Steam vs Switch ?

[WoL]

What is the difference between the two versions? planning to buy it soon but I want to know the difference to decide which one to buy

[Missilepom]

Unless you really like the more abstract backgrounds of the steam version, go with the switch version. It has updated art and an additional epilogue & short stories.

[Neve Valkoinen]

Switch version:

PRO:
- both Fata Morgana, Requiem for Innocence and all side-stories in one package;
- higher resolution;
- quality of life for reading (you can skip sub-chapter, and it has better commands);

CONS:
- cutted artworks (they had to adjust the resolution to 16:9, so you won't be able to see the whole 4:3 picture), the full artworks can be seen only when you'll unlock the extras menu (by finishing the game);
- cutted sprites;
- different art direction, from UI, color saturation, text-boxes, background artworks (they are different than the ethereal-watercolored backgrounds from pc version);
- one censored artwork in Requiem fom Innocence;
- Reincarnation as a whole.

I personally would recommend console version only to people who already read it on PC.

[Missilepom]

why would you list an optional epilogue as a con lol

if you don't care for it, you can just pretend it doesn't exist (which is what I did when I went through the switch version)

[Neve Valkoinen]

Originally posted by Missile:

why would you list an optional epilogue as a con lol

if you don't care for it, you can just pretend it doesn't exist (which is what I did when I went through the switch version)

i know, you can ignore it, but you may read it accidentally, lol

[tross]

Originally posted by Neve Valkoinen:

Switch version:

PRO:
- both Fata Morgana, Requiem for Innocence and all side-stories in one package;
- higher resolution;
- quality of life for reading (you can skip sub-chapter, and it has better commands);

CONS:
- cutted artworks (they had to adjust the resolution to 16:9, so you won't be able to see the whole 4:3 picture), the full artworks can be seen only when you'll unlock the extras menu (by finishing the game);
- cutted sprites;
- different art direction, from UI, color saturation, text-boxes, background artworks (they are different than the ethereal-watercolored backgrounds from pc version);
- one censored artwork in Requiem fom Innocence;
- Reincarnation as a whole.

I personally would recommend console version only to people who already read it on PC.

Finally, someone who doesn't just instantly say "console version is hands-down better" without so much as acknowledging the nuance. I'm more in the middle in that I actually think both versions are great for different reasons, but even my take is a hot take it seems.

I'm also glad I'm not the only one who noticed the formatting issues with artworks and sprites carried over from the original 4:3 version (I own the PS4, Vita and Switch versions, and all of them have this problem). Sure, the one still-frame remade for the trailer (that also happens to be the first one in the game) is formatted perfectly. There are a couple instances where the formatting is adjusted to fit the new version, but most are cut off to some extent. Being able to view the full artwork in the gallery after the fact is great and all, but I prefer being able to see the full artwork in the moment, while I'm reading the story.

To add to the cons, the Backstage features are exclusive to the PC versions of each game, and are definitely a worthwhile part of the experience.

As for which art style I prefer, I'm actually more in the middle, and that's actually because there are plenty of instances where I prefer the old artwork, but also plenty where I prefer the new artwork, and others where I really can't decide because I like both backgrounds (original and remake) more or less equally.

I actually didn't mind Reincarnation, and did legit enjoy it, but would rate it as an 8/10 in an otherwise 10/10 series. I decided not to play it with voices for a few reasons, but the main one is I got attached to the voices I had for the characters in my head. I do wish there was an option to toggle out the anime-esque art style for the more unique style of the first two games, but that kind of grew on me as fitting for the more lighthearted tone of the sequel. Regardless, it's additional content that the PC version doesn't have, so it is a pro for me, even if it isn't as strong as the first two games.

The console release not only includes all side-stories, but adds a ton more. I do like having the gallery, and while I have the soundtrack on PC too, I do like how easy it is to hop into the Concert Hall to listen to the various tracks.

So, for me the best version is...both. I have both. I'm a total House in Fata Morgana fanboy. I even have the demo on PC that features the older, deformed Maid sprite, which I mostly acquired for the Backstage feature it includes (which is referenced in the Backstage feature for the main game). Of course I paid for the Live from Osaka concert vid. I made a point of acquiring access to all the content for this game...well, all that is available in English anyways.