Since this thread is too slow for /v/ I guess it's better having it here on this dead husk of a board.
ESSENTIAL RESOURCES
/aa2g/ pastebin: http://pastebin.com/BhpfXqHP
Note that info and download links in the pastebin may be outdated. Always check a mod's thread on Hongfire for the latest version
Character database: http://no-info.no-ip.info/aa2/index.html
AA2 wiki: http://wiki.anime-sharing.com/hgames/index.php/Artificial_Academy_2
Modding forum: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/225-Artificial-Academy-2-Mods
HOW TO INSTALL THIS GAME
1. Install HF pAppLoc: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=329
You'll need japanese locale to run most japanese games, including Artificial Academy 2. This is the easiest way to set it up, no need to play with Windows settings or anything.
2. Get the Virgin Edition: http://sukebei.nyaa.se/?page=view&tid=1751562
Follow instructions on the torrent's description or in the readme, it's not hard. It's just the japanese game with DLCs, official patches and shit, NO TRANSLATION OR CRACK YET.
3. Apply the HongFire patch: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php/432983
This is the crack, launchers, translation, uncensor, cheats, missing append sets and patches, etc. For best result choose the HF translation, not the /aa2g/ one and the MKIII 3D uncensor.
And that's it for the full vanilla experience. Yes, those are big downloads. You may need up to 60 GBs of hard drive space for a modded install, suck it up. No, this game won't run with Wine on Linux, just give up. Play in a VM or dual-boot.
MODDING
Illusion Wizzard for AA2: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php/432989-Illusion-Wizzard-for-AA2
This is a nice mod manager that works with most Illusion games, including AA2. It's not always the best way to install mods but it werks, and it's easier than manual install. Not all mods support it though.
Absolutely fucking essential mods:
HEXA Hair Pack: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php/432840-AA2-HEXA-Hairpack-RE-v2-5-Various
This is nearly all hair mods in a single conflict-free package. Get it, there's a good chance your waifu you got from the character database requires it.
HEXA Clothing Collection: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php/432841-AA2-HEXA-Clothing-Collection-v4-6-Various
Same as above but with clothes.
More Cumming Positions v2: http://www.hongfire.com/forum/showthread.php/433584-More-Cumming-Positions-v-2
As the name indicates, this adds new cumming postions, allows cumming from all sex positions and by default unlocks all positions so you don't have to raise H compatibility, there's a patch included if you prefer the vanilla H.
Personality mods are also a must, especially if you want to play with all-girl classes. Most AA1 ports are really good, and so are the original ones if you like fetish stuff like androids.
GRAPHICS
Before posting shitty screenshots without anti-aliasing, GO READ THIS: http://wiki.anime-sharing.com/hgames/index.php/Artificial_Academy_2/Technical_Help#Improving_the_Visuals