BUSTAFELLOWS season2 Review Summary

Outstanding artwork and graphics, with standout Helvetica and Mozu routes, make this sequel surpass the original, but uneven character routes, an ineffective main character, and missing subtitles in dialogues hold it back.

Outstanding artwork and graphics: Reviews consistently praise the art, graphics, CG, and visual effects. The animated illustrations add excitement to storytelling, and the overall visual quality is considered top-tier and enhanced compared to the first game.

Helvetica and Mozu routes standout: Helvetica and Mozu's routes are repeatedly highlighted as the best, most emotionally charged, and well-written. They have beautiful relationship growth and suspense, mine with Helvetica becoming a favorite for many reviewers.

Sequel surpasses original game: Many players find the sequel more enjoyable and an improvement over the first game. The developers listened to feedback, filling Season 1's weaknesses; the sequel complements and refines the original, delivering what fans needed.

Side characters enrich world: Side characters are delightful, enjoyable, and enhance the world of New Sieg. They are more likable than the main love interest for some, and they enrich the overall narrative with their presence.

Romance and content well-balanced: The otome aspect shines with extra stories and continued romance arcs. Romance is intimate and realistic, balanced masterfully with the story, and lots a of bonus content outside routes.

Character routes are uneven: Individual routes vary in quality, with Mozu's route heavily criticized for unreasonable events and a disappointing villain. Helvetica and Crow routes were also found unlikable or uninteresting, lowering engagement.

Main character is ineffective: The protagonist (Tetua) was seen as flat, unreliable, and less capable compared to the first game. Her decisions often felt poor, and she seemed like a side character in her own routes to other plots.

Mystery and twists are weak: The truth route lacked reliable twists, and the main mystery was largely absent until the end. The plot became predictable with a watered-down connecting mystery that made the game feel less impactful.

Dialogues lack subtitles: Multiple instances of audio-only dialogues were left without subtitles, making it hard for players to follow conversations. The need to open the log for English text while Japanese audio plays detailed terminology was especially tiring.

Localization issues and missing features: The game lacks Chinese and Korean localization, and English text has spelling and grammar errors. Additionally, missing Steam achievements and incomplete subtitles in cutscenes hurt the overall experience.

Visual novel with romance routes: Multiple reviews describe the game as a visual novel featuring multiple love interest routes, consistent with otome game conventions. The presence of individual routes and a common route reinforces this structure.

Direct sequel to previous game: Players note the game is a direct continuation of the prior title's story and romance arcs, functioning as a sequel. This is echoed across several comments regarding narrative continuity.

Meaningful player choices: Some players mention that choices have a slightly stronger impact compared to the predecessor, and that player choice can influence the narrative. This enhances replayability and engagement.

Mystery and dark narrative themes: The game's story mixes mystery, depth, and dark topics, similar to other games in its genre. This typically appeals to players who enjoy mature or intricate plots.

Multiple ending types: The game includes both happy and bad endings, which are typical in romance visual novels. This design encourages players to explore different routes.

Smooth Steam Deck performance: Players report that the game runs smoothly on Steam Deck, indicating good optimization and compatibility with the handheld device.

Default controls glitch: There is a glitch in the default controls, causing issues for players who use the standard control configuration without modifications.

Recommended for first-game fans: Multiple reviewers recommend this game to players who enjoyed the first installment, noting that prior experience enhances appreciation.

Play previous season first: Several reviews advise playing Season 1 before Season 2 to understand the story and avoid confusion, as no recap is provided.

Consider buying on sale: A common theme is that the game may not justify full price; waiting for a discount or sale is recommended for many players.

Full price for dedicated fans: Some reviewers suggest that loyal fans of the franchise can purchase at full price, while casual players should wait for a discount.

Season might disappoint previous fans: One reviewer notes that the game might not meet expectations for fans of the previous game, calling it disappointing instead.

Community fair range: $10.00 - $14.00.

Session length: 11.0h.

Players consistently find the game boring from start to finish, citing underwhelming romance, pointless subplots, and lack of intimacy, making it hard to continue even to the end.

Friction: underwhelming romance; boring subplots that go nowhere; lack of intimacy; difficult to continue playing.

Loyal Franchise Devotee: Complete all routes to obtain the full narrative and character development. Motivation: Continue the story and character relationships from the first game. Stance: buy.

Genre Newcomer: Play through routes sequentially, then replay for different outcomes. Motivation: Discover the otome genre and immerse in its storytelling. Stance: buy.

Route Optimizer: Carefully plan route order to maximize enjoyment and avoid narrative fatigue. Motivation: Experience the most satisfying romantic arcs for favorite characters. Stance: buy.

Sequel to Bustafellows series: Multiple clusters indicate this game is a direct sequel to the otome game Bustafellows, continuing the series and serving as a middle point in a trilogy. This context is crucial for players familiar with the original.

Play previous game first: The game heavily relies on knowledge of the first Bustafellows; reviewers advise playing the earlier game to understand the story, as no recap is provided.

Localization issues highlighted: A player requests Chinese localization, while others note English text with Japanese audio and missing subtitles for Japanese audio, which can hinder enjoyment.

Sequel described as season two: The game is explicitly labeled as Season 2, continuing directly from the first season, which is a common theme in the feedback.

Comparison to other games: Reviewers compare this game to Persona 5, Collar X Malice, and Cupid Parasite, noting similarities in charm, crime handling, and characterization.