou, and in Arc 4, particularly leading up to the bedroom scene at least, where he was mostly going along with Gidget (until even wonderland couldn't influence him enough to go all the way with it). But just like. That has become who Iggy is because of the wish that he made. Malleable to an extent, so as to make his friends happy. Except that no matter how he's influenced and changed, it never truly works, at least not the way Iggy would hope. Because making one friend happy leads to problems with the others. So in the end no one is happy. And the futility of devoting yourself to the happiness of others is all the more evident. The endless cycles of trying but failing to make everyone but himself happy.
Sob.
See now I'm rambling a bit LKDJFASLD But this part in general was just so important to me... the whole field scene and the reveal. I had a really hard time working on it and had to take multiple breaks because I kept starting to cry LOL It was a part in general that hit really close to home for me personally.
"I LOVE how you aren't given a choice to break the cycle" --> WEEP I'M GLADDDDDD. It got very meta there by the end. Not only with the tree referencing others making choices for Iggy as a direct call-out of the ppl playing the game, but then using the choice mechanic to show Iggy making his own choice and taking it away from the player. Another one of those things I really loved adding personally but that I was worried about the response LKDJFALSKDFA
"I love the fact that they still all make the same mistakes" --> Sob I'm so happy you liked the ending in general. It was probably the biggest of everything that I was worried about, and I know there will be some that don't agree with it. But it's what felt right to me for what needed to happen. Not only from a story and lore perspective but perhaps a bit selfishly for me and for these characters. Obviously I can't make their lives perfect now. That's not what this game is about. And I wanted to show that even with at least some subconscious knowledge of their other lives, they can't "correct" everything because so much of your life is out of your control to begin with. Even your own mistakes are out of your control. Because we all make mistakes. But there are things we can do after the fact to try and make up for those mistakes. And so often that is what really matters. (Ok so maybe things like cold-blooded murder wouldn't count for something like this BUT I MEAN MORE LIKE IN THE RELATIVELY NORMAL COURSE OF ONE'S LIFE.) And to that same end I wanted to show how much even small changes to try and fix mistakes or change responses to things can help make things better. Not perfect ofc. But at least better. Because yeah each of them still has plenty of issues they need to work through, both in themselves and with each other, but they were better able to find themselves and figure themselves out and have more of the support necessary to do that, giving them more control over their own lives.
I'M RAMBLING AGAIN SOMEONE STOP ME LKASDJFLAKSDFA But see this is what all your words are doing to me they just make me want to talk and talk and talk because they make me so happy and also so thoughtful and excited lkadjfad
I'M SO GLAD YOU PLAYED ALL THE ENDINGS???? Even the neutral one LKDJFADS IT WAS A CHEEKY LITTLE EASTER EGG TO MAKE THE NEUTRAL ONE TO CONNECT TO OC HAHAHAHA. It felt like a little treat to add. Not only for players so they can still see something rather sweet and surprising even in the neutral route. But also for myself, because it can leave me with warm thoughts that even if Iggy doesn't pick someone he still has the chance to find companionship with someone later on after he's spent more time just focusing on himself first.
Ahhhhh... not you listing out all the themes... 🥺 I feel like I could not even list out all the themes LKDFAJSDFA This is so lovely for me to read as the creator LOL I'm really bad in general at trying to analyze works for themes and motives, even in my own work. Since so much of what I do just kinda happens as I'm writing and thoughting and barley any of it is planned, so it's all just this vibesy exploration that somehow comes through at the end still working (IF I'M LUCKY). So having someone tell ME what the themes are is honestly so helpful for me to also take a closer look at my work and what it's doing and why hahaha. "And it shows how even the smallest actions can change their lives so much." --> Sob sob yes... this one hit me pretty hard. That we don't need to do these grand showcases of pure and selfless friendship. That sometimes all it takes is a kind word or act to show that you care. To think about someone and check in on them. Because god knows I need to also do this a lot more often as it's something I really struggle with, friendship in general. And letting friendships fall away because it always feels like it requires so much energy. But does it though? Maybe it doesn't. Maybe you just need to be able to show that you care. Idk. SOB.
