HowardHeyman
1992
A graceful sequel that not only streamlines and polishes the technical aspects of the first game, but goes even deeper with its religious metaphors and philosophical themes. Only few games have matched the depth of this game's thematic deconstruction and reinterpretation of Christian text to further its questioning of free will and religious dogma.
Hard to put my feelings about this game into words. In general, its a game that's entertaining on a vacuum, but horribly disappointing when considering its predecessor and how much it cut down on its unique presentation, writing, and story progression to focus on something so much more soulless by comparison.
It's got neat ideas, but the execution is all over the place. Gameplay is expansive and engaging, but too grindy to make it all that fun to play. Thanks to its slow pacing and meandering plot, this is the less interesting half of the duology. Most of it could've been cut and merged into one experience.
The more interesting and fulfilling half of the duology. It addresses and streamlines a lot of the gameplay faults from the first installment and delivers some hard-hitting plot revelations and character moments that make the experience worth getting through. Its not without its faults, but its still enjoyable nonetheless.
2016
An incredibly immersive, stylish and engaging game whose contemporary characters and themes make it feel very close to heart. It is undoubtedly a creative achievement for the team at P-Studio not just for its mesmerizing visuals and catchy soundtrack, but also for its handling of gameplay mechanics and themes.
The game isn't perfect, and there's a lot of roughness and age you have to put aside in order to value it for what it is. However, the game's charm really does overcome its weaknesses as it presents a story about a group of teens and adults facing the past and themselves in a fight against mankind's primordial evils.
Technically, its rough; but artistically, its amazing. Three Houses presents an experience with great gameplay variety that paints a bleak picture of war that's perfectly in line with the core of the series. Not two playthroughs will give the same results. An excellent game for veterans and newcomers alike.