I'm reviewing this as if it were Born from a Wish.

This prologue is fairly lineal once you know how to get around the mansion and the apartments, it takes about half an hour if you played it like that. Besides, you don't really need to interact with enemies since they don't get in your way more than a couple times unless you go somewhere you don't need to go.

Having said that, I think this little chapter is nearly a masterpiece. It explains how Maria came to be and what she really is without hitting your head over it. It's really subtle and can have multiple readings. It also explains why she is so interested in James since he's the only reason for her to exist; she was created for her. That's why she doesn't know if she should keep on living at first, because she had no purpose.

Anyway, I'm glad I finally got around to play this short experience. The main game is my favorite game ever and that's why I was sceptical of playing this and potentially ruining what I feel about SH2 as a whole. I had great expectations about this and it delivered in spades.