College Bound Episode 2

Midplayz
Feb 18, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 15

(College Bound Episode 2 didn't have any video so same video for College Bound Episode 1 is used)

A Well Made Sequel

With its second episode, College Bound is returning, and boy, does it deliver fresh adventures! This time, there's much more to the story than simply college drama—meeting interesting people, discovering mysteries, and yes, even playing blackjack. Everything now looks and feels smoother and sharper thanks to the numerous new pictures and animations that have been included. In addition, there are plenty of accomplishments to strive for. Although I adored the first episode for its compelling narrative and decision-making, Episode 2 looks to liven things up with some updates and additions. Next, let's see where this college drama goes!

About This Game

Storyline

Episode 2 takes place at a slower pace, concentrating on the protagonist's daily college life and the new obstacles that come with it, following the high stakes of Episode 1. The narrative thickens with the introduction of additional people and the revelation of secrets as it digs further into the enigmatic circumstances around the scholarship. But it's clear that the tale makes a little diversion from its tight concentration on the scholarship plot, moving more toward a slice-of-life experience. This change enables the protagonist's relationships to be explored, especially with new characters and the mysterious Blanca, whose goals become a major plot aspect. However, some players may find themselves pining for the drama of the first episode due to the lack of a compelling overarching story.

Gameplay Mechanics

With new features that improve player engagement, the gameplay in Episode 2 stays faithful to the core of VNs. Afterall, it uses the same base game as episode 1. With the addition of Blackjack, the gameplay experience becomes more varied and enjoyable. New achievements also give players new objectives to aim for, which increases the replay value of the game. There are reviews out there that express dissatisfaction about the absence of an Episode Selection screen. We're in luck because the developers included that screen, which lets us play the preferred episode again!

Visuals & Audio

With visuals and animations that are more detailed and aesthetically pleasing than those in Episode 1, the rendering quality has improved significantly. These improvements make every scenario in the game more enjoyable to experience and greatly add to its overall aesthetic appeal. The game is essentially the same as the last episode in terms of audio.

Pros

Improved visuals and animations enhance the gaming experience.
The addition of Blackjack and new achievements adds variety to gameplay.
The storyline introduces intriguing new characters and secrets.
Instead of releasing each episode as a separate game, they released them as DLCs to one base game. In addition to that, they also added an Episode Select screen which easily allows you to choose what episode you want to play.

Cons

A slower-paced narrative may not appeal to those seeking the drama of the first episode.
The lack of an overarching story reduces the sense of urgency and progression.

Conclusion

College Bound's second episode has a mixed bag of improvements and drawbacks. Although the gameplay and graphic enhancements are praiseworthy, not every player may find satisfaction in the altered pace and emphasis of the plot. In spite of this, the episode provides a crucial link to the drama that will soon unfold and the revelations that are indicated for Episode 3. Although the fact that the upcoming episodes would cost money is a little depressing, the devs’ decision makes sense considering the level of quality and effort shown in the first two episodes which are free to play. They have been generous enough. Hopefully, the upcoming episodes will build on the strong base set by their predecessors and provide even more incentive to return to the world of College Bound.

Rating: 9/10

Bye bye Summer...