Wow. Just wow. This was an amazing update. Gracie is just so adorable.
I have to give Hopes a lot of credit for the scenes in this one. A lot of Dev's can make a character smile...BFD. BUT when Hopes does it- the girls are absolutely radiant. The expressions on Gracie's face in several scenes made it look like she was just filled with pure joy and glowing. You could feel her happiness.
As always the interaction between the 2 sisters is always a high-light of this game, in my book. The meeting with Jalen was surprising and interesting. "Pops" is absolutely terrifying- even as a static image. Definitely not someone to get on the wrong side of...ever. AND definitely, definitely, definitely need more Eiza.
The story is as fantastic as ever- it was nice to see Gracie get some "love" this episode (figuratively and literally). I like the pacing of the story and how it plays out. There's the harsh Mafia/"Business" side of things and then there's the quiet, intimate moments where everything just calms down and the characters get to be "real" people. The town dance, the rooftop scenes, the meeting Gracie's friends sequence. It's nice that the tone of this game is balanced among the violence, the "naughty" stuff, and just the character development/world building.
It gives the game that much more depth and emotion- which is sadly missing from a lot games (even AAA titles).
Also, I like how you "see" plot devices with the hidden cameras and clicking on the thing that brings up the character bios- it's neat that it shows what they're currently thinking and feeling. Another interesting mechanic.
It was nice to see the "Snow Princess"* exploring new emotions and experiences in this this episode- that kiss on the rooftop was really well done and exciting. Especially considering that she initiated the "tonsil hockey". She's getting a bit bolder with each update. I know I'm happy about it.
*If Lady Cordia is "The Blizzard Queen", then shouldn't her daughter have a title as well? Lol Also, Lady Cordia seems a LOT more concerned with Gracie joining the Family business than she does with Luna... There has to be a reason for it.
