To Heart 2 (visual novel)

Infobox VG
title = ToHeart2 (トゥハート２)


caption =
developer = Aquaplus (PS2)
Leaf (PC)
publisher = Aquaplus
distributor =
designer =
series = ToHeart2
engine =
version =
released = December 28, 2004 (PS2)
December 9, 2005 (PC)
genre = Visual novel (love adventure)
modes = Single player
ratings = CERO: 15+ (PS2)
18+ (PC)
platforms = PlayStation 2, PC
media =
requirements =
input = Controller, Mouse, keyboard

nihongo|"ToHeart2"|トゥハート2|Tū Hāto Tsū is a PlayStation 2 visual novel (love adventure) by Aquaplus released on the December 28 2004. Its CERO rating is 15+. It takes place two years after ToHeart, in the same high school but with an entirely new cast. All of the new characters were created for the game with the exception of the Himeyuri twins who had also made an appearance in ToHeart ~Remember My Memories~.

An adult-only PC port, called "ToHeart2 XRATED" was released on the 9 December 2005. Leaf was forced to release the ToHeart2 XRATED engine (though not the game data) under the GPL. See Leaf (company) for details.

There is also a fan-made program called Iincho Suki Sukii (委員ちょすきすきー) which makes it possible to play the PlayStation 2 version of the game on a PC.

History

*December 28 2004: ToHeart2 released on PlayStation 2
*February 21 2005: ToHeart2 manga serialised monthly in Dengeki Daioh (電撃大王)
*March 18 2005: 「ToHeart2～colorful note～」 serialised in monthly G-Fantasy (月刊Gファンタジー)
*March 18 2005: ToHeart2 anime begins airing
*October 6 2005: Internet Radio 「Radio ToHeart2」airs
*November 11 2005: ToHeart2 Desktop Accessories 「ToHeart2 デスクトップアクセサリー」 released
*December 9 2005: ToHeart2 XRATED (PC) released 「ToHeart2 XRATED（エクスレイテッド）」 ( Over 18)

Differences

There are numerous difference between this and the first visual novel, ToHeart.

Logo

There has been a slight redesign in the lettering of 'ToHeart'. The new logo is straight text instead of being slightly curved at the edges, and the positioning of the heart has been moved to the left. The colour scheme has also been tweaked slightly, but the rainbow gradient in the text remains unchanged.

Uniforms

The uniforms have been given a redesign:
*The bows are firmer and stand out instead of drooping down.
*The collar is triangular
*The end of the shirt is now straight instead of being pleated

ToHeart2

Gameplay

ToHeart2 follows the same formula as its predecessor, ToHeart. The gameplay is text based and covers the entire screen with all characters (except for the main male lead) fully voice acted.

It is known as a love adventure visual novel, and the player can end up with one of the female characters depending on the player's choices throughout the game.

PlayStation 2 version

The game was released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 on December 28 2004. There was great anticipation for the game, with people queueing to wait for its release.

Given the success of the original ToHeart game, ToHeart2 itself attracted significant media attention. For example, it graced the front covers of mainstream gaming magazines such as Famitsu and other specialised periodicals such as Dengeki G's Magazine. It also appeared on Famitsu's readers' list of all-time favorite 100 videogames in 2005 [http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2401&Itemid=2&limit=1&limitstart=1] .

There are three versions of "ToHeart2" for the PlayStation 2:
*ToHeart & ToHeart2限定デラックスパック
*:ToHeart & ToHeart2 Limited Deluxe Pack
*『ToHeart2』初回限定版
*:ToHeart2 (Limited First Edition)
*『ToHeart2』通常版
*:ToHeart2 (Regular Edition)

The limited first edition includes:
*The game
*A "ToHeart2" "visual creation material collection" (A small book of illustrations)
*A "ToHeart2" calendar (for 2005)
*An oversized "jumbo" case (H:W:D = 280:200:32 mm)
*The "ToHeart2" Original Soundtrack.

The "ToHeart" & "ToHeart2" Limited Deluxe Pack includes all of the above as well as the original "ToHeart", repackaged for the PS2.

The regular edition is essentially just the game alone.

