The Shell Part I: Inferno is a stunning experience. I was absolutely captured by the narrative and the themes it was drawing on and exploring. The writers know how to elicit some powerful emotion out of the reader, whether it be terror, grief, or occasionally relief. The music is masterfully crafted, lifting the entire experience beyond the already incredible high set by the narrative alone. The only significant negative for me is that tedium that sets in on additional playthroughs, but that feels like a minor gripe when weighed against everything I got out of The Shell. It’s worth playing through blind a few times over to experience the highs and lows of Reiji’s life as a detective, and then even though it’s difficult you have to get to the true ending to see The Shell deliver on everything it builds with its narrative.
If you’re here for romance I suspect you may be disappointed. There isn’t enough strength in the romantic writing for me to recommend it on that basis. Really Please Be Happy is more story than yuri. I was pleased and engaged by the experience but I do think it’s important to go in with the appropriate expectations. Please Be Happy is light, but it isn’t disposable. If you’re looking for a relaxed slice-of-life story with some thoughtful exploration of purpose and identity, with a small helping of romance, then I think Please Be Happy is a safe bet. If nothing else the wonderful art and music justify the price tag in my book.
So, should you give Dungeon Travelers 2: The Royal Library & the Monster Seal a shot? My general verdict is yes, but if you’re looking for a deep narrative to get immersed in and complex characters to explore, you’d be better off looking almost anywhere else. If you’re looking to ogle some anime girls with a thin veneer of deniability in the presence of gameplay, there are better options for you. But, if you’re looking for a well-crafted and engaging DRPG set against a serviceably fun story and world, with a panty shot thrown in every few hours to keep things fresh, congratulations. You are the target audience, Dungeon Travelers 2 sees you, it understands you, you are loved, you are valid. Go wild.