People have gotten hung up on the game vs something else thing (not directed at you at all.) It doesn't have any game mechanics, but writing game is faster than experience or interactive story :) I loved Gone Home. Finally a game that completely immersed me in a world for several hours without having to trudge through levels shooting dudes. It was a great palette cleanser between other games and actually made me think about the characters and speculate on the ending. I found myself really connecting to the main character and hear sister even though I never saw them. Incredible writing.
I agree with you on this. Very mixed experience that ended up swinging toward a negative feeling as I played. Even after several hours I had trouble moving the bros around. I had read that the graphics and mood were great, but I couldn't connect with the bros or the story. I even have a little brother myself and we are really close, but still couldn't connect with the game. I think they tried to create a beautiful world and a touching story, but 90% of the game was rotating levers and riding on something.
I agree that the game was really short, easy, and didn't leave me feeling too much at the end. I think it was a good first Act, but to end so abruptly hurt the pacing. I'd completely recommend not playing it until they release the entire thing.

