Gotta be this one flash otome game that I don't remember the name of anymore that I played back in middle school, if that even counts. If not then it's Mystic Messenger.
First impression is almost everything to me so if the otomege has an art style or character(s) that really catches my eye, that one would most likely sit on the back of my head and urge me to play it the most.
I'm never bothered by those personally, everyone has different opinion/tastes and if anything, it just shows that I could see something in that li that other people couldn't. Also as someone whose one of their all-time favorite character is also the one with the most expensive "character tax" of...
Currently I'd say 2D but I'd looove to see more 3d otome games, only if they aren't hyper-realistic like Love and Deepspace, it's just really not for me. I prefer 3D models like Genshin Impact's and the kinds. Or that one upcoming 3D idol joseimuke, StarToU.
It's always either who's the first on the recommended route order *or* who manages to catch my attention the most in the common route for me (also includes their appearance & personality).
I wouldn't choose the pink one if it didn't say "as your preferred character" because what if I accidentally get isekai'ed to Virche Evermore? but it does say that, so I'm picking that one IMMEDIATELY (get me out of here) and choosing one of my calmer fav otome game. Which I guess would be...
Mostly the 2nd option whenever I feel like relaxing, but it's always been a mix of everything, I don't really think about it tbh. I've even listened to R18 audios when I'm doing housework like washing the dishes or cleaning my front yard lol.