I'm not really sure if I should leave a comment on the new update or not? Cause I believe in you and whatever way you'll push this vn in, and would love to say more! Just unfortunately, I can't help but say I hated this update. There were parts I liked/found cute, it just got swallowed up by the rest that kinda felt like a punch to the face that left me in confusion and honestly kinda upset.
The new art and sprites I really liked and love looking at them!
The main parts I really liked were the very start, and the very end. With the start, I thought it was cute and sweet to see Finn be the Otaku he is, and the others entertain him with it, even though being bored. With the end, I loved learning more about the worlds lore, and excited to see more of it!
While I love the idea of them exploring places explicitly gay, I'm iffy with this execution. Personally didn't care that it seemed to be a fetish bar, but I couldn't really enjoy the scene with how the love interests seemed really uncomfortable starting on. While yes they seemed to get into it, I could never escape the vibe. While I am being negative, I will admit I really loved being able to leash the two.
And now for the part I really hated. While yes this was full of Otaku love, pulling references and tropes from them(loved the Madoka one). I loved the background they were very beautiful, and added to the scene! They seems cozy and sweet, and I'd like to have seen the a bit! It's just the characters that bothered me.
When it comes to the new characters, the only one of the three I liked was Wei, and I doubt we'll see him again, I hope he fixes his relationship with Tai, and they get a happy ending! Now the other three, I am mixed on how I feel about things, except Jiro fuck him.Rene I honestly didn't care too much, the only noteworthy things, to me, was him pushing Finn's boundaries and immediately trying to throw him to someone who is very clearly a rapist. The white dog, I forgot his name, and really disgusted with his actions. I will admit, I'm very curious about him since he will be very important to the plot at one point or another! Like his design, so can't see what he throws in.
Now my own segment for Jiro and his wife. I'll be honest, I kinda question why he has a wife, cause you could edit her out and nothing would seemingly change. Now on Jiro... I HATE THAT FUCKING BASTARD!!! I had a lot of hope to see someone so important to Mert, who could help explain why Mert is the man he is today... only to turn out to be the anime perverted old man to the worst degree. I mean, what was the point of making him like that??? It felt like the main joke was " Ahah! He wants to rape the love interests!", and it disgusted me. When I got to his part, I had to drop it for a few hours with how disgusted I was with him in general. While don't get me wrong, you're free to write whatever, but I just can't see the point to this characteristic. It'd been different if it was a moment for Finn to step up and try to protect both of them, or to show that whatever going on with Apple is in fact making changes that he should be? While I mentioned the rapist thing a few times, I can't help but hate him for how he treats his staff, especially Wei. He decides he must change everything to taste the LI food, and places Wei's job on the line! I cheered so loud for him when he quit.
Now with the LI, I was excited to see more cute moments, but instead I was worried for their sake cause of what happened in this update. It was just pure discomfort that was really hard to read, and I was tempted on skipping parts of it cause of the horrid taste it left me with. Cause even in the bar, they showed they weren't interested in anyone else there, just thankfully they were more respectful then some certain old men that should be executed via boiling oil. And honestly, I couldn't help be upset with them with the food contest. I understand they want to impress Finn in hopes of romancing him, but I was concerned with how willing they were to get a guy fired for this contest. I am always excited to see a poly route as an option, I love them, just seems kinda strange it still goes poly if you've only focused on only one of them.
While I will admit I may have gone overboard with this review, I've just been loving this story and these characters and I wanna see more! I'm hoping I didn't go too far and be discouraging, I have faith in you and this vn, and I only wish the best. Also, I'm exhausted cause I haven't slept just yet after binging this vn. I don't believe this chapter reflects the vn or who you are as a person, just kinda confusing honestly. I wish you luck and hope for the future of you and your vn!
And looking back on the review, I very well went on for way too long, my bad!