Scott is right. If there’s one obvious thing that separates To Heart 2 from its predecessor (and by predecessor, I mean the original series - not To Heart: Remember Not to Drink When Pregnant), it’s the simple fact that Konomi is no Akari.
Of course, that doesn’t mean To Heart 2 doesn’t have its own charms. It still exists within the To Heart world, after all, and Takaki’s female classmates are all cut from that pleasant, “girl next door” To Heart template. Konomi could be Akari if the story allowed - but it doesn’t. To Heart 2 is, essentially, To Heart Neutered. It’s a standard bishoujo game dressed up in the trademark red and white seifuku.
The funny thing is, the lack of a central figure in To Heart 2 ultimately provides each girl the opportunity to shine. In the original series, for example, a character like Karin would have gotten little attention. In To Heart 2, however, she shows up again and again. And, of course, there are hordes of Komaki Manaka fans out there (myself included!). All things considered, the two characters you would most expect to win Takaki’s love - Konomi and Tamaki - get very little screentime whatsoever. I suppose To Heart 2 should be commended for attempting to satisfy fans of each girl, at least. In the original series, one is inherently obligated to cheer for Akari.
Admittedly, I’m a To Heart fanboy, so I’m inclined to appreciate anything and everything To Heart (yes, even Remember My Memories… just pretend it’s an alternate universe or something, and it’s not all that bad). So, I can’t complain much about To Heart 2, even if it does lack most of the charm of the original series. It’s still To Heart.
Remember My Memories? That exists? I don’t believe that it does.
I think that the main problem with To Heart 2 is that it’s a sequel, so it lacks some of what made the original great. Regardless, it’s still much better than many other bishoujo game sequels are.
Too bad that I can’t say the same about the TH2 TV series, which bored me to death after two episodes, while the original is in my top favorites.
Well, anything that spawns a vid like “Funky Cat Maybe” can’t be all bad.
But that picture is just… WRONG.
All that’s left are:
1) The whole cast do something like Heart Fighters from the first series. Konomi and Tamaki duking it out in a Higurashi-esque fashion = totally interesting to watch.
2) Or they could also try playing Day of Saggitarius from MoSH. Though, I think Lucy and Karin would pwn everyone else.
It’s not the problem with To Heart 2 but rather with the anime adaptation. Leaf is working on a new To Heart 2 anime, so there’s still hope…
…unless we end up with yet another Remember My Memories… *shudder*
P.S. TAMA-NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
I think To-Heart anime was kind of a random-stumbled-upon magical formula that cannot be described by mere words. Attempts to replicate it will always fail to measure up to the original.
Which is to say, go play the games already. Forget that there is a To-Heart anime beyond the first handful.
Regarding the post picture: Nice one. Could have imagined it myself. ^_-
Personally, I’ve never been taht impressed with To Heart, not that I don’t like the bishoujo genre, but To Heart just never managed to grab me.
That being said, TAMANEE is a goddess and the paragon of womanhood.
I’m curious to learn what the new To Heart 2 anime entails… aside from the announcement, I haven’t heard anything. Is it a do-over? A continuation? A sequel? Will everyone look like shit next time? It is a mystery.
If it will become like the Negima and Kanon remakes, it will be gorgeous than it is today!