You know, I was almost disappointed when I started anew. I rather liked the way the old version just kind of chucked you into things going wrong, so starting with the cliched "wake up to your normal life" I was kinda sad.
But then I met Abuela and nothing else matters, her in-person inclusion elevates this game. 10/10. The rest of the fleshing out and expansion was nice as well, especially the care taken in all the art assets and one on one conversations with the LIs (though only makes me sadder imagining how long I'll need to wait to buy this in full), but Grandma stole my heart. Dearest Vivi will have to be content with #2.
(Side note, but I have to congratulate whoever decided to put a bow on Ominous-Eyeball-chan the next morning. I laughed aloud and was immediately endeared. Great choice!)