Indeed. I think the formula of those dating sims is set by those Otome games -- with emphasis on the
I think because I've never played them (only Doki Doki LC, but it's more like a parody than a real Otome game). But I think they have like that: around 4-5 characters with their
dere personalities for the player to choose from.
The problem is that I think if a dev really wants to do something like that and the story really allows choice, he should do scenes with each girl on each release. I know there are feasibility issues -- small teams or even a lonely dev... --, but, at least, instead of releasing episodes, do updates of the same episode where every girl is contemplated. It doesn't need to be sex per se since the build-up of sexual tension is really important in that kind of game, and also because those players really like the romance and the building of a relationship, but there must be a story! That's why I think harem or player games are more honest -- not that I think everyone should like them but, at least, it's easier for them to deliver what they promise.
And then we have those games that like to contemplate every kind of player which BaDIK is paradigmatic: we have the total ho Quinn that comes with her own harem of girls, the half-slut Sage, the lesbo duo, the not-virgin-but-almost-like-it-if-were milf Bella, and the literally virgin Jill (and other random girls and teachers for one to bang as he please). BaDIK did it quite well -- and the numbers don't lie --, and, even if it takes a long time to deliver, its dev manages to deliver stories for each archetypical girl in it -- it's a game that, if you really want to see all the stories, you have to do a few runs (at least 4); but I think it's a very hard endeavor... The chances of failure are great. You can end up not pleasing anyone...
CK is not a failure and, by the number of patrons, is doing quite well, but, if you look at its story structure, you can see Lauren was planned to be the virgin fulfilling the role Jill plays on BaDIK, but I think she failed this objective since I don't see her creating the same degree of enthusiasm as her counterpart. And maybe the devs didn't even expect Nora would fulfill this role and that's why her part isn't major yet, but I bet -- if they are smart and follow the comments -- it will grow on later developments.
What I disagree with you is about the ho bunch on CK. I think the kind of player who is into those girls -- taking myself as an example
-- wants quantity, variety... Only one wouldn't suffice. What annoys me in those games is having, for instance, Chloe's path blocked because she demands commitment. If there were only one girl to choose, I wouldn't even bother playing it (at least for the smut factor... the dev would have to be a really good story creator to change my decision).
But I agree with your opinion about Penelope... I never understood her existence... she adds nothing to the story. Lauren too... I agree with someone here who said she could be an antagonist and replace Charli who was just a bore... Lindsay at least is hot, but storywise I agree Nora would fulfill the role. I don't mind though having one-night stands... but, of course, the dev runs the risk of people emphasizing with her and asking for a major role (or people complaining about one-night stands making them deviate their route to pixel romance).
