okay so i want to get it out of the way that on an objective level its worse than the first one but ive commited to rating things purely on their enjoyment level.

I guess its not a spoiler since its revealed at the end of the first game, but playing this game knowing that rachel is dead adds a lot of weight to it. I can understand why most people say its worse than LiS because they view it as a standalone, but I think this game wouldve worked better as some kind of dlc, even though the size wouldve been ridiculous. playing it does feel very much like an extra side note that strengthens the experience of the first game, rather than a full on prequel or continuation of the story in any way besides maybe gameplay.

finishing the game knowing that not all is well, because even though youve gotten attached to rachel and chloe's relationship and youre invested in them both as characters you know in less than 2 years rachel will be under the junkyard and chloe will be pasting missing person posters all over town. in a game about the overwhleming power of emotional teenage girls spewing their feelings all over the place its so real and heartfelt and gut wrenching for this girl who chloe would do anything for to just. die. in a weird sad crime that shouldnt have ended in her death but her killer was flawed and powerful and its just. augh. oh my god.

also bonus points bc i played this for a cute ukrainian girl who told be i remind her of rachel lol