I completely agree with this sentiment, especially regarding Gabe’s route. As someone who has only played Gabe’s solo route, I found the experience deeply disappointing and, frankly, emotionally draining. Going into the story, I expected a romance centered on my MC and Gabe, one that would allow the relationship to develop organically and meaningfully. However, what I encountered felt more like an unspoken waiting game, where I was merely filling the void left by Belladonna rather than being a genuine romantic partner.
The fact that Gabe’s supposed "solo route" feels so heavily influenced by his unresolved feelings for his ex is extremely off-putting. Instead of feeling like a true choice, the route comes across as though the MC is just a placeholder until Gabe and Belladonna eventually reconcile. Even in moments where the tension between them is palpable, there’s an undeniable sense that their connection is too strong to compete with, leaving the MC to feel like an afterthought.
This approach to romance—especially in a game marketed for its romance options—is particularly hurtful for players like me who don’t enjoy or want non-monogamous relationships. It creates a sense of betrayal, as if the choice to pursue Gabe was invalid from the start because the narrative doesn’t fully respect or explore the solo relationship. Instead of fostering a fulfilling connection, it constantly feels like the game is nudging you toward accepting the poly route, even if that’s not what you wanted or signed up for.
I understand that polyamorous relationships can be a central theme in some stories, but the way it’s handled here feels manipulative. If Gabe truly had a preference for polyamory, that should have been made clear from the start rather than giving players the illusion of choice. It’s especially painful to invest time and emotions into building a connection with Gabe, only to repeatedly feel like the MC is second-best or, worse, simply "filling a hole."
For a game that thrives on its immersive world and complex relationships, it’s a shame that the romance dynamics—particularly for players seeking monogamous routes—feel so sidelined and undermined. Hopefully, the author will address these issues moving forward and provide clearer communication about the romantic expectations for each character, so players can make informed decisions about the routes they want to explore.