This review contains spoilers
I can definitely understand this game's absolutely massive impact on the 2000s' anime, doujin and moege visual culture now (that was the point, wasn't it?).
To Heart 2 is a good game: the CGs are gorgeous, the music is relaxing and the characters are inteligently written. That means that most routes are just charming and kinda plain until its final part, where some behaviors and dialogues give the characters a twist, and you perfectly understand their personalities, dreams and so. It's so lovely seeing how the girls' demeanor changes once they open up a bit, too. (I'm thinking of Tamaki, Manaka or Yuma. OR IKUNO, WOAH. Konomi's or Ruuko's routes are more balanced, likeable overall).
But I'm bringing a mini list of complaints/notes here, too, because I spent (lost?) just too many hours of my life reading about these people and I feel like I have enough right to rant.
1. The end of Sasara's route is downright ridiculous. Ma-ryan is probably the best character in the game, but the decision to let the pair run away from their parents and teachers wasn't exactly in accord with her previous actions??? What the hell
2. I love Komaki Manaka. That's it, that's the review
3. The twins' route was following a fascinating approach to polyamory (and incest, I guess, though I don't condone that) RIGHT UNTIL Ilfa showed up. Goddddd I hate her. What a way of making something harem, moe and shallow when everything was being touched with respect and maturity. Ughhhhh.
4. Overall, these characters are a bit more complex than you'd expect, but moe is more powerful than them. Sigh.
5. Oh, and the H scenes are unnecessary, in my opinion. They don't have a bad intention, and they try to be romantic, but a couple of them (Manaka) felt kinda jammed in between dramatic moments. "You're sad? Well, maybe sucking this will make you feel better".
To Heart 2 is a good game: the CGs are gorgeous, the music is relaxing and the characters are inteligently written. That means that most routes are just charming and kinda plain until its final part, where some behaviors and dialogues give the characters a twist, and you perfectly understand their personalities, dreams and so. It's so lovely seeing how the girls' demeanor changes once they open up a bit, too. (I'm thinking of Tamaki, Manaka or Yuma. OR IKUNO, WOAH. Konomi's or Ruuko's routes are more balanced, likeable overall).
But I'm bringing a mini list of complaints/notes here, too, because I spent (lost?) just too many hours of my life reading about these people and I feel like I have enough right to rant.
1. The end of Sasara's route is downright ridiculous. Ma-ryan is probably the best character in the game, but the decision to let the pair run away from their parents and teachers wasn't exactly in accord with her previous actions??? What the hell
2. I love Komaki Manaka. That's it, that's the review
3. The twins' route was following a fascinating approach to polyamory (and incest, I guess, though I don't condone that) RIGHT UNTIL Ilfa showed up. Goddddd I hate her. What a way of making something harem, moe and shallow when everything was being touched with respect and maturity. Ughhhhh.
4. Overall, these characters are a bit more complex than you'd expect, but moe is more powerful than them. Sigh.
5. Oh, and the H scenes are unnecessary, in my opinion. They don't have a bad intention, and they try to be romantic, but a couple of them (Manaka) felt kinda jammed in between dramatic moments. "You're sad? Well, maybe sucking this will make you feel better".