[INSANE RANT, STRAP YOURSELVES IN]
[SPOILERS AFTER TLDR] Version : 1.0.1
TL;DR The game is somewhat of an improvement over the last installment : better sprites, some characters were expanded to make them more in line with others (mostly secondary ones like Celio). However, the underwhelming amount of content (mainly lack of illustrations) and the same shoddy writing (pacing/dialogues) is still there. The game found a purpose to exist as a sequel but fail to justify half of its content (which is okay content at least). CG and animation quality are on par with KC1.
If you liked the 1st game, you'll enjoy this one too, nothing really worsened from the last one. I recommend giving it a shot, although it is heavily suggested you also read the 1st game.
Now, Story : Yeah, everyone knew what the next big event would be, and what character we would be ending up helping. The story did not (imo) develop enough the philosophical aspect of Argo's newfound ability, glossing over the end like nothing really happened after the meeting in the restaurant. The main plot is simple, yet it delivers since it's expected without knowing what we'll do at first, a good point.
The subplots are kinda trash. Most benine dialogues span 3 lines of text before skipping the scene altogether, and it ruins the pace; especially when you'd think it's a good moment to add some illustrations to mark the memories of the reader. Best subplot is Felix's inventions and his relationship with Gamir, a welcome sight from the sex scenes devoid of importance with Argo and half the casting. They do get tossed aside in the second half but it is to be expected for 1st years. The fight with Baten kind of help building friendships, but it's like nothing evolves and the students just work together without too much thinking ? Big issue I have is with Hermann, more on him later.
Most of the subplots are not very good at distracting the reader, it's like we're waiting for the big revelation of Paul's condition that never crossed anyone's mind expect us, behind the screen, for the whole game, which kinda sucks.
Writing : As of 1.0.1, a lot of typos/errors (lack of translations in a couple of textboxes), but has little impact on readability (unless you hate that). In terms of following the previous game, the expansion of the characters seems natural, Julius even gets a brain in some dialogues (thank god again); big issue is with Hermann's kind of schizophrenic regression to hate towards Argo, with was dulled in the 1st game's epilogue.
Hermann's role of pseudo villain is completely useless, weak, and a pathetic attempt at creating trouble in the first half of the story. This review is not about what i could've done with him, so I'll leave it at that.
Another ball drop is Yermon. Who the hell cares about the old man running for mayor or something ? At least make him feel important with an exchange between him and Argo beforehand to make his death more impacting, he's really just the type of disposable mannequin that seems out of place in medium-sized casting like in KC2.
Sex scenes ? We finally get a non-Argo scene for a change (although it implies voyeurism in return), 6 scenes for when I'm reviewing. the first 2 are really unnecessary as they don't really improve on their actors, but the last 4 are welcome (Gamir/Felix = final nail in their subplot, Baten = reward for subplot, Diederich = you know you like him, don't you ?, Paul = climax of their relationship and confirmation about his feelings), without me giving my input on personal preferences (noooo where is my boy Celioooo
)
Music is fine (banger that plays at the bar in Anchpool, and the one from the 1st game on the ship !), the new locations are introduced pleasantly, even if Anchpool is kinda dropped on you without too much to go on, and the UI/menus are similar to last game, but why change when it does the job ? And the gallery + extras, always a plus in visual novels (Yes, some games don't have basic working galleries...).
To end this, it's not much more than I'd expect from Oodaru for writing lol, hence the 4 stars. Less awkward dialogues, more fleshed out events punctuating the game with more images would've been perfect. Still, I'll recommend it, expecting typo/grammar fixes (plus the epilogue I'm guessing will be added later). Good on them to finally finish the game, waiting for more from them !
[SPOILERS AFTER TLDR] Version : 1.0.1
TL;DR The game is somewhat of an improvement over the last installment : better sprites, some characters were expanded to make them more in line with others (mostly secondary ones like Celio). However, the underwhelming amount of content (mainly lack of illustrations) and the same shoddy writing (pacing/dialogues) is still there. The game found a purpose to exist as a sequel but fail to justify half of its content (which is okay content at least). CG and animation quality are on par with KC1.
If you liked the 1st game, you'll enjoy this one too, nothing really worsened from the last one. I recommend giving it a shot, although it is heavily suggested you also read the 1st game.
Now, Story : Yeah, everyone knew what the next big event would be, and what character we would be ending up helping. The story did not (imo) develop enough the philosophical aspect of Argo's newfound ability, glossing over the end like nothing really happened after the meeting in the restaurant. The main plot is simple, yet it delivers since it's expected without knowing what we'll do at first, a good point.
The subplots are kinda trash. Most benine dialogues span 3 lines of text before skipping the scene altogether, and it ruins the pace; especially when you'd think it's a good moment to add some illustrations to mark the memories of the reader. Best subplot is Felix's inventions and his relationship with Gamir, a welcome sight from the sex scenes devoid of importance with Argo and half the casting. They do get tossed aside in the second half but it is to be expected for 1st years. The fight with Baten kind of help building friendships, but it's like nothing evolves and the students just work together without too much thinking ? Big issue I have is with Hermann, more on him later.
Most of the subplots are not very good at distracting the reader, it's like we're waiting for the big revelation of Paul's condition that never crossed anyone's mind expect us, behind the screen, for the whole game, which kinda sucks.
Writing : As of 1.0.1, a lot of typos/errors (lack of translations in a couple of textboxes), but has little impact on readability (unless you hate that). In terms of following the previous game, the expansion of the characters seems natural, Julius even gets a brain in some dialogues (thank god again); big issue is with Hermann's kind of schizophrenic regression to hate towards Argo, with was dulled in the 1st game's epilogue.
Hermann's role of pseudo villain is completely useless, weak, and a pathetic attempt at creating trouble in the first half of the story. This review is not about what i could've done with him, so I'll leave it at that.
Another ball drop is Yermon. Who the hell cares about the old man running for mayor or something ? At least make him feel important with an exchange between him and Argo beforehand to make his death more impacting, he's really just the type of disposable mannequin that seems out of place in medium-sized casting like in KC2.
Sex scenes ? We finally get a non-Argo scene for a change (although it implies voyeurism in return), 6 scenes for when I'm reviewing. the first 2 are really unnecessary as they don't really improve on their actors, but the last 4 are welcome (Gamir/Felix = final nail in their subplot, Baten = reward for subplot, Diederich = you know you like him, don't you ?, Paul = climax of their relationship and confirmation about his feelings), without me giving my input on personal preferences (noooo where is my boy Celioooo
)Music is fine (banger that plays at the bar in Anchpool, and the one from the 1st game on the ship !), the new locations are introduced pleasantly, even if Anchpool is kinda dropped on you without too much to go on, and the UI/menus are similar to last game, but why change when it does the job ? And the gallery + extras, always a plus in visual novels (Yes, some games don't have basic working galleries...).
To end this, it's not much more than I'd expect from Oodaru for writing lol, hence the 4 stars. Less awkward dialogues, more fleshed out events punctuating the game with more images would've been perfect. Still, I'll recommend it, expecting typo/grammar fixes (plus the epilogue I'm guessing will be added later). Good on them to finally finish the game, waiting for more from them !