For some context;
As much as I adore this VN so far I am already dreading the reveal of Steph's motives for the sudden disappearance.
It's gonna take some really good writing or it's gonna be a terrible let down/turn off for her character, maybe even the plot?
In the portrayed loving relationship they were in it's hard to imagine her not feeling comfortable, loved, supported enough to not tell or hint at what was going on with her/in her life. Also in the flashbacks so far it comes off as MC being reluctant to inquire about it as well which feels a little weird...
A rundown:
Steph: The explanation was not as eye-rolling as I expected but it was close (there is no way that she could stall a mission for nearly 3 years, especially as a junior agent, without someone coming to check up on her. That's just not how it works). Also WitSec doesn't work that way either.
Well, I found it eye-rolling not just because the absurdity of her being able to stall the situation for 3 years and the brief mention of WitSec. Now also the dialogue that feels really forced about MC being the first and only one she has ever been with.. ( and her salary to atone for her sins.... Really?!...) The timing and how it's worked into the conversation just feels really off for me.
This while I never hated Steph, so far she is the character with most depth which to me makes her the most interesting.
Just really wish the whole bar scene including dialogue was more polished. Now it just feels like it supposed to change a certain
groups opinion about her. ( And the state of MC over the past 2 years damn, to have never questioned or noticed anything..)
Getting passed that, the panda agent stuff
although you have to wonder where she pulled the gun and outfit from
Also just played the route to keep being angry at Steph and leaving her there. Cece's silent disapproval says enough.. But I had to see the "phone call scene" mentioned. ( seems extra shitty if you reject her so hard from your life she still plays a role in it..)
Holly: The hot and sane friend who talks some sense into people. I am impressed. Too bad she can't tell Steph to send James a quick text or something to let him know she's alive and still loves him prior to trying to fuck his brains out.
Holly is hot, wonder what that will bring.. Her introduction kinda reminded me of Robin, although I find it a little cruel with all the choices introduced now to have another possible prospect.
Cece : Glad that I have gone the route where she does not know the pinky trick. After this episode she is definitely in the top two for me. We now all know about her mental issues, and will hopefully be able to work through them together (with help from the group).
Guess I have to do a play-through for this and judge for myself, but at the time I found the whole thing disappointing and would rather get the Kira scene. Why those 2 had to be exclusive I will never understand..
With Cece I just find it a shame that the only thing I know about her is her struggle with herself and her feelings and although
she definitely has endearing moments with her singing and is apperantly good at reading people. Her route/character so far doesn't really appeal to me other than wanting to protect her from herself and hardships.. I did like here scenes tho and depending on choices there I wonder what implications those have
The renders, animations and music are again astonishing. With the choices introduced now I guess it means a lot of
different saves.. The choices to come feel a little early for me tho but guess that can't be helped would have liked some more backstory/character/personality depth for some before feeling I need to take a certain direction.