Strongly disagree. Their relationship developed throughout the two seasons - they started with a mutually beneficial agreement, became friends with privileges and starting with Ep. 6-7 you can see how it develops into something more. These are gradually developing feelings. Sage really opened up to me in Season 2 when we get to know her better. Of course, not everything is perfect - I would make Sage unavailable to Chick players, leaving only Dik and Neutrals access.
Besides, her path is definitely not boring - it will be filled with drama due to the restaurant, her father's dark affairs and marital problems between Jade / Stefan. And here a lot depends on the decisions of the player.
But to each his own, if you don't like it, that's your business.
I have a similar situation with Josy/Maya. In the first season, I was focused on them and for a long time I could not understand why the path was closed in Ep.4 (the solution was simple). But time passed and I gradually cooled down to this path. I still really like Josy, she's a second in my MGs list, but Maya's storyline keeps her locked in and dragged her down. That student loan line and her dad, I'm just tired of it.
It's the same with Jill, since the second season, this character has been going through a complete cringe.
Alright here we go,
Comparing EP4 & EP8
I'd say that's plenty progression for more than a fuckbuddy.
Here we have EP5, some
bold flirting...
I consider this a romantic moment and this was even before Fuckface bitched about wanting more.
In EP8 this moment speaks for itself and that leaf well that shit holds more sentimental value than a fucking polaroid I'll tell you that much.
Let's look at EP9 even though it's a party STILL lets search for some romantic shit okay,
Hmm... these don't fall into romantic category I don't think, but cute definitely or maybe that's just me
And you gotta love them EGO boosts.
Let's not forget the text messages.
I'd say for a couple who haven't even gone to their first date yet these are plenty romantic. (pretty sure I missed to mention some)
Not to mention the
Honeymoon Phase they'll get when they're officially "Boyfriend" & "Girlfriend"
Well, I see your point. I guess I've spoken too harshly when I said MC and Sage has no relationship development. What I was trying to say is that I'm a bit dissapointed by the level of this development. Did MC and Sage got closer after 9 episodes? Yes, absolutly. Did MC and Rusty got closer? Also yes. Did MC and Tommy got closer? You won't believe it, but yes again. You see, to me is not just about presense or absence of this process but also about its... quality? Idk, I think what we need is to compare Sage's route with other LI's routes to better undestand what I'm getting at.
I won't go through every single moment, there are good major points to compare: hangout scenes and making official/breakup scenes.
M&J's hangouts: we have a picnic-like scene to see them fooling around together and sharing some sweet moments and a full-scale date at water park as the 2nd hangout where they're also having fun, do some bonding.
Jill's hangout: a birthday picnic. Classic and romantic. Jill shows Tremolo her secret spot, they're making some pictures together, have some drama.
Bella's hangout: a nice little dinner together where they're getting to know each other a little bit better, having some fun and making a step further in their relationship.
Quinn's hangout (side girl btw, mhm, with a hangout scene): spending some time at Quinn's place, MC's starting to know Quinn better and we also witness how Quinn's shell gives a crack.
Sage's hangout: Tremolo! To the rescue! Sage needs your help again. I mean caring about someone who's sick is a sweet moment but comparing to other hangout scenes it feels like this one is lacking of something. I almost feel like we see more bonding between Rio and Tremolo than between Tremolo and Sage.
MO with M&J: jumps, hugs, kisses. Pure overjoy.
M&J's breakup: Josy storms out in tears, Maya thanks MC for everything they had and how he changed her with grim expression. Pretty dramatic, something that some of BaDIK's enjoyers swore to never repeat.
MO with Jill: MC tries himself in the role of Forrest Gump. I mean it's a classic scene from average romantic drama series.
Jill's breakup: when two drama queens collide. If you though M&J's breakup was dramatic, well, think again.
MO with Bella: a lot of talking about what awaits them and how difficult the path they've chosen. Adressing some elepants.
Bella's breakup: A calm and rational monologue from Bella, the one we'd believe if we wasn't see how her face expression changed during it.
MO with Sage and Sage's breakup: "Mm? Oh yeah, sure, whatever" (Like
WHAT? Even your mom was more furious when Tremolo broke up with her)
That's how I feel about Sage's route. I like her as a character, I really do and you're right: there is development in hers and MCs relationship. But her route bleaks in comparison to other LI's routes (even cringy Jill, even after her banana clownade). I've played Sage's route last and maybe that's why it felt so tasteless to me.