After playing through this twice (once with an entirely ‘blue stats’ character and once with an entirely ‘red stats’ character except for being protective because I can’t not take care of Masami), it’s time to say my two cents.
First of all, I whole-heartedly enjoyed this book, just like I enjoyed the first one. It did feel like there wasn’t as much story progression as in Book 1, but I live for slow burn in all forms, so I actually enjoy it when things take time. Now on to some specific aspects:
[spoiler]
Momoko - As some people have already said, my PC’s feelings towards her feel a bit railroaded. I don’t mind Momoko having feelings for the PC and I don’t mind it being an important part of the story, but I was put-off that the PC seemed so attracted to her no matter whether I worked towards it or not. It didn’t take away much from my enjoyment of the story, but it was hard to empathize with my PC in that regard since I have no feelings towards Momoko one way or the other. She always felt like the least interesting of the group to me - ´mostly what I got from her was ‘giant boobs’ and ‘cries a lot’. (Which is the exact opposite of my type.)
Plus, yeah, my PC is very gay for the ladies, but she’s also very stoic and chivalrous. Definitely does not seem like the type to stumble just because there are boobs in her face.
Though perhaps Momoko just pales in comparison to Masami and even Toshie, who have been with my PC since the beginning of this journey and who fit much better into my concept of an enjoyable romance - something that takes time to develop and leaves room for both disagreements and friendship before swearing your eternal love.
The ending - Yes, it felt rather too soon. In Book 1, we got to finish at least the first part of the mission, while now things seemed to end just before the climax. Buuut, I also understand your reasons for doing so and the cliffhanger doesn’t bother me too much…maybe because I don’t feel that attached to Hatch? I like him, of course, but again, he pales in comparison to Masami (and Toshie), presumably because I’m gay af and because he hasn’t been with the group as long as they have.
The Baron’s Island - As some people have mentioned, the genre shift from Adventure to Mystery was obvious. Now, I don’t mind that too much. I’m not too big a fan of the Baron’s Island because it seems very surreal to me (which is intentional, I presume) and a bit abstract and I like my stories and places and characters clear-cut. But that is a personal preference. However, I very much liked the reference to western stuff and how clueless the PC was about it all while, as the reader, I knew what the characters were talking about.
Masami - I have exactly one complaint: I wanted to spend more time with her. Then again, I always want to spend more time with her and I’m continuously yelling ‘love me’ at the screen whenever it happens, so I may be just a taaad biased. That said, I am still unsure about Masami’s age, but have come to an agreement with myself to view her as 15 until proven otherwise. I also can’t tell whether Masami will end up being a RO at some point or not. I’m hoping for it, as I have been since Book 1, but it’s honestly impossible to tell because you are very good at keeping things just ambigious enough that I can never come to one conclusion or the other.
If she does end up a romance option though? I get the feeling it’s gonna take a long time and as I believe I have already mentioned, the slower the burn, the happier I am.
Junko - Ahhh, Junko. The PC’s feelings in her case are rather railroaded as well, aren’t they, though I haven’t seen anyone complaining about that. And I have to admit, this does more natural than the PC’s interest in Momoko, presumably because her and Junko have a long and obviously traumatic history and, in my case, also because Junko fits my type much better than Momoko does.
It’s gonna be interesting to see where this is going and I’m definitely gonna make a character at some point who can’t let go of her and still deeply loves her, even at the cost of her new friends. (Though I am telling you right now, if there’s gonna be an actual option to get back together with Junko at some point, whether by joining her in her madness or trying to save her from it, you better not make her die no matter what. If this ends up like the Prodigal romance in Heroes Rise, I’m gonna be pissed.)
(Joking.)
(OR AM I???)
(Please don’t do that, my heart is sensitive and fragile and prone to breaking.)
Toshie - I gotta say, I’m warming up to her. Wasn’t really interested in Book 1 (and Masami is still my main concern), but she’s starting to grow on me. It’s interesting to see her tough shell crack a little and it’ll be a joy to romance her and catch her off guard.[/spoiler]
All in all, this part is different than Book 1, but no less enjoyable to me. It’s definitely still miles ahead of other Hosted Games (and CoG) and I will await the next game with baited breath.