There can be very restricted dialogue and limited branching (if any) in VNs . I defitely rage quit this one a couple times, and I remember being really put off by a particularly egregious moment (a very weird conversation after nearly being sold by a certain character) that was quickly patched, that I think tripped up a fair few players (and is still not very satisfying imo).
I played the game mostly out of curiosity, as the concept had so much potential - Anastasia x space politics, 'what's not to love?' I thought - but I found I could only continue by constantly reminding myself that the MC wasn't anything like me, and that I was reading a set story and character. My feelings towards events and dialogue were rarely represented in the game, and there were times when I had to wonder if anyone would identify with them, and if so, what kind of person would they be? Obviously someone a lot younger and forgiving than me lol.
All I can think is that the author(s) had a very specific vision for the main character, namely:
- they would not be a traditional protagonist, so to speak, in the story (little or no driving the action and solving problems)
- they would be mentally quite young, sheltered, and emotionally unguarded
- they would be an empathetic and passive lens through which to view the characters and events
All of which admittedly has an unfortunate "submissive/ conservative feminine" flavour to it :/
It definitely was not to my taste, and I lament that these are quite popular traits to assign a VN MC, probably in an attempt to make things simpler all round, and I can think of multiple games where at least one of these applies. In contrast, the most memorable and satisfying protagonists for me tend to be people that solve problems and contribute on their own merit, not because they're necessarily powerful or destined, but because they have smarts and grit. Even better if they're at least a little bit odd in some way.