I'd worry what would be said if there was a Ken Akamatsu H-game for A.I Love You or Love Hina. XD
Anyways:
Maxon, I can see what you mean about the whole doll-like and idle characterism in some of the harem-style VN. I think Reaper does make a point though that the same characteristics mentioned are something that's being made more fashionable though in the dating sims. That "Kawaii Girl: UDS" vid is a good reference here, as I believe what these souless personas are being used for is to make it more "easy" to obtain the girl of your dreams. What better/easier way to do that than to make the girls dumb, easy to talk to and simple to figure out?
This kind of ideal for the genre of VN is probably what a lot of the typical H-game fans go for; a simple story (maybe with some decent quirks to hook the audience) with an array of girl types in looks and backgrounds, give a few choices to them, add a few sex scenes and a conclusion. Not exactly great reading material but it gets results from the thrills given.
Now I know you like the more story-developed games, like Chaos:Head, F/SN and Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (?). Yeah, Persona isn't a VN, but I'm putting it in anyways...
The difference between these titles and the Harem-style ones are the aims behind them:
Dating Sim - To go out with the ideal girl and maybe learn about them a little. (I.e. find person, talk to them, swoon them, date them, overcome a relationship-splitting problem, etc.)
"Traditional" VN - To complete a story written by the mangaka team, choose the routes available and reach an ending based on the story's theme. (I.e. figure out who's in story, what its about, try not to reach a "Bad End" and survive to the end, reaping your rewards).
A good Traditional VN would not succeed with the shallow characters, as they are part of the story's development. But a Dating Sim doesn't need it, as most of them are H-games and some people just like the eye-candy. But Dating Sims would indeed be better with some thought into their characters, and give them life.
That's why Kira-Kira is becoming more and more my winner over Shuffle in Dating sims, as there is more that comes with it (plus I'm in a musical fad at this time). The choices are more limited in who to get, but so much more content and choices of actions to take. (However, I still like my Asa and Sia!)
It's also why F/SN is my overall favourite, as I like story>sex, and there's so many choices, good and bad, I've completed the game, but still go after the "Tiger stamps" from the bad endings. XD
But the main thing you have to remember Max (and everyone) is that Dating sims like Shuffle are NOT action/adventure games. The stories may/may not be as fantastic/fancy fireworks, as it is more based on slice of life "I choose you!" rather than "I must beat the end boss!" ordeal.
So if you want to play a game, play one you can guess is going to be either story>girls or visa versa.
Reaper, I think Max just hates most Dating Sims, because of the forementioned differences. I'll go over this in these situations for each girl:
Kaede -
Apart from her stubborness to her guilt and housewife tasks, she is a bit of a push-over and easy prey. But she's cute and fwa-fwa.
Sia -
Has a shared mentality with her twin, causing a split personality and subcomes to identy crisis. One's more Tsundere than the other, but both are kinky (Kikyo's superior though.)
Nerine -
Feels like she's living another's life and stole things from them. Eventually figures out she can do things on her own, but otherwise, she's good hearted, defensive and a little slutty.
Asa -
Best friend complex builds into love. She pushes her own body weak to keep back overwelming magic of which she rejects. Tomboyish but keeps a good sense of feminity. Best friend route characters are usually my fetish, as it's built on an already made trust.
Primula -
Lolcats. That's all I'll say from this... Kamyu-chi... *Doom casted!*
If I could explain these characters in such small descriptions and get the general story about them like that, then I have to say they are more doll-like compared to others. And I say that as a fan of the game/anime.
I like the visuals and the art in it, and I agree that this is a good contributer. There are flaws in the game, as Max has pointed out, even if I too find it enjoyable. I treat it differently from the "Traditional" VN though, due to the style.
Now, if only you 2 could be more like me... (I'm kidding! Dont kill me guys!!)
