Lemma Soft Forums

I'm writing a VN with two somewhat intertwined routes so far, and am trying to decide whether or not to tack on a third, separate love interest. This character would be less relevant to the overall story, but I was thinking about adding her as a "breather" route, of sorts, something that would give the readers a different perspective on the story's themes. Do we like the idea, or would it seem superfluous?

I know some people don't like routes that have a dramatically different tone than the rest of the story, but I'd try my best to make it gel with the rest of the narrative. It's just that the other two routes get really heavy, and I want to show the world they live in isn't always like that. >_>;

Write the story that you want to write. If YOU think it's better with three routes, write it that way.

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All of my VNs are at http://wolflore.net Some recent works on lemmasoft:
Vera Blanc and the Purloined patient http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=20801
Something Strange (modern fantasy/romance) http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=17127
Arnie and the Hitchhiker (vampire romance) http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=15382
Poorly done hand drawn art is still poorly done art. Be a Poser (or better yet, use DAZ Studio 3D) - dare to be different.

I'd recommend writing the first two routes initially, and working on a third if, and only if, you find that it would add to your story. If your concern is that the world in which they live may seem 'heavy', most readers will understand that you are painting the story of someone interesting, or someone who experiences things (unless you advertise as slice-of-life!).

Another idea is to release the third route as a stand-alone VN afterwards or perhaps before, as promotional material; this way, you write the two routes you are confident in, and you can always add a third later as a bonus for those interested.

Don't be concerned with your readers - if your story is worth telling, there will always be readers appreciative of what you write. Regardless of their number.

Basically, I agree with Fleet and Applegate's comments.

If you believe that a third route is appropriate for your story, then add it. But if you believe it would be A) irrelevant, B) distracting, or C) too much for the scope of your project, then save your story ideas for a future project.

They may not like it... but hey, isn't that the reason for making different routes? If they're not okay with it, there are two other paths for them. If you want to add another path, do it it's your game. Simple as that.

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The Cave - fantasy otome in progress