u/BlackBoo123

It's weird. When I watched the announcement trailer for the first time, I didn't think I was going to play it. It was feeling too much like an apology game, something forced, to appeal the fans. Later, even tho the bits of gameplay we got looked cool, I still had the same feeling.

Decided to buy it after the reviews. And then during and after playing the game, I didn't have this ''nostalgia bait'' feeling at all. I was expecting to roll my eyes or cringe at some scenes, but I genuinely liked the interactions, conversations and how they handled the relationships. It felt to me like they were trying to give as much depth and reasons behind the characters actions as they could in their limited time.

And now, seeing the discourse online, I actually have a different opinion compared to a lot of what I saw people saying.

The game was received with heavy skepticism, despite the nostalgia. People weren't looking to love this game after DE. They could see right through the supposed intentions with it. Anything cheap would be quickly called out and I don't think as many people would enjoy if it was that way (especially non Chloe fans). Being nostalgia bait alone would not carry this game, imo. Some level of care, love and attention would have to exist. But at the same time (paradoxically), the nostalgia premise also could make it stronger game if used correctly.

Basically, I keep reading the allegations about the game being nostalgia bait in a negative way. The premise relies heavily on it, obviously, and something it's shameless, yes. But I also don't think it's 100% a detriment to it. Even if what to do was somehow handed to them instead of being born as creative desire (since they had to course correct due to the criticisms), I still think that the ones responsible for creating it could take this and turn into something that doesn't feel this way. They can take a handed premise and create something really good around, studying the characters and fleshing it out as much as possible and developing something that tries to have a reason to exist and tries to have substance (which I think they did).

Anyone that shares the same sentiment about the game? Expected something that would bank solely on cheap nostalgia but is engaging and sweet? Hell, even the most blatant nostalgia moments (Ex: Spanish Sahara being used when Chloe saved Max) actually felt nice. I think it was kind of fitting for the scene, even tho I saw people disliking music choice (which is fine too).

Obviously the game is not perfect, you can dispute several decisions, story moments, creative choices, technical quality, etc. But I'm surprised to feel this way. Reunion certainly didn't need to exist, but I'm glad it does.

(And for the record, I think they were right not to go against the tide. A lot of the complaints about the direction they were taking and their decisions had merit to it, and it is a lot smarter to evaluate that and use the genuine constructive criticism to improve the next title, and that comes from someone who doesn't hate DE or think it's an abomination - I actually think the game had a lot of cool stuff that could be better explained or better used in RE).