ef – the latter tale.

After the christmassy off-time for my blogging here on N-Field, how about commencing the newly started year (Happy New Year! everyone btw. ^_^) with another entry that goes to the Bishoujo Soft thoughts/impressions category? Frankly, coming up with another write-up for that part of N-Field so soon (after merely a month since the last one posted) wasn’t planned, since I really didn’t expect to cross through the title in focus this time around *so* fast. That’s certainly not acchieved by silly me, because the plot of this Soft would not be extensive enough, rather than it had me hooked from the very start on and so after just one month (while typing this, in fact already a week has gone by since I’m finished) of intensive time invested, yours truly is proudly presenting the latest and final write-up focusing on minori’s ef – the latter tale. Supposed to be the follow-on impressions/thoughts entry to the pretty old one done back for the first tale., which I’m now feeling quite ashamed to read through (maybe I really should get started to re-do some of the older Bishoujo/BL Soft entries as posted here?).
Before I’ll get started, let me include the usual disclaimer at this point, that (especially) this write-up comes along with more or less heavy spoilers for ef – the latter tale. – so you’ve been warned, continue reading on your own risk.

• ef – the latter tale.
Brand: minori
Release: 2008/05/30
Genre: Visual Novel Soft

Main Artist: Naru Nanao | 2C=GALORE
Scenario: Mikage | Kagami Yuu
Music: Tenmon | Eiichiro Yanagi

+ Basic Plot Outline:
The story of ef – the latter tale. ties in directly where it sort of halted back with the first tale.. After the fateful reunion on Christmas Eve at the church in Otowa, Amamiya Yuko now told Himura Yu the two stories about the people who’s young live she had some influence (help) on. Now it’s Yu’s turn to become the storyteller in exchange. Having peaked Yuko’s curiosity back at the very end of the first tale. by dropping the name Chihiro *Shindou*, with the 3rd chapter we’re moving on right into the story of the girl who’s memory goes reset every 13 hours.

•Chapter 3 – Chihiro Shindou “Terminal in the world”
Much as noted back within the recently posted commenting on the a tale of memories. regardless of the gripes one (or *I*) bare towards the TV Anime porting, the story of Shindou Chihiro was worth to continue with the series, as it’s rightfully considered by many the true highlight among the plot for ef – a fairy tale of the two. so far. Especially after we experienced this portion of the story via the TV Anime series primary, getting Mikage & minori’s Visual Novel take through the 3rd chapter of ef dedicated to Chihiro represented, was to me one of the most tempting reasons as to why the latter tale. ranked high among my Bishoujo Soft backlog titles which I should get started with next. And after about two weeks of more or less intensive playing (at a quite amazing schedule of my relations, even moreso taking the considerable little sparetime due to work into account that I had back then!) here’s having completed the first chapter of the latter tale.

The plot of “Terminal in the world” commences in similar ways as known from a tale of memories. with changes not *that* obvious at the very beginning (i.e. the most noticeable being the way Renji reflects the relationship between him and Chihiro from their first encounter at the train station up to the point she handed him over her diary). And while the storytelling at first sticks to the basics as we’ve experienced them through the Anime series, soon (I’d say basically past Renji’s decision to help Chihiro writing her story) it strays off into more or less original waters in terms of execution. Like I made mention of within the second write-up devoted on a tale of memories. or better phrased my impressions on the TV series, minori’s telling of the Chihiro story remains faithful to the style as how we minori fans experienced it back with the first couple of ef chapters of the first tale., meaning that it comes along with the same atmosphere as back with Miyako’s and Kei’s chapters. By that I’m also referring to the formula as how emotionful and gripping the storytelling and drama has been staged for this portion of the fairy tale of the two. Again going to make mention of that the methods the TV series staff chose on presenting us Chihiro and Renji’s story for a tale of memories. while certainly not bad at all, at parts felt far too expressive drama for my taste – especially right in before the conclusion of it, some fairly overdrawn events were portrayed for my taste as to what I consider good drama to be (i.e. Renji’s collecting run through the whole town). Therefore I was not only glad minori didn’t chose to closely render the outgo of this 3rd chapter, but more importantly they made it fit *their* original project and came up with the utmost pleasing method such could be portrayed for ef in my book. Even on a less biased approach, I do think that “Terminal in the world” truely does present one with the better telling, staging while at the same time delivering equal (or in some aspects more effectively) handled drama. To be fair, I guess it’s for a good portion because of the media and the possibilities therewith that minori could tell their take on Chihiro’s story – because, much like the good old “book VS movie adaption” comparisson, the Visual Novel version of this part among the plot had significant more time to spend on development of the Chapters protagonists as well as portraying the whole events from Renji’s point of view which coincidentally provides one with thoughts and insights to how *he* experienced and reflects the fateful encounter with Chihiro Shindou.

