Wow, did I call it or what? It's almost as if I can read DPC's mind at this point.
Flashback sex with Zoey/MC - check
Short departure/arrival scenes - check
No fooling around with dudes besides MC - check
Annoying mini games - check
Gay co-worker - check (although I incorrectly assumed it was Mr. Pink)
Lewd moments with Amy Winehouse - check
Sympathetic Zoey scenes with sad music - check
Overall, technically a very fine production. No reason why it wouldn't be a four or five star for someone coming into this episode blind with no preconceived notions of Zoey or the main B&R cast. I do really think DPC is becoming more interested in leaving the lewdness of AVNs behind and moving to more mainstream drama-type games. If you like the character of Zoey and/or a new beach setting excites you, then you will enjoy this Interlude. If you don't like the character of Zoey then you will probably just meh. For me, it wasn't worth the two month or so delay on ep. 9. But I'm glad DPC got a much needed breather.
Stream of consciousness thoughts about Interlude-----
Notebook was probably the most interesting thing for me in this whole Interlude.
Mini Games - Boop the dots, really?
The new texting setup is great. Easier to see and the design is much improved.
The plastic wrap over the tattoo looked very realistic.
The auto cycling SFW animations are annoying and unnecessary filler.
Music choices...fit the story setting I guess. Not my thing though. I would have preferred reggae or some kind of mellow ganja music.
No homeless meth-heads in San Diego apparently.
Surprise anal with Amy Winehouse (thanks DPC). But then close up of chickenpox or whatever that was on Amy's back, yikes!
Riona has been popular since episode 1.
So? That doesn't change the original statement on Zoey who is not really comparable to Riona. DPC can't show a girl (that he wants to be a popular LI) having sex with a bunch of dudes in the Interlude. And to date, Riona still has not been shown having sex with anyone other than MC and women. Prostitution is all off screen. In fact, almost all sex is focused on MC or women getting their lesbian on. Riona is a side girl that can be completely ignored romantically and sexually (that is a crime but it can be done). Zoey can't be ignored and DPC is actively trying to get you to like her so she can be inserted into a love triangle. Thus she cannot be shown to be a whore in Interlude. That is the point you are missing.