Early game revolves heavily around Yume (and Mare). As the Yume route can only be reached after finishing all other routes, I decided to go with the Asuho route first. A part of me felt terrible that I am "betraying" Yume for Asuho. Not that Asuho is a bad character, but I feel the route is a little plain: a standard high school love story about a girl and her first love whom liked someone else.
I "skipped" Isuzu's route. Was going to do the same with the ever so annoying Chinami (a person on Chinese forums called her the "siscon destroyer": because she is THAT annoying), but upon reading some spoilers I decided to carry on with the route. While I still detested Chinami (whom I have muted), the route is packed with an epic backstory about the events of the previous generation. It also formed a very strong foundation (and possible foreshadow) for the future routes, ie Yume's. If only Chinami is a more likable character this would have been a perfect route...
Komomo's route is not too bad. Standard tsundere - but the relationship "just happened". This may have to do with Komomo's lack of participation in the common route. The relationship sprouted as she realizes she can find comfort by the side of You-kun and that she needs someone to rely on. This route better than Asuho's and I really like the overall theme about the bond of the two sisters. This route tells us a little more about the mysterious beings and the workings and purpsoe of the temples. It also sets up for Kosame's route...
Kosame's route I loved because of Kosame: she is not just the regular "moe character". On the outside she seem to be the "perfect girl": possesses a perfect body (because she is actually revived as a spirit), is very cute and well mannered - yet as you get to know her she is also quite mischievous and is more than capable of teasing the main character ("H is not good~" -> "I am not referring to anything H!!!" -> "so you don't find my body to be attractive?
" -> "nooo I find Kosame-chan pretty!" "H is not good!"). I thought her route would only be about Kosame throwing moe-bombs over and over since her "secret" has been revealed in Komomo's route which is a prerequisite, but the game did a good job on her side of the story: focusing on her personal struggles and offers even more backstory.
Yume's route:
I cannot help but to think that in the Hoshizora universe there is a planet full of lolis out there: The true home of Mare and Ren.
You-kun: gets rejected by Yume and 2 nights later becomes an official lolicon by stealing not one, but two kisses from Mare. O.o (I admit I was 1/2 expecting the Mare H scene to kick in but the screen faded out) (He even recalled Mare's "bakabaka" during the h-scene...)
For me this route is a little overhyped. From the surface, it is yet another "I am about to die so I do not want you to waste time on me" story - similar to Kosame's - and also a mirror to the previous generation's struggles. I am fine with that: and it was also hinted by Yume's fragile appearances in the common route: but since this sickness/"is not human" card has been played before it weakened the potential of the route. The "time travel" bit is also somewhat... deus ex machina (not to mention: Right after he gets his 2nd chance, You-kun gets another kiss from Mare + "I am your present!". That ribbon on her head has a hidden meaning!).
Putting that aside, seeing all the dots scattered throughout all the route connecting together: a place where everyone has a role, seeing the bonds between friends and family shine in this route made is what made this route a worthy concluding path of the game.
The ending where "Mare" reincarnated into You and Yume's child is pretty sweet.
There is also a very very short Mare route: but I believe she shine the brightest within Yume's route: even stealing the spotlight (also I feel extremely wrong doing certain stuff to Mare esp right after Yume's ending...). Mare seem to not mind sharing You with Yume.......
Overall, the story is similar to the night sky: there are a few weak stars, there might even be darkness. But there are also outstanding moments that brightens the picture making it a good read. Even if one individual route may lack "depth", together with the other routes: with all the backstories weaved together paints a picture possessing both breadth and depth. To those who struggle to finish the entire game: have faith: because you are marely collecting pieces of a bigger puzzle.
Those who seek for a romantic story may be a little disappointed: but I very much love the overarching, yet hidden, theme of family relationships in this game: between Asuho and her father, between the Hisakaki sisters and mother, among the Kogasaka family spanning two generations, and finally Mare's ultimate wish for friends and family. It is all right to rely on others.
I must give credit to the pretty graphics and enjoyable background music in the game. This VN has gotten me to spend a quite few hours on wikipedia reading about various astronomical articles.
Time for the fan disc.