With all of the drama and contention about this game, I think that one of the best arguments for its greatness may be that it is still getting traffic in this forum over a year later.
While I know that my opinions are really like pouring a tea kettle into the ocean at this late date, I feel moved to share some of my thoughts. I am addressing this to potential/new players although experienced players may be interested as well.
First, as many commenters here have observed, rather than a being porn game, Acting Lessons is more of an Adult Themed game that happens to include sex scenes as part of the adult content. This may sound like a fine distinction, but I think it's an important one. The point of this game is not to fuck everything that moves like in so many other titles, and doing so will likely result in a less satisfying ending. That said, that approach is likely to result in the most gallery unlocks in a single runthrough. Whether you want to have that be your first experience with the game I leave to your discretion.
The characters in this game are, in general, so well developed and presented. In addition to whomever is your favorite girl, your best friend/wingman, Liam, is a complicated mixture of comedy, support and pathos. In my admittedly limited experience with this genre, this character seems to be unique. You will probably become legitimately attached to all of the main characters. Be prepared! This is not a "nice" game and throws some nasty shit at you!
I've played through the game 5 times over the course of a week. First time through, I just played with hints on but no walkthrough, garnering an okay ending. Recognizing that I really wouldn't want to replay this over and over again but wanting to unlock the gallery scenes, my second playthrough was the "cumslut" route (inside joke--you'll get it after you play the game!) even though I knew this was going to result in a really really bad ending. Finally, I went back and replayed to get "best" endings for each of the 3 main girls. For new players, I would suggest a similar approach to minimize mental/emotional trauma. No joke!
I truly enjoyed the characters Megan and Melissa. Megan's sweetness and positivity while avoiding complete prudishness was refreshing. Melissa's brash exterior covering a vulnerable and traumatized interior was a bit more stereotypical but still lovable. Outside of the characters' individual portrayals, their devoted friendship was beautiful to witness.
In my original playthrough, I had not been horribly impressed with Rena probably because of how she interacted with MC and her motivations for doing so
. I thought her model was pretty hot, but I wasn't really interested in her. Therefore, I wasn't really looking forward to "her" walkthrough. I have to say though that my opinion about her was changed. Playing the game while focusing on her reveals a deeper personality than was initially apparent. Sexually, I think her scenes are among the hottest in the game. She is definitely down for the dick. Also, if you are an anal fan, Rena is your girl!
My favorite ending is what i like to call the Polyamourous Ultimate Wingman. I romanced both Megan and Melissa, arranged Liam a threesome, and ultimately set him up with Rena.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading my ramblings!