Both are horrible - but you dont have to make a sandbox. Lust Epidemic would be the same game as a VN. Just without running around. Its a linear game that fakes player choice ^^
Both
can be horrible, but when someone does it right...
IMO Lust Epidemic is a great example of how an RPGM game should be done.
It reminds me of the old Lucasarts games of the 90's - The Dig, Full Throttle, Sam & Max etc. They were basically linear in their progression, but you had freedom to explore.
It comes down to what you want in a game, but for me at least, Lust Epidemic gave me that classic adventure game fix... with added benefits.