Self-insert mc or no?

[lovingarlert]

i've read a question before that makes me wonder about this, but it was more like just a feature to change the name of the mc and i read that many people didn't mind, but there's also some people that feel like it's not their cup of tea. so i'm just curious, if you guys play an otome game, would you self-insert yourself into the game or just treat MC as her own actual character?

for me, i have a habit to self-insert myself to the game so i can feel more immersed, and feels more connected to the character and would likely to finish the game itself. i think its also because i'm a yume-shippers LOL. what about you guys?

 

[zerone01]

The MC is their own separate character with a backstory and choices completely different from mine, but eventually, their experiences end up feeling like my own. It's almost like a form of possession.

 

[Pancito]

Definitely self-insert MC. I have a much harder time getting immersed when the protagonist has a very strong personality and voice, because it feels more like I'm watching the story from the outside instead of experiencing it myself.
That's why I prefer an unvoiced MC with enough freedom for me to project myself onto her. I don't need her to be completely blank, but I do want enough room to feel like I'm the one making the choices.

 

[thetigerlily]

No self-insert, i like heroines with their own personalities and stories since i can experience the story as a expectator

 

[Daisy Magnus229]

I treat her like her own character, similar to reading a novel. I never change her name because I love when MC's name is called by others, LIs endearing or even desperate voices always interesting to hear. I need that more than looking at my own name in the dialogue.

I don't need to self-insert just to immersed. Give me a fascinating MC, a lovely LI with well-written romance and I'll follow them anywhere.

 

[mowanjian]

Basically, I only appreciate works as a reader, but for some works, such as Tokimemo Girls Side, I would shape them in my own style

 

[Cyna23205]

I think I could enjoy both, but I feel like these games should know from the beginning what kind of audience they want to target, instead of trying to please both self-insert fans and people who don't like self-inserting.

If they wanted to make the game more appealing to self-insert fans from the start, then they should've committed to it fully, like giving players a wider range of choices, keeping the MC's face hidden, not having the LIs describe the MC's appearance, etc.

If they wanted the MC to be her own character from the beginning, then they should've given her a clear and consistent personality instead. Rather than having her act one way in one route because it fits that LI, then suddenly having a completely different personality in another route.

I've played some otome games where I'm always stuck wondering how I'm supposed to feel about the MC lol

 

[star light]

I like games where you project yourself onto the protagonist—like *Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side*—the best.

 

[lovingarlert]

Definitely self-insert MC. I have a much harder time getting immersed when the protagonist has a very strong personality and voice, because it feels more like I'm watching the story from the outside instead of experiencing it myself.
That's why I prefer an unvoiced MC with enough freedom for me to project myself onto her. I don't need her to be completely blank, but I do want enough room to feel like I'm the one making the choices.

I get you!!!

I think I could enjoy both, but I feel like these games should know from the beginning what kind of audience they want to target, instead of trying to please both self-insert fans and people who don't like self-inserting.

If they wanted to make the game more appealing to self-insert fans from the start, then they should've committed to it fully, like giving players a wider range of choices, keeping the MC's face hidden, not having the LIs describe the MC's appearance, etc.

If they wanted the MC to be her own character from the beginning, then they should've given her a clear and consistent personality instead. Rather than having her act one way in one route because it fits that LI, then suddenly having a completely different personality in another route.

I've played some otome games where I'm always stuck wondering how I'm supposed to feel about the MC lol

I defitinely agree with your opinion! Having to play mc with an identity crisis make it feels kind of funny. I always imagining myself into the game when the mc and the LIs are interacting but sometimes when the mc does something very cringe and so out of nowhere it makes me lose the immersion

 

[darlenexie]

I do it because I think it makes me more immersed in the story and makes playing more fun. If it's an otome game, I'll have more motivation to play. If it's a drama CD, I'll enjoy it more!

 

[O cha]

I always self-insert when I play otome games, but at the same time, I also see the MC as her own character. It's kind of hard to explain, but I basically play with the mindset that I'm dating the LI, while also being aware that the MC and LI are the ones actually in a relationship, and that the MC is her own character separate from me.

 

[lovingarlert]

I always self-insert when I play otome games, but at the same time, I also see the MC as her own character. It's kind of hard to explain, but I basically play with the mindset that I'm dating the LI, while also being aware that the MC and LI are the ones actually in a relationship, and that the MC is her own character separate from me.

oh wait that actually makes sense, i think i do that too!

 

[Breeze Daydream]

All of this is fine. When I play games, I basically follow my feelings. Sometimes, the plot written in the game is easier for me to immerse myself in while playing. Sometimes I also treat games as a story to play.

 

[bravelyflee]

I go back and forth self-insert and not when I'm playing a game.

MC is having a good time, flirting, adventuring, shopping -> yeah, that's me. I am MC now
MC is having a bad time, people insulting her, hurting her, etc. -> yikes, sucks for you MC. Couldn't be me