I do think that, like the last one, the ending shits the bed somewhat, and gets caught up in whatever dumb narrative it had created for itself, but importantly VLR understands that what is most interesting about it is how the following of different routes is integral to the narrative, and not simply different little things to collect, as is the case with many VNs. THe slow drip feed of the plot was excellent, until the end when it all sort of comes crashing down.

Regardless, I have seen few games that actively interrogate the player's role in a narrative and their ability to shape it. It improves on 999 tenfold by making the puzzles significantly harder, the art style better, and the plot actually make sense. I am sure that I will eventually get around to Zero Time Dilemma.

Zero Escape is back and this time they cranked the bullshit up to 110%. An equally good game to 999. Always love the idea of a sequel that takes place somewhere completely different, with a different cast of characters and style that also carries on the story and themes of the original game. Story is pretty nuts but rewarding, giving an ending that leaves a tonne of excitement to the imagination. Only downside to this over 999 is that I feel like 999 nailed the relationship and emotional stuff better than VLR but it's a minor gripe with how strong the rest of the narrative is.

It is the sequel to 999. While it is great and I loved playing it all the way through, it wasn't as good as the original. The production value is clearly higher being polygonal graphics, full VO and better puzzles. I did see some of the twists coming but the reveal was exciting none the less. I ended up playing the European 3DS version which is clearly inferior compared to all other version out there as it doesn't have the English VO which sucks and it has a game ruining save bug which can delete your entire progress. Clearly the version to get is the North American Vita version. But since I don't have a Vita and I wasn't going to buy one just for this I had to settle for this version. Still though, it's a great game. I'm looking forward to the next one when ever it comes out.

Virtue's Last Reward é piiiiica. Em termos de história, ele compensa a falta de um plot twist tão maneiro quando a do 999 no DS com vários plot twists que não são tão fora da caixa como o do 999, mas que ainda assim geram muita surpresa. Novamente comparando com o 999, os puzzles não são taaao legais assim. Se baseiam muito em ficar olhando e tentando memorias os arquivos e aplicar eles no puzzle em si. E o final é meio longo demais e o final final final mesmo achei meio anticlimático, ainda mais novamente comparado a delicia que é o final do 999.
No fim das contas o Virtue's Last Reward ainda vive muito na sombra do original, mas a grande escala da historia e os novos plot twists sustentam muito bem

They topped 999 with VLR, and I really enjoyed 999. At first, it looks to be a downgrade with the switch to 3D models, the need to include that poor man's Monokuma with Zero III, and some of the characters looking so outlandish. Right off the bat though, they introduce a huge improvement in the ability to jump instantly to specific sections of the game, unlike in 999 where you had to see an ending all the way through, even if you knew you were heading towards a dead end.

But most importantly, the main twist of this game is not only well implemented in terms of the plot, it casts a whole different perspective on everything you've done up to that point. I couldn't believe what I was seeing when I encountered it, and its why I think so fondly of the Zero Escape series still.

That's my first entry in the Zero escape series and I already want to play all of them!
The games grew some much on me. At first, I was interested in the puzzles and not in the story, however not long after a few hours, the scenario changes completely. The puzzles were still cool, but I wanted to finish them quickly to continue the story.

The puzzles are well designed and challenging but not frustrating, which make them possible to solve with a bit of patience even in the hard mode.

The story is the top-notch and mindfuck. It's impressive how the game manages to surprise all the time, at the same making sense with the twists and turns.

It's a great experience. I played for more than 50 hours to get every single part of the story and discover all the possible endings, and I can't imagine not playing this way!