" In the end, he breaks free from any sort of expectation, any sort of need to PLEASE anyone, to make anyone happy - and makes his own choice, for his own happiness." --> TEARS RUNNING A DELUGE DOWN MY FAAAAAAAAAAACE. Also that you brought up the "mask " thing because only upon like looking back over especially the Arc 5 and finale stuff did I realize just what a running theme that had become without even thinking about it. Which is also a big theme of my own life I feel sometimes. So maybe it's why it got itself so rooted into the OW narrative. But just this idea of never really letting your true self out. Whether that's because you want to fit in. Because you're terrified of change. You're an anxious wreck. You feel like no one will like the feel real. (Or all of the above LKJADFA) But that the more that you do that, the more you change yourself for those around you. The harder it will be to see your true self. To the point that you might lose it entirely.
God sob your words at the end. Now I'm really really gonna cry. Thank you SO MUCH, Chatter. For being so open and thoughtful and for writing such heartfelt things and for always showing me so much even about my own works. COMING FROM YOU??? ESPECIALLY??? LIKE SOMEONE WHOSE WORKS ARE SO AMAZING AND ALWAYS LEAVE ME IN AWE AND INSPIRATION???? I shall melt down into a pile of goo right here in this chair I SWEAR IT I WILL LKDJADF Seriously though, it means more than the whole world hearing that. And I'm so so glad not only that you would take your time to play and write such lovely things about the game but also that you would be such an amazing friend and an amazing fellow dev and always being so sweet and kind and thoughtful to others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for joining me along this journey and being here and lending so much of your support and encouragement to me and my games!! THANK YOUUUUUUUU.............. and now before I really lose it and jump into a well I'm going to stop rambling incoherently and attempt to get myself under control LMAO 🤣💦💕
What can I say Carrot... WHAT CAN I SAY
THE EMOTIONS. THE WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS I WAS CAUGHT IN (admittedly, it was more bearable the previous part but STILL) BUT GOODNESS WHAT A CONCLUSION.
Okay. Okay. Okay. It's alright, I'll gather my thoughts.
First of all, WHAT?? SO MUCH ART??? AND I ONLY DID GENZOU'S ROUTE???? EVERYTHING IS SO PRETTY????? Like, really, the composition of the CGs was AMAZING, I loved the animations too, the succession of them to narrate very dramatic scenes (because this climax is still very dramatic looool). YOUR USE OF MUSIC, IT'S ALWAYS SO CLEVER, IT ALWAYS SETS SUCH A MOOD I AM IMPRESSED EACH AND EVERY TIME HOLY GOLLY MOLLY IGGY (yes, I need to create new interjections now)
The writing was, per usual, great and, per usual, made me discover French expressions used in English loool ("en masse" here dvdcvb). Your phrasing is both poetic, metaphorical even, and yes so visceral when it needs to. It perfectly supported the different moments of horror, fright, action and peace. Because I did say it: this finale is a WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS, it felt warm, then cold, blurry then clear, pure then soiled... it was an amazing finale, the perfect conclusion to a perfect game. An amazing culmination of everything that has been set up, and looking back on some things noticed during act 1 finally make sense and be explored.
I alas can't say much without spoilers. Just know, reader, that this game is amazing, be it the art, the writing, the music, the emotions, the heart, the themes... Oh, these themes!!! Play it, you won't regret it.
#### ------ SPOILER PORTION ----- ####
CARROT. CARROT. CARROT. OH MY GOD, THE THEMES OF THIS LAST PART RESONATED SO MUCH WITH ME YOU HAVE NO IDEA AT SOME POINTS SOME SCENES EVEN FELT CLOSE TO SCENES AND THEMES FOR FUTURE GAMES (Happy :) in particular I was screaming AND I CAN'T EXPLAIN BECAUSE OF SELF SPOILERS BUT DAMN THIS HIT SO CLOSE TO HOME YOU BROKE MY SOUL AGAIN) DFVFDDFDFGFDFG AND YOU EXECUTED IT SO WELL I AM IMPRESSED.
