Overall, I consider THE SHELL Part 2, also known as Kara no Shoujo the Second Episode HD, an improvement over the original. That said, I can see why some might view it as a downgrade if they are staunch believers in KnS1.

KnS2 is similar to the original in that it remains a murder mystery game with gruesome killings and shares a writing style that features protagonist Reiji Tokisaka, a private detective. However, the settings, characters, and thematic focuses are quite different from the original.

KnS2 has a mostly different cast, which could be a double-edged sword for some players, as much of the beginning involves getting to know new characters. Personally, I found the supporting cast in KnS2 and the overall mystery to be better than that of the first game, especially as someone who considered Toko Kuchiki incredibly overrated. However, this meant a few early flashbacks that felt too long for my liking, but the characters and setting introduced in the new village were interesting.

While this part of the story diverges significantly from the Catholic all-girls high school setting of the original, I believe it is generally superior. I consider this part of the plot a better version of Umineko, featuring a very messed-up family dynamic. If Umineko is like the visual novel version of Crazy Rich Asians, then KnS2 could be considered Crazy Religious Asians.

Thankfully, these flashbacks are important to the present narrative, and the present day murder mystery remains engaging. When not mired in lengthy flashbacks, the pacing is decently fast, balancing character development with the buildup of numerous mysteries, as the plot is quite complex this time.

In addition to new characters from this small village, I appreciated those introduced in present time, including a new deuteragonist who serves as Reiji's detective assistant. Despite the mostly new cast making it feel like KnS2 is more of a spinoff from KnS1, it is definitely still a sequel due to several important returning characters whose motivations are influenced by events from KnS1.

The return of concepts and characters from Cartagra (like best girl Toji) was also enjoyable. While you don't need to have played Cartagra to enjoy KnS2, it's nice to see nods, callbacks, and thematic parallels.

KnS2/Shell 2 also improves technically. The gameplay mechanics are less annoying, with most investigations requiring you to just simple click on everything once, and there are far fewer map selection sequences. The only mild annoyances include needing a certain character's affection level to be high enough to achieve the best endings and being locked into a normal ending on your first playthrough. You then must start a new game and are forced to reread some flashback scenes that aren't significantly different. Thankfully there ARE also a handful of important new scenes before reaching true ending choices.

The eroge elements are less gratuitous this time; even the few plot-required H-scenes contribute better to character development. However, if incest themes—regardless of their serious handling—are uncomfortable for you, reconsider reading this visual novel.

Another minor flaw is that some character motivations felt overly simplistic or too easily forgiven at times. They stretch human morality even for this series' darker yet down-to-earth writing style. Although there were only a few loose ends from KnS1 to tie up in KnS2, I wish they were better integrated into the narrative, as I said earlier, sometimes KnS2 feels like a spinoff rather than a direct continuation of KnS1.

Overall, despite being 70 hours on full auto read, KnS2 was a consistently great experience, and I look forward to the final game.

9/10

the best visual novel series (read before Steam re-release)

i want to kill myself now