Let's talk Derek.
I loved this dlc for what it is. Something cute, funny, expanding, and unique! Having a chance to get to know Cove's (and now Our) second summertime friend on a deeper level was so worth the time and money spent to play through this. Honestly I'm gonna have to play it several more times to see everything.
To go deeper into it, let's start with Step 2. One of the first things I appreciated is the added moments this dlc brought in, they're not just moments that were for Derek; but for you and Cove as well. It added a special depth to all the characters: A moment for the trouble trio to hang out, moments for Liz to shine, moments to be a "big sibling" to others and a little sibling to one. I almost wish there was more time to hang out with the Suarez boys and take up the mantel in earnest.
Next like other people have said I adored Derek's perspective as the eldest sibling, as one myself there was just so much Real feelings that went into being in Derek's shoes. Including going above and beyond not just for the little one, but putting your parents before you too. This game from the beginning made the life you play feel Real, even if it is condensed and a bit dramatized. Almost every line feels like something someone would actually say or feel, and that writing extended into this DLC too.
I also have to admit, and sorry Cove, but I preferred Derek's Soiree to Cove's. I'm not gonna spoil anything for real, but it was personally just more my speed of things. Cove's Soiree is appropriate for his route and growth; but Derek's felt more like it was a shared experience of growing, and doing something new and maybe a little scary together.
Lastly, one last shout out to the younger Suarez bros. Jorge is the best kid in my opinion; sweet, smart, wise beyond his years, and yet still truly a kid. I vibe with him so hard, probably cause even as the eldest I was That kid. But even in the few scenes he is actually there for, love him! That Elizabeth moment? Priceless. Meanwhile Nicolas is the most adorable kid. Annoying? Yes, most younger siblings are and yet that's the charm to them. Again if I wanted anything from Step 2, it'd totally be to spend more time with those two actively. Along with Derek of course.
Now Step 4...which had what I think are some ups and downs. Overall it was good and it's awesome how much content there really is. I had to go and reload some saves to play out different scenarios right in the middle of playing through once. But there are still some routes and choices I want to go back and play through to see what happens. It felt welcoming and fluid to slip into the dynamics with both Derek and his family at an older age, but I do wish there was some build up or backstory to it beyond a mention of a time (off-screen). It didn't quite feel as good as slipping back into Sunset Bird as each Step passed. I think this is because of the way it contrasts with Cove's big send off in Step 3. Derek's big send off happened in Step 2 so coming into Derek's Step 4 referencing that finality from 2 chapters ago feels a little less impactful.
I still love the dynamic of the Suarez family though, maybe even more than in Step 2. Maybe because they're all grown enough to interact on a different level, maybe because we get to see them interact more, or maybe just because Jorge and Nico grew up to be Amazing, interesting people. I am only saddened by the fact I couldn't hang out with Jorge and Nico even more than what was there. Even some one-on-one time with each sibling would've been really special.
Side Note: I also think having more side characters that just Exist in different ways of identity and appearance was super touching. This game is very positive on a lot things so far and getting to see Nico and Xavier express themselves as they wanted was awesome (there was Nova too, but I'm mainly referring to visual characters). It makes me look even more forward to Baxter and Now and Forever.
Derek in Step 4 is charming and easily flustered, the best honestly. There are some notable scenes that touch on his independence and humanity that weighed heavy in my chest; even those were precious to me. However, it also felt a little...unresolved?
That's my main and only real gripe with this DLC. It is so special and impactful to Derek and the MC (you). It, like the rest of the game surrounds you with emotions and people you come to love and care about. And don't get me wrong, it feels really good and there is closure to Derek's Step 4. It's an open ended closure, which is Never a bad thing and leaves so many possibilities. Yet there is this sense of something left undone, of not quite being satisfied with waiting till tomorrow and the day after that.
There's some personal things Derek addresses and it does get brought up, but it also feels like the "solution" is glossed over for one that doesn't solve too much other than proximity. I also think I did things right (but I'm not 100% since I don't know all the outcomes yet), but pursuing Derek romantically also feels a little tiptoed around. Feelings were never actually discussed until the end, and even then it felt out of place and one-sided. I can only recall one person openly bringing it to attention, maybe two if you count some will-they/won't-they teasing. Maybe it is just meant to be more subdued, but it was kind of a let down and put me off of romantic pursuit in exchange for just a good friendship. I almost wish there was a second part that takes place around the time of your moms' anniversary, so a passage of time could give you a chance to decide how things are turning out after reconnecting with Derek before leaving you to fill in the blanks.
However! It was still a great play and I don't regret getting this DLC at all. I had fun with it. I honestly laughed and cried and wished for more. This IS a DLC and a side romance story at that, I can't at all bring myself to be mad or even disappointed at this just because of the stuff I mentioned above. It was an experience worth every dollar and I plan to come back to it again and again (Always) and [Forever]