Rant ON (not enough for a review):
So, the game has the S A N D B O X (imagine a reverb effect) tag. By definition, a S A N D B O X game is one where you, the player, are free to pursue the game's content at your own pace. You could choose to focus your attention on one or two quest-lines and only spend time on the activities that pursue said quest-lines. Maybe you find a gatekeep or two along the way, but that would only be a minor setback.
This game, however, oooh this game... Let's suppose I'm interested in Character A. To even start her route first I have to complete Character B's FULL ROUTE. But, before doing that, first I must complete Main Quest A and Side Quest A. The problem is, to complete Side Quest A first I must unlock a location that only appears during Character C's events. And not only does Character C show up in the middle of Main Quest A, but I have to have previously met Character B and Character D, and the latter only shows up at then end of Side Quest A.
You starting to see the pattern? Not only does this game use the S A N D B O X tag, one which is quite controversial on this site, but it also lies about it being a S A N D B O X game. It has the dreaded map system (and don't get me started on the grind!) but the actual game progression is pretty linear and more akin to a kinetic visual novel than, you know...
a S A N D B O X game. And I don't like being lied to my face.
Rant OFF