Although the two distinct game modes are divided into male and female routes, the core gameplay itself still features two separate elements. One mode follows a visual novel-style approach, allowing players to enjoy the story without spending money, commonly called the love-adventure mode. In this mode, players propel the narrative forward through their choices.
The other mode is a love-simulation route, which involves managing favorability scores, mood levels, and triggering a series of side-item–based narrative events. For example, when controlling the original main character (MC), if the player builds enough goodwill with an NPC before a birthday, the love-simulation system unlocks special events, such as a date at an amusement park or a concert trip, complete with recorded video achievement cards.
So, how does one increase goodwill in this mode? Either through long-term grinding or by purchasing paid items whenever certain gameplay events occur.
Ultimately, this kind of game relies heavily on storytelling and character development; the gameplay itself isn't particularly innovative. From a narrative perspective, the story of White Album surpasses that of The Road to Starlight.
One reason is that White Album's plot was crafted by John from his dream memories, giving it a more personal touch. Conversely, The Road to Starlight doesn't emphasize deep storytelling as much. Instead, it invests more in shaping the player experience, especially for female players, and enriching character presence.
For example, features like a social feed, phone calls, and preset text messages are designed to give female players the illusion that the handsome male characters truly exist. Of course, this is merely an immersive technique rather than reality. When players grant permission, they receive personalized voice greetings on birthdays or holidays. They can upload their own photos, which the game's AI processes into cartoonized images paired with the male characters to create special dating scene cards.
Naturally, these features require spending money, since AI processing and dedicated servers are costly.
Despite mixed early feedback, high ratings from female players and lukewarm responses from male players, the story's progression caused the overall ratings to shift dramatically. Word of mouth skyrocketed.
Outside, heavy rain poured down. Feeling too lazy to go to work, Kōki stayed in bed, picked up his phone, and logged into the game. Though he claimed he wasn't into harem plots, once he kept playing, even knowing it was fictional, he couldn't help but be entertained. It was like witnessing a couple shopping sweetly in the morning, only to see the man with another girl by afternoon.
You might criticize him, yet if you were that guy, your mindset might suddenly change. Not everyone is like that, but most people, deep down, are more similar than they'd like to admit.
Initially, he found White Album's story a bit cliché, but the excellent voice acting, polished character models, and compelling plot gradually drew him in. Compared to the original White Album story from the dream memories, John assigned the main storyline to Christy, while the team added new scenes to deepen character development.
Since this is a mobile game, more interactive moments were included, such as concert rehearsals, campus festival music preparations, and everyday-life encounters. These gradually increased players' emotional investment in the two heroines, until the infamous Shura field finally erupted.
"Why are you so practiced at this?! How many times have you been with her?! How far do you plan to leave me behind?! Are you even willing?!"
"It's me, it's obviously me who came first… the one who kissed, hugged, and loved you first."
"For the first time, with someone I liked, I gained a lifelong friend. Two joys overlapping into something even greater. I should have had this happiness, this dreamlike moment. The timing was right, so why… why did it all turn out like this?"
As the plot unfolded, the voice actors delivered these lines with emotional intensity, pulling Kōki deeper into the story. Faced with conflicting emotions and a barrage of choices, he genuinely struggled to decide. For example, on Louis's birthday, should he stay with her or chase after Hesha?
What the hell!!! Wasn't this supposed to be a harem?! What happened?! How did it end up like THIS?! And why does the protagonist feel so much like a walking pile of scum?! Indecisive, stringing people along, giving hope only to withdraw it, if you like someone, admit it! If you don't, be clear! Why drag things out and leave others confused!?
When the final CG appeared, with the game's theme song playing, and Hesha and Louis plane take off at the airport, Kōki felt genuinely shaken.
Online, the story sparked a wildfire of controversy. In community forums, countless players discussed the ending after completing it.
"Damn it! How could this be the ending? I thought it'd be happy! The protagonist ends up with Hesha, then shamelessly says, 'I betrayed Louis, now only you remain.' What the hell?! Does that make Hesha a homewrecker? He was already in a relationship with Louis!"
"Bullshit! Louis is the real problem! She clearly liked the protagonist first, why insert herself into this mess?!"
"There has to be a perfect ending! I'm going again!!"
"Maybe you need both characters' favorability maxed out? The Road to Starlight has hidden plots that require specific conditions to unlock. I heard there are special items in the store too!"
"No, I can't accept this. I thought it would be bittersweet at worst, some vague ambiguity. But this story stabbed me straight in the heart!"
"Hesha acted like she didn't care about anyone, then suddenly she and the protagonist start flirting behind her back? And her confession was just a reaction to pressure!?"
"Oh, and after they confirmed their relationship, Hesha gradually backed off, and Louis still insisted on staying involved, even suggesting they bathe together as three?!"
"I'm done. My mind hurts."
As the debate exploded across social platforms, a small group of players quietly started new save files, hoping to uncover hidden endings.
Meanwhile, at PixelPioneers Games, John, sitting in his office working on the Metal Gear game design document, remained unusually silent today. True to his understated nature, he kept a low profile, focused and contemplative.