That said, one element through which this chapter ties-in with the ones from the first tale. yet completely seperates itself from the follow-up part of the latter tale. is that it’s the sole chapter among this Soft that includes decisions to be made. Much as I mentioned it back with my horrible write-up focused on the first tale., Softbrand minori often specifically makes note in that their works are more Visual Novels than Bishoujo ADV that usually are often brimful of decisions for the player to be done which affect the outcome of the (heroine) route one is about to pursue along the story progress. And while the amount of decisions / answers having such an affect were countable with one hand back at the first tale., even less are part of the latter tale. To be honest though, after crossing through Bishoujo Soft like 11eyes or the Key/Visual Art’s (aka “one look into the wrong direction and you’ve basically decided heroine B’s route is your way to stick with”) in recent times, I can’t say that such an execusion that goes back to a more literal formula of Visual *Novel* Soft was minded here at all, nor did it affect my enjoyment over ef at all. So, summed up shortly Chapter 3 of the latter tale. not only lived up to my expections of a truely beautiful handled telling of moelicious heroine Chihiro Shindou, but moreover I considered it up to that point the true highlight that minori’s fairy tale of the two. brought forth, easily topping the enjoyment that Miyako’s and even Kei’s Chapter back for the first tale. brought up. To be frankly honest with you, once I had completed “Terminal in the world”, I took some days of a break from ef. Not, because I was disappointed or felt burnt-out on it, rather than the emotional climax it had built up for the conclusion was quite heavy in my view and rather than strictly continuing to Mizuki’s part of the plot, I felt like I would need some time to let those immensive impressions that this chapter left on me settle first.

•Chapter 4 – Mizuki Hayama “Angel’s holiday” (1st half) | “In the new world” (2nd half)
With the fourth and also final chapter of ef – a fairy tale of the two. we move over to the story of Mizuki Hayama, the genki Shoujo Manga freak that merely appeared for providing some hilarious moments back in the first tale. And coevally much in contrast to what some fans firstly noted and commented towards Chihiro’s part of the story, I found it’s *this* chapter of ef, which strays off from the straightforward execusion done on the first three chapters so far. The story of “Angel’s holiday” (and also “In the new world“) basically has been adapted or ported to SHAFT’s 2nd TV Anime a tale of melodies. though having merely watched one episode of that, and therefore most of comparissons I can come up with being based on hearsay and bloggings for this Anime with several changes done for. Half a year past the events of the 3rd chapter, Mizuki Hayama cousin of Renji comes to town – the “other” Otowa (in Australia). Her aunt Sumire Asou (Renji’s lovely mother) requests her neighbour and good friend Kuze Shuuichi to play the “babysitter” for Mizuki while she’s in town and Kuze ultimately agrees to that. With that, another fateful encounter commences that is the focus of the 4th chapter among the fairy tale of the two. Both of them having secrets to be unveilled as the story of “Angel’s holiday” unfolds – one concerning Kuze’s health the other Mizuki’s past (“don’t walk to the sea with her” being the only and quite strange disclaimer Sumire expresses to Kuze once he agrees to guard Mizuki around town).

While much as done for previous stories of ef, the execution firstly remains faithful to how the event progress and drama was staged, the final chapter presented does take on some drastic change when one (or maybe just me) isn’t expecting it to come up with. While the relationship or better said possibilities of such to develop facing the utmostic dragic action between Kuze and Mizuki, the chapter’s heroine is given the diary of (and by) Chihiro. And while she is granted to read through the ups and downs those two lovebirds (meaning Chihiro and Renji) had to face until their relationship could commence (and even once it started), a name is mentioned, written within the pages of Chihiro’s diary – Amamiya Yuko. This brings us right to the unexpected but *oh so* welcomed break of Mizuki and Kuze’s story. While directly linked to Mizuki, together with Himura Yu the scenary fades into a reminiscence of the past…

