Recommending Why Are Some Side Characters Hotter Than the Main Ones

[LoletaLeon]

Tell me I’m not the only one who starts a game, sees the main love interest, and thinks:

“Eh... where’s the spicy side character?”

More and more adult games lately have amazing side characters—the best designs, best dialogue, sometimes even better scenes. Meanwhile, the main character feels… kind of bland?

So let’s talk:

Have you ever played a game where a side character totally stole the spotlight?

Do devs do this on purpose—leave the mains basic so the rest shine?

And if you’re a dev: how do you balance that?

Drop your favorite underrated side babes below.
Bonus points if they barely got any screen time but left a strong impression

 

[elbo911]

I don't see it, tastes differ, whatever.

Anyways, the main topic is pretty meh. Any interesting side convo here?

 

[Insomnimaniac Games]

Same reason people tend to like side characters in any medium. Main characters carry the plot on their backs, and thus need to follow its structure, with all the ups and downs that come with it. Side characters have no such restriction.

 

[nln0]

Have you ever played a game where a side character totally stole the spotlight?
Only two, Milfcreek and My Family Farm.
In Milfcreek I just find the GM to be meh and the sister is pretty good but has little content but the rest of them I really like, but if I had to pick a few that I really like it would Rose, Dorothy and Camila.
When it comes to My Family Farm the family is just meh but the Mayor is great.

 

[IAmHere!!!]

I think it's because the FMC is often just like the MC in games, a safe, grounded character. This makes it so that no one is immediately put off by them. Sure they aren't the grand pull to everyone but for the most part, no one will hate the FMC so much that they put the game down. But if the FMC is too much of any attribute, the player may not want to play the game.

The side characters can be more quirky because if you don't like them that's fine, they aren't the main focus anyways. This creates a scenario where the game appeals to the highest possible player base by not alienating anyone. I also think a small part of it is just a numbers aspect. Even if you put the most care into the FMC, if you make a game with 6 possible love interests than it's not that surprising if one of the side characters happens to be best.


That's just my take on it anyways, I'm no genius. I usually like the FMC anyways.