honestly the only complain i have from this game is the animation, the renders are great, so good that it'd have been better to put them on a slide show than those animation. As for the story its good and engaging, the character lore's are good and the world building is interesting. Will be looking forward to the next update.
Unfortunately, I pretty much agree with that point, for me, it’s the one, maybe even the biggest, weak spot in the game, which is really a shame. I’d say it’d be better to swap those animations for sliders or at least put more effort into improving that part, maybe even hire someone specifically for it if possible. Because honestly, that aspect really sticks out compared to the rest of the game, especially since everything else keeps getting better and better.
I was actually pleasantly surprised by the Cluedo-style investigation phase in this update. It was a rewarding and engaging experience, especially with its political angle and these potential consequences depending on who the player chooses to blame for the Archseer’s murder. This section brings together all the right ingredients; a mystery to solve, clue gathering, suspect interrogations, pointing out their inconsistencies, and a satisfying resolution.
During that sequence, I decided to accuse Belegarde instead of Layla, even though I’m pretty sure Layla’s the real culprit behind Da’kar’s murder. Belegarde, to me, poses a bigger political threat and is a wild card if given control over the Solar Seers. His plans to meddle in states' affairs, act as arbiters in political disputes, build an independent state, and send Seers to offer their services around the region are way too dangerous to ignore, even if he didn’t commit this murder. Plus, his awful personality speaks volumes.
Layla, while ambitious and manipulative, seems at least a bit more dependable or at least more predictable. I figure it’s safer to have a solid ally, even a power-hungry one, than a reckless idealist who constantly doubts himself and tries too hard to prove his worth.
We also learn he’s a radical, not even supported by his own faction, these Humanists. Driven by doubt and shaky power, he could’ve done terrible things to secure his grip on that religious order and likely the wider world. So I chose to back Layla and spare her, felt like the safer bet here.
I also liked the little touches and hints scattered throughout, about that story’s future, these two last women we met, and one possible path MC could take down the road. Speaking of which, about "subject Y", since we already have that, meaning MC, I think our adventurers might have unknowingly crossed paths with this “subject X” they’re after; precisely this woman (Dahlia) guiding them through the tech vault. I’ve got a strong feeling it’s her. ^^
I was really glad we finally got to reunite with Dante. It gave us a chance to confront him about what he did and settle things once and for all. I’m pretty sure the dev understood that some players had been waiting for this moment all along.
Finally, we had to pick a side; this rising rebellion, probably led by Cicero and these Ferrymen, or the Empire, represented by Faustina and her family. I went with the Empire, mainly because I don’t trust Cicero’s true intentions. Even with Faustina’s plans for a Terminator-like army, this Empire feels like the lesser evil, maybe humanity’s only shot at a future, as Gaius says.
Sure, it’s a corrupt, decadent regime that badly needs a wise leader to push necessary reforms, fix what’s broken, and guide this country toward a better future, one that truly serves its people instead of a small, greedy, privileged elite.
While Faustina’s extreme methods are questionable, I suppose she acts that way to prevent another collapse, since humanity in this world is seriously threatened by this R virus. Still, she’s wrong to think the ends justify the means, what she’s setting up risks turning into a dystopia and totalitarian rule.
On the other hand, I’m not convinced Cicero’s goals are noble either. I doubt he simply wants to overthrow Faustina and create a sort of republic. It feels more like a personal vendetta against the Empire and Faustina herself, whom he considers beyond saving and merely wants to destroy for the sake of it and pure chaos. But by doing so, he might be dooming humanity’s last chances.
That said, whatever side MC picks, there’s probably a third path eventually, taking control, claiming the throne, and deciding humanity’s and the Empire’s future on his own terms.