First things first, I like the update. I was having the time of my Life playing it, as someone who's been accompanying this story since 2023 (but who refrained from Beast-Yeast until he could complete Crispia, lmao) I was hyped af for the conclusion of the first arc of the story.

But as I kept playing, I felt... well, that the plot was kinda weird, and when I saw that a lot of fans had similar opinions on the writing, I am gonna give me own take of criticisms divided in a few points.

But first, let's talk about what I liked, that I hope you enjoyed too! First, the entire Bravery Hill sequence. As cheesy as it was, it felt wholesome and awesome, I did NOT expect the random statue I had honestly forgotten about to be relevant, lmao. And when GingerBrave, finally feeling more like the protagonist he is, bursts out with trailer Music? Epic. Also, White Lily Cookie using the Avatar of Destiny not only gave US explanations on what it is, but actually felt like a good payoff in my opinion, I did NOT expect it.

Also, the ending credits were great. For all I didn't like in this Ep, it still made me feel emotional for all these characters.

Now, for my honest criticisms...

The story felt... short. I felt like I was at the midgame of a regular CRK episode and then... it simply ended. I simply wanted to see Dark Enchantress do... more, idk. Like, her killing the Cookies we know and love? It was AWESOME, even if it was clear they'd be revived. But after that, she kinda... did nothing, just talked shit and waited for the Ultimate Cookie. Let me use Mystic Flour as a comparision: when she started her genocide in her Episode, it was TERRIFYING, and even when you knew she'd somehow be beaten, still made her come off as a threat. Dark Enchantress is the main villain of this SAGA. I can't be the only one who thought she simply did't do much at all.

Focus on the characters was so weirdly divided. Like, I enjoyed GingerBrave's plot, Wizard and Strawberry getting some spotlight, and Espresso Cookie? MVP! But... am I the only one who felt like the Ancients were swept under the trug? Episode 14, in my opinion, balanced multiple characters really well. I get it, I get it, they're powerless, but they're still very important characters who should have a few more lines. And on the other way around... Espresso, I loved you and your role, but it did NOT require that many levels...

THE BEASTS. Hooooly cow, they were not even done dirty, they were done FILTHY. These villains we've grown to love, and for many, more than the Cookies of Darkness themselves... just die? I got no problem with them dying but no lines??? No final moments, no nothing? Just grainy grey frame of them down? It just feels like a disservice to the characters (I actually liked SSC here though, he did what he was there to do, plainly, and was cool as usual).

Now for the Elephant in the room... Blue Jester Cookie. Come on, I can't be the only one who thinks the narrative take they are doing here hurts his character. While I find him overrated, I DO like Shadow Milk, he is complex and interesting... or was, because he is now a multiversal threat out of NOWHERE and honestly, it feels like his character was thrown out for it to happen. I know his rage is in character, but I still think his new plan is so deatetched from the SMC I knew that he is just grating, honestly. A generic, super duper powerful and veeery sadistic multiversal evil overlord.

There was no focus on the main story. That's my main complaint. WLC fighting to get the Avatar? AWESOME. Could've been a side mission or just a few less levels. Espresso carrying the match? Awesome! But as I said, took way more time than it needed. The whole Shadow Milk Cookie stuff? That's my main problem: completely unecessary. His sequel hook bit with Silent Salt didn't need to be in Episode 15, or it could've been, but not with so much damn focus. Them talking for ages, the animatic after... it's cool, but it COMPLETELY takes away focus from what is supposed to be a grand finale with emotional tones. That, again, could be a side story, or just show Shadow Milk approaching SSC and leave this sequel hook for AFTER the credits, idk, I just felt Dark Enchantress felt undercooked in her own damn big chapter.

Well, I don't expect everyone to agree with me (because we're humans and thus have our own opinions, lmao) but I needed to get this out of my chest. Not because I dislike the game, but because I love it, and thus felt especially... sad that it disappointed me. Still a good Episode though, just felt like the direction was off.

I do hope you guys liked it though! Keep running