Hiveswap Friendsim: Volume Seventeen Review (articulatelyComposed)
Everybody loves an angsty teen, but a teen that's angsty because of the political hellscape she lives in? That takes it to a whole new super relatable level. Daraya's route, depending on the ending you take, is both uplifting and depressing. It is full of great lore and features a cameo from the best girl, Tyzias, who helps Daraya navigate through the hell that is alternia's stifling empire. She also comes back in Nihkee's route but it's not as politically poignant, it's just cute and gay. If you're picking and choosing what routes to play, you could definitely play Daraya's with little prior knowledge, but I would steer clear of Nihkee's until you've played the rest of the routes. the bad end features an incredible end sequence that you are going to want to get the most out of by having played the rest of the game first. That bad end left me shook in a way I haven't been in a while.