•Chapter 4 – Amamiya Yuko “Summer, in the distant past”
In the “distant past” while about to move home from school, young Otowa 3rd year student Himura Yu notices a paper plane coming down from the sky. While looking up, he notices a girl sitting on edge of the school’s rooftop, supposable the same person from whom the plane comes. When Yu joins the stranger on the school’s roof for further examination, he soon realizes that this is not just an encounter with a mysterious girl wearing in the midst of summer a winterly school uniform, but moreover it’s not the first time these two people meet as the young lady makes clear to Yu. Amamiya Yuko, 1st year student at Otowa Gakuen and moreover friend of Yu back from their childhood. From this fated reunion sort of encounter, the story of Himura Yu, who still hasn’t overcome the griefs of his past (linked to the disastrous earthquake that happened back then and merely received mentioning during the first tale.) and even more intensive the past and truth of Amamiya Yuko unfolds…
Honestly, up to this very point among the chapter of Mizuki Hayama, I was still confinced that the true highlight the latter tale. had to offer, was the previous – Chihiro’s – chapter. It’s not that “Angel’s holiday” started out bad at all, but somehow I must convince of having had slight problems to connect with the lead heroine and her story at first. It contained the right portion of insteresting or intriguing secrets left to be revealed much later on, yet based on the experience and impression I gathered concerning this character, she remained pretty much the hyper active Shoujo Manga freak that has a big crush on Kei-sempai and that’s it. So, while I’ve been surprised and taught of a better when it comes to my expectations and how minori actually staged and presented ef – a fairy tale of the two. up to this point, I found the chapter of Mizuki to *this* point good, but not of the sort I’d consider to represent a good conclusion to this project. Guess I really should have gained far more faith to put towards Mikage & minori when it comes to ef, because just when I was totally not expecting it to happen, the plot of Mizuki fades into an extended flashback that actually is handled as whole new chapter within the chapter – the story of Amamiya Yuko and Himura Yu. And let’s be honest, it was *this* that we ef fans were utterly keen on knowing at last, experiencing the whole story of these mysterious two “storytellers” and what they actually represent within the chapters as told thus far. Much of this sought-after revelation work has been provided through this first part of the flashback, properly introducing you to one of the most mysterious surrounded character within ef – a fairy tale of the two. Amamiya Yuko. Seriously, once a tale of melodies. commenced broadcast, one of the many reasons why I stopped following the series after one episode relates to Yuko’s (and Yu’s) plot. After all those hints regarding Yuko delicately handed out to one during the first tale., I had a strong suspicion as to *what* exactely the young lady, who’s claiming not to be a nun yet mostly could be found at Otowa’s church, was. Once I crossed through the first tale. a second time around (ironically that was exactely a year ago ^_^) more of those hints I initially ignored were noted and seriously I *was* carving for to finally know the secret behind Yuko or let’s say I wanted my theory confirmed. While this actually did happen within the second part of the past arc of ef, the execution and staging of the whole Yuko x Yu storyline was beyond my expectations, making it to me the true highlight of a fairy tale of the two. Knowing the truth behind both Himura and Yuko did not take away one bit of the fascination from these two protagonist, but once facing the truth with these two “intermission” Chapters, not only lead to better understanding of their characters, but here I must note that to me it’s actually Yuko and Yu which represent the true lead characters of ef.

•Chapter 4 – Himura Yu “Winter, in the distant past”
With the final chapter of the past arc for ef, time has gone by and it’s winter once again. The plot ties in with the previous chapter’s events, with Yuko moved in to Himura’s modest flat and the two tragic lovers try slow but steady to built themself a new live. Not an easy task, especially with Yu haunted by flashbacks of her not so long gone by past with her “brother”, yet the love keeps them going on. Himura started design training under Hirono Nagi’s “guidance” and according to the spare messages Kuze sends to his classmates, he’s enjoying his time (and more importantly womenhood) in Germany quite a bit. One day, Yuko meets a cyring girl in front of the church. Upon approaching the poor thing, she (the girl) seemingly doesn’t appreciate the attention and effort by Yuko. Eventually though the girl replies to Yuko’s attempt to draw an answer from her to the question what’s her name with: “Miki, written like “Mirai (= future)”. And starting from this succinct first encounter between Yuko and the girl named Miki, the past is about to reveal its linking to the present setting of ef.
As hopeful as “Winter, in the distant past” began, just as tragic it *had* to end. By having reached this point within the Soft, I was pretty sure that my theory regarding the “present days Yuko” wasn’t located on the wrong side of things. The question though *how* things became the way we use to know them through the story presented thus far, was prevailing here and made me continue with some hesitation (seriously, *this* chapter took me longer than the previous one, simply because I feared bad things to happen with Himura and Yuko). While my fears received some bittersweet confirmation in the end, I should note that the execution as handled for the concluding part of the past arc tied in with the amazingly well staged drama provided with ef – a fary tale of the two. so far. While the tear jerking moments are intensified by a great percentage here, there’s no denying in how beautiful and well handled minori produced especially the resolution of the story for these two title characters with a lot of attention spent on details. While ultimately I did prefare the first half of the “distant past” plot (though basically just because it didn’t turn me into cry-baby mode as often while being a touching story) there was no single moment included during the “Winter, in the distant past” that felt not fitting in my book. In fact, this concluding part of the Amamiya Yuko and Himura Yu Chapter answered all those remaining questions regarding these two characters, while at the same time building the fluid and fitting transition resuming to the present days, or more precisely phrased to the conclusion of Mizuki Hayama’s Chapter.