The prices are as such:
*ToHeart & ToHeart2 Limited Deluxe Pack: 9980 (after tax, 10,479) yen
*ToHeart2 (Limited First Edition): 7980 (after tax, 8379) yen
*ToHeart2 (Regular Edition): 6800 (after tax, 7140) yen

PC Version

This version, titled "ToHeart2 XRATED" was released on December 9 2005: almost a year after the original PlayStation 2 release. Adult scenes and endings were included with this version, along with omake games and the inclusion of a new female character. The storyline remains unchanged, however.

Despite different names given in the credits, the voice actors and actresses are the same as in the PlayStation version as it is custom for female voice actresses to go under an alias when doing work on adult themed games.

A patch known as Dokidoki Panic Library UPGRADE KIT adds the ability to play Sasara in Dokidoki Panic Library, and adds bonus footage after winning the game.

Omake

*Super Sweets Scramble - A vertical scrolling shooter.
*Dokidoki Panic Library - A puzzle game that eliminates 3 horizontally or vertically aligned books from playing field.

ToHeart2: Another Days

ToHeart2: Desktop Accessories

This DVD was released on November 11, 2005 and contained various accessories, desktop wallpapers and a typing omake game. It contains sections devoted to all nine characters.

Desktop Accessories

All nine female characters have their own section, which features wallpapers, screensavers, clocks and voice clips relevant to each girl.

Wallpapers

Each character has nine wallpapers, based on the art in the game. An additional 23 wallpapers are also placed in a special section, this time using art originally designed for promotional purposes. Despite reusing art, each wallpaper has been specially designed for the desktop accessories and is unique.

Each wallpaper is in jpeg format, and available in the following sizes: 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024. There is also an option to place a small vertical calendar on the top or bottom of the screen, superimposed on the wallpaper.

Screen savers

Eight are available for each character. Like the wallpapers, the screensavers reuse art from the game and promotional material, but have been redesigned to be screensavers. They are not slide shows, however.

Desktop mascots

Each character has two chibi mascots which are always on top of windows. Each mascot has simple actions which stops them from being static and can be turned on with or without an analog clock.

Voice Clips

Voice clips are also provided for each character, which can be used as Windows sounds. All voice clips are lifted directly from the game.

Typing in Heart

Japanese Name: たいぴんぐ in　ハート

A typing game is also included. It features the same style of play as in the game proper, except now there is text running in a box at the bottom of the screen. Backgrounds, character animations and voice acting are all taken straight from the game.

There are four stages available to choose from, starting from easiest to hardest:
*Night stall
*School Cafeteria
*Coffee Shop
*Family Restaurant

The characters from ToHeart2 will come in and order food, in which you must type in correctly. Taking too long, or making more than two mistakes will cause them to leave and result in the time gauge decreasing faster. The aim is to get as many orders right as possible in order to earn more yen. The types of food are specific to the location: at the night stall, food commonly found at Japanese festivals (matsuri) will be featured while the school cafeteria will feature a typical school menu. The characters are also dressed appropriately - at school they will wear their uniforms, anywhere else they will wear normal clothing. Also, non-students do not make an appearance at the school cafeteria stage.

There are two different modes in each game: Roman alphabet and kana. The former allows you to type Japanese in using the Roman alphabet (romaji), while the latter requires you to use a Japanese layout keyboard as it will only accept input from such a keyboard.

Theme songs

*OP:Heart To Heart :*（Arrangement:須谷尚子 Composer:中上和英 Singer:中山愛梨沙）
*ED:ありがとう (Arigatou: Thank you):*（Arrangement:須谷尚子 Composer:下川直哉 Singer:AKKO）

Note: The game and anime have different opening and closing songs, as well as opening animations.

ee also

*Leaf
*Bishōjo game

External links

* [http://www.aquaplus.co.jp/th2/ ToHeart2]
* [http://leaf.aquaplus.co.jp/product/th2x/ ToHeart2 XRATED]
* [http://www.aquaplus.co.jp/ Aquaplus Website]
* [http://chizuru.bunkasha.co.jp/~kenjo/iincho/ 委員ちょすきすきー Iincho Suki Suki]