How do you decide for a brand new game that has multiple characters? Melody is a little different as it is very clear that she is the "main" character of the story and everything basically revolves around her.
Now that I think about it, Melody is only the 2nd VN I have where you can actually opt out of relationships with other characters and still progress the story line. Sisterly Lust is the other one. Most of the ones I've played, only a half dozen, you have to participate with others to progress the story lines.
What others do you recommend that allow you to continue with only one relationship?
Sisterly Lust (I adore Bella and her LOVE route, only route I play) was one of my first few VNs (after Milfy City and Acting Lessons in that order) and most of the game listed in my signature you can follow only one girl, just depends on how complicated you want the other stories or the main story to be.
I always find the girl I tend to want to focus on very early in games (like CoBD, Leap of Faith, etc) to where you don't have to do anything with anyone else if you want to and keep everything platonic. Games like Intertwined you can also do that as well, but you have to deal with other characters' stories to progress. I am always undyingly loyal to my specific girl in a specific game and I never stray.
In some games I use walkthrough mods to specifically turn off other girls' routes so I can only be platonic with them and never do anything sexual with them. It's how I get my enjoyment out of them, especially with games like Melody. I can't get enough of this game and the relationship steps progression. I just love it so much.
It just all depends on what you're looking for to be honest. After giving up a certain game I went on a blitz of only downloading finished games because I have enough I'm waiting for to be done with their development. I must have about 15 or so VNs on my hard drive right now and have played more than that I wound up not keeping because I don't like the endings or where the plot goes.
I like my romance, my love without too much added in drama. In Melody, there's a bit, but not much (mostly concerning bitch Bethany and scumbag Steve) but that turns out at one point to be almost comedic.
It's all in personal taste and even though mine might not be as refined as other veteran players, I like to think I've made many good choices with games and the girls I stay loyal to in them.
