Hmm. So does this mean that if Ethan doesn't cheat on Nat or otherwise act like an asshat, giving her good reason to cheat, that the path is locked in and she won't be cheating on him in the future?
Disappointing if so. IMO (and in many others'), the hottest scenario here is when a S/O cheats in a GREAT relationship in a moment of weakness, where desire and strong primal instincts briefly overpower logic, reason and strong emotional bonds of commitment. In a truly strong relationship, the strange mix of lust, satisfaction (in case hub's just not enough for her in bed) and deep guilt/regret on the part of S/O adds so much more intensity, as would Ethan's raw mix of emotions if Nat were caught, from his jealousy and anger, to potentially a strong tinge of insecurity, embarrassment and fear of inadequacy. Maybe the stinging realization that his otherwise perfect soulmate is a sexual/physical 10 to his 6 and that there's just one (embarrassing) thing he can't provide the love of his life to live her best life possible.
So many potential emotional dynamics in that scenario that make the kink so much hotter and more intense than in the current asshole-Ethan (bad relationship/cheating) routes or willing cuck routes where either Ethan's express permission is given or he implores Nat to satisfy his own cuck fetish.
Push/Pull Emotional Dynamics of a strong relationship that spice up the cheating kink:
For Nat: If she really loves him, if she's really worthy of his love, wouldn't that be strong enough for her to deny herself this one temptation? Or is the need too strong, or her willpower too short (her one fatal flaw)? If so, how will she come to terms with her new sexual awakening, the forbidden fruit of finally knowing how amazing sex can be, but for great fear of losing or hurting the love of her life? And how will he react if she needs both? What if he says no? Can she trust herself to give this up, for fear of hurting him again in another moment of weakness? Will she even be able to deny herself this newfound pleasure now without the risk of resenting him? Or will she tearfully decide that she needs this, and that as much as it would devastate her to lose him, he needs to allow her this amazing release or lose her too.
And for Ethan, if he truly loves her and cares about well-being and satisfaction, won't he feel guilty for denying her this, for not being able to provide? Will he be able to overcome his jealously, fear and feelings of inadequacy? Or might it morph into a kink that's embarrassingly arousing for him, finding satisfaction in seeing her satisfied, even if he is not the one to do it?
These are just some potential scenarios that can come from this. But there's just so much more sexual intensity in the push/pull dynamic (temptation vs commitment) in a very strong, loving relationship where both partners wants are at odds, due to the deep emotional charge of it. In the current paths that just isn't there. Either the relationship sucks or both partners agree to it. The game is just missing a great potential dynamic there.
Otherwise great game. But I've been skipping to the end for the last 5 updates in the (apparently monogamous) love path hoping for something that isn't there. The willing-cuck or asshole Ethan scenarios just hold no interest. Haven't even seen the majority of Darryl scenes due to unappealing choices. lol.
Just putting this opinion out there since I think the game has so much potential and those who like intense cheating scenarios just aren't going to be into the current options.
