I think it's important in the context of how much it actually affects the story. Let's say you hate mythology and folklore (for example)...could you play a vampire themed VN or one that centered around demons/angels etc?
So it does matter somewhat....though as you say, it is very secondary to the actual story itself and what's going on. I have zero interest in most American sports but it would not stop me from playing a VN...unless the story was really centered right around it (it was intrinsically woven into the plot)...which WVM is not. Let's be honest....Basketball in WVM is almost an after-thought most of the time isn't it...as well as college too lol.
Indeed, the setup does matter somewhat as it does carry the story, or at least has the potential to do so.
Still, to make a VN a no go zone "just" for that is .. harsh?
I was hesitant to play this cause I was afraid the focus was more on basketball than the relationships, thankfully I was so wrong and glad I took the chance. Life is short and I don't want to spend it doing things I don't really enjoy.
I won't be playing any fashion model type vns nor would I play a fast food joint based vn.
Interesting examples.
Why fast food? ( dammit the things I am curious about surprises me again and again.. )
Ok, the notion that the setup, sports in this case, could override some other aspects of a VN is a good point.
Yeah but you don't really know how much it affects the story until you play it. I am not really a sports fan so when I read the description it didn't really catch my attention. But then I saw people talking about this game in the mnf thread and decided to give it a chance. The description makes it sound like the basketball part is a bigger focus point than it actually is.
As above, yes, if Basketball here, or maybe fastfood in another case, would be placed in front of other aspects of the VN this would be an issue.
On the other hand you did exactly the right thing, imo at least.
Saw recommendations, were not sure, looked for more information, and made up your mind after that.