8/10 The previous installment in the series, "Tsuki ni Yorisou Otome no Sahou," captivated audiences with its exceptional character design and won the first prize in the character department at the 2012 Getchu Bishoujo Game Prizes and the Grand Prize at the 2013 Moe Game Awards. This work continues from the somewhat contrived Bad End branch of the earlier game, centering on the protagonist's comeback from a low point. Alongside his sister Ookura Resona, the protagonist travels to Paris, the paradise of fashion, to resume his study in clothing design, chase his dreams, and ultimately grow. As a Fan Disc, this game expands the series' world and story without being confined to the original framework. It focuses on peripheral characters from the previous game and introduces new characters in Paris. The character design, a major selling point, is significantly different from the previous game, offering fans of the series a fresh experience. In terms of storyline, this installment continues the previous game's tradition of intricate inner monologues, comprehensive emotional rendering, and immersive atmosphere. It blends elements of noble life and a light, easygoing narrative with themes like aristocratic succession struggles, discrimination against different ethnicities, and the pursuit of talent, which add a sense of realism. Additionally, there are numerous intriguing details and foreshadows for players to ponder. In contrast to the previous game's focus on "serendipitous encounters," this Fan Disc emphasizes the concept of "family." Character-wise, the motivations and value systems are as richly and vividly crafted as ever, allowing players to fully experience the interplay of goodwill and malice. Many characters may seem flawed at first glance, but are actually meticulously crafted, with plot revelations that are likely to astonish players. The scriptwriting remains exceptional, and the stellar voice acting beautifully conveys the characters' emotions and psychological shifts. The use of puns and grammatical jokes adds a playful touch to otherwise mundane everyday scenes. Notably, this game tackles the often-explored theme of taboo sibling love in Japanese Galgames. It makes commendable efforts in depicting the psychological states and evolving relationships of the characters. Although it might not withstand meticulous scrutiny, it represents a significant step forward in the genre. The shortcomings of this installment are largely similar to its predecessor. Sakurakouji Luna's brief appearance, albeit as a supporting character this time, can aptly be described as overwhelmingly dominant, overshadowing other characters. Aside from Ookura Resona, the other two main female characters lack popularity. With few branching storylines, the route featuring Bluette is particularly superficial and poorly executed, much like Yanagase Minato's route in the previous game. Although each branch reveals various hidden plot points to different extents, they do not converge to a satisfying macro resolution, resulting in a fragmented overall experience. In terms of the plot, the climax sections are similarly bland and lack appeal, with many of the core conflicts being hastily and inadequately resolved. While the main female characters' voice acting is commendable, the effort is lacking in many of the minor characters. Set on an international stage, the game often involves exchanges in French, Russian, and German, yet the voice acting remains exclusively in Japanese. The reliance on text to indicate language changes is not only confusing but also, despite understandable budgetary constraints, inevitably detracts from the player's experience due to this lack of attention to detail. "Otome Riron to Sono Shuuhen - École de Paris" truly achieves what a Fan Disc should aim for: while inheriting the original world view, it focuses on shaping peripheral characters from the previous game and expands its universe and settings, avoiding a sense of repetitiveness. I personally find the storyline of this work even better than its predecessor. Unfortunately, the character Sakurakouji Luna from the previous game has become an unsurpassable peak in terms of character design, leading to this title being undervalued. Although there are fewer narrative branches with significant length discrepancies, and the daily life portions still feel protracted, this work fundamentally remains a visual novel that emphasizes process, emotions, and bonds. It's recommended for players who really enjoyed the previous game and can tolerate its shortcomings. Find my reviews valuable? [url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/justgamecurator]Click here to join my curator group (still in construction). Your support is my greatest motivation!
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