I really enjoyed this game. It was fun to play, and I like the message. I love the music and aesthetic too. They were atmospheric and great choices for the theme, working really well together. However, I do agree with a previous commenter that the jumping sound effects were too loud and jarring in comparison. It's a juxtaposition that detracts from the overall sound design.

Personally, I disagree with some of the comments saying that the lack of a choice in the upgrades takes away from the message. If anything, I'd say it hammers it home. You cannot get to the end, and thus to Aurora, without the upgrades. Believe me, I tried not using them. The upgrades are quite literally the only way, and I think that perfectly exemplifies the message they're trying to get across. It signifies his desperation to get to her, trading his humanity away to be with the one who's waiting for him. Even as it makes him start to forget his mission, his purpose, his Aurora, he's determined to do whatever it takes to get there. The whole point is that he only has two choices: either lose your humanity and individuality or lose the one you love.

In my interpretation, this is not about choosing a path that would make it easier to get to her. It's about not having a choice if you want to proceed. An ultimatum between proceeding and turning back, both holding heavy costs. And ultimately, he lost on both counts. He gave up everything, and in doing so, she no longer recognized him. I believe that if he had a choice between finding Aurora with upgrades or without, the message would not be the same. It would be fairly similar but still very different, because that brings up a different moral dilemma. It's all up to personal interpretation of the meanings behind each part, though. This is one of those things that depend on the person and what they personally take away from it.

Would love to see a sequel to this one absolutely rocked

If you have time, I would love to see an expansion on this game. I really enjoyed the concept, and as another commentator suggested, a mode in which you can choose to ignore the upgrades is great fodder for different branches the game can go into!

um, the controls suck. I can't use em. LEft-handed with a function deficit, trying to do a strictly-left-handed button press when you can't use your other hand for jumping or movement? not working. at all. try again, please. However, upgrading yourself ws fun! (I'm a transhumanist, occasionally, so I get the point from the comments.) like the music... the little sound effects are like farts though... ew.

I was looking for the mute option, and tried pressing Esc. That sorta kinda bricked the game.

As for the game itself, I find that being forced to use the "upgrades" takes away from the message; if the upgrades simply made the platforming easier, and as such you had to decide wether or not to get them, the end would hit much harder.