PROS: Gratifying, engaging game with a stylistic retro feel, fun puzzles, well developed story, and good length. CONS: Could use a tutorial or more detailed instructions at the beginning. This game should appeal to anyone who enjoys retro, pixel-graphic, point-and-click adventure games. If you enjoy games like Whispers of a Machine, Lamplight City, or the Blackwell series, then the Kathy Rain games are for you. If you have already enjoyed the first Kathy Rain, you should be pleased with this sequel. Having played the first game isn't required to understand this game; there is an optional recap of the first game when you start. However, I recommend playing the first game before starting this one. The game mechanics are similar to the first. If you haven't played the first game, it may take a little more time to understand how to interact with everything and progress. I think it should have a tutorial or a bit more of instruction at the beginning. The puzzles are logical and enjoyable. Like most adventure games, solutions require you to pay attention to what you are being told, what's interactive on the screen, where you can go, and what's in your inventory. This game is much longer than the first and has more improved, detailed graphics. Despite the latter, it still very much retains the stylistic and retro look of its predecessor. This story takes place in 1998, three years after the events where first met Kathy Rain, and satisfyingly connects to those events. It builds on the characters of Kathy Rain, giving us some additional insight into her psyche. Other characters (no spoilers) from the first make an appearance and are also built upon, and still others are referenced, giving the story a nice polish. New characters are effectively introduced by the writers. The voice acting is believable for all characters, although at times a bit cliché but fitting. I felt intrigued by the mystery, was engaged emotionally, and I was pleasantly touched by the ending.
