Introduction

Ever wanted to dive headfirst into a visually sumptuous world where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy a story without any of those pesky choices getting in the way? Say hello to "Fault Milestone Two: Side: Above." This charming little visual novel does all the heavy lifting for you, whisking you through a tale of magic, adventure, and some surprisingly deep character insights, all while you sit back and snack on your favorite chips. It's like being fed grapes by a noble while lounging under a sunshade, except you’re more likely to hear the crunch of your chip bag than the clanging of swords.

Gameplay

In this linear journey, you're sticking close to our protagonists, Selphine and Ritona, who are stranded and trying to find their way back to the besieged kingdom of Rughzenhaide. As they traverse through various locales, you get to sit back and watch the drama unfold. You won’t be choosing your own adventure here, which could either be your worst nightmare or the best thing since sliced bread. Gameplay consists of reading dialogue and absorbing artwork, while the characters engage in emotional discussions that could put your average soap opera to shame. The game doesn’t shy away from deep character exploration either; it’s all about developing those relationships. What you won’t find, however, is a plethora of generic choices that lead to multiple game endings. It's a single-player experience, so you can really get into the nitty-gritty of character development without worrying about the pressure of decision-making. Imagine watching a series instead of trying to binge it with a friend who keeps insisting, 'But what if we do this instead?' Yeah, no thanks – one optional choice was removed because it interrupted the flow. Stick to the story, folks.

Graphics

Visually, "Fault Milestone Two: Side: Above" is the art equivalent of a French pastry: delicate, beautifully constructed, and occasionally, you'll wonder how it’s even possible. The character designs are expressive, and the environments are lush and detailed, making you feel like you’re flipping through a high-quality anime. The backgrounds are less ‘standardized anime’ and more akin to an impressionist painting—each scene feels crafted with care. Each still is accompanied by music that definitely stands out, creating an immersive atmosphere. You'll find it's a feast for the eyes AND ears, as the soundtrack complements emotional beats rather well, though at times, some scenes might benefit from a bit more music rather than just ambient sounds. The visuals work hand-in-hand with the story, enhancing those emotional moments when characters broach heavier topics over cups of tea or during moments of introspection.

Conclusion

Overall, "Fault Milestone Two: Side: Above" presents a lovely escape into its fantasy world. While the lack of player choice might frustrate decision-making junkies, it offers an opportunity to sit back and enjoy a narrative that is both heartfelt and visually stunning. Sure, there are areas where it could expand (like perhaps more content or more branching paths), but if you're in it for the story and the characters, then this is a solid entry in the visual novel genre that won’t disappoint. Players of the original will find much to love, and if you haven’t gone through the first installment, you might as well treat yourself to a marathon. After all, who needs choices when the storyline is this engaging? So grab your controller, cozy up on your couch, and dive into this animated wonder. Just don’t forget the chips!

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