Guys, I'll be the first one to point out if sandbox is implemented terribly. This isn't the case though. It's done quite well actually. The main problem with sandboxes is the problem with story flow and immersion. Usually there is too much repeating dialogues and repeated events that makes it seem like the characters are not really part of a living world. This game is doing a great job of keeping the character arcs moving forward without repeating dialogues and making it seem like the characters live in a time bubble or have amnesia. Would I prefer a VN? Probably, but I can appreciate a well implemented sandbox.
The writing is not the best, but it gets the job done. I'm curious what the intended persona for the MC is though. To me, he is basically a horn dog who is pretending to be good and caring while molesting all the chicks in their sleep and fantasizing all day about giving them the D. He probably genuinely care about Samantha because of their history, but his main goal is still to fuck her lol. I actually don't mind this type of MC as long as he is honest with himself, which I think this MC is to a certain extent.
edit: But yea, the mini games and book finding can fuck off lol. I am glad the story isn't negatively impacted by the sandbox, which is the most important part, but the cafe work is boring and annoying at the same time. Hidden item finding is always a chore and not fun at all. Drawing the circle thing during entrance exam wasn't that bad though.