Finished playing the update. I have so many things to say!
SPOILERS!
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Out of the three ROs, we really do settle with Isaac into a romantic relationship the quickest. I like how our relationship with both Isaac and Nathan is intertwined almost, we really grow as a trio organically— which gives me found family vibes! It is cool that we become a partner-in-crime, livening the place and their lives tremendously.
Isaac’s ending in the latest chapter was really interesting. I assume that the Church somehow got their hands on the Sacred Ashes ritual based on the priest’s red eyes. I also didn’t expect to kill off Anthony! I guess Simon is done for as well, since Nathan handled him.
We are starting to see the larger picture slowly come together in the other routes, but I think it is in Anthony’s route that we find the biggest missing puzzle piece: specifically, our meeting with the devil, the man (dragon) himself Jonas. And he is the reason why I have a huge bias towards Anthony’s route! Yes, I love the wolf-man and how he barely bothers hiding his affection towards us, but at the same time we learn more about Jonas, the guide behind the scenes.
After we called out his name and he appeared, I was taken aback by his adoration when said how he can’t help but come to our side whenever we say his name. That was so beautiful and so intimate; that moment crystalized as something precious to me. This character, who has roamed other universes in other games, who has been for the most part, cryptic and mysterious, revealed more of himself than he ever had in that scene. I don’t think there is anyone like him; he truly is a unique character— you’ve created something very special with him. It makes me wonder if there will be any other Old Ones besides him and Eve? Or will there be more lore on the draconic civilization they hail from? In ADW, I recall that his species suffered an ideological split when it came to the plan of implementing ‘gods’ to guide humans. I guess what I really want to know is: will there ever be a spin-off where we date that dragon. Or will he be explored further in EXG? Maybe a spin-off? Can you hear the desperation in my words, author?
Moving on: for Simon, I appreciate that the romance with him seems slower, which makes sense considering his occupation and our past. For some reason, the romantic interactions we get from his route gives me the most satisfaction out of the three. I believe it is because of that heavy tension of his work, his ideology, conflicting with our livelihood and agency. It makes me wonder how they will confront that elephant more deeply going forward when their relationship strengthens. I find the tidbit of Simon caring what bread we like so freaking cute. And actually, I find it interesting that it is HIS route where we would have to choose a side: Church or Isaac.
Since I played Isaac route first, I always assumed the narrative would force us to choose between the Church or the Naturalist Institution, since they are naturally on opposite sides of the world's ideological spectrum.
Also worth noting that it is the Naturalist Institution where the MC has to scour for the Eternal Oath gem that Jonas had imparted in them (am I right? I hope I didn't misread ☠️). I’m not sure how to articulate my thoughts on Simon route— but I’m just really curious about this Natural Institution!
Also: I have suggestions. For those special CGIs, the text box on the bottom quickly comes in and covers most of the lower half of the images. I think it would be cool if we had a gallery we can access to peruse these pictures. Another thing, I don’t know if it is just me, but my save slots are limited to nine pages on the MAC version. Is it possible to increase it?
That is all for my long, rambling review. I am so excited to see more of this!