So, I don’t know the VN at all so I have only the 2006 anime to go on ( get used to that disclaimer, I’ll be using it frequently).
Just let me say Goddam you Key for making me like this sort of thing that I would have dismissed until recently as of no interest to me. Like others I couldn’t really stand Makoto early on although it was funny to see Yuuichi’s reactions, but in the epis 7 - 10 I gradually warmed towards the character more. Even though I’m not that empathetic to animals obviously the drop the kitty scene was a bit WTF?! I guess that the VN takes longer to develop the changes as it all felt a bit rushed from “I think I see what is going on here…” to “Ah yes, I was right”. Plus the fact that Amano seemed shoehorned in very conveniently.
Makoto’s rapid deterioration did feel like an analogy to that of a difficult but much loved pet, and I got the feels of trying to make their last days happy and about what we’d think they’d want (easier with Makoto of course as she had been able to express it). The “marriage” is kind of touching and I can’t make up my mind whether the end is “real” or just showing what Yuuichi hoped for. Well I did get a bit weepy anyway.
I really can’t imagine any way in which H scenes would add anything good to this! If I could give 3.5 then I would but as I expect this not to be one of the stronger routes I’ll have to settle for 3 albeit a good 3.