And in the end, Himura Yu wins the title as best storyteller within ef. Admitted, turning off the bias for a moment, the first tale. had a bumpy start on concerns of characterization and comparing the plot, how its staged and also how it all flows together in the end, I do think that Mikage / minori truely made the latter tale. to come forth with the sparkler among the scenario for this “sequel and end”. That said though, I doubt that the impact generated with the second half of ef would be there, if the setting and atmosphere would not have been so delicately and carefully built up back with the premiere chapters that the first tale. presented us two years ago (heck, even the release scheme for ef sticks to “two”, nee? ^_^). Back than a lot of rants were pointed towards that the fairy tale of the two. remained much too “down on Earth” to be worthy of such a title and that it was sold and processed as something that it’s not. And much as noted back during the write-up done for the first tale., despite the much more magnificent plot we’ve been presented through the latter tale. in contrast, ultimately I see myself rephrasing my impression on *what* sort of story minori crafted with the fairy tale of the two. – a love story. According to (one of) the subtitles which often comes along with it, ef is a story about “will”. While this element been represented within the scenario of the first pair of chapters, I think it clearly stepped forth as significant ingredient of the plot as told via the latter tale. Scenario writer Mikage and Kagami Yu alongside the rest of minori’s skilled staff depict love though all its facets: love desperately wanted to last forever, youthful love realized not to develop into more, love that can exist despite physical hindrances as well as love that reaches beyond mortal bounds. All of these facets reflected through the chapters that ef consists of also inherit and mostly *are* acchieved through strength of will. I could go on that semi-poetical when it comes to how ef – a fairy tale of the two. affects one in the end, but let me end this part of the commenting with that while certainly not flawless altogether, with the story presented through the latter tale. its finally becoming clear what minori crafted with this project of theirs and the overall picture of that is, while at its base nothing extraordinary or which wouldn’t have been done before, a truely sparkling one through which ef – a fairy tale of the two. ensured itself a top spot among the Bishoujo/Visual Novel Soft genre.

+ Graphics / Visuals:
While at the very beginning of the starting chapter it appeared to me as if minori settled with using the very same artistical means and ways of presenting us the story of the latter tale. with, things take a drastic improvement early on. Please don’t get me wrong here, as noted back with the entry done on it, the visual presentation that minori crafted for the first tale. was already of the mighty finest kind you’re going to find in nowadays Visual Novel Soft. In fact, this Softbrand truely put in that much effort to make the presentation as top notch as the scenario progress, pushing the boundries of how such a media can be effectfully presented at almost every given chance. However, it’s gladly noticeable that minori certainly did not rest to give us merely more of the same goodness as back with the first tale., but moreover they raised the visual presentation to a whole new stage for this sequel. Aside of techniques of that sort such as the “walking next” to a character animation, we’ve got several more such little gimmicks included, one that strikes my mind / memory in these aspects being the “flowery view” during the first meet-up between Mizuki and Chihiro – or more precisely said, the hugging conducted by Mizuki when she finally gets to meet Kei-sempai’s twin sister. And another element of graphical and visual presentation that is absolute top-notch quality I’ve not experienced it in these ways before, being the event CG art. Nothing vastly unique judged by the sounds of it, but the sheer amount as well as the meticulously amount of detail spent on these is breathtaking at parts. This brings me to the artist and many many talents that were in charge and also those that landed a helping hand to this latest project by minori. Starting out with the former, we’ve got Bishoujo/Moe art gooddess Naru Nanao and once again the in comparisson less widely known artist 2C=GALORE handling the main artworks for ef – the latter tale. Much as back with the first half of the series, this means absolutely lovely outcome especially on the female side of things, that will captivate each and every fan of Nanao’s graceful art style. Yet in direct comparisson with the previous chapters published through the first tale., minori apparently found it would be time to let the 2nd artist that this joint-up work consists of, step forth with the latter tale. at last. So, aside of the male character art which goes all to the account of 2C=GALORE, this artist was also trusted with the job to design a female sub-heroine for a change this time around as well – Hirono Nagi.