First, finally, we got to see Buck's struggle and how her dehumanisation has indeed turned her. This also was a GREAT WAY to highlight Hunar as a character, the comfort he's brought her and how losing this last connection, the last thing that made her human made her snap and do the unutterable i.e. putting her own child in at best a questionable state to go back to a place where she could have peace, at worst, in an ironically wooden coffin. This theme of the monster residing in the perception of others, rather than being something inherent to a person, really touched me a lot, and it was the perfect conclusion for Bucks. Seeing her being called a monster, disgusting for helping a bug... was sad, and I adored how these little things are what, in the end, ended up breaking her.
Another theme that touched me a lot is the theme of innocence, the way it gets corrupted and, when we lose this childhood innocence, what the best we can do is. Growing up is hard. Growing up is difficult. Growing up is becoming a more complex person, because the world around you gets more complex. You start questioning yourself. You are subjected to norms. The questions multiply like rabbits. And only the ignorant can remain innocent, because the world has its darker colours, and so do we. So, when childhood seems far away, and the world around us gets more obscure, when people start harming each other deeply... what can we do?
Being nice. Being kind to others. Trying to understand them. Apologising for our wrondoings. Always making sure we act with kindness and respect. These are the things we can do. And your potrayal of this message was absolutely gorgeous. This is something that rings very personally with me, as these are things I firmly believe in.
I ADORED Saydie, and that is an UNDERSTATEMENT. She is an incarnation of innocence and yet, Iggy cannot connect with her. Of course he cannot: he is grown. He's been selfish and mean, he's hurt the others around him. And yet, he follows her, considers the perspective she presents and realises: when you look for others, and don't let them on the side... you make them happy.
I loved how this was the culmination of Iggy's arc: being good to others, bringing them happiness. His wish isn't for his friends to be this happy: "I want to make my friends this happy", I appreciated he took the matter into his own hands, because I agree: happiness is something you build by supporting others (you can tell it was already a theme in The Life I Lost with the "if you want to enjoy roses in life, you have to go get them" loool so I'm not lying when I say you really NAILED themes that REALLY resonate with me).
And I loved that these characters, after everything, could go back in time, get a new chance at trying things again and doing them better. Sure, we cannot do that in real life, and we have to grow from our mistakes. But in real life, we don't necessarily get through what these characters go through either loool. And more than that, it really reinforced the message of the game by contrasting the original timeline and the new one. And seeing these characters happier, realising their dreams and being still imperfect, of course, because who isn't, but so much healthier.
That being said, I wasn't expecting the tree to be a yandere looool, but I truly adored it. The reveal of Saydie's corpse was striking, and its interventions were amazing, displaying new layers of these characters. This tree is the guilt we feel while exploring the world and discovering that, no, we're not the children we were, and that we have more twisted wishes and experiences. Well, some of them are normal, some are a result of our own suffering and some... are indeed a result of the world getting to us. Well... that's okay. Without getting into too many untasteful details you can guess from The Day Being Ace Made Him Stronger, as this comment section isn't the place to share them lol, but accepting exploring a soiled world will also soil you, and that some soil is okay as long as you act with kindness was an excellent message. This cult, this fascination for childhood is pointless: people don't grow into children. And we have to accept to grow into healthy adults instead.
The romance was also GREAT! I played Genzou's and am watching Joy play the two others right now loool but from what I can tell from Genzou's route and Joy's stream, you wrote these scenes wonderfully, really. It felt consistent with what you set up in the game and well-earned. I loved how the LI is the one to defend us against Bucks, it showed they cared.
In conclusion, it was an amazing game, Carrot, and I hope you are proud of you. I've been following the development of it for years now, and, if it was great from the start, you've truly grown as a creator and a person too, and this final part shows it. This whole game shows it. It is an inspiring story about kindness, empathy and how to navigate a world not meant for those who are innocent. This also is a game about LGBT-issues, one of the most amazing ace representations I've ever seen in a piece of media, not to say THE MOST amazing... Thank you, Carrot, really. This game will stick to me all my life, and will be a stone of all I create, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Time for a confession: you and your game are the reason I've started working on Waterlily on the Froth lol. When I played the previous part, I felt so strongly about it that I wanted to create something that would make me feel feelings as strong... so ta-dah...
