I’ll never get how some people rate things. I just bumped my rating up and skimmed a few 1-star reviews, and some of them are wild. If you can say “the art is amazing but there’s zero buildup” and still give it a 1, what’s the point of the rating scale? A 1 means nothing is redeemable. Even if you think the story is mediocre or the style isn’t for you, great art is still a clear positive. That alone should put it closer to a 2 or 3.
And the “barely a game” or “boring gameplay” takes… that’s just not understanding the medium. Visual novels aren’t meant to play like RPGs. They’re interactive stories with art, music, and choices, sometimes animations. Some add extra gameplay, but a traditional VN is more about presentation and writing than mechanics.
I get that people are more likely to post when they’re negative, but I’d rather be constructive and at least a little objective. If something has obvious strengths, I acknowledge them, even if it’s not my thing. Review bombing just because it’s not your cup of tea makes the score useless.