Okay, I feel silly having to ask this, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to start the open mode? I've played through story mode for two routes and the only buttons I have on the main menu are new band, load band, options, and quit. (And then the memorabilia and achievements etc.) If I click new band it seems to start story mode again? Do I just play through the beginning and trigger open mode later somehow?

(Also, side note! This game is awesome I can't stop playing it. Maybe my computer is keeping me out of open mode for my own health?)

When you finished story mode, did you close the game during the credits? The action that unlocks Open Mode happens after the credits, but you can skip them. Also, Open Mode will not unlock if you do Sterling's path.

The correct way to start Open Mode is to go to "new band" but the option isn't appearing for you...

And even if you've played the game once, you should still see a screen after hitting that button. The game is reacting like you've never played before. I suggest skipping through the beginning of the game (until you make your band) and then try "new band".

If all else fails, there is a cheat I can give you.

I've gotten the little dialogue at the end where Robin talks about starting a new band and the pop-up happens that says open mode is unlocked?

Update: It worked! The option to play open mode is showing up finally. Thanks for your help <3