If this was a standalone game, I’d perhaps rate it a little higher, but as a follow up to the original Somnium Files game I find it falls hard. There were a variety of unnecessary references and inclusions from the first game that added nothing, or out right harmed, the narrative. Certain characterization decisions were so unfitting and poorly done I can’t believe that the people who wrote them even played the first game. A lot of the new characters promoted unhealthy ideals and weren’t interesting. Even returning characters, as stated before, were not needed or had a lot about them effectively ruined. (Big spoilers incoming) Having Mizuki’s parents from the first game not actually being her parents is not something that should’ve happened. Her entire narrative was the decision and struggle about choosing between her biological family and her found family. Kizuna’s narrative with Lien is portrayed as sweet but it promotes stalking and harassment. I especially find what they did with Date, the former protagonist, to be horrible. Their refusal to acknowledge what happened in the first game (despite even having an option at the start to signal you’re a returning player) hurts Date as a character so much. The developers shouldn’t have to cater to new players when it’s fairly obvious they should play the first game in a story heavy series before the second, as it just ended up alienating people. Additionally shafting Date for years and leaving Mizuki alone, and having their reunion be so lukewarm is so unsatisfying. Which is how I feel as a whole, so dissatisfied with most everything the plot tried to do. While I do find the timeline twist to be really well foreshadowed, which I think is the highlight of the game’s writing, I find my opinions on the twist itself to be really mixed. It takes a lot of suspension of disbelief. While I was really excited for the game upon release, I found myself to be mostly let down.
I like Ryuki and Tama though :)

My favorite mystery game I’ve ever played. I find the atmosphere here so endearing and I genuinely couldn’t put the game down until I solved things (my playtime was 24 hours and I beat it in 2 days).
I found each character to be interesting and the developments gained from going down each route had me so invested. In particular, the Mizuki route still makes me feel emotional.
The character writing is witty and charming, the twists are well done, the environments are fun with lots of unique interact dialogue, and there’s so much well done symbolism too.