Personally I must confess that while being a rapid fanboy of things concerning Naru Nanao and therewith absolutely loving her job done back for the previous half of the fairy tale of the two., I can’t say that I really wished for the other artist gaining more spotlight this time around. Yet, being an appreciator of lovely male art here as well, the more obvious step forward of 2C=GALORE’s involvement through the visuals as presented with the latter tale. included some surprisingly high percentage of up’s and also partwise down’s. On the delicious side of things, it became pretty aware that the 4th chapter is set during summer – with especially Himura’s shirt gone more and more open whenever he appeared, providing those of us that seeked or appreciate it, with some *mighty* fine Biseinen eyecandy. That was something I truely did not expect ef to contain at any point of its graphical presentation, but that’s absolutely not meaning that I wasn’t enjoying this visual element or more precisely said 2C=GALORE’s job done here. However, this also leads me to the downside of this artist’s work done for ef – the latter tale. While I guess or seem to recall, this been somewhat visable back with the first tale. as well, it’s especially with the more male direct involvement on the story progress here and more importantly the sole female designs coming from this artist, that 2C=GALORE’s art at parts looks quite rough especially in sort of compulsory direct comparisson with Nanao-sensei’s. The most obvious element that I made note of at wherein both styles differ and partwise collide is that while Nanao’s designs are famed for their gracile and feathery nature, 2C=GALORE’s is located on the much rougher/vigorous side. This becomes quite visable I’d say once you take a look at how both artist chose on drawing for example hands: Nanao’s peaked designs there versus 2C=GALORE’s sturdy ones. While I clearly wouldn’t say this ain’t fitting altogether, as noted especially for the male art this difference in art style works out quite smooth and fitting, it was at parts for the very first time *obvious* – again referring to how Hirono Nagi’s designs stand out from the rest of the female cast among ef. Another aspect of the visual presentation, where I’d say that 2C=GALORE’s art didn’t lend itself that smooth in contrast, brings me back to the “walking next to” view that minori brought forth with ef. Apparently or understandably such technique requiring actual character art animation/movement didn’t bring forth the most stunning coloration for all the charas thus far anyways (read: sometimes chara art during that scenes is simplified), but the same looked quite a lot more rough when it concerned a character that 2C=GALORE draw for this method of graphical presentation. One example that, I think, showcases what I’m rambling about here, can be seen at *this* screencap that I took of Nagi walking next to Himura. As much as I enjoyed the variation the designs (which admitted took some time to get used to) brought forth for the past arc of the latter tale., it were moments like that, where I seriously smiled and though that she looked like Hiro crossdressed (speaking of dresses, I also must note that 2C=GALORE’s Seifuku design skills are truely lacking here in comparisson with Nanao’s refined sense of that..I mean, the shirt Renji wears during the early 4th chapter is a capital crime in the eyes of every Seifuku fancier and don’t get me started on Kuze’s coat in chapter 3, as the very first shot of *that* back during the early promotion phase of ef, got me thinking he’d be some sort of cook instead of violinist ^_^). So, on the summarizing note towards the two main artists in charge of the latter tale., it can be said that overall both did an amazing well job. While one side of this artist team-up didn’t result into eyecandy at each and every moment of the Soft, I still wish for 2C=GALORE joining Nanao’s concept as conducted for Ice to Choco back last year in winter and provide us with a Doujin art collection of her works on ef – especially to cater to the bishilicious demands some of us have (though I certainly wouldn’t mind some fanservicey Nagi art either ^_^).

