Well, I started the update. It was refreshing to see all the old characters again, and it had been so long, that it still seemed fresh.
A few comments.
I really, really, do not like the new missions. It seems an unnecessary grind. I didn't love the last version missions either, but at least it was pretty clear what to do, and it was fairly simple and not too time consuming, so I had no major issues with it. These new missions, however, take hours of clicking to complete, without any interesting renders or anything else compelling to make it all worth it. I really don't get the point, myself.
I am glad that Hopes had someone else program it, since I would hate for him to use his own time on that, but really, I think Hopes should stick do what he does best, make a wonderful story, with deep, well-fleshed out characters, with enough mystery to keep everyone guessing and looking forward to each update. After about an hour, I couldn't take it anymore and restarted in the story+freeroaming mode.
This is just one person's opinion, so if many other fans think the text-based missions are a nice diversion from the rest of the story, than great. I am glad I can skip them, so many thanks for giving us all a choice, but I am just giving my opinion as a long-time fan, and sometimes patron. I love Deluca Family, but the new text missions really detract from the enjoyment for me. I just don't have the patience for repeated click-fests to grind money. If you ever want to take your game to a bigger platform, I see this as a major complaint.
Another thing, I am not a fan of the new cartoon style drawn photos of the characters for each room. It really looks out of place in your game. It's something I would expect in some sort of cutesy anime game, but not Deluca Family. It doesn't effect the gameplay at all, of course, but it makes the whole look less professional, and really takes you out of the overall gangster theme, in my opinion. I prefer rendered head shots or something similar.
The story is wonderful as always, and I enjoy experiencing it a second time, but just giving my honest opinion, as one player, I think the new direction detracts from the enjoyment of your otherwise amazing game.
I know you are experimenting with something new, Hopes, and I appreciate that. It is important to take risks in life and art, and who knows, maybe many of the fans that have a lot more patience, and an unrealized love of text-based games will enjoy it, but for me, it was not fun at all, and didn't add in any meaningful way to the story.