Estranged: The Departure

I really wanted to like this game but truthfully couldn't. Act 1, the first game, is significantly better in terms of what it wants to do, despite the original being much simpler. I feel like this game, although a wonderful effort from the dev that I applaud, falls flat beyond its art direction (which is certainly not perfect, falling into unintentionally "cheap" territory at times). It started out great, the first 20 or so minutes I loved with the atmosphere, worldbuilding, and sense of moving forward after the many years since Act 1 came out. After that... things made me sad. The game is confused about if it wants to be a mystery I walk through or an intense setpiece sim, and it didn't do either well. I've encountered barely any enemies and a chase(?) scene happened out of the blue with pumping music before suddenly ending. The story is lacking to where... okay, I'm only an hour in but what even is the story? I had beef with Act 1's telling of a great story bogged down by endless walking at points, but this is just flat out boring to me. I don't know if I'll finish playing this game after the hour I've gone through thus far. If I go back, it'll be to experience the rich atmosphere this developer is best at. One dev made this game and I love him for spending his effort on Act 1 and this. It's why I really feel as sad as I do that this doesn't appeal to me. Play this if you liked Estranged Act 1 and want to support the developer (at least, for their effort on that title), but I can't recommend playing this unless you really want to see what comes next for this world or wish to support its creator.

THIS GAME ROCK!!! I loved the first one but this one (the second one) was even better! I can't wait for Part 3!