What would a direct sequel be though? Cream/Pinkie pie is already a 4th wall interdimension breaker through her own bakery. So wouldn't it make sense to go between universes anyway? Multiple MCs running around is crazy (imo). You played the first game, there's also Sunset Shimmer/Dawn going through these portals willy nilly too. These two characters going around multiverse style needed some addressing (so wouldn't this be a sequel to that?). Scarlet already put this concept in motion and trying to make sense of it is something of plot device.
Not necessarily. Like I said, I haven't played it yet, but I wanted to at least interact with the same characters in the established relationships, regardless of the subject of the main plot. I don't mind exploring the multiverse or anything. I trust Scarlett's writing so I'm sure it'll be good. Just can't help but wish.
I just started playing and I also wanted to ask about/suggest a few things in case Scarlett sees this and might be willing to make some small-ish changes before the final updates.
First is a nickname feature? It's nice that the original colors/name selection is available, but I remember there being nicknames in the first game, though I played with the rename mod so I'm not sure if that was part of that? It seemed a little stiff that every instance of Twilight/Lily and Starlight/Penelope etc. to be called "Twilight Sparkle," "Starlight Glimmer," etc. as I inputted them. I ended up just starting over and entering Twilight, Starlight etc. but there are obviously situations where their full name would be appropriate. Though it's probably way too much work to have to go over the whole script, it'd be nice for at least minor things like name tags and UI to have proper names, while the vast majority of dialog would make sense to have a nickname. Again, minor thing but would have been nice to have.
Second, I'm not sure if this is just a narrative decision with her whole succubus thing going on, but for Fluttershy/Butters I thought there would be an option for her original blue eyes since that's the only major difference appearance-wise, maybe changing to red if/when she transforms (again, I just barely started the game). Just stuck out to me since I specifically remember the sauna art I saw recently had versions with both eye colors.
Third minor thing, I noticed a typo! Near the very beginning when you meet Twilight/Lily. Should be "realize", not "realized".
Last thing I wanted to add, the art has improved a lot compared to the first game! Really great stuff. Looking forward to the rest of the game.