I really wish there was an option to give a mixed review for cases like this, instead of just positive or negative. Since the vast majority of reviews are positive, I'll go with negative, because while this game isn't a bad point-and-click adventure overall, it does have some aspects that are truly off-putting.
First, the positives: Like the first installment in the series, Black Mirror II succeeds in creating a rich atmosphere – perfect for fans of cozy horror. While the first two chapters are somewhat drawn out, from the third chapter onward, [Spoiler]and with the return to Willow Creek[/spoiler] the game particularly shines in this regard.
Most of the puzzles are fun and neither too difficult nor too easy, so the flow of the game is not interrupted too much. Although I think there could definitely have been more puzzles for my taste.
Unfortunately, that's where the positive aspects end.
Without a doubt, the worst thing about Black Mirror II is the character writing. I can't recall ever having to play a protagonist as unpleasant, arrogant, and selfish as Darren. He's a cringeworthy edgelord par excellence. Not even Gabriel Knight or Curtis from Phantasmagoria II or the guy from Harvester, to name just a few more of these somewhat unpleasant protagonists, can hold a candle to him.
I despise Darren with every fiber of my being.
The writers of this game have missed not a single opportunity to impart their sexist, misogynistic, fatphobic, ableist, and ageist views to us through Darren. It's simply exasperating.
And everything that's supposed to portray him as 'cool' and 'nonconformist' only makes it worse. He's a lolcow.
Then there's a 'love story' in the first half of the game that's beyond cringeworthy. The only thing missing was Darren addressing his love interest as "M'Lady" every time they meet.
Oh, and to add to the nausea you feel during each of these scenes:
[Spoiler]This game has an incest plotline that is never acknowledged or mentioned by the characters after they find out what's going on??![/spoiler]
It's mind-boggling.
Other characters, such as the aforementioned love interest (but also others), range from flat to irritating in their portrayal.
The story itself is okay, I suppose. It definitely picks up some of the plot points from Part I and develops them further.
What I was hoping for were a few more explanations, [Spoiler]something like how the curse works, why it exists, and whether there's a way out.[/spoiler] After all, as players, we're supposed to accept that in this otherwise realistic world, there are supernatural forces that are accepted as reality by most of the characters.
And what exactly are the antagonists of the first and this part trying to achieve? [Spoiler]To ‘gain power’? What kind of power is that supposed to be exactly?[/spoiler]
Before I can think of ten more things that could have been done better, the only question remaining is: Would I recommend Black Mirror II?
Yeah, I think so. If you've played Part I and want to play Part III to experience the whole story, I would also 'recommend' playing through Part II for the sake of completeness. As I said before, the game [i] does [/i] have its positive aspects. If you manage to ignore the protagonist's awful commentary, you can definitely find some entertainment value in the gameplay, the exploration, and so on.
Also, the backgrounds are beautifully drawn. So… yay?
