I completely agree with you,
seifukulover. Generally, I don't have anything against adultery in games, and I actually enjoy
Netori games like
My Neighbor’s Lonely Wife 1 & 2. However, what bothers me about most NTR stories is how the women are often seduced by sleazy, unattractive, and morally questionable men who, realistically, wouldn’t even have a chance to interact with them. It makes the story feel less believable.
I was told that Asuna isn’t stupid and only gets manipulated progressively, but from what I’ve seen, she lies to Kirito on the very first day and spends time with Inoda. That doesn’t make much sense for someone who supposedly loves Kirito and wants to marry him. The game doesn’t present NTR in its best light, and aside from the animations, CGs, and the popularity of SAO, I don’t see what this game really offers to fans.
Unless you hate Kirito or Asuna and enjoy seeing her get corrupted by a weak, manipulative guy like Inoda, there’s little satisfaction to be found here. I don’t know what Kirito did to deserve so much hatred, but it’s frustrating to see him get betrayed not only by Inoda but also by his supposed girlfriend. From what I’ve discussed with fans of the game, they’ve confirmed that Kirito doesn’t get a harem, and instead, every woman around him ends up in Inoda’s harem.
It’s baffling because Inoda has no redeeming qualities that would appeal to women. If the argument is about his sexual prowess, then Kirito could just as easily find ways to improve himself—like training or using toys. Sex is fleeting, after all. I’d like to think that if Asuna ends up with Inoda, she’ll eventually regret her decision when she realizes what a useless and manipulative person he really is.
What would’ve really appealed to me is a scenario where Asuna leaves Kirito or chooses Inoda, only to discover she was being manipulated all along. Then, she could turn against Inoda, team up with the other women he’s corrupted, and take revenge on him. Meanwhile, Kirito could move on, find someone else, and refuse to take Asuna back, making her truly feel the consequences of her betrayal.
As it stands, Asuna comes across as selfish in how she cheats on Kirito. She should’ve left him long ago if she felt dissatisfied. This way, she could fully understand how empty and regretful life with Inoda would be.
I’m not a fan of unrealistic NTR games, and since this game offers no suspense—knowing Asuna, Liz, and others all end up in Inoda’s harem—it’s hard to feel invested. To make it worse, I’ve heard that Kirito becomes a "happy cuck" by the end. These factors make it difficult for me to enjoy the game and solidify it as one of the weaker NTR entries.
I’m not against NTR in general, and I’ve played plenty of games in the genre. But I prefer those with multiple endings that at least offer a positive route for the protagonist. I also enjoy stories where the girlfriend is coerced into cheating, feels guilty, and struggles emotionally. A scenario where Kirito declares that he would never forgive adultery could have added an interesting layer to the story, showing the reactions of Asuna and the others. Without those emotional dynamics, the characters feel like brainless dolls. Eventually, they’re bound to realize their mistakes and regret choosing someone like Inoda, who’s essentially the lowest of the low.
That said, I understand that many people enjoy NTR games where the interloper is a despicable character. Everyone has the right to like what they like. If a game isn’t for me, I simply won’t play it. However, the reason I’m sharing my thoughts here is because the game had potential. If it included the elements I mentioned, it could’ve been a much better experience. This has even inspired me to imagine rewriting the story with multiple endings, exploring different outcomes.
As someone who has worked on translating several games, including NTR titles, this gives me ideas for creating NTR scenarios with a greater focus on variety and narrative depth.