I'll just conclude it all with a thank you. Thank you for creating this. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you sharing your thoughts and your vision of the world through this game. Thank you for all the art you put inside it. Thank you for such an emotional conclusion. I am looking forward to the rest of your creative journey. Please never stop inspiring others by sharing the stories and themes blazing in your soul. Because I'll endlessly thank you.
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO THIS COMMENT, CHIM??????? I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START?????????? 🤣💦
OK no I do and that's first ofc to simply thank you! Thank you not only for this essay(?) but also all the love and support you've shown for this game even long before this. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts about each new update as you always have so much to say and always analyze things down to their core and make me realize things about my OWN game and I just am always filled to the brim with so much love and appreciation and gratefulness and joy whenever I read your comments. AND THIS TIME WAS NO EXCEPTION I HAVE TEARS IN MY EYESSSSSSSSSSSSS. The amount of time this must have taken to write!!! GODDDDDDD. Thank you so so much for all the kind thought you put into your words 💕
"HOLY GOLLY MOLLY IGGY" --> LAKJDFLAKDJFALDSKFJAD
"the perfect conclusion to a perfect game" --> DON'T SAY THAT YOU'RE ALREADY MAKING ME CRY?????
But I digress your words are too much LKDJALKDS Thank you for all the kind words about the writing and music and animations. THOSE FREAKING ANIMATIONS LMAO. They are always the biggest time suck (and CG filler lkdjlfakd). Sometimes I just know that a scene needs to be set to music and no matter what I do, I'll never be able to make it match and be as impactful it is in my head unless I actually set the scene to the music, as opposed to just have it be written while the music plays in the background. It first happened ofc in Arc 1 where I actually did try to just write out that final scene first, but I was so displeased and unsatisfied with how it was turning out and lacking the impact I wanted it to have that I eventually just attempted to semi-animate it. And after I did that first one, ofc then every time I had a similar feeling, I had to do it again LOL (Thank you Arcs 3 and 4 that didn't require this somehow??? Though Arc 5 then made up for it by requiring multiple cutscenes lkdjafsd) ANYWAY THOUGH. Hearing such kind words about the animations in general makes my heart very full. I'm by no means an animator but I try really hard to think about how to stage each scene and take advantage of what I can do in Ren'Py to create different compositions and effects. NOW IF ONLY THEY COULD BE COMPLETELY ANIMATED LOL living in a dream world... sigh.
LKFDJALSKDFA I'M REALLY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE SO MOVED / RESONATED SO MUCH WITH THE ENDING????????? The ending in general was something that I had kinda half figured out in my head before actually moving in to working on the finale. I had some scenes kinda set in my mind (like I knew I wanted them to confront the tree / the stuff with the roots, and I had the scene in the field in my head even since towards the beginning of production). But so many of the actual details and especially a lot of the meta stuff that ended up happening throughout those scenes only formed as I was actively working on it, so I consider myself very lucky that I was able to pull together so many of the strings and themes of the game and make them all come together the way that I did 🤣💦 (then again, a LOT of this game was that way, I really have no idea how I managed to get lucky so many times LKFDJALKDSFA)
"This theme of the monster residing in the perception of others, rather than being something inherent to a person, really touched me a lot, and it was the perfect conclusion for Bucks." --> LFDKJFKALDS THIS IS SO POETIC????? I was a bit nervous in general how people would respond to Bucks's part, not only because she's been kind of an enigma up until now, but also because she's done so many things to actively make people dislike her LOL And yet compared to the others, she has a lot less screen time. Though the structure of the story ended up kinda necessitating that. So I really tried my best to try to make her (and Hunar's) part of the story have as much impact as I could give it.
"And only the ignorant can remain innocent, because the world has its darker colours, and so do we. " --> THIS IS ALSO SO POETIC??? AND PHILOSOPHICAL????
"Being nice. Being kind to others. Trying to understand them. Apologising for our wrondoings. Always making sure we act with kindness and respect. These are the things we can do." --> Yes... sob.... I'm getting teary-eyed again...
