Oh, the game seems to take a pretty neutral standpoint with political leanings, making fun of / critizising all of them in some measure. I feel like they made even more fun of Measureheads extra dose of lunacy. I never assumed they were trying to defend this nonsense. It was just such an incridbly stupid amount of nonsense.
I try to play a pacifist, so I don't punch people, if possible. Which is reflective in my stats, I was physically probably less imposing than Kim.
I also am completely unable to not follow every sidequest that looked at me even slightly funny. That's just how my brain works, and in the end, I was just more interested in the world and History, than the murder case (which was interesting too, just not to the same amount).
Actually, I'm done, with 27.6 hours. This game was really addictive. Always, after a quest, I wanted to have just one more conversation, and then suddenly, three hours were gone. The dialogue is great, as is the world that is built here. I'm fascinated by the way different countries, ideas and Historical events were mixed up, to create this fascinating world. That said, I had a hard time actively roleplaying. Like, I tried my best to be a sensible guy, who tries to actually help people, and I generally did. But I felt like the game wanted me to pick a political side, which I just wasn't capable of. Not in general (you can, after all, give individual answers for each situation), and more because I never got as tight a grip on the History of this place, as I had wanted to. The main example that comes to mind is Joyce, when she asks me what I think of her. I wasn't sure. I still have a too-vague sense of what actually went down, so calling her a monster for selling out didn't really feel right, but like the most fitting, at least? I don't think she's a monster, but I also still would like to know more details. I know, most people (at least I think) prefer if not every detail is spelled out, but I prefer that. You created the story, so tell me everything. Don't make me fill in the blanks.
This isn't meant as a critizism, I enjoyed my time a ton, and I have a vague feeling. And maybe I just missed some stuff.
Also, I felt way too proud of not giving Cuno speed. Like, of course I don't give that shit to a kid, why would I even second-guess that? Just, afterwards, when one of my thoughts told me that his trust was shaken, or something like that, I felt like maybe I should have given him some, so he would trust me and let me help him further. But, no, that is just a no-brainer.
Also, regarding the union-leader: I'm probably a horrible person for thinking that, but I generally agree with his plan, a bit? I know, he is a scumbag, but this town is a shithole. And I know, there are still, like, five people living here, and trying to force them out of their homes is horrible. But it also feels like it might be a chance for this place? Maybe? I wouldn't think that simple in real life, but in the game, I would take the gamble, hoping that he makes this place more prosperous, which would also, in the end, make the people here less piss-poor. It's likely the wrong decision, and will only make the asshole richer, but in a game, I can take the gamble.
I couldn't stop the meetup between the Hardy Boys and the corporate assassins to turn violent, but at least Kim survived. Only two of the Hardy Boys did. I really wanted to reload here, but then just went with it. Still, that felt really bad, and it feels like I lost here. Considering that my whole idea with these games it to play someone who helps people and solves conflicts peacefully.
So, really great game, one of the best, and especially unique, RPGs I have played in quite some time. Also, Kim is the best.
Also, I'm surprised that this game didn't create bigger waves here. I feel like this should be a game that a lot of people here should be really into. I would have expected a thread with ten pages, or so. I mean, just this thread proofs that a good amount of us has played it, just surprised that it hasn't created a bigger discussion.