CHAPTER 1
Developer AADev made some tweaks to deliver a better and safer first chapter. It seems like the lactation and sister roleplay content are no longer welcome in the series, with the dev cutting a few side scenes to make sure payment processors won't go after the game. It was good content for a few renders, and you can probably find them out there on the internet.
In addition, the developer made some small textual changes to scenes in order to keep the story flowing better. You won't be able to load your previous save for this one, so it's mandatory you play through the entire first chapter before you can reach chapter 2. Another big change is that AURA is now a colorized hologram version with less transparency, rather than a blue-ish transparent one. This fits in line with chapter two's reveal, of which I won't spoil anything further.
POINTS SYSTEM
The previous build of Echoes of 2990 already featured a points system, but this new release takes it to a new level. Not only are designated points and requirements added for chapter 1, but there are now actually more requirements added for chapter two. A new stats screen on the top left will tell you how much love or lust you have with a character, in addition to your IQ and strength. Some responses you'll only be able to give with high IQ, while at least one important story branch requires you not to have high IQ.
Same with dominance and submissiveness. Submissiveness seems to be a recurring theme throughout chapter two, as several of the characters seem to appreciate the MC's ability to submit. Being careful of not spoiling too much here, you would do well to swallow your pride sometimes so other things can be swallowed, or at least sucked on.
CHAPTER 2
The Celestara's crew set for space at the end of chapter 1, after being ambushed by the Null Pact. While commander Veronica is set on revenge, most of the crew takes time out to connect with each other, including the MC. Anastasia is doing scientific research, Liv is on medical checkups and Amina is working technicals for the ship. Each of the women have their separate moments with the MC and while you can pick a response, the game decides how the relationship will unfold.
From chapter 2 on, you are able to miss out on certain plots and scenes due to your playthrough. Make sure to gear up for several saves with multiple crewmembers, because things will most likely just expand from here.
TECHNICAL
Make sure you are playing the 0.2.2 version of the game, it has a few important tweaks and bugfixes to improve game quality. The new Stats screen helps with figuring out where your MC is on the personality field. -2 and +2's to character's lust or love are possible, so make sure you keep the numbers in check, even though the game might tell you it's a +1 prompt.
A special mention should be made for the use of AI music in this game. As with many games, devs have resorted to creating music this way. AADev took it a step further and created an in-game popstar named Luxelle, who is famous for her pop music, obviously generated by AI. It's a scene and you get to pick your favorite song for a crew member, which is kind of uncanny, but very cool at the same time.
While this release is larger in size than the original chapter, somehow it feels smaller in overall impact. Many of the things set up here play out in chapter 3, which by the looks of it should be a very divisive chapter on a new planet.
Original review: Echoes of 2099 (Chapter 1)
Developer: AADev Itch.io | Patreon
