I don't know, maybe that's a case of episodic release vs binge experience. I played it all at once and never at any point felt it was slow. Sure the central, grand-scale drama wasn't as clearly and immediately laid out as Eternum, but the mystery was VERY much there from the start.
You fight Tom, hear about the Sons of Astaroth right after, hide from him, go to the party, and infiltrate and escape the freaking world-taking-over cult's meeting so early on.
There was definitely more "idle" time, but the character development during it felt useful. I can't even play anything else besides Being a DIK and Ripples, as anything else I try seems to have low-density exposition time. One game (I can't remember which) even had you literally sit down with your new female roommate as you ask each other "so where are you from"-type getting-to-know-you questions