by redle » Wed, 15Feb18 22:43
Mixed feelings on the LWT2 preview.
New look models:
I can appreciate the upgrade to newer, better, more controllable models. The new Tracy does look sexy. Her breasts do seem to have grown a number of sizes though. As someone else mentioned, I did like the voluptuous, but all-natural, feel of the original. The new one seems to have had some work done. The makeup point doesn't bother me though. Women change that based on their mood or environment at whim. I can imagine scenarios where she'd feel like dolling up easily enough.
(For me though, the discussion of model looks is merely for the sake of conversation. Just like asking blonde or brunette. While I may claim a preference, if a woman looks good, she looks good. Doesn't really matter whether or not she matches all of my preconceived notions of type or ideal. I'd enjoy the game close enough to the same amount regardless [yes, differences can be carried too far, but I don't think you're approaching that range])
Gameplay:
The comments here make me a bit more nervous. There aren't any real specifics how it will work, so I can only offer general conjectures.
Some people don't enjoy stats builders. I do tend to enjoy them. Although they can still reach a point of feeling like a nasty grind. The biggest problem with most stat-builder games is that most of the stat growth has nothing to do with the interest of the game. The best strategy to playing them tends to be, devote the first half of the game to growing stats and ignoring the goal. Then spend the second half on the good stuff and ignore the stats.
One of the key ingredients that made LWT really stand out was that a good portion of the stats building was actually in building the rapport with the girls. There was still the money and strength stats that tried to dominate the early gameplay, but they didn't completely overwhelm the girls as players were forced to keep morale up (the money and strength grind could still have been lessened, but at least they were held somewhat in check). The grind to build relationships is what made it feel like a game and like something was actually accomplished/earned.
The "key decisions" has the feel of visual novel to me. Visual novels are a perfectly good media presentation format. To me, though, they don't qualify as games (I'm sure debates exist whether they are or aren't. I'm not trying to start such a debate here. I'm just stating that my preference would be for something further from visual novel than closer to it). Yes, the original, and hopefully the sequel, have a fun story arcing throughout the game. I like a good story with my games, but I also like a high degree of interaction. Just some food for thought.