It's funny that in the boiling cauldron of opinions, no one saw the main thing. Behind the glitter of the beads, no one noticed - the beads are made of glass. NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN THE GAME. The format of the MC/Steph relationship has NOT CHANGED. The character that determines the development of the plot is still Steph. The MC is still a spineless slug. The MC is still a piece of shit in the sewer, and he is still floating.
The rules and boundaries of the sandbox where the MC plays are set by Steph. The MC doesn't decide anything on its own initiative. Just as the MC didn't choose who fucks him, so he doesn't. Steph decides everything. Steph's order is to choose the format of the further relationship. This step, as well as the decision, open marriage, is not the MC's independent initiative, it is Steph's decision.
If route #4 is chosen, the MC will repeat the mantra "MC agrees, MC is happy, MC forgives". NOTHING HAS CHANGED.
On the other routes, Steph still makes the rules. Couldn't MC refuse to fuck Gina after the club, can't refuse either in the latest update when Steph brings Gina home in the evening. Steph's orders are not discussed, Steph's orders are obeyed. When the MC goes to see Tori, he does not convince Steph to invite someone, EVERYTHING is decided by Steph.
The MC can only do what Steph orders. The MC cannot refuse to follow Steph's orders. The MC has no independent initiative (exception "Game Over"). The MC has not become Steph's PARTNER, he remains a tool for Steph to scratch her ego and use to her advantage. Only her ego and only her interests matter to Steph. The MC does not make key decisions.
Open your eyes - the beads are glass, the king is naked.
P.S. For those who forgot, a quote from Steph:
s "All I can say is that I promise that my only priority right now is to do things right between us."
s "And I will do whatever it takes to do that."
s "Whatever you need, I swear, I will do it."
Who was able to get what MC wants and not Steph?
