I actually want to play the full version of this one! My issues with the first one were mostly about the lack of interactivity. This one still has that to some extent (you mostly make drinks and draw art sometimes), but it has some advantages over the first one's demo: 1. You speak! I don't get to pick what I say, but it is less annoying that the previous game where the NPCs would react as if I was speaking, but I only had context clues as to what I said. 2. There is an additional mechanic having to do with items. You're like a courier of sorts, putting items in your drawer and giving them to the right customer. 3. I like the new "Stories" feature. The art is really cute and it brings the characters to life more than just listening to them talk to each other. Hopefully "liking" the posts will have some mechanical benefit. 4. The drinks I had to make weren't already in my recipe book this time. That made a big difference. I had to do a modicum of thinking to make sure I made a drink they would like. 5. Characters were more interesting. I only met Jorji, Lucas, and Riona(?), but they were far more interesting that Freya and the odd couple from the first game's demo. Better character design and more interesting animations. There are still some flaws I hope will be improved once I play the full game - repetitive music, slow pace, lack of interactivity or decision-making elements, etc. But being invested in the characters (including my own) this time around has made this second episode 100% more interesting to me.
I felt like I was clicking three buttons, making terrible latte art, and the rest of the time was just reading text. I couldn't even participate in the conversation. Hopefully there is more to the full game. Right now it doesn't really feel like a game, unfortunately.
The Good: Story - Fantastic. I liked reading all of the info and learning about the main character's life. Music - I actually really enjoyed the soundtrack. Might have to go buy it now... Art - Adorable, colorful, and added life to the main character. Representation - The game is very informative on LGBTQ+ topics and challenges. I like that they included that for people who may not be aware (or for whom a "normal phone" game is easier to explain to their parents and friends). I do have some gripes though. See below for those, but either way I still recommend this game. If you can get it for a decent price it is worth playing through. The Gripes: UI/UX - I liked the look and feel, but switching back and forth between screens and trying to remember dates and such that needed to be used elsewhere was annoying. If you left a screen it wouldn't stay where you put it. You couldn't do split screen or otherwise see multiple apps at once to make things easier. Puzzles - Some were fairly simple and fine. I never really enjoyed them though. They were a chore to make sure you read everything on the phone hunting for the info you needed. It was a minor thrill when you finally figured it out at least. I found myself having to come back to things to remember where I had read something that was now important. There was lots of data that didn't add to the story too, nor was it interesting to read. Don't spend too much time stuck on any one puzzle, look up a guide! I was able to solve all but one on my own and I agonized for an hour retreading old ground before I gave up. I was annoyed once I saw the solution. The other puzzles, while requiring thought and sometimes not being that intuitive, were at least straightforward and had plenty of clues to guide you. The last one though...I won't spoil it, but the elements involved and the one clue they gave along with some info that hadn't yet been used led me to think math was required. It was not -_-
