I generally agree.
Unless I see really positive reviews, I usually don't bother downloading anything tagged "sandbox" or "point&click".
What I want is to enjoy a story, preferably one that can vary to some degree based on the choices I make, not try to navigate a map or whatever looking for the next "event" or waving my mouse about looking for the "hot-spot".
I think writers should maybe try to understand why walk-through mods are so popular.
Its not because people are lazy, its because people want to understand what the choices they make actually do and want a nice flow to the story rather than being disjointed.
For example;
'Bad Memories' is fine, the navigating around isn't too annoying or intrusive and generally makes sense.
'My Best-Friend's daughter' is, for me, utterly horrible and unplayable as far as enjoying a story is concerned.
The 'VN' previous to that, 'Room for Rent' was only worth playing because there was a mod that highlighted when and where new 'scenes' were available.
Obviously its ultimately up to the developer, they can do as they please.
But if story telling is the primary objective then just remember that anything that isn't improving the delivery of the story, its actually just making it worse.
Some more specific feedback ...
View attachment 1222885
Who gives a shit? MC just got laid off, he has bigger problems.
If your partner doesn't understand that then shes not worth your time.
Also I really dislike "quick-time events" even in regular games.
A VN isn't even a game, its supposed to be a 'visual novel'.
Even worse when the 'normal' version has roll-back disabled so when you're caught by surprise when a random QTE shows up you'd be screwed if you didn't have a save.
I'd suggest if you want to make a 'game' then probably don't tag it VN.
Oh btw, "roommate" is code for sibling usually and since they aren't actually sharing a room, that'd make them 'house-mates' unless you're using it as a code-word.
Just pointing that out since the tag that requires the use of said code-word isn't present so far.