THe whole Mike thing makes very little sense to me given Lena's supposed PTSD about cheating in relationship, but giving zero fucks about pulling the same shit she's vilifying Cherry for.
I totally agree. Also, after replaying the games a couple of times, I feel like he was introduced a bit too late. By the time you get to chapter 5 Lena is in one of the following situations:
- she is a nun - you ignore Robert and Ian
- she goes out with Robert, but understands that he is not the right person for her.
- she is more serious about Robert
- she goes out with Ian, but takes things slow (no sex)
- she goes out with Ian and sleeps with him
Bullets 2&3 can be combined with 4&5. It's hard to say that Ivy encouraged her to try to have sleep with someone, in order to get over Axel.
Just an idea:
Let pretend that the following variable exists:
v4_lena_rebound
In chapter 4, there is a masturbation scene for Lena.
- If she thinks about Jeremy or Louise: v4_lena_rebound += 1
- If she looks at the images hidden by Axel in the notebook: v4_lena_rebound += 2
- If she went out with Robert, but Lena end things because "It was bad" v4_lena_rebound += 1
- Nothing changes otherwise
Later that night, you go to Blazzer to spend some time with Ivy. Again she tells you that you need to get back in the game. It just so happens that you see Ivy's hot coworker for the first time. You drink something (
v4_lena_rebound += 1) or not. You talk with him and show some interest (
v4_lena_rebound += 1) also you can flirt with him (
v4_lena_rebound += 1). Basically this part is a copy paste of what happens now, in chapter 5. Time goes one and you talk again with Ivy; she tells you that Mike has a gf. At this point you can either go home or drink some more (
v4_lena_rebound += 1).
If you stayed:
- v4_lena_rebound < 3: you dance with Ivy and leave the place with her.
- v4_lena_rebound > 2 and v4_lena_rebound <5: you dance with a stranger, you go in the club bathroom with him but he gets too pushy. Before things escalate more that this, Mike helps you out. You thank him and leave.
- v4_lena_rebound > 4: same as before, but you decide to give Mike a proper reward (BJ)
Later in Ch5 you can take things further when Louise. Maybe even add a joke: "You girls really need to drink less".
Why do I think this would be a more interesting scenario? Mike is Lena second best option in the game, right now. By introducing Mike earlier, you bring Ian and Mike in direct competition. Do you go with the good girl option or the bad girl option; or maybe both. You know that is wrong, but you can't deny the attraction that you feel towards Mike. The first action you take with him is less of: "hey, do you want to fuck?". It will be a mix of I want to have fun, I want to forget Axel, alcohol and thank you for helping me out. When you see him for the second time, a week later, maybe you get the vibe that things are not that serious between Mike and his GF. He is not telling you no. Why not take things further?
Even for future events. It's interesting how Lena always goes back to Mike after the smallest things. He fits the role of the rebound guy perfectly. You can even make a song:
If you are solo in the club
And Ivy gives you the drug
Who you gonna call?
Mike Buster
If you see Cherry again
But the night is still young
Who you gonna call?
Mike Buster
If you fight with Ian over Stalkfap
But you don't want to rub one
Who you gonna call?
Mike Buster