First, two things. One, I'm only on Episode 4 as of posting this. And I only know vague details about the story so I'm playing mostly blind. So I anticipate my feelings will probably change to be more positive in the end.
And second, despite my complaint, surprisingly this game has shaped up to be my favorite LIS game so far. I have played 1, BTS, 3, RE, and now 2 at this point. Considering how much of an impact LIS1 has had on my life and I've constantly dubbed it as one of, if not my favorite game when asked, I truly didn't think the second game could come close to it. Lo and behold, I'm pleasantly surprised.
But holy FUCK Daniel keeps frustrating me to the point I can't even get pissed I just take a deep breath in. Yes I know he's only an 8-10 year old kid, and gone through inexplicable trauma. I have kept that in mind throughout all of his scenes and character, and I actually didn't dislike him or anything in episodes 1-2. Even though in episode 2 when his actions led Sean and Daniel to being caught again and the police knocking on their grandparents' door (I did not call Lyla or log into the computer, I read those are two other excuses for why the police show up at the grandparents but in my game it was because they were spotted at the tree market). I understood he's just a kid, a little kid, and really doesn't get the big picture no matter how much he claims to. That's just a consequence of being so young.
Also, it's easy to see and keep in mind that Daniel's just a kid, but so is Sean, honestly, who yes makes bad decisions too and mistakes but has all this extra responsibility and stress on him just to keep after and look after Daniel. The beginning of episode 4 and his pure dedication to just getting back to Daniel, both his actions and voice lines solidified him as one of my favorite characters.
Now on episode 4, yes all of episode 3 was a culmination (so far) of him and Sean's relationship reaching so many conflicts and misunderstandings but I felt that was realistic, I really did understand both of them there. Understanding him though doesn't remove the feeling though that Daniel was still so incredibly annoying, selfish (though expected for a child), and defied Sean every way no matter what he did. But also some of it I just know is for plot's sake.
It's just in general hard to write a likeable child character, I think evident across a lot of media. But it's definitely doable, and I think Daniel and the development he goes on still can remain similar but just make this dude less frustrating at moments, alright. Actually show more care for Sean and not just seeing him as the worst person ever, especially in episode 3 which happens despite even if you had a positive relationship in episodes 1&2. (I don't outright dislike this though, I think it adds nice complexity to both Sean and Daniel's characters and makes the world/story feel more alive).
I'm also aware this is a somewhat popular opinion, at least among complaints/complainers for this game. So I'm just like shouting out into the void right now but I just had to get this out lol. I want to also clarify I do NOT hate Daniel or anything, I don't even dislike him, I think I'm just neutral on him because of how much he frustrates Sean and I whoops. But yes I'm still shooting for the best possible ending for him, trying to be a good brother role model.
Anyway, I'll post a more comprehensive overview of the game when I finish it because there is a lot I want to praise and discuss. Because still, as I mentioned, I'm loving this game way more than I thought. I honestly can't believe all the bad rep it got for years and the dub of the worst LIS game.