The way you've written out so many of these things is really cutting to the core of me. I feel like I could never make a good analyzer, I would never be able to like pinpoint a lot of these things and write them out so succinctly and eloquently. I CAN'T EVEN WRITE THESE TYPES OF THINGS ABOUT MY OWN GAME???? So so often while working on this I would have people present to me themes about the game and I'm just like... omg you're right... BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA THAT'S EVEN A THEME THAT WAS THERE THAT I WAS GOING FOR. I'm really bad at putting things in words and instead just vibe through the story in a way that feels right to me for the way the chars and story is heading but I could never tell you why I do a certain thing or exactly what I'm attempting with it at any point in time. So whenever you come along and are like "it's doing this" I can only be like OMG YESSSSS THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE LDKJFALDKFAFD So thank you for being able to put so eloquently all these things I didn't even know what I was doing half the time.
I'M GLAD YOU LIKED SAYDIE WEEP. I was really happy with how her whole part turned out... 💕
"And seeing these characters happier, realising their dreams and being still imperfect, of course, because who isn't, but so much healthier." --> WEEP. I was also a bit nervous about this. What people would think about the skip back. If it would somehow feel like a cop out to not have to face the repercussions of everything that happened especially in Arc 5. But to me it's not that they don't have to face them, because they do, all those experiences are still there, but they've changed them enough that when they do go back, they're able to influence their lives enough to create better versions of themselves. Not perfect ofc. Because nothing is perfect. But better. Happier. Still making mistakes but being able to work through them better. And able to support each other better.
"accepting exploring a soiled world will also soil you, and that some soil is okay as long as you act with kindness was an excellent message." --> 🥺💕 This is so beautifully put.... ahhhhh.......
Sob I'm glad you liked the romance, too!! I really tried to make each choice feel not only earned but very different from each other in how the dynamics play out. Not only in their special scene but also in the epilogue. Because Iggy has such different dynamics with each of the possible LIs that play out completely differently. And also ofc hopefully putting a nice topper on each character arc in their special scene, too ldkajfda I feel like to really experience the entire story for all the chars you do need to play through each ending, but I hope that I haven't made it too difficult to achieve that 🤭 I also felt really cheeky in the neutral ending for having it to connect to OC. Maybe it's just me being self-indulgent but I liked the fact that even if Iggy chooses to focus on himself first as an outcome of the main game doesn't mean he still can't find love and companionship later (in OC).
" you and your game are the reason I've started working on Waterlily on the Froth lol" --> HELLO?????? AHHHHHhhhhhhHHHHHHH I'M SO TOUCHED???????? To think I could be the inspiration for something that also means so much to you!! That really makes my heart squish! 😭💕 Not that I wasn't already looking forward to it but now I am even more lakdfad
Goddddd.... how do I even wrap this up after all that LOL I am honestly just so moved and touched. Reading all this. Weeping inside (and out). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all these words and also for all your wonderful encouragement all throughout production since we first met!! It's been such a journey. FOR BOTH OF US. With all of our own games. And I'm so glad to have met you! Thank you for always taking so much time to write out all your thoughts so beautifully! And for your love and support for my games and characters and stories. And for being here as I saw this game through to the end (finally!!!). It really means the world!!! 💕
its 4am and im a complete fucking wreck. i love u carrot
OH GOD???????????????????????????????????? I HOPE YOU ARE OK LFAKFDJLFAKDFA PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REST AHHHHHHH 💦
☺️☺️☺️ im normal (wrong) (im insane) (i lied)
(just like carrot when they said our cinderella wasnt canoni mean what)um i can barely think rn but ill try to write something coherent tomorrow. maybe. just know that it was um good. very very good
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA WHOOPS DID I SAY THAT 🤭
I DID DIDN'T I
Well, I couldn't give it away........... 😔
I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT THOUGH??? SOB. I look forward to any thoughts you may have no matter how incoherent but also just knowing that you enjoyed it means a lot!! 😭💕
I wish I could compile all of my thoughts together and just like, project them directly here LMAO just...you really made something special that I think will stick with me for a very very long time it's just lightning in a bottle, these characters this world, this STORY. To say "it's so good" would be to do it an injustice, there isn't a word to describe fully what this experience has been like (even only through stream bc I am a COWARD SCAREDY CAT) but this is like one of the best stories I've seen just the journey of getting to the end, both as Iggy and his friends and us as a player/viewer and you as the developer. You should be so incredibly proud of yourself for creating this game and story and experience and these feel like, just like people I know now! These are my FRIENDS lmao and I love them. I really really love them and I can't even begin to describe everything. I was laughing and bawling and terrified and feeling all of that catharsis and happiness and desire and so much and I'm just still absolutely reeling. You deserve all the flowers for this and I am just bursting with happiness and pride and adoration for this project and god saying goodbye to these characters, even though I'm late to the party, is so emotional and bittersweet but also good to have everything wrapped up and it's like letting out a big breath and letting go and god I don't know if any of this makes sense but I'm so emotional rn hahahha just. incredible job I wish I could push my heart up against the screen and into this comment LMAO because nothing I can say will ever be enough. I genuinely feel changed after this experience in a way only a few pieces of media have done for me and this is one of them and I'm just in awe. Thank you thank you for making this and sharing this and I'm so lucky to have gone on this journey and got to meet these characters and know this story, I wish you nothing but rest and great things and I wish your every happiness!!! that's my wish!!!!
