Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

How long is too long for a common route before you get bored?

I don't mind a long common route as long as it's engaging, and it's easy to skip on replays. I know some games try to vary the common route by adding small scene variations, but I don't appreciate it as much because I'm skipping so much and have forgotten the context.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liiiii and maiholii
I don't really like a Common Route that is too long, especially if we don't have enough interaction with the LI. But if the common route have small branching or story variation for each LI, it's still bearable lol. I would say, 2-4 hours. More than that, i'd get bored already 😭 and losing my focus. Also, a very long common route, and then at the end they just drop us an option to choose which LI route you wanna take, I don't like it 😔 the transition just doesn't feel that realistic or smooth for me.
 
As long as the storyline is interesting, no matter how long it is, I won't feel bored; but if the storyline itself is extremely dull and boring, I won't be able to keep playing for even a second. It's not just about the common thread.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Yara010
I think 30% common route and 70% individual routes is the ideal balance. Personally, even a 50/50 split makes the individual routes feel a little too short.

The shorter the common route, the better, imo. That's one of the reasons I loved Piofiore so much—the common route was surprisingly short. I remember getting onto an LI's route and thinking, "Wait... the common route is already over?? No way. "

As for playtime, I think 2–3 hours is the sweet spot for a common route.
 
If it monopolizes the game I tend to zone out. For example if it's around an 6 hour common route and the actual romance/story telling is less than 5/6 hours I hate it. I enjoy the build up don't get me wrong but if it doesn't have variations or changes per route I shut it out and end up fast reading it.

But on the other side if it's a short build up and the characters are not developed alongside the world building before I choose? I tend to not bother for a while either.

TLDR - I like a good 50/40.
 
I'm actually really fond of VNs with a really engaging common route! Make me fall for the cast, the world, everything; set the foundation to then build the individual routes after. If the scenario writer can pull it off, amazing, I'd stick around for however long it takes for the branching to take place. 10 hours, 20, 50; if it's a worthy time investment? I'm happy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liiiii
Two hours is fine but as soon as it reaches 3hours i take a break for a whole month before continuing
 
5 hours would be the maximum I can tolerate. 2-3 hours seem like a good length for me with that being like 10% of total plot. I always find myself skipping the common route after the first play
 
Depends on writing tbh
I love long common routes because they're helps with introductions and showing character dynamics. Sometimes characters already get some character development in common which is pretty cool

But I don't really like when for example common is 8 hours, and LIs routes are 4
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liiiii
For me, the common route can be as long as it wants if it furthers the story as a whole (Jack Jeanne), it just needs to have easy skip options for 100%ing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liiiii
For me, it's 2 hours. I usually skip the common route I've ready once, and focused more on unlocking my favorite characters in the game.
 
I think I'm in the minority here but I really don't mind a long common route if the story is good! I like when the relationship between the MC and LIs is already a bit fleshed out before going into individual routes, it makes the romance feel more genuine when there is already a solid base of friendship. I'm also a sucker for the found family trope and common routes can really develop the dynamics between the different LIs since they're not apart as often.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liiiii
It depends. If the story of the common route really captivates me, I can play for a very, very long time before I get bored. If the story isn't that interesting or the common route becomes too long and the character routes themselves are short or not sufficiently fleshed out, I'd prefer a shorter common route. The common route is important to establish the setting and immerse yourself in the story and characters, so I prefer at least a few hours of shared route. If there isn't enough common route before, I won't enjoy the character routes as much.
 
  • Like
Reactions: heishoumao
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back