Playing CS1 is in no way required, but you can carry over some stats from your CS1 game if you like that, if correct, trigger an extra scene (and more stuff, eventually). If you'd like more details on how to do that, check out the devlog for 0.3.3 on CS1 (think that's the one, the most recent release at any rate).
Viewing post in Cruel Serenade P1 Continuity
It might be nice if there was a more readily apparent way to do this! Perhaps a pop-up, a guide or just a note somewhere in the game. I am several hours into the game before I remembered that this was even a thing, and now I feel like I have to restart. z: /
Addendum: I copied the datacrystal.js file over, restarted my playthrough, and the scene did not play! (By which I mean, the alley behind the hotel was empty.) I have no idea what to do from here!
Copying the DataCrystal file doesn't guarantee you'll get the extra scene, it just guarantees you get what's appropriate given your playthrough of CS1, as recorded on the DC file. Spoiler, but what matters currently is the number of times you lost in the previous game. If more than one, you'll get the scene. Other data may come into play later.
I'm hesitant to bog down the game proper with meta info, but an additional text file letting players know the functionality exists seems reasonable. I'll try to get that in next release (just missed the minor one I pushed).
Hmm! Looking at the file in notepad, my value for that was "2." So it still seems odd that it didn't occur! Ah well, maybe if I delete the game folder and start again, recopy... Ah well!
I'd agree! A .txt file should be sufficient and appreciated!
You're doing great work, by the way! I took an extra commission just to buy this game! Going to be following this with interest~ ^.^