GREY I CAN'T EVEN BREATHE THIS IS THE SWEETEST COMMENT EVER MY GODDDDDDDD
I'm having a hard time even figuring out how to respond to it lakdjfa I'm really so happy that you ended up enjoying the game so much (and also that you were able to experience it through Joy's streams!!!) My heart feels like it's bursting read this I can't even come up with proper words to describe how kind all of this is and what it's doing to my insides (and soul) lakjdfads
"These are my FRIENDS lmao and I love them." --> THIS REALLY MAKES ME WANNA CRY AHHHHHHHHHHHH I'M REALLY TOUCHED?????
I'M ALSO EMOTIONAL 😭💕 To be honest I think I'm just so awhirl and a tad been overwhelmed right now that my mind doesn't know quite what to think or what to do so I'm just a bit of a whirlwind right now. But I'm just really happy that the ending could mean so much. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME. I cried many times while working on it, especially the part in the field... sob... I think I just somehow ended up putting even more of myself into it than I had ever expected to, so some of the big moments just hit me really hard and also the realization that it was all coming to an end for real. I feel like I'll never be able to create something quite like this again LOL But I'll try to keep in mind those words of advice you gave in Joy's stream last night. It was really thoughtful and kind, all those things you said. Though first I really just need to kinda decompress and let everything settle for a bit and let my brain and psyche have a bit of a rest... LOL
AT ANY RATE.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GREY. For all of your support and kindness all while Joy was streaming! For loving the game and chars! And for taking the time to write this incredibly touching comment! It really means so much! And I'm just touched to tears that it could mean so much to you!! 💕
WAHHHHHHHHH I am weeping IT MEANS SO MUCH AND god that scene in the field...oh I was sitting here BAWLING. It does feel like a little piece of your heart and soul into this. and YES PLEASE REST it is so well deserved and I hope you have just lots of chill time and rest time and doing whatever makes you happy and relaxed! !!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3
solid 9.5/10, i'm glad that this ended as well as it did
spoilers ig?
as someone who fairly recently realised they're enby, i'm so glad that you've included not just a non binary character, but that their enby-ness is a major part of their character. i can name maybe 3 pieces of media that prominently feature someone non-binary, so i am unimaginably happy that something like this is included, even if it a felt a little heavy handed once.
sidenote, when replaying for each of the endings, i forgot how great the music is
Ahhhhh thank you so much!!! I'm really glad that you enjoyed the game and its ending! 😭💕 And hearing that means so much, especially as someone who's had a lot of their own struggles and back-and-forths trying to figure out who they are. I wanted that to be a part of the story as something for others in similar scenarios to perhaps be able to relate to... 🥺
And thank you for the comment about the music LOL The music is such a big part of the identity of this game even for me as the creator. It's done so much to help inspire and shape parts of the story and this game definitely would not have been the same without it!!
AHHHH FINANLY CANT WAIT TO PLAY OMG I CANT TYROPE
FJHFHDHD I'M GLAD TO DELIVER LOL I hope you'll enjoy it!! 🤩