A directors cut should add something more and this one adds several new takes on the situations we know as well as adding new puzzles and more. The controls have changed only a tad by adding a slight "combine with", but that is to be expected and nothing to fear...it's just a "getting used to".
For any newcomer, this is the edition to play and if you really want to go back, play the original and see its shortcomings when compared to this one :-D
Then again, I was one that embraced the remasters of Monkey Island even though I was there when they were first released back in the late '80s. Nostalgia glasses does not (in my view) serve us for the better.
I loved Kathy Rain, the original and I love this one....though I have not finished it as of yet.
As a fan of the original release I was excited to dive into this version of Kathy Rain, and left satisfied that the heart of the game remains intact. The story and characters are still engaging, the puzzles interesting (some new and improved!), the dialogue is witty with just the right amount of humor and drama. For new fans, this is a fine way to experience the game for the first time!
There are a few differences in this release that unfortunately don't gel with me. I didn't enjoy the new interface or control scheme, and have mixed feelings about what the additional scenes did with the story.
I ultimately prefer the original version, but in no way do I feel this is a bad release! I would recommend new fans pick this one up and check out the old version later if they're curious. Returning players should keep an open mind, what bothered me doesn't have to bother someone else.
Still hoping for Kathy Rain 2!
Kathy Rain: Director's Cut is essentially the same as the base game, except in 16x9 widescreen. Supposedly there are new puzzles, locations and dialogues, but most of the time I couldn't tell anyway - it's been a while since I played the original release, and the new fits seamlessly with the old. It only starts getting noticeable around the middle of day four, at which point the additional content kinda throws off the pacing a little by padding the play time, but it's not a big deal and only noticeable if you've already played the original game. Other than that, my thoughts on the 2016 version apply here as well. Either version of the game is a good choice, but the Director's Cut offers a little more.
I really loved this game ! Finished it in one day (on sale, so that's fine). Puzzles are more on the easy side but some of them will make you scratch your head quite a bit. Where the game really shines is story and musical ambience. Some of the tracks really had some silent hill vibes to them. Also the story feels a bit "twin peaky", which I really liked (even some direct references to the show in the game). All in all a really well made game and a big shout out to the voice acting, they really did a great job. I can only recommend this game to any fan of classic adventure games, you'll have a great time.
Kathy Rain is a point and click adventure in the style of the classics. The Director's Cut version improves on the technical side and it adds new content... But it also removes/changes some dialogues (it definitely adds more than it removes, with new puzzles and areas, if on the small side).
The problem is that, like the original, the first and second half of the story don't gel together, with the final section in particular feeling like a step down from the rest (although it does have good puzzles). You get a lot of dialogues, but they all pertain to vague, unexplained concepts and/or they cram a character arc in a space that is much too small for it. It's like if Silent Hill 2 waited for the last hour to introduce its themes properly, and then rushed all the way to the end to resolve them. There are also some inconsistencies between the original and the new ending.
Outside of these differences and issues, both games are largely the same, story and gameplay wise. The first part is particularly nice, as you investigate a mystery related to your estranged family, and you get to learn more about Kathy's background and how things got the way they are now. She has the chops to be a smarmy protagonist like in many adventure games. I am sure she'll make you smile or even laugh often, although at times you'll sigh at your dialogue options (they try too hard at times). The plot stumbles here and there. The puzzles are logical and entertaining for the most part. Some busywork is there, and some are too easy, but overall, it's a positive experience.
Graphically, it's a well-made pixel art game. If you like the style, you'll definitely find many of the locations gorgeous. There is one minor problem in a couple of screens, where the scaling of the sprites might be a bit off, but that's about it.
The music is also nice. I wouldn't say great, but definetely above average, and builds the mood well.
For big fans of adventure games, this isn't bad, but don't expect the moon.
