Hey Leocid. Great update. The idea that this is just a rehash is nonsense. Right from the start you get a completely new introduction and a bunch of new characters. You get a nice backstory scene for sophie and a bunch of new locations. The new map is also welcome.
I also get that you've decided to streamline the storylines (which comes from a completely new character explaining you need to have the support of 5 characters to open your new clubhouse (also new).
So yeah, if you're coming to this from the original game thinking its just a rehash, youre pretty much wrong. Work has clearly been put into completely remaking the game. Massive plus from me. Also, keep in mind, though the original has more scenes and content, it is a bit of a clusterfuck regarding triggers. Trigger one event before another (hello graveyard girl, teacher, karmen, attack etc) and you're going waaay the hell back to an earlier save. Clearly the intention is to open up each part of the game sequentially so they don't conflict.
The grinding (and punishments) could be toned down a little. I mention this because ive killed my enjoyment of plenty of games with a serious grind element by using cheat mods. In fact, just thinking about it, i think i killed the last version of this game for this reason. Suddenly im bouncing from zone to zone filling up time because i no longer need to fill my days up with the grinding aspects (which gives you some sense of progression) and instead waiting for the ever elusive triggers.
So the grind needs to supplement the game a little. But not so much that it makes the game all about the grind. It needs to be a gameplay element or enhancement rather than the driving force. The last thing you want is players just downloading the cheat just so they can function in the game. Maybe pull back the punishment aspects a little (or balance them out with some positive random events (think community chest/chance in monopoly - no one dreads landing on those because just maybe you'll get lucky).
But aside all that, really enjoyed it. Love the work that's gone into it, and particularly love the new characters and scenes. And id be remiss to mention that above all i love the characters. Everywhere you go the <ahem> 'scenery' is incredible. You're a character model artist of the highest order. Well, to me you are. Honestly, it's pure 'kid in a candy store'.
Looking forward to the English patch. Now i know however that the 1.2 content isnt translated i can jump back in and focus on the Elena storyline. Many thanks for the update.