Continuing with the second group of aforementioned talents involved on the visual presentation for ef – the latter tale. really makes it hard for me to find a point to start the commenting with. But let’s try to at least make note of some of the amazingly many skilled people that lended their talents to ensure us minori fans such a high quality presentation for the conclusion of ef. Much as back with the first tale. and on general terms regarding the Softbrand in charge, minori managed to get fan favorite animator and multitalent Makoto Shinkai on board of the fairy tale of the two. And just as back in 2006, Shinkai-sensei crafted a mighty fine though short opening movie for the latter tale. While this movie is floating around and has been used by minori (and Bishoujo Soft magazines as Demo) ever since the pre-release state of this project’s conclusion, it’s in stark contrast with the one Shinkai did back for the first tale. at last truely an Opening Animation, though not as expected handed out to one as visual treat right at the beginning of the latter tale., but rather to commence Mizuki’s story with. And to rephrase myself once again, just as done back for the first tale. Makoto Shinkai prooves to me something that I had (up to this very project) considered to be impossible – faithfully adapting Naru Nanao’s style and the typical complex coloration used on them for animation.
Aside of the sort of expected visual candy Makoto Shinkai once again contributed to a minori project, the latter tale. moreover has another eyecandy in these aspects prepaired once completing one’s way through the Soft. Another, and far more extensive (in terms of duration) animated movie – the ED movie. Before you might think “what, even more Shinkai goodness?!”, let me say this ain’t the case here though. Instead of a second Makoto Shinkai crafted clip, it’s been Oonuma Shin (director) and Sugiyama Nobuhiro (art direction) who’s been in charge for this ED animation. Both of Anime studio SHAFT and both been among their staff having worked on the presentation of the two TV Anime portings for ef this studio created. To get rid of the second misbelief this might bring up, let me note here while at one short moment during this ED animation we’ve got some of the SHAFTism style thrown in (right when the ED song vocals commence), both talents stayed all in all faithful to the style of how minori presents us ef with, meaning no charas visually crucified or swinging their hips to the beat of the music. This also though means that both Oonuma and Sugiyama stayed yet faithful to the animation style more precisely designs and coloration as we’ve experienced them for both a tale of memories. and a tale of melodies. which means the simplified coloration (in contrast to Makoto Shinkai’s work) that results in Mizuki’s hair being blond, while Kei and Chihiro are purple-heads. However, while this piece of SHAFT involvement on the “motherproduct” of ef won’t convince me to call their job done on the TV porting of ef in these aspects througoutly pleasing either, I appreciated it *a lot* for the high quality that is represented for this method of concluding the fairy tale of the two.
Animation clips that ef rewards the fanboy/girl with aside, let me conclude this portion of the write-up by trying to make some remarks on some of the other / many talents involved for the project this time around. Again, much like back with the first tale., ef truely comes up with a gathering of the mighty finest sort of skilled and famed names among the whole industry, involved on the latter tale. and its presentation. So, while it didn’t come totally unexpected for me to see names such as minori’s Tatsuya Yuuki, KIMuchi or even Softbrands such as TYPE-MOON and Innocent Grey appearing during the credits, it truely astonished me just how much more fames had their skilled fingers in the pie. From more TYPE-MOON staffer such as BLACK (already worked on the coloration for the first tale.) to simoshi and even Takeuchi Takashi received credits alongside non Bishoujo Soft related though equally reknown names like Yasu (of Toradora! fame). In short, the line-up of talents minori managed to draw into the latter tale. and on more general terms the ef project altogether is truely astonishing, though crossing through the Soft itself (let’s be honest, I have you seen simple background art such as sky shots looking as good as it’s the case here before?), makes one realize that effort gone into each and every aspect of its presentation. Therefore the latter tale. not only ties-in with the high quality as known and experienced through the first tale. two years ago, but actually takes the means of how a Visual Novel Soft can be carried over in these aspects to a whole new stage of eyecandy quality.

