Arcadia Fallen II

PEAK. I have played the previous installment before, and while I thought that was the summit, this second installment has peaked the peak. The writing's still the best part of this game, and it has made me fall in-love with the characters. I had tried to finish this game in one sitting, but unfortunately, I have to wake early the next day. For the hours I have dedicated myself to playing this game, however, it has totally captivated and immersed me within the world it has built. From the voice acting, to the sound and environmental design, to the background art, and of course, the characters. The writing's organic in that as we spend more time with these characters, the more complex they become. It sounds such an obvious and basic part of developing a character, but it's quite few and far between these days. With your character's influence, you lead the people around you and help them grow not only as a friend, but as people. The story's pacing is [i]excellent[/i]. The build up towards the central conflict takes a while, but it was the perfect amount of time for our character to meet and know most of the cast, as well as to establish what kind of relationship they have with them before the world, as they know it, turns upside down. The tension gets thicker and thicker the more the conflict unravels, and it hits us with complication after complication that our protagonists need to overcome in order to survive another day. Though, I should say this game has the same problem as the previous installment in that after the climax, the game doesn't let itself breathe... that might just be a me problem, as I would like to see more of the cast after what has transpired. I would've liked to spend more time with them, and would've liked to see what they will become. I shall pray for a DLC if it ever comes to pass, but if it's gonna get in the way of a part 3, I'd rather take the part 3. Please. Now that the non-spoilers have been said, unto every single spoiler-y related thoughts! In regards to our character: [spoiler] The bulk of the magic and the fighting in this game is relegated to other characters, much like in the first game. It might've just been the choices that I've made which did not let me fight as I chose to be diplomatic. However, it does not reduce your contribution to The Wildflowers as the people around you take your input seriously (it's a game mechanic), and can be pivoted depending on the direction you think suits them the best. [\spoiler] I would just love to rave about [spoiler] KIM AND ANNE AND RUNE. I would've LOVED to see the old cast again, but it's like an itch that no matter how many times you scratch it, it doesn't go away. I'd love to see everyone else, but alas... I won't ever be appeased. [\spoiler] And finally, [spoiler] ♥♥♥♥ Sullivan. All my homies hate Sullivan. As callous as it sounds, when she reveals that her sister died young in the war due to the lack of Menders, I couldn't help but think that maybe mages would be more amicable to be sent Northward if they weren't discriminatory against mages in the first place. [/spoiler]