Just like Nights of Azure, Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon is a game that assigns a very high value to bonds between characters. After all, the motivating factor for the story is attempting to help Aluche and her friends find a way to keep Liliana from becoming a human sacrifice for the sake of the world. Something that is partially accomplished with the aid of a battle system where one other heroine joins her out in the field.
Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon’s story makes it clear that there is one canon love interest for Aluche, just as there was only one for Arnice. Everything is for the sake of that one heroine. But, the way the game is presented, it gives us a chance to work towards greater affection with the other Lilies that appear in the game. It includes moments in the story where not only Liliana is important to Aluche, but also Ruenheid, Camilla, Eleanor, and other members of the cast matter. We see how they interact and the feelings they have that impress the importance of these relationships on people.
Even the Lily system seems to play on this. The strongest attacks you can perform are the ones where Aluche works together with someone who matters to her. The Double Chase and Lily Bursts all require you to coordinate together. Attacking the same enemies helps you. Even getting hurt shows the connection between heroines, with an ally making use of a passive ability to sometimes heal or provide some sort of buff to Aluche. It creates the illusion that she is so important, the people who care about her are constantly watching over her.
The little things cement these romantic elements. There will be segments in levels where Aluche will need to help her companion across a tricky place cautiously. If it involves a zipline, Aluche will hold the other heroine around the waist as they speed across. Should there be a segment involving hopping across platforms to reach another side, Aluche will perform a bridal carry. It reinforces her role as the protector and star of the game, while also conveying affection and a sense of devotion to the person she is helping.
Of course, no force is so powerful than the actual growing of affection. There is an affinity gauge for Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon’s Lilies. As you work together, you grow closer. This unlocks quests that tells you more about their background, life, and ambitions. Should you get exceedingly close, something that is impossible to do with all other heroines on a single playthrough, you can unlock an epilogue for that woman. These will then appear if you end up getting the good ending in the game, providing some closure.
Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon wants people to see how connected Aluche is to various people in the world. Bonds are constantly growing as you play. There are even gameplay mechanics designed to show affection and closeness between her and the other heroines. And, even though the story focuses on a particular relationship, just like the original, you still get to see special moments with other heroines.
Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon is available for the PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
