Love is All Around 2 is an ambitious continuation of its predecessor that confidently expands beyond the boundaries of a straightforward dating simulation. Developed and published by intiny, the game shifts its focus from a contemporary, grounded romance into a stylized ancient setting, using this change to explore love, loyalty, and personal choice through a more layered and dramatic narrative. Rather than relying on novelty alone, the sequel uses its new backdrop to reframe familiar emotional themes, allowing relationships to unfold amid political intrigue, social expectations, and hidden motivations. This change in tone immediately sets it apart, signaling that the sequel aims to deepen both its storytelling and emotional impact.

The experience is driven almost entirely by narrative choice, placing the player at the center of a branching story where decisions meaningfully influence outcomes. Interactions with the six main heroines form the emotional backbone of the game, and each character is written to embody distinct personalities, values, and emotional vulnerabilities. Conversations often shift seamlessly between playful banter, heartfelt confession, and moments of tension, giving relationships a sense of evolution rather than static affection meters. Choices are rarely presented as purely right or wrong, and many carry subtle consequences that only become clear later, encouraging players to pay attention not just to what is said, but how and when it is said.

What distinguishes Love is All Around 2 from many other visual novels is its dual narrative structure. Romance remains a central pillar, but it runs parallel to a broader storyline filled with mystery and intrigue. Players can choose to focus primarily on emotional connections, enjoying tender and lighthearted moments, or lean into the unfolding secrets that surround the setting and its characters. These two paths are not isolated; they intertwine, with romantic decisions often affecting how much of the underlying story is revealed. This design choice gives the narrative greater weight and replay value, as different playthroughs can highlight entirely different facets of the same world.

Presentation plays a significant role in reinforcing immersion. The game leans heavily into cinematic framing, expressive character animations, and carefully designed costumes that help sell the historical atmosphere. Visuals are polished and consistent, supporting both intimate character moments and more dramatic story beats without feeling disjointed. The pacing is generally well-handled, allowing emotional scenes time to breathe while keeping the overarching plot moving forward. Sound design and music further support the mood, shifting naturally between warmth, tension, and melancholy depending on the scene.

Replayability is one of the game’s strongest assets. Because narrative branches are substantial rather than cosmetic, revisiting the story with different choices can lead to entirely different emotional conclusions and revelations. Some paths prioritize emotional fulfillment and personal connection, while others emphasize truth, sacrifice, or unresolved tension. This encourages players to engage with the game multiple times, not merely to unlock content, but to better understand the characters and the world they inhabit. The sense that no single playthrough reveals everything adds to the game’s lasting appeal.

That said, the experience is firmly rooted in narrative rather than traditional gameplay systems. Players expecting puzzles, action mechanics, or extensive interactivity beyond dialogue choices may find the structure limiting. The enjoyment of Love is All Around 2 depends heavily on the player’s willingness to read, reflect, and emotionally invest in the characters. For fans of visual novels, this focus is a strength, but it may be less inviting to those seeking a more mechanically driven experience.

Overall, Love is All Around 2 succeeds as a thoughtful and emotionally resonant sequel that dares to expand its scope without losing sight of its romantic core. By combining character-driven storytelling with branching narrative depth and a more dramatic setting, it offers an experience that feels richer and more mature than its predecessor. For players who value choice, emotional nuance, and replayable storytelling, it stands as a strong example of how visual novels can evolve while staying true to the heart of the genre.

Rating: 8/10

10/10

This is definitely the best in the Love is All Around series so far! Seeing my favorite actress return as A'ning and having another favorite from a different FMV game play Xiaoxiao was a huge highlight. You can tell they put a lot of work into the game, especially with the new features they added. The soundtrack is incredible especially the songs sung by the cast and the story and video quality are both solid. I really hope to see both actresses return in future games. I am definitely looking forward to future games in the series.