Goes without saying that you should get the uncensored patch before playing. Before getting into the review proper, I just want to say Shiravune's translation is mostly fine but genuinely unacceptable at other times. There's a line where the Japanese actor says "Maybe I should take you to see Ebisu Bashi in Osaka" but the text says "Maybe I should take you to Times Square in New York". This isn't something that is just me being a Japanese language elitist or anything, this is something anyone who's using their ears would figure out that something is wrong.

Anyways;

The second chapter in the Kara no Shojo trilogy continues to build on the foundations set by the first game. While I don't think it is nearly as strong as Part I, it has its own merits that serve as both a good sequel to Part I and an intriguing setup to the upcoming Part III. I won't delve too much into the plot here but be forewarned, the central theme of this game is unapologetic incest. If that is a major turn off for you (which, I don't blame you if it is) then you're probably better off watching a True Ending guide on YouTube or reading a plot synopsis online. There's also a very long and quite uncomfortable rape scene which is required to view to get the true ending if playing with the uncensored patch.

These thematic gripes and unnecessary scenes aside, the writing was great for the most part. It may seem like it absolutely drags, especially during the first few hours because of the flashback segment, but it becomes so well paced by the end that you'll get addicted to seeing more and more of the story as it twists and turns. The music is also great in this game. While not as good as Part I's spectacular OST, the songs on offer here serve up atmospheric delights galore along with some real melodic earworms. The backgrounds and character artwork are the only real step up the sequel has over the original, the muted colour palette and harsh linework on character join to create an almost ethereal feel to the game that works quite well to its favour, given the story it is trying to tell.

A solid 8.25/10. Very much looking forward to Part III!