Recensioni di TAISHO x ALICE episode 2

[i] ...kindle my desire, not the stove.[/i] To experience this game at its best, you absolutely have to avoid spoilers. BUT! I feel the need to mention that there are some topics in Gretel’s route that could be triggering...I’ll write them under spoiler, so you can decide whether to see them or not: [spoiler]Incest, attempted sexual assault, drug addiction.[/spoiler] [b]The routes:[/b] Both routes aren’t for the feint of hearts, that’s for sure. Thankfully, Yurika’s well established personality makes it impossible to self-insert, so the player can kind of distance themselves from feeling personally involved. [b]Gretel:[/b] I was about to quit this route 10 minutes in, seriously...[spoiler]seeing a guy molest a girl is always disgusting, but the incestuous overlay made it even more off putting. [/spoiler]The only thing that made me go on, was remembering that in this game not everything is as it seems. I did end up liking this route, because while its main character wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, I was pleasantly shocked by the thriller-like plot (so addicting) and the metaphors. Also, it raised some interesting questions about agency, which is never a bad thing. [b]Kaguya:[/b] This route lacked the “excitement” provided by Gretel’s one, and felt more mellow and nostalgic, but it also felt more relatable. I mean, Gretel’s difficulties were very specific, and while real, could be something you never encounter in your life, and only know from afar. Kaguya’s main problem, instead, felt more mainstream, and something anyone could have struggled with, even if in smaller doses. The bad endings (there were so many!) helped me understand Kaguya’s character better. Shout out to Snow White (can’t wait to play his route), Cinderella (I liked him way better here than in his own route), and the wizard (best wingman!). [b] Final thoughts:[/b] The thing I found most enjoyable about this game was the suspenseful plot, that kept you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t relate to Yurika/Arisu most of the time, but watching her stomp all over the usual tropes was a delight. On the other hand, Gretel and Kaguya, while very extreme in their actions, managed to come across as relatable people, rather than copycat stereotypes. The plot had very few inconsistencies, and the ones that were present added a whimsical feeling to it.