Do you prefer long common route -> shorter character route OR short common route -> longer character route

[dogiwall]

As others mentioned, it depends on the game and writing.

While I think it's important to set things up, if I played a game for romance, I would rather have shorter common routes and longer character routes so that I see the relationships build up longer lol

 

[anbvv]

Personally, I prefer a longer common route too! I like having enough time to get to know the whole cast and see their relationships develop before going into the individual routes. It makes me feel more attached to the characters!

 

[skrunkle]

Short common route -> longer character route if the other characters are not forgotten and appear a couple times! Also skipping for specific character routes take longer if the common route is long lol

 

[shuubaruotaku]

as much as i hate it, i like a long common route because it gives us more backstory about the characters and what we're gonna deal with before the actual routes. but a short common route that summarizes everything with a long character route would be perfect

 

[itselliottmalone]

The problem I've found with common routes is that they are too often perfunctory. It's a means to introduce the world, the characters, the protagonist's situation. On paper, sounds reasonable; in practice, it all feels overly rehearsed and pragmatic, like an advertisement or vertical slice, unwilling to do anything truly adventurous *yet*. The action proper tends to start with the character routes, so I prefer them longer. That being said, I'm not a huge fun of games that immediately ask you to pick a LI, going by looks alone.

 

[shyshy1441]

I prefer a short common route with longer character routes, I get really impatient with long common routes

 

[fleyrin]

I prefer a balance between the two, but if I had to choose, definitely character routes.
Especially if the game has a very heavy plot, I want to get as much romance as possible.

 

[Adoris]

Longer common routes if there are some interesting interaction between the male leaders, and short common route if there are just some chat and chat and chat.

 

[enren]

I prefer short common routes and long character routes.
Like in Piofiore.

 

[eevee09]

I also prefer short common routes and long character routes, but sometimes I do like it if both are equally lengthy. A long common route sets up the story while a long character route allows us to get to know the LI and also have more time spent with them for romancing.

 

[kamilya5]

I prefer short common route with longer character route