TAISHO x ALICE episode 2
- September 17, 2020
- Primula
- 1h median play time
In "TAISHO x ALICE Episode 2," players continue their adventure in a Wonderland-inspired world, meeting new characters and uncovering darker secrets. This visual novel focuses on Primula, a cheerful character with a mysterious past, as the plot thickens and choices made impact the story's outcome. Delve deeper into the enchanting narrative and unlock multiple endings in this captivating otome game.
Reviews
- The game features a strong and relatable protagonist, Yurika, who is clever, assertive, and has a unique personality that stands out in the otome genre.
- Both routes, Kaguya's and Gretel's, offer deep character development and emotional storytelling, with unexpected plot twists that keep players engaged.
- The translation quality is excellent, and the voice acting, art, and music contribute to a captivating experience that enhances the darker themes of the game.
- The game contains heavy and potentially triggering themes, including self-harm, suicide, and incest, which may not be suitable for all players.
- Many players found the choices leading to bad endings to be frustrating, particularly in Kaguya's route, which requires a guide to navigate effectively.
- Some players felt that the character dynamics shifted too drastically from the first episode, making it difficult to connect with the characters in their new roles.
- story86 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story in this game is noted for its darker themes and emotional depth, particularly in Kaguya's route, which features a tragic backstory and complex character development. While some players found Gretel's narrative less impactful and criticized the pacing and lack of build-up, others appreciated the unexpected plot twists and psychological elements that kept them engaged. Overall, the storytelling is praised for its captivating visuals and voice acting, though it may not suit those seeking lighter narratives.
“I like how the story brings a lot of sensitive topics in a subtle way at times.”
“The endless plot twists and character developments kept me hooked, and I finished the entire game within a few hours.”
“At first, it looks like everything is goofy and fluffy, but as the story progresses, you start uncovering the reality behind it all and understand why the characters are acting the way they are, which kind of breaks your heart for them.”
“But for some reason, Gretel's story doesn't leave much of an impression on me.”
“Then again, I think the biggest issue I had with both routes was that all of the plot points happened way too immediately with no character development or story build-up at all.”
“So even if I disregard how unrealistic Gretel's route is, I still feel detached from the storyline because I couldn't relate to the main character on any level - both before and after the great reveal.”
- humor22 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised, with characters displaying witty dialogue, modern slang, and clever banter that elicits genuine laughter. Despite some darker themes, the writing balances emotional moments with comedic scenes, making the interactions between characters, particularly with the main character and their companions, both funny and engaging. Overall, players find the humor to be a standout aspect, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the narrative.
“Pieces of this plot were heartbreaking while others were downright hilarious.”
“The writing and dialogue are witty, funny, and clever.”
“The banter the main character has with the love interests is fun, and I found myself laughing out loud several times!”
- emotional12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many users noting its depth and ability to evoke strong feelings, ranging from heartbreak to humor. The narrative is described as more impactful than previous installments, featuring a balance of lighthearted and dark themes that resonate deeply with players. However, some content may be challenging for those sensitive to themes of emotional and physical abuse.
“The story made me so emotional as I didn't expect at all.”
“So, it was an emotional, dark experience I definitely enjoyed.”
“Both routes definitely made me feel things, if that was the goal.”
- music10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received praise for its beautiful arrangements and integration with the overall aesthetic, maintaining a balance between darker themes and whimsical elements. While the opening and ending songs are highlighted as particularly strong, some users feel that certain moments could benefit from more dramatic scoring. Overall, the soundtrack is described as gorgeous and fitting, enhancing the game's well-designed and immersive experience.
“I love the new arrangement of the opening music!”
“This time taking a bit of darker stories for a spin, it still maintains its integrity and excellent writing, combined with beautiful art and music.”
“But yeah... Gretel... I feel like a lot of his moments should've had that scary/dramatic music, but no, haha!”
“Quirky music comes up and I'm just sitting here like...”
“The menu music really gives off a lighthearted, fairy tale feeling that reminds me of the Kingdom Hearts series.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their gorgeous art style and strong visuals, contributing to an engaging storytelling experience. While the game caps at 720p and is best enjoyed in a smaller windowed mode, the beautiful artwork and character designs, along with excellent voice acting, enhance the overall appeal. Players appreciate the consistent quality of the visuals, which complement the captivating plot.
“This is a well-written game, with beautiful artwork.”
“I loved the graphics, as well as the storylines!”
“As before, the art style is gorgeous and the heroine has enough curls to fill a screen, or rather a tiny portion of it as the game caps at 720p.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is notably inconsistent; while some characters, like the new Gretel, are well-developed and engaging, others suffer from a lack of depth and rushed plot progression. This disparity leaves players feeling either captivated or frustrated, depending on the route taken. Overall, the game features both strong and weak character arcs, impacting the overall narrative experience.
“I very much liked the new Gretel because his character development seemed to be well thought out, in my opinion.”
“The endless plot twists and character developments kept me hooked, and I finished the entire game within a few hours.”
“Then again, I think the biggest issue I had with both routes was that all of the plot points happened way too immediately with no character development or story build-up at all.”
“I think the biggest issue I had with both routes is that things happened way too immediately with no character development or story build-up at all.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is considered a good value, especially when purchased on sale for 10 euros or less, offering nearly an hour of gameplay for each euro spent. Players suggest that it provides a satisfying experience, particularly for those looking for budget-friendly options.
“If you're unsure and maybe a bit short on money, I recommend getting it on sale. At 10 euros or less, I'd say it's a very good deal, and it'll almost get you 1 hour of gameplay per euro.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is notably darker compared to previous routes, creating a unique and intense setting that may not appeal to everyone. It is recommended for players seeking a distinct and thrilling experience.
“The atmosphere and setting are significantly darker than in the first two routes, making it a unique experience for those seeking something extremely different.”
“Both stories create their own niche, and while they may not appeal to everyone, the immersive atmosphere is perfect for those ready for a wild ride.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report stability issues, noting that clumsy translations and buggy achievements detract from the overall experience.
“The clumsy translation doesn't help, and achievements are buggy.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and server issues that ruined the experience.”