LongStory 2 Review
If you’re looking for a visual novel that wears its heart on its sleeve, LongStory 2 might just be your next after-work wind-down. Developed by Toronto-based Bloom Digital Media, LongStory 2 is the follow-up to the original LongStory, a series known for its inclusive, LGBTQIA+-friendly storytelling and a cast that feels like they wandered out of a John Hughes movie...only with more modern flair.
LongStory 2 was my first foray into the universe, and I was a little nervous about jumping in midstream. Thankfully, the game does a solid job of catching you up. There’s enough context to make new players feel welcome, and you’re given meaningful choices right out of the gate—even if it’s not always clear what those decisions will impact down the line. To satisfy my curiosity (and my inner completionist), I played through the game twice, making different choices each time. While the main plot beats stayed consistent, I was happily surprised by how much the details and interactions shifted between runs.
The structure is classic visual novel: dialogue-heavy, decision-driven, and packed with character moments. The cast is a highlight... Think teen angst, dating drama, and a dash of mystery, all filtered through a refreshingly inclusive lens. In my second run, I ended up dating the school Mascot, who later became a central plot point in the story. They are a character who, initially, we had never actually seen or heard, which adds a layer of intrigue (and, okay, a few nods to the furry community that made me chuckle). It’s quirky, it’s weird, but it’s also handled with a kind of gentle acceptance that fits the game’s tone. No shame in letting your furry freak flag fly here.
One thing to note is that LongStory 2 is short. Two playthroughs clocked in at under two hours for me, which feels brisk—almost too brisk, considering how much I wanted to learn more about these characters. The upside is that it’s very easy to replay and experiment with different choices and storylines, but I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth and backstory. Here’s hoping a potential LongStory 3 gives us more time to dig in.
On the technical side of things, the game’s format is accessible and straightforward, available on platforms such as Steam and Gumroad. It was also recently featured at A Gaming Network’s Pixel Power Play event, held right here in Toronto.
Final verdict? LongStory 2 gets a 7/10 from me. It’s a brief but memorable slice of teen life, with enough heart and humor to make me want to revisit the first game to see what I missed. If you’re looking for something short, sweet, and inclusive, this one’s worth a spot in your library.
