Re: NTRPG2
See that's the thing, I feel like whenever a game is open the story is never strong and focused, and part of the appeal of NTRPG is said story. Same with storytelling in mainstream gaming, with games like The Last of Us being much more compelling than Skyrim for instance.
That's why I can't really get into games like Violated Heroine, I have so much choices to make and when a sexual encounter happens it feels random and not earned. With a more linear story you can do all the proper build up and character development that leads to a great h scene.
I can understand that...though VH was a bad example since a lot of sexual encounters are being at A, doing B, with this stat at C. Very few were just "bam randomness!"
A good game with good replay value is usually semi-open. You can do what you want but to advance and unlock more you have to go through the story. The story should not be forced on you, which is what linear games tend to do. And i highly, highly, highly value choice more than most other features in a game another thing that linear games just do not have. I don't want to be told I HAVE to do something unless it's a vital part of the story. Missing Link is a good example. So far it has a great story that plays off of Persona, it's semi-open but still nudges you to propel the story. "You can go have your fun, but on this date and time I need you here."
Also the mainstream examples you gave, that's the difference between a game where the main character is a certain person vs. the main character being an avatar of your imagination. The latter usually has lore and paths but the one to "write" how the story goes is you....while games featuring a certain person has all that set already. It really isn't a matter of open vs. linear.
