MinoTeam: "So, did you like the new build?"
Me: (internal banshee-esque screech) "Yeah, it was pretty good!"
(THAR BE SOILERS BELOW, MATEYS)
This build's surpassed whatever expectations I had. Honestly, great character development in a relatively short amount of time. I like the use of a "looser perspective" this time around; if I'm not mistaken, it only really showed up in Luke's and Kota's introduction and P's teaser. Also 'Autobiography of Red' showed up... Fuckin' meta as fuck, dude.
Asterion, oh my GOD, Asterion! My poor star-eyed heifer... Of course he'd feel that way. I REALLY like that the anxieties of the minotaur were intensified when they were. Now that, Asterion is whole you get to see the WHOLE of him good and bad. At first I thought the whole contract bit was kinda off; but the aftermath helped me realize that just might be the only way he'll get proper closure. Seeing more of Asterion's past is always welcome, many a surprising revelation. Also ANOTHER h*nd-h*lding scene? I feel so spoiled.
Very good to see Luke's non-horny side! His enthrallment with astronomy (or at least stargazing) was merely hinted at during his introduction, I feel; really nice how it tied into the story too. I honestly felt the introduction of the cobalts a smidge weak, kinda feels like they're tossed in and have nothing to do. It's probably just a side effect of partitioning the would-be much bigger update, so it's not really that big a deal.
"That night the Minotaur was welcomed into restful slumber." had me jump out of my seat and scream 'YES!'.
I didn't imagine the Hinterlands would be this much of a thing to be honest. I was kinda worried about having a A-Plot/B-Plot kinda sitch, but I'm sure you guys can pull it off. I was also kinda worried about the depiction of Storm, since (I assume) he's the character on the autism spectrum (mentioned in the Q&A); but nothing that has been shown (even if little has actually been shown) made question that you'll do the character and issue justice. Storm's 'confused moo face' is the best, blessed be! Finally it was nice see the "monster society" that exists in this world; really taps into the sequel potential Nanoff mentioned when answering one of my dumbass questions.
Lastly, in the survey the matter of 'time taken for the update to come out' per 'story length' showing up at all makes me think that might've been a concern of team. I think of the fact you are so transparent with the situation, makes it a non-issue IMO... but I can see a misinformed might not be as "forgiving".
I never doubted you guys for a sec, and prolly won't any time soon! BIG THANK.