Tlicolity Eyes Vol. 2

Since I enjoyed so much Tlicolity Eyes 1, I really needed to try at least Episode 2!

Even if it’s really simple and the plot is basic, this series is funny and romantic, which is good from time to time, among serious games with tragedies and blood.

This time, the heroine is called Natsume and she’s the assistant of a photographer, who aims to become a professional in this field.

Her special ability is the same as the first game’s heroine, she basically upgrades someone else’s skills; but when the effect is over, the target person falls madly in love with her for a few minutes, saying sexy and embarrassing lines.

At first, I couldn’t understand why Otomate decided to have 3 different heroines, if the concept and the setting are basically the same, but I’ve realized it while playing this game: a different heroine changes a lot the general atmosphere of the game.

It may seem obvious, but I didn’t realize how important it is, until I played Episode 2: here, there’s overall a more serious vibe, determined by the different approach of Natsume to the characters’ past and attitude towards her. Everything feels more “adult”.

It’s not only about age, it’s her personality and how it matches the characters.

Natsume can date 2 boys: a senpai from work, Yousuke, who is a great photographer, and a famous model, Wataru. Their personalities are the complete opposite!

Let’s start talking about Wataru.

He loves flirting with girls, he knows he’s handsome and popular; as soon as he meets Natsume, he teases her because she obviously isn’t experienced with men, and he gladly offers his help.

So yeah, even before entering his route, he asks her to live with him and admire his shining perfection, at day and night! I think I’ve never met such a straightforward person, not even in my wildest games.

I thought it was going to be all sexy and funny, but this route actually felt more serious and sad than I expected.

His special power is to remember everything he ever hears, so he can’t forget the trauma of his childhood, when he was bullied: every insult he received, will be carved in his mind forever.

This makes his confident appearance only a facade, since he’s actually fragile inside.

When he revealed this truth, he decided to move on and be more honest with the girls he dated in the past; here’s where this route became kinda weird, since he was doing those “simulation dates” with Natsume, just to practice and be perfect with other girls. What?!

I guess he couldn’t consider the heroine cute enough for him at first, but it was kinda annoying since she obviously had feelings for him at that point. Being friendzoned is awful.

But then, the otome games magic started working!

I loved when Natsume was trying to show his feelings and approach him, even if she had the attitude of a middle schooler.

Anyway, I liked Wataru, he’s a nice person, but I’m not sure they are a perfect couple: he’s too experienced with girls, while she’s way too innocent for her age, filling this gap is not easy.

Aesthetically, I think her photographer senpai looked better with her.

Yousuke is quiet and serious, you can tell from the start that he has a weak spot for the heroine, but showing his feelings is not easy for him. And she’s kinda dumb, let’s admit it.

He always tries to protect her, being even forceful at times; since they are not in a relationship, his attitude can seem too oppressive and almost yandere-ish, as if he wants to control every move she makes, at work and in private.

I can’t really blame him, since Wataru at first glance seems just a playboy, so I understand why Yousuke was trying to prevent Natsume from trusting him too much.

I have mixed feelings about him, in the end: he’s a good guy, but somehow I don’t like him as a partner. I don’t know why, he gives off creepy vibes.

When you’re done with the individual routes, as usual you can play the triangle route (well, you can basically call it threesome route), which gives you the chance to date both guys at the same time, pretending they are just friends.

So, did I enjoy Tlicolity Eyes 2?

I won’t lie, compared to Episode 1, this felt way more boring.

I mostly blame the heroine for being way too innocent for her age (come on, she’s 23!!) and also the overall atmosphere which was more serious and sometimes even angsty.

Since the originality (and the main point of the game) is based on the funny system, I don’t think a sad scenario fits the theme: I felt like there were less “Tlicolity Mode” situations compared to Episode 1, and some of them felt forced.

I can’t say it’s terrible, Wataru is a nice boy and Yousuke has his good points too, but there’s nothing really memorable about them or the game itself.

I don’t feel very motivated to play Episode 3 at this point, but we’ll see what happens!