Engrossing story and beautiful Japanese setting.
Just as I was expecting, the game has nice graphics, both the characters and settings are well done in almost every detail. I said almost, well... I don't like the fact that people do not move their mouths while talking but that's the only drawback from this side. The truth is I could not take my eyes from Utsuki when she was walking around in her fluttering silken robe. I also must appreciate the menu which is unique in its beauty. But for the gallons of blood, it could be the scenery for quite nice ancient love story ;p Unfortunately, I admit that despite all these blood and demons, the game was not scary at all. There were some creepy The Ring-like moments and the twin sisters singing "Hasizoroe" cranked up the atmosphere but it was still not enough to scary me although I usually am easily scared by such titles.
The game was based on exploring the mansion and gardens, collecting things and solving puzzles from time to time. Fighting seem to be only a supplement and thanks to that they do not draw the player away from the plot. IMHO the fighting system was well measured, on the one hand it did not disturbed the plot and on the other it was quite interesting. I also like the elements of realism e.g. that characters have to take each single card out, it slowed down the attack time but made the game a bit more difficult (but still it was too easy, I guess I need to try the Nightmare mode next time).
There were also some smaller drawbacks e.g. the game is loading too often and although the loading screens are beautiful you can be bored with seeing them on and on again (big kiss for the Fushimi Inari Taisha as one of them :). Also while playing the second scenario you repeat many activities done before which causes many variances in the plot. You pick items used before by the second character and you see cut scenes previously seen with second character's eyes. This should not be liek that, each character should have completely different quests. I was also confusing with the chronological order of some evens from Utsuki's and Sakuya's scenario, they were interlacing too chaotically and I believe there was some lack of cohesion in the plot. I guess I'm gonna play it once again to see it more clearly ;) I also want to try the bonus cards.
To sum up, despite some disadvantages, the game was highly engrossing, and now when it is finished I'm still sitting and playing the Sugoroku, additional mini game. I guess it will not end up on a shelf so soon.