Sona-Nyl

I'll start with the pros.
First of all, visuals. It has the best art in the whole series in my opinion, plenty of beautiful CGs, sprite variations etc. I prefer Akira's art with shoujo-ish style and deep dark colours over acid and bright Ooishi Ryuuko's illustrations, so that may be the reason. Anyway, art is GORGEOUS. Most memorable CGs are 2nd Rose Witch (http://puu.sh/iXzzn.jpg) and last Edison CG (http://puu.sh/iXzAo.png).

Music is great even for WaB standarts and definately deserves a place in my playlist. My favourite tracks are http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxFriCyg23A and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlpAiuFqupw

Third, Elysia. Easily the best Sona-Nyl character, I loved every scene with her, from 1902 school chapters to 1907 New York. Melancholic and tragical atmospere with beautiful monologues by Nozuki Mahiru literally killed me. They're so good I had an urge to record them all. My favourite part of all Steampunk Series on this moment.

What I didn't like:
Lily as a main character, all episodes in underground world (except catgirls part at The Wall Street) and plot as a whole. After Valusia with solid storyline (3rd chapter with green-haired girl doesn't count) I faced old episodic structure centered on secondary characters. Especially A didn't get enough screentime, we only know that he loves carbonated water. That's ALL.

Lily was always on screen but just repeated how stupid she is and said all words she heard 10 times in a row. I understand that it's Sakurai style and stuff, but here it's just too much. Setting is undeveloped compared to Valusia or Inganock, where cities had their own image and were, like, one of the main characters. I just didn't feel New York and v. disappointed by it.

And damn, I don't remember any references to other works, places or characters from Steampunk Series universe. Sona-Nyl feels like a stand-alone game, not what I expected. I really tried to like Sona-Nyl as much as other Sakurai works, but couldn't. It doesn't mean Sona-Nyl is bad or that you shouldn't read it, I gave it a high score. Just expect something different.