+ Music / CV:
Despite dreading to repeat myself at each section of this write-up, also when it comes to the music aspect as presented through the latter tale., I must note that minori took the quality as produced for to a new stage as well in direct comparisson with the predecessor. Of course, with someone like Tenmon involved, most people wouldn’t expect the music to result into anything less than decent. However, in case of the latter tale. I’m honestly not that sure the amazing score should or even *could* be credited througoutly to this famed composer alone. In fact, going through the various pieces of background music and also the two vocal songs the latter tale. has prepaired for one, in comparisson with the first tale. the music takes on some changes to a way more glamorous and effectful introduction and usage. As noted back during the entry done for the previous ef half, while those elements most consider trademarks of Tenmon music were represented within the score for the first tale., he actually came up with quite a standard Bishoujo Soft score that while suiting the scenary quite well, altogether wasn’t among those features that the first tale. inherits, through which it set itself apart from the vast majority of the genre. In case of the latter tale. though, it’s almost the complete opposite effect the music leaves on me. While again including typical Tenmon marks alongside the various pieces of BGM and most obvious within the theme and ED song, I’m inclined to credit a lot of the glamorous and partwise immense memorable tracks of the OST for the latter tale. to the second composer who’s been involved this time around – Yanagi Eiichiro. Or let’s say, I think the collaboration by composers results into music that while taking on similar styles as featured back for the first tale., truely impressed me as one of the most memorable Visual Novel scores in recent times and moreover made me really *want* to go out and purchase the Soundtrack for it in an instant (unfortunately it’ll take me still a while to do that, with the OST merely published for Comiket75 via minori yet). Shining examples of the Tenmon meets Yanagi outcome being audible pretty much througout the whole Chihiro chapter as well as the past arc of ef – while Nagi’s theme ain’t bad at all, I fell in love with Yuko’s theme from the very first event its been played to accompany her scenes. Speaking of the music as featured for the latter tale. I guess this also brings me to sort of a compensation I have to adress towards the vocal themes as included for this part of the ef project. Because, here I was among those fans constantly trashing on the work Vocalist Hitomi Harada did for this part of the minori project. While I had purchased both Single releases minori published for the theme (and ED) songs to the first tale. as well as the latter tale., I still can’t claim to consider her the best choice for performance of either of these songs, even moreso since the TV porting has showcased what talents (referring to ELISA here) could have been assigned to do a far superior job on vocal performance for Tenmon crafted themes. And frankly, having listened to both vocal songs that the latter tale. contains prior to having started my path through it (with the CD purchase that was set in advance of the Soft release), it felt even moreso disappointed of how much potential gone wasted with the choice of letting Harada reprise the job as Vocalist once again for the latter tale.. While I wouldn’t say this impression faced much alternation in the end, the deeply standing wish of mine that minori would chose on another Vocal Hime for the concluding part of the ef project (by then preferable ELISA or the Seiyuu, which did a far better job than Harada for the various ED themes of the TV Anime porting) and instant left down once having realized it in fact *is* Harada who’s in charge of vocal performance on both the OP and ED theme for the latter tale., slightly changed when hearing those songs in combination with the visuals. Especially “ever forever” (the ED) is among the outstanding examples of Vocal tracks used within the latter tale. that I considered far too generic sounding on stand alone listening (via the Single CD), yet brought forth an almost perfect fitting piece of music and partwise vocals to accompany the ED animation with.
Another part of the audio experience that is ef – the latter tale. and through which this Soft project in general stands out, is the voice cast featured for it. However, reaching this part of my impressions, you certainly won’t get to hear me saying that been handled better than in comparisson with the first tale. In fact, several among the voice talents of the latter tale. reprise the roles to which they’ve already lended their skills back for the previous chapters of ef. And those joining the Seiyuu line-up delivered a solid to partwise outstanding job, much as one expects it from ef by then. Still, if I had to pick out one favorite, then this certainly anything else but easy decision would fall onto Itsumi Maki (aka Yanase Natsumi) who’s capable of the utmost moelicious and soul soothing voice not only matching the character for perfectly, but this also makes a lot of the charm and fascination with which this particular character managed to get me into the Chihiro fanboy fraction. However, much as noted already, there’s no single rant or not suitable voice talent among the cast for ef, that wasn’t the case back with the first tale. and certainly ain’t this time around. Also for people hoping to see and hear some of the characters from the previous Soft, while I may crush some hopes with this (quick reminder: spoilers to follow) non of the lead protagonist as we’ve been introduced to back for the first tale. make their physical reappearance aside of Mizuki Hayama. Well, there’s the “e-mail correspondence” between Chihiro and Kei within the 3rd chapter, which marks Sakurai Mirei (aka Okada Junko) to reprise her role of the sporty twin sister for a short while, but that’s it. No Miyako, Hiro or Kyousuke. Personally, much as I would have appreciated some sort of such grand scale reunion in the end, I found it quite perfectly handled the way it was done for the latter tale. in these regards as well. By focusing on the characters which the plot of this sequel is moving its spotlight on, the attention isn’t “stolen away” by any sort of cameo appearances that wouldn’t have suited most of the portrayed events anyways.

+ System:
Actually bits and pieces that would belong to this section of the entry were already mentioned within the comments concerning graphics and visuals slightly above. Moreover while the basic functions and system remained the same as known from the first tale., mere a few minor changes and redesigns are noticeable while going through the latter tale.. Again, this should not be laid out as any form of critism, because the system used for ef is fairly handy and comprises those features you’d need for a Visual Novel Soft, nothing more or less and that’s good in my view. One of those minor changes done for it and which becomes aware when completing the various story parts that the latter tale. consists of, is that while the menu / top / title screen of the Soft starts out with a simple loaction shot much as used for it back with the first tale., this enhances during the progress, meaning that once you clear through the 3rd chapter and return to top menu, you’ll get to see an image of Chihiro added to the plain background art, same goes towards Mizuki’s chapter and so on. The rewarding extras one is capable to unlock once completed, are from the exact same sort as back with the predecessor. This means, you’ll get the music replay section for each chapter, the *extensive* event CG gallery as well as the (Ero) scene replay for the heroines of this tale. As said, when it comes to things concerning the system used for ef – a fairy tale of the two. minori at parts chose on mere basics that one would expect from a release out of the genre and media, while in other aspects that also go towards visual presentation and the methods for that, this Softbrand truely has gone beyond typical or standard means.

