Won't lie, I'm always happy to hear people like the OST - probably the most effort for something most don't notice haha. Glad you're enjoying the rest of it too! And yes, the dialogue swaps aren't always obvious, but I've had a lot of fun throwing them in and seeing which people notice; I feel like (done well) it really makes the full thing feel more immersive, whereas the times I make poor assumptions jerk people out of the illusion. It's been an interesting learning experience!
I disagree about not noticing music. It can sometimes really define a game - the OG System Shock 1 is very unique compared to most, since it has a techno track in a horror setting. Same goes for La-Mulana, The World Ends With You, and so many others...
Assuming that you are making the music yourself, keep it up. Every piece, be it excellent or failure, will make you a better creator.
When it comes to the tailored interjections, I appreciate that. It certainly helps ensure that Celica, Metatron, and Samantha are distinct beings rather than meat suits that say the same thing.
I think music is important, yeah, I just mean that most people aren't going to play an adult game looking for music - it seems to be pretty common to just mute immediately - so sometimes it feels like it doesn't get much attention.
The music is commissioned or under free-use mostly, but I've always wanted to learn to make music electronically - I used to play piano pretty well and adore music in general. Maybe someday! I just don't know where to get started with the electronic stuff lol.
I guess you can try out a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and see if you can punch out a score or dozen? DAW-wise, I hear that Reaper is very good, and you can basically ignore the nag screen every 60 days until you feel ready to commit to buying. That said, Reaper is intended for professional creators, so you will have a learning curve. Cakewalk is a freeware option that isn't as powerful, but less intimidating.
Anyhow, I keep music on for VN games - they are a genre I use for immersion and empathy, so the music is important for me. Other games, especially action, puzzle, or simulation titles, I lower the music while listening to podcasts. Each player has unique relationships to their gameography.
Interesting - I'll look into them both! Thanks for sharing, I've heard of DAWs before but didn't know anything about that. I'd love to be able to make some music, that and writing are my favorite types of creativity.
And yeah, if the game doesn't have terrible music, I almost always listen to it. Lotta porn games out there don't even try though.