A Bittersweet Second Dip into Nostalgia – But Does It Hold Up? Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Be warned: this is not a happy game. The original had a warm, nostalgic sadness. This one borders on melancholic realism. Some players will find it cathartic; others will find it exhausting. Additionally, the game assumes you remember every side character from the first title. Play the original first, or you will feel lost during the dozen “remember when…” dialogues. shounen ga otona ni natta natsu 2
Where the first game focused on the loss of innocence, this sequel explores the weight of adulthood. The protagonist returns to his rural hometown a few years later, no longer a wide-eyed boy but a jaded salaryman on the verge of burnout. The writing shines in its quiet moments: a shared cigarette on a shrine staircase, an awkward reunion with a childhood friend who now has a fiancé, the realization that the “endless summer” you remember was actually only six weeks long. The emotional gut-punches are more mature this time—less about first kisses and more about missed opportunities, financial stress, and the slow fade of old connections. A Bittersweet Second Dip into Nostalgia – But
If you loved the watercolor aesthetic of the first game, you will be in heaven. The sunset palette has shifted to deeper indigos and melancholic grays, perfectly reflecting the protagonist’s mindset. The background art (abandoned school, overgrown baseball field) is heartbreakingly detailed. The soundtrack is the real star—a single piano track called “August 32nd” will destroy you. Voice acting (Japanese only) is top-tier, especially during the inevitable “argument in the rain” scene. This one borders on melancholic realism