+ Ero Content:
In contrast to the first tale. compared in these aspects, the Ero content as included for the latter tale. received some slight enhancement. This though merely goes to the total amount of 18+ rated events one experiences while going through the Soft and to be fair the total amount is just topped by one more (five in totall, while the first tale. had four). Yet, somehow despite there being no vast difference when it comes to how much Ero scenes there are overall, this being one of those content parts that I found to be handled quite a lot better or let’s say suitable back with the first tale. However, I guess a huge part that leads to this sentiment also goes towards one bigger gripe that I have towards the execution of Mizuki’s chapter in the latter tale. Getting more precisely, by that I’m referring to the almost rape that Kuze conducts on Mizuki in his desperate attempt to forcefully push away the girl from him. While from the sounds of it, the inclusion of rape is so totally unfitting for this series as it could get, in connection with the representated story and more importantly the telling from Kuze’s perspective, I admitted found his attempt not that unfitting – mind you, not that I support of emphatise with such an action at all, but through this particular scene the desperate dedication of Kuze to shy off and push away each and every person that could love him, is been handled quite sufficient by showcasing to what acts his desperate mind state caused by his health or better phrased the outlook of that state, leads him to do. So, while the inclusion of such a scenary among ef is mostly not *so* absolutely unacceptable, the fear I had once having crossed through this event and on more general terms the latter tale., received affirmation once the bonus content sections is unlocked. This scene was quite painful to bare as part of the way through the story progress of Mizuki’s chapter, but honestly minori, was it really necessary to add the almost rape as part of Mizuki’s (Ero) Event replay gallery? Yes, I’m fairly aware that some Eroge fans are disagreeing with that sentiment of mine, but I do think this sort of glorifying it as Adult scene that one now can replay as “reward” totally takes away its usage as tool to drive the drama of the plot and took part of the idle approach or impression I somewhat let minori get away with inclusion of such a theme for the latter tale. Aside of this particular gripe that I have towards this aspect of the Soft, I think they (minori) at least somewhat did better by giving us Yuko fanboys some rather good Adult scenes later on as well…although after *these*, Yuko’s pregnancy doesn’t come forth out of the blue I’d say ^_^ While quality of Ero Content as represented within a Soft certainly relies up to a huge part on the personal likes and dislikes (read: fetish ^_^”) ultimately this is one of the elements wherein I consider the first tale. having been handled a lot more tasteful executed overall. And despite I’m aware most of the target audience for this Soft will disagree with me on this, I really consider minori’s method of “male censoring” for Ero scenes among the worst I experienced. Especially with some tasty Biseinen like Himura and to my personal liking more importantly Kuze, *this* censoring during the Adult moments striked me as far more..obvious than as (again) handled back within the first tale. Despite this being not the most importantly element included for this project yet being the one I actually *had* something to rant about, I would say that the latter tale. sure comes along with enough good quality Ero to cater to the fans demands in these aspects as well.

+ Overall Impression:
Recapitulating the impressions this sequel, and end of (a) fairytale left on me, I shall repeat myself once again in that minori’s job on ef – the latter tale. not only lived up to my expectations (which frankly where set rather high after having gone through the first tale. already twice by then), but even moreso acchieved to exceed them on quite some scale. While I’d say this Softbrand gained itself a name among the industry that made them step forth from the niché brand on which the slogan “We always keep minority spirit” also lends itself as description to what kind of works they’re producing,  already prior to this one (i.e. Wind -a breath of heart-, Haru no Ashioto), there’s also no denying that ef – a fairy tale of the two. represents minori’s most ambitious (and expensive ^_^) project so far. And after all this time (years) that went into preparation and planning since back the initial announcement wherein they unveilled their 6th work would be ef, we fans are now finally able to face the conclusion and view the grand picture of the fairy tale of the two.. Even though the write-up thus far resulted into more praising than a truely critical approach, there’s even on a less biased approach no denying that all the time and effort invested by the many skilled people involved, payed off on grand scale for ef – a fairy tale of the two. Hardly ever have I (and judging by other ratings, commenting and reviews on this Soft, I’m inclined to think that I’m not alone with that impression) experienced such a touching, emotional and partwise quite epic schemed and carefully / detailed assembled Visual Novel Soft as minori acchieved for this one. While ef may not be flawless altogether, it certainly gets close to reach such a state. ef – the latter tale. which sets an end to this fairy tale therefore left a strong positive impression on me, that makes me call it scenario-wise the best Bishoujo/Visual Novel Soft I had finished in 2008. Here’s hoping for that minori will pull off a similar formula of goodness with their upcoming 7th project eden* They were only two, on the planet. and manage to get back scenario writers Mikage